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From the Charleston Mercury. Our Duty towards Each Other. The Southern people now are like seamen antl passengers in a ship, labouring with broken masts and creaking timbers, in a tremendous storm at sea,?or like the inhabitants now around Mount Vesuvius, buried under its fiery eruptions, or driven away destitute and sorrowing from their ruined villages and homes,?or like the victims of the late earthquakes in the West Indies, with nothing but life left, from the heaving land and rolling oceans. Wc are fellow-sufferers; with as little sympathy for our sufferings and ruin, from those who produced them, as from the subterranean fires or raging ocean. "What is the course we should pursue towards each other under our common calamities and distresses ? There is nothing, which proves and elevates the virtues of a free people, I like oppression and tyranny. People are made great, precisely as true Christians are made holy,?by suffering. National life, like individual life, is. kept pure by continual trial and discipline. On the contrary, when prosperity is won by oppression and wrong, did it ever elevate or purify?people? It is like the forced growth of a plant by the Chinese juggler, which withers away, under the free air of Heaven. Look at the triumphant North now. Has it improved by its war successes, in politeal or private morals ? Is a reverence for the constitution and national faith increased. Has a love for liberty and hatred of tyranny, grown brighter in the land; and a purer standard of virtue been enforced in the administration of the general government? Have the Christian virtues of charity, justice and peace, been more faithfully practiced towards the South; and the noble system of free government transmitted to them by their ancestors, been thereby better maintained ? We ask these questions of the North,?but cannot we answer some of them, at least, for the South? Great as the Southern people were before the ivar in their statesmanship, ?great as they were in the war in their military achievements,?they are greater now, in the sublime patience and cheerfulness they have exhibited, amidst the ruin and desolation of their country. Thousands and tens of thousands have been cast down from affluence to poverty,. ?from being the beneficent dispensers Ol uiHiiIlj , "tttccTtft rrcrmmost refined pursuits of life, to the most revolting. Yet, meet these men and these women;?and, although the lines of suffering are on their faces, what noble persistency,?what- a grand heroism illuminates their lives! The unconquerable will,?the aspirations for liberty made higher by sufferings?the unquenched and unquenchable trust in God and truth, nerves their hearts for a yet glorious destiny. The maniacs or fools, or worse than fools?the Radical tyrants who have cursed the whole land, North and South, with apolitical and moral blight, more hideous than that ? - - ^ -? i which afflicted Ji<gypt, Decause unueserved, may be unable to understand them. Their quiet endurance, may sometimes be construed to mean, abject prostration. But even the Radical knows better. Hence his violent and furious efforts of repression. No degradation seems too deep,?no persecution too exhausting, in his estimation, to beat down and crush the spirit of the South. His infernal devices of tyranny and cruelty, arc proofs conclusive of his cxhalted appreciation of the Southern people.? He says, that they are not subdued. He says, that their quietude is most defying,?their proud submission, most ominous to the despotism he is building up over the United States. Hence, war,' and war eternal, is his policy against the whole Southern white race. Poor, wretched, mischie-> vous, driveller! lie little knows, that he may be contributing only to ..Uimni-a r.1 rivro f inn frfniifliocu WieiL UlUUlU/tV vivt miiviij gi vuiviawi; -and renown. They may yet obtain foothold in the United States; and again lead it, as they have heretofore done, to a grand career of free government and liberty, which shall command the applause and admiration of the world. His policy, is that of a mean infamous, vulgar despotism. Of course he hates the South. " to tlice I call, But with no fi ienilly voice, unil add thy name 0 sun, to tell thee how 1 hate thy .beams, That bring to my remembrance from what state 1 fell, how glorious once above thy sphere!" Char. Mercury. The Killing of Captain Culver.?The Corsican, Texas, Observer gives the following account of the killing of Captain Culver, Bureau agent in Limestone County, and a . soldier; some erroneous statements , having gone abroad: An eye-witness accompanied Mr. Stewart and his son a short distance ' from his house to shoot a beef, Mr. '' Stewart carrying his rifle and his boy ( a double barrelled gun, one barrel of I 1 which was a rifle. When Culver and' the soldier came upon them, he asked Mr. Stewart why lie had not paid a fine he (Culver) had assessed upon him. The reply was he had appealed to higher official authority to have the fine remitted as he had already paid him one fine. Culver told him there was no appeal from his judgments, and to give up his gun. Stewart said that he was on his own premises for the purpose of killing a beef, and did not like to give up Ids gun, but he would go to the house and put up the gun in the rack over the door, and then, if he saw fit, he might take it. They all started toward the house, and when Stewart was in the act of reaching up to put liis gun in the rack, he was shot by both Culver and the soldier. Mrs. Stewart was in the rear of the house at the wash tub, and, hearing the shooting, made some noise, which attracted the attention of the Captain, i . .1 1 0 and they started, m tne direction 01 the old lady, and shot her in the forehead. the ball striking a -whalebone ill.her bonnet, glanced and passed under the skin, from the front to the back part of her head, leaving her apparently dead for some time. Stewart's little son was behind the party who first reached the house.? When he reached the gate and saw what lie supposed was his (lead mother and his father writhing in the agonies of death, and two armed assailants brandishing their six shooters, he turned loose the rifle barrel of his gun, sending its contents through the bo~ # o dy of Captain Culver. The soldier turned and fired two shots, but the boy, protected by the fence, was unharmed, and sent his load of shot into the soldier, who, badly crippled, beat a retreat; but the enraged boy was not done with him. Ho seized the pistol of Captain Culver and followed a short distance and shot him again, to make his work sure. Not yet appeased, and seeing some signs of struggling life in Culver, he seized an axe and sent its blade into bis ct-llll This is not the worst feature in the affair. Culver was packed for leaving the country. lie had with him several changes of clothing and a large o o rj sum of money; and had summoned all the negroes in the surrounding country to meet him at Springfield. What for, we do not pretend to say, but there was no necessity for it. Culver is the man who rode a negro on a rail for refusing to pay a voluntary vubuti lyit'/n) a-it mi.mi-crtrftinvugtrfor his grandmother, at the washtub, and her unoffending husband, nearly O ' J sixty years of age. Had lie lived a few hours longer, most likely the town O ' / of Springfield would have heen reduced to ashes, and many other outrages committed. Shocking Outrage by Negroes ivt n n>r tvntriv 1A rotd r/rr A K I-A x/;*jnji^vuyn ^lUUUl eleven o'clock Friday night last five negroes came to the store of Mr. M. A. Muldrow, in Darlington District, about ninemiles from the Court House, and rapping up the clerk, Mr. It. Sugs, asked admittance. Mr. Sugs enquired who they were, and receiving the response that they were friends come to trade with him, opened the door of the store. Four' negroes, armed with double-barrelled shot guns, entered, and placing their weapons in the corner of the room, commenced examining goods, remarking that they were in the employ of the rail road, had just been paid off, aijd desired to make purchases to the exr tent of ten dollars each. About fifty dollars worth of goods were selected, when one of the number asked Mr. Sugs if he could change a Treasury Note of the denomination of one hundred dollars. The wife of Mr. Sugs, who was in an adjoining room, heard the remark, and her suspicions being excited by it, she went out of the back door to the house of a gentler man named Wyndham, and requested him to come to the store, and in case any trouble should occur to render what assistance he could. Mr. Wyndliam complied, taking a gun with him, and as he reached the store heard the report of a shot. He threw open the door, and was immediately fired upon five times by the negroes, lie returned the fire, when they rushed upon him and seized the gun, arid a scuffle ensued, during which lie managed to effect his escape, and repairing to Mr. Muldrow's house, reported the condition of affairs. As soon as the latter could dress and arm himself, . lierantotlie store, accompanied by Mr. Wyndham. -Thereall was quiet, and entering they found the shelves of the store completely stripped, the ' money desk robbed, and the clerk, Mr. Sugs, lying dead on the floor, a ( load of buckshot having passed ( through his head. From this mcl- ^ ancholy scene Messrs. Muldrow and ^ Wyndham went to the house of the latter, where they found that Mr. Wyndham's father-in-law had beer: ( dangerously shot twice in the head, xnd his wife in three different places i >n her person by the same party of ] legroes. t We are indebted for these lament i I! 1 W able indications of the conditions of affairs in that section of our State to Messrs. Wagcncr, Heath and Monsccs, to whom they were communicated by Mr. Muldrow, one of their correspondents.?Char. Courier". THE JOURNAL,. " January 23, Report of General Scott, Cemmissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. : It is difficult to refer to this report, without abandoning that self control, so necessary at this time, when arbitrary power is maintained and exreised by the bayonet, but we feel called upon to invite attention to somo of the assertions made, as well as to the uncandid and harsh spirit which pervades the entire document. If the assertion^ are true, it is due to the people of the State, that the instances upon which-, these general charges are made, should ' 't re* t _ be spei ltieci, mat tne onenuers may oe / held up to the scorn and contumely they merit, and the whole body of the people relieved of the odium involved. It is asserted that a large number of the planters took every opportunity to defraud the laborers and to discharge them without just remuneration. The civil magistrates are charged O O with a want of energy so great as to throw ! the frcedmen almost wholly on the Bureau for the maintenance of their rights. That an equitable system of laws for tho protection of the humblest citizen docs not exist, and has never existed in South Carolina. The report admits that there is no legal restriction to the admission of colored insauo to the Asylum at Columbia, and neglects to state, that for twenty years past, provi-ion has been made for them by law, in that institution. But the most monstrous imputation upon the people of the State is contained in the following extract which we copy verbatim. "The civil courts of the Stato do not dilfer materially in t: eir consideration of tho ireedmon from that which tl.iey ? *? ri'i. _ j', _ c : i observed a year ago. alio icur uium-1 itaiy interference, however, nod the re- I cognized danger of displacement of oflicials, at present, exert an influence, salutary, so long as it lasts. But justice to thelreedinen, and impar ?> 1 U4*- I*?*^ MniOii ?*wl. illd. ?V-ll inhabitants, will not be found until the codo of the State is completely and radically reformed, and the proper distinctions and requirements which now debar poor men front prosecuting, while they open jail doors to rich ones are done away with, and replaced by equitable provisions in statutes that are at once wise and just, humane and enlightened. Until then, and before such medication of this body politic, I shtfll not have to report to you aught but the same story often repeated, and still everywhere heard among the poor whites and frcedmen in the State. Fortunately, however, for our pure and irrproueliable judiciary, as well as for the Lumber people of the Stale, Gen. Scott himself, has furnished the clue to explain this labyrinth of perversion and misrepresentation in the following concluding paragraph. "The adoption of a new State Constitution under the Reconstruction acts will alone afford the remedy hoped for in the changes which new Legislatures may make in the laws of the State, which will not attempt to classify the people thereby to be effected. The whole paper is written In the interest of radicalism, as this passage clearly indicates. We. have only to say in reply to these general aspersions, that so fir as the charges affect the conduct of individuals, or the abuso of power or dereliction of duty on the part of officials, the military authorities alone are responsible for the last year, since they have had full power, not only to punish the j individuals, but to remove the olfending1 officer. w That in so far as the charges impute to the Stato of South Carolina, a want! I of just and equal laws, tJic military au- j thorities are responsible for the continuance of such deficiency. For in ihcin alone is vested legislative power. That such deficiency does not exist, because in September 1800, the legislature, by law, abolished every disability of the negro, save one, that prohib? its marriage between a white person and a person of color. ( Lastly, that it is easy to make a gen- ] sral cliargo which cannot be dispersed, j and justice requires (even as administered by military commissions) that ( iho special instances of offence should j do so stated as to admit of proof or I lisproof. ' J ] We are aware that nothing that wo vrite will see the light beyond the j 1 Potomac, but it is due to the cause of ruth and justice that we shouldre- 1 nonstrate against this mode of attack I * mfciuiMBiBii mini i ! i ip?amaM i Government Relief. General Scott, Assistant Commissioner of the Frcedraen's Bureau lias 1 issued a circular announcing that he has been again "charged with the duty of distributing food to the people of this State" in limited quantities, in which lie states that he will issue only "to thoso persons who he is satis- < fied are so employed that they will he ahlo to repay to the government the amount loaned as well as to place themselves beyond the possibility of want during tho following year. To accomplish this object, l'esponsible persons will be appointed agents of distribution in each locality where destitution exists who will be held strictly accountable for the reliability and industry of the consumers. They will be instructed to take from the reciepients a bond, giving a lion upon the crops to be grown, and other products of industry Und personal property." 11 e further says, lie "must bo satistied that each applicant'Kas planted or is about to plaut a sufficient number of acres in cereals to insure his provisions .for the next year without purchase.? To parties engaged wholly or to an undue extent in the cultivation of cotton, no assistance will be rendered. Duly appointed oflicers and agents of this Bureau will lie instructed to frequently and carefully inspect the plantations of those who are recipients of assistance, and if it shall at any time l>o found that they are likcly.to fail to fulfil their obligations, all necessary measures will be taken to protect the interests of the government." The CenveEtion. This body, which the Mercury styles " the Great Ring-Streaked-and-Stripcd," assembled in Charleston, on Tuesday last, pursuant to the orders of Gen. Canbv. The proceedings are reported in full in our exchanges; they are amusing, if not important, and we should be glad to copy them, did our limits permit. As it is, we arc only able to give a slight abstract of their proceedings. Dolagatcs, particularly the imported ones, all seem desirous of speaking and have indulged in it to a considerable extent. The first day was devoted principally to its temporary organiza' ion, which was effected by the appointment of Col. T. J. Rohektsox, of Richland, temporary chairman, who, on taking the chair, made a short speech, thanking the convention, the usual other officers were also appointed, when after the " trnncituliuu?crf-pllict-wrrltnpui taut bii&iness, the convention adjourned. On the second day, a permanent President was elected?Dr. A. G. IIackky being the fortunate aspirant. A committeo consisting of one white and two colored men were appointed to wait upon the Dr. and inform him of his election. Upon taking the chair, the Dr. made a speech delining his position in which he introduced a number of Yankee slang phrases, and pronounced the assemblage " emphatically the people's convention, elected by all who have minds to think or muscle's to work." The balance of the day and nig it sessions were consumed in momul siioflp.hna I Third day?the organization was completed and speeches and motions again became the order of the day, which consumed the whole of the day's session. Among the resolutions adopt ed, was one inviting Gov. Oms, to address the convention. Fourth day?after reading tho minutes, the committee to wait on Governor Oku, reported that they had performed that duty, and that tho Governor had accepted the invitation. A committee previously appointed for the purpose, reported that they had provided stationary for the members, j and that desks would be ready iu a few j days. j Sometimo was spent in discussing tho j subject of appointing a printer to tho j Convention, without result. A com-1 < mittcc appointed for the purpose, rc- j1 ported tho following as in their opin- '< ion, the proper standing Committees? * I. Bill of Bights. 2. Legislation. 8.' Q Executive. 4. Judiciai-y. 5. Franchiso ^ and elections. C. Education. 7. Fi-' nance. S. Bales and Begulations. 0. j Petitions. 10. Miscellaneous Matters. ! II. Beview and Consolidation. : i A committee on Militia, on chavita-'t ble institutions and on corporations, : t was added to the above. J 1 Tlio following resolutions wore cJTor-c cd and referred to the judiciary com-1 ^ mittco:? \ * 11'Ju reus, Tho financial condition of g the people of this State, considered in ^ connection with tho future prosperity A all the people to discharge and pay 1 their debts, Be it llcKohed, That a fit and proper ^ irovision for a homestead law bo in- :l iorporatcd into tho constitution of this r State. a F. J. Moses, jr., from Sumter, gave f lotice that on to-morrow he would in- Vl roduce the fallowing: 1 That it be referred to a Special Com-! mittee, to consist of ten, whose duty it shall bo to inquire aud report, as to whether or not there exists in this con-1 vention any authority to legislate beyond, and independent of, that conveyed by the Reconstruction acts of the Uni- j ted States Congress. The following ordinance was intro- i duced and referred to the judiciary : conuuitte: An ordinance to annul all contracts and liability made for the purchase of 1 slaves, when the mouey has not been i paid. !. I Be it ordainecj, by tho people of j South Carolina, in legal convention as- i sembled, that all contracts made for j the purchase of slaves, whether by parole or under seal, when the money has not been paid, shall he declared null and void, and all clerks of courts of r\ ui 1 nr?i.? -o-.-ii.? v^uuiuiuu JL lucia uuu iuu&iuib m be required on proper affidavits to annul the same. About 8 o'clock, Gov. Obk entered tho IIall, and upon being presented by the President, addressed the Convention. Sixth day?C. C.Bowen introduced a bill of rights, containing nearly forty provisions, which, at his request, was referred to the Committee on the Bill of Eights. He read the document through, and it sounded very mucli like similar documents with which we are familiar. The following provisions only are worthy of note: 1: The prohibition of corporal punishment. 2. The abolition of imprisonment for debt. 3. The exception from the provision against ex pout facto laws of such laws as might invalidate debts incurred between lSfiO and 1805, or for slaves. -1. For the incorporation of all associations of persons desiring to be incorporated. 5. Opening State educational institutions to all persons, without distinction. Guano. -Wo would inviio the attention of farmers to the advertisement of Mr. Eo*csox, in another column, and refer them to the certificates contained in the supplement accompanying this number. The Grayjacfccls, And hoiv they Lived. J'onpht and Died for Dixie, with hidden; sand Sketches of Life in the Confederacy, is the title of a handsome volume, just issued by Jones IJitoTtiEus o: Co., Atlanta, Co. There is a certain portion of the War (bat will never go into the regular histories, nor be embodied in romance or poetry, which is T->"CT3r-~ttJ |i,ut if preserved, convey to succeeding generations, a betielided oft he spirit of the conflict than many dry reports or careful narratives of evenis, and this part may be called the gossip, the fun, the pathos of the War. This illustrates the character of the leaders, the humor of the soldiers, the devotion of women, the bravery of men, the pluck of our heroes, the romance and hardships of the service. From the beginning of the war, the author has been engaged in collecting all the anecdotes connected with or illustrative of it, and ha> grouped and classified them under appropriate heads, and in a very attractive form. The book's contents include reminiscences of camp, picket, spy, scour, bivouac, siege, and battle-field, with thrilling feats of bravery, wit, drollery, comical and ludicrous adventures, etc., etc. Amusement as well as instruction may be found in every page, as graphic detail, brilliant wit, and authentic history, arc skillfully interwoven in this work of literary art. It is just such a volume as will find numcr ous purchasers, and just such a ouc as persons seeking to act as book agents should add to their list. * "Washington, Jan. 15.?House? The committee on Public Lanids have reported adversely on the bill giving public lands to negroes- under the homestead laws. Reconstruction was resumed. Mr. Woods having the floor characterized the bill as a monstrosity and the most infamous act of" all submitted to this infamous Congress. Bingham called Woods to order. Ross suggested that Woods should say the "so called" infamous Congress. The Speaker desided that Woods was out of order. Woods refused to modify his words, md the House b}' a party vote reused to hear him further. Dawes offered a resolution of censure. which was passed by a party vote. Woods approached the bar and was iensurod. Senate?The chair presented a me- j norial rrom tue .Mississippi ooaru or cgistration setting fortli general dcsiiution. The memorial says if somching is not done soon, the govcrnnent must provide largo burying grounds. INI or ton presented a petition from 1-000 negroes of the district asking or labor on the public works, and tating-that they arc excluded from ompetition, and that the white men efusc to work with them. January 16.?Senate?The cot011 tax came up for discussion, and i . motion was made that the Senate \! eeode from its amendment, and insert 11 proviso oxempring imported cotton rom taxation. The whole matter 1 ras postponed. January 17.?House?The dis K cussion on Reconstruction was resumed. Brooks made a strong speech in opposition. Alluding to the Radcal programme, be said: We do not intend to be sold by any such party government as that, and the processes of legislation by which that isreached, will be undone by the people. Many of the opposition members are acting in utter defiance of the expressed wilt of their, constituents. Referring (& the Supreme Court bill, he said: You may overthrow Andrew Johnson?you may destroy the Executive?yoif may turn white States intotHati's,. Jamaica's and Africa's?but when? you throw yourselves against thatr bulwark . of the constitution, your" puny arms will quake and be blasteti in the first blow you strike against it, Mr Hubbard, of Connecticut^ foH lowed in bitter denunciation of ther biil and encroachments on the Supreme Court. He denounced the proposed legislation as felony against the States. He would not say Congress was infamous, but this bill was more than infamous. He gave notice that should Grant carry out the law as proposed, he would break his back before the people. He would forfeit all the hojiors be. had won.. This bill and all others on the subject were got up to Africanize the States, and thus to counterbalance the Republican losses at the North. .a- r The debate proceeded, ?.the Repuplicans evidently on ther; defensive throughout. .. ' -,<rJanuary 18.?The Senate's a<Jr journment from Thursday to Monday discourages the extremists, and its apathy is denounced. It is almost certain that the bills changing the Supreme Court arid degrading Gen. Hancock will fail of a two thirds vote in the Senate. The bill impairing the army" by mustering out General Hancock, will probably die in the House. General Howard has written a letter, remonstrating with the negroes, who, having been provided with homeB at the North and West, are abandoning their places and spending their earnings coming back. January 21.?In a communication about the present situation and his ' purpose?, President Johnson said: "A * r% . 1 T. I i _.L_. .1 mouiiication, pcrnaps i miguc say, a. decided change in public opinion has lately taken place in the Kortli. One who has held fast to a principle, which the majority were arrayed agair.si it, is not likely to loosen his hold when so much of the pressure is removed." A bill has been introduced in the Senate requiring the consent of the Senate iri appointing general and special agents and providing that the term of office of all general and special agents now employed by the President or departments shall expire thirty days after the passage of the act. V" i. Cotton Quotations. Camden, Jan. 2o.?14 to 14 1-4 Charleston, Jan. 21?16 1-2 to 17. New York, Jan.22.?17 l-$a 17 1-4 Liverpool, January 22?7 1-8(1 a 8d MARRIED?On the 9th inst., by the Rev. J. E. Rodgers, Mr. R. G-. Tubner, to Miss S. C. Young, all of Kershaw District. Redaction in Prices. MRS. J. W. RODGERS, with the view of reducing Jicr present stock in time for the Spring Trade, is offering her stock of WINTER GOODS at reduced prices for * CASIL Jan. 23?If. For Sale. 4 GOOD six horse STEAM ENGINE and i!.? ROILER?complete and in good running order. Price $500. Apply to Jan 23?It WM. TARVER,; Southern Express. PARTIES forwarding freight by the Express. are requested to "hand them in by 7 a. nt. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Freight is also sent on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, which must bo handed in by 9 1'. M. the evening before. All freight is required 1o be paid in Greenbacks. J. W. RODGERS, Agent. T no *e. ?#tinuurj -?>, 41 A Fresh Supply. 4 rPLES. ORANGES, CABBAGES, AND, i. \ COCOA NUTS, just received by Jim. 23 D. C. KIRKLEV. GVANOi PERUVIAN Guauo, direct from agents at market rates. Soluble Pacific Guano, $75 cash, $80 1st November, with seven percent, interest, approved city acceptance. Baugli's Phosphate of Lime, $00 cash, $65 1st November, with seven per cent, interest, approved city acceptance. Phoenix Guano, $55 cash. $G5 1st Novem-. her, with seven per cent, interest, approved^ city acceptance. Flour of Bone, unadulterated and unburnt. Fanner's Plaster or Gypsum, warranted pure. In offering the above manures to planters, I do so with every confidence, not only iav-. itig testimonials from planters who have used them the past year, but the further guarantee, that every cargo, as it arrives, is analyzed, by Professor Shepanl, of the South Carolina Medical College, and the high reputation ofthese manures fully kept up. J. N. RQBSON, 1 and 2 Atlantic Wharf. Jan. 23 2m j i