USA > Maine > Eastern Maine and the rebellion: being an account of the principal local events in eastern Maine during the war.. > Part 13
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The time came, however, when volunteers could not be had, and in common with the rest of the loyal North, Aroostook stood the Draft. The result of it was such as to cause the north- ern and eastern parts of Maine, to become a highway for about all the copperheads and cowards of the North, who were drafted, and I suppose Aroostook county has had within her borders, more deserters than any other section of country in either this or the old world. The stage lines, as well as many individuals who owned teams, did a thriving business, while the sale of intoxi- cating liquors was immense. Of course many men came in and entered the army, or gained exemption in a legal way, and so filled the various quotas, but so many failed to report from "along the line," that orders were issued to hold a Draft at Houlton, and thither Capt. Low repaired in person.
In order that the younger portion may understand the situation, let us glance back a moment at the condition of Aroostook at that time. Houlton was quite a town, but had no railway or telegraphic communication, while the country round about was thinly settled, with but few good roads. While the inhabitants
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were not poor -in one sense-yet there were few families who could spare the men, even for a few months. Imagine a family, consisting of husband, wife and two or three small children, living in a clearing, and having a partly completed dwelling and a few head of stock. Perhaps their nearest neighbor was a mile away, and equally poor. Then think of the news of the drafting of the husband, who was to go down to Southern soil, where one of the bloodiest wars known to history was in progress! Imagine the helplessness of the mother, and you can imagine what a draft was to Aroostook! While the cities and towns had relief corps and aid societies-Aroostook had none-and her people, when the support of the strong arm of the husband and father was with- drawn, were left helpless.
. Capt. Low plead for this section of the district over which he was placed, and begged the Government to spare it, but no, the army needed men, and just such stalwart men as Aroostook could pro- duce, and the draft must go on. Capt. Low occupied the Court House, being seated in the judge's chair, while his officers were within the bar. As fast as the men were drawn they were notified, but, much to the surprise of the officials, few responded.
It appears that enemies of the Government had circulated a story to the effect that there were twenty-five hundred pairs of hand- cuffs secreted in Houlton. and as fast as the men came in they would be secured with these, and sent forward, without the privi- lege of making a visit home. Thereupon Capt. Low informed them that all would be given five days leave of absence, and many came in for examination. Among them were two brothers from Presque Isle. The oldest, who was married and had a family, had been drawn, while the younger one, named Fred, was single and had escaped the draft. While at the Court House Capt. Low over- heard the following conversation between them :
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" I tell you what it is," said Fred, "you can't leave your family. I am bound to go in your place."
"I can't allow that," was the response; "you stay at home and .run my farm, and I will pay you well. I am stronger, and the one to go."
Considerable of an argument ensued, but finally Fred won, was examined and accepted. He was then given a little blue ticket, which entitled him to the five days leave of absence and he returned to visit his parents at Presque Isle, and bid them "good bye." Capt. Low, however, who was struck with the noble offer, wrote them that he would retain the son on his guard, which he did, and Fred finally returned home without having been south.
Not all were as loyal as Fred, and these fled over the line, when they found they had been drawn, and here they remained until after the war. An order was issued stating that all who desired a pardon must come to Augusta, which many did, and after being registered on the roll of dishonor, were dismissed. One of these fellows had the nerve to ask for a pension for disability, caused by sickness while at the State House, and even went so far as to ask Capt. Low to sign his petition. Said Capt. Low :
"Go home. If I were as big a coward as you, I should not dare look a pine tree in the face."
Of course many sad scenes and many joyful ones were witnessed during the Draft, but perhaps the most peculiar day-one of mingled joy and sadness-which Houlton ever experienced, was when the news came of the surrender of Lee; that Lincoln had ยท been assasinated, and that orders had been issued to stop the Draft.
As I have said, there were no telegraphic or rail road communi- cations in those days, the mail coming over from Woodstock or was brought up the "old military road." By some chance the stages had been delayed several days, and when they did arrive they
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brought one week's mail containing information about all of the above important facts. Capt. Low hardly knew what to do, but after a moments thought he ordered the bells tolled for Lincoln, then rung with a will for Lee's surrender, while mounted couriers were dispatched through the county telling of the news, and inform- ing drafted men that they were not needed. The Government had also sent a portrait of Booth, and Capt. Low at once established a guard along the line to watch for him, but later learned of his capture, and returned to Bangor.
In connection with the Draft many curious items were printed, among them being the following: "Those drafted persons who have knocked out their front teeth to procure exemption, are informed that they will be accepted in the Cavalry, where front teeth are not needed to bite off cartridges." Here is another : "At a second meeting in Northport called to vote three hundred dollars to each conscript to stay at home, the Copperheads were out-voted more than two to one, and some thorough Union resolutions passed."
There was the usual bitter political campaign in 1863, - the Draft being used by the opposition as the subject of many speeches, but they "availed not," and Cony, the republican candidate, was elected by about 20,000 majority. Nearly all of the Northern States fell into line, victories multiplied and the cause of humanity and the Union brightened day by day. Thus closed the year of 1863.
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CHAPTER XX.
In 1864-Another Call For Troops-And Another Draft Ordered-The "Soldiers Rest "-The Big Sanitary Fair-The Elections-The Close Of The Year-Gold And Merchandise-Its Rise And Fall-How Fortunes Were Made-How Some Lost Them-The Boom In Groceries, Cotton And Woolen Goods-Boots, shoes And Clothing At War Prices-Something About Hardware-Fools And Their Folly-A. T. Stewart & Co. Are Caught-Sliding Down And Sliding Out-Mak- ing Change With Veazie And Hersey Scrip.
In February, 1864, the President issued an order calling for 500,000 more troops, to be raised by a Draft, beginning March 10th, and preparations at once commenced to carry that order into effect. There was a general opinion that the following summer would see the close of the war, hence there was a lack of uneasiness which had characterized the people on the receipt of the first order.
Early in the year it was determined to establish a "Soldiers Rest," for wounded and sick veterans, the place selected being the "Gymnasium, " on Columbia street. . To secure money it was decid- ed. to have a dress ball. The whole matter was carried to a most successful completion, and one thousand one hundred dollars was realized. This money was used to fit up the place, and on June 20th there were forty arrivals, nearly as many more coming in before the end of the month. During the summer over three hun- dred additional veterans were received. Liberal appropriations were made by the citizens, and many devoted a great deal of time to the nursing of the sick and wounded men. Dr. Morrison was always present, and rendered valuable aid. In December of this year a monster fair was held, the proceeds-fifteen thousand dollars . -being used for the benefit of the institution, and it speaks vol- umes for the loyalty and generosity of Bangor that she freely gave
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this magnificent sum. On September 7th, Company A, State Guards, returned from sixty days' duty at Kittery. People often laugh at the occupation of the fort there, unmindful of the fact that by going there as State Guards, the men of Bangor released a New Hampshire company of volunteers, who entered the Union Army.
Politics ran high this year, as usual, but the Republicans headed by Lincoln and Johnson, carried twenty-three Northen States, while the Democrats, under the leadership of Mcclellan and Pen- dleton, were obliged to be content with victories in Delaware, Ken- tucky and New Jersey. The second Draft was held this year, additional troops were sent to the front, the Union forces were victorious in most of the battles, and little by little the Confeder- ates were driven back, and the year closed with bright prospects of the speedy suppression of the rebel element.
GOLD AND MERCHANDISE.
Elsewhere has been mentioned the fact that late in 1861, the National banks suspended specie payment, giving as a reason their desire to aid the Government by keeping specie in our country. Although the seventy-five thousand volunteers known as the "three months men, " had not succeeded in suppressing the rebellion, no one doubted but that the great army then forming at Washington and in the military camps of the North, would swoop down during 1862 and annihilate every vestige of secession, and it did not alarm the people therefore when the great financial institutions of the land withdrew specie from circulation.
On New Year's Day, 1862, gold became in this country, no longer money, (in the sense which we are accustomed to speak of money), but merchandise, and subject to fluctuations identical with groceries, grain, iron, etc. On that day gold opened at 1.03} and although it dropped somewhat during the month, it remained
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the same on the closing of the last day. No great change took place until the following June, when it advanced, and was quoted June 30th, 1.08g. The last of July saw it at 1.143, September 30th, 1.24 ; October, 1.20; December, 1.33g. This was an advance of 30 per cent. in twelve months. The precious metal was on the jump the first month of 1863, going a little higher each day, and advancing in thirty days to 1.60. This was pretty big interest, and every one who had gold began to sell, while those who had already sold caught the fever and bought again. The last of Feb- ruary it stood 1.72, and then dropping, ranged along the 40's until the latter part of the year, when quotations stood 1.51}. In Feb- ruary, 1864, he who wanted the "yellow boys" had to "climb the golden stairs" to the tune of 1.59; in March, 1.64; April, 1.793; May, 1.90; June, 2.50; this being an advance of 60 cents in thirty days. Monday, July 12th, saw gold open at 2.76 and close at 2.85, this being the highest point reached. From that time it began to recede, although at times there would be a temporary advance, until at last it touched par in New York, December 17th, 1878, having been at a premuim sixteen years, eleven months and four days.
During this time gigantic fortunes were made. Many bought and sold, until gold got well above 200, when they, having great confidence in the Government, put their winnings into bonds pay- ing large interest and free from taxation. Sometimes they lost. Mr. P. M. Blake, a leading broker of Bangor, bought one thousand dollars, of Col. Norcross, paying him 82.750. This was within ten per cent. of Boston quotations. " When the gold arrived in Boston the next day, quotations were but 2.40, and at that figure it was sold, and Mr. Blake lost three hundred and fifty dollars by the transaction. During this time the now much despised "dollars of of our daddies " and the half dollars then put out of the mint, were eagerly sought for and commanded, at one time 2.50.
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As might be supposed this advance exerted a great influence on the prices of dry goods, groceries. and in fact every merchantable com- modity. Those articles which came wholly or in part from foreign lands, varied in price with gold. The new money issued by the Government was not taken for duties and therefore, when the importer took his goods out of bond, he was obliged to buy the gold to do it with. If the merchant paid 2.75 for gold one day and then paid his duty, and the next day his competitor bought gold for 2.40, of course the latter could undersell the former, although the goods were bought abroad at the same price. Here at home prices ran high. and seemed strange, even to many who paid them then. Mr. M. S. Jackson kept a grocery store here through the war, and has preserved his day books, then in use. In 1861 he retailed butter eighteen cents : eggs twelve cents ; nails four cents ; oats forty-two cents ; kerosene forty-two cents ; sugar eleven cents ; starch ten cents ; saleratus eight cents ; best tea seventy-five cents; flour five dollars, etc.
In 1864, sugar sold for thirty-four cents; cream tartar, sixty cents ; butter, fifty cents ; nails, twelve cents ; potatoes, two dol- lars ; eggs, thirty-five cents; brown sugar, twenty-nine cents ; kerosene, one dollar and ten cents per gallon ; tea, one dollar and forty cents ; Castile soap, twenty-five cents; crackers, twenty-five cents; salt, thirty-five cents per box; molasses, one dollar and twenty cents per gallon ; flour, twelve dollars per barrel ; lard, twenty-five cents; while in one case Mr. J. T. Budge paid forty-nine dollars for one barrel of Boston pork. In many instances prices ran higher, and the author well remembers being sent all over Bel- fast in search of a pound of butter. Some of the officers of the U. S. man of war " Rhode Island " were coming to dine, and butter must be had. At last a pound was found, and sixty-five cents was paid. The sailor boys of this same steamer, then just off a
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long cruise with the blockade squadron, gladly paid my chum and I, who had the exclusive privilege of running a "bum " boat alongside, as she lay in Belfast bay, one dollar a pound for butter ; twenty cents a sheet for gingerbread; seventy-five cents a dozen for eggs; two dollars a peck for greens; twenty cents a piece for cigars, and a proportionate price for other luxuries. Spices were very high, ginger being at one time sixty cents, and cassia eighty cents per pound. Nutmegs retailed for sixteen cents an ounce, or two dollars and fifty-six cents per pound. Oats at one time commanded one dollar and ten cents per bushel, and com meal two dollars and ten cents. Miss Wyer, on Decem- ber 2d, 1864, paid for a barrel of "Buchanan" flour, fourteen dollars and seventy-five cents, and some fancy brands commanded eighteen dollars.
Dry goods, especially cottons, went up with a rush. Southern cotton was, of course, out of the market. One day a farmer came into Bangor to purchase sheeting. He found what he thought was a bargain, and took three pieces. These he took away with him easily, but he left in payment a hundred dollar bill. The same goods to-day would sell for about seven dollars and fifty cents. Warp before the war cost ninety cents, but in 1865 it took just twelve dollars to purchase a bunch. Cassimeres advanced about three hundred per cent. One merchant purchased five bales of sheeting, not a great order, yet the bill footed up strong three thousand dollars. Some of this was retailed at seven- ty-five cents, but a decline soon brought the price down to thirty- five.
When the war commenced, this country produced from one half to five eights of all the wool we used. Farmers began to increase their flocks, and this kept wool from rapid and fre- quent advances. When the war was over, we were producing fifty per cent. more wool than ever before in our history.
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A pair of first class hand-sewed boots cost eighteen dollars ; a good pair from twelve to fourteen dollars, while a low crown dress hat, sold for six dollars. Fifty dollars was often paid for a good suit of clothes, made to order, and ready-made goods and underwear were in proportion.
Hardware doubled every now and then, and fortunes were made quickly in this branch of trade.
No one was in distress, however, consequent on these high prices. More than one million sturdy men had ceased to be producers, and had become consumers, yes, and huge destroyers as well. Labor commanded large wages. Money went where it had never gone before, and has never been since. Poverty stricken men took bounties, the purchasing power of which they thought inexhaustible, spreading it with a liberal hand, buying without regard to their needs. Everything was in demand, and these possessors of sudden wealth, like children, bought whatever caught their fancy. Later on they realized the truth of the old saying :
" A fool and his money are soon parted."
When victory was assured to the Union armies, things took "a drop," and everyone made haste to unload, and the "mark downs" of those days would discount anything now put out to attract the public eye. Mr. J. C. White, after the war, bought of his brother, then connected with A. T. Stewart, of New York, several pieces of cassimere, paying one dollar and sixty-two cents per yard. For those same goods Stewart was paying two dol- lars and fifty cents per yard, he having made a contract the previous year, to take all the product of a certain mill at that price. To men who remained in trade, it was like walking up a hill, then sliding down again. In the beginning and at the end they were at the foot. Some, however, went to the top and,
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instead of sliding doww, slid out-of trade-and are now passing their latter days in ease, free from the vexations and care of business.
The advance in gold and silver influenced the cheaper metal, copper, and the old-fashioned cents disappeared. The Govern- ment sent out first the little Indian head, then the eagle cents, and followed these with the three cent piece, the three, five, ten, fifteen, twenty-five and fifty cent scrip, and the much abused greenback. For a long time, however. great trouble was exper- ienced in making change, and thus it was that postage stamps became current. As these would stick, it was the custom to en- close a certain number of threes and ones in an envelope and seal this, marking the amount upon the outside. This was passed without inspection at its " face value," until worn threadbare, and the last receiver, on examination, would find the whole mass stuck firmly together, and discolored by perspiration, tobacco, etc.
Gen. Veazie and Major Thomas Hersey issued serip, which were to all intents, their notes, in denominations mentioned above, and these were often purchased in packages by the merchants. Much was lost or destroyed, more was carried away, but all that was presented was afterwards redeemed. Many of our citi- zens have preserved specimens, and the sight of them often starts a train of humorous anecdotes of the days when "change was mighty skace."
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CHAPTER XXI.
In 1865-The Draft Continues-Glorious News From The Army Of The Potomac- Victory All Along The Line-Twelve Thousand Prisoners In Three Days-Sur- render Of Lee And His Army-Great Rejoicing At Home-What The People Did-A Great Day For Maine-Interesting Accounts From An Old Journal- A Procession Forms In Dangor And Many Calls Made-What Was Said And Done.
In March, 1865, Provost Marshal Low resumed the Draft, and the usual scenes were re-enacted. In April came the news of a succession of Union victories, the following being the head lines of the dispatches:
"GLORIOUS NEWS FROM THE ARMY OF POTOMAC!" "DISPATCHES RELIABLE. FROM LINCOLN AND GRANT. THREE DAYS FIGHTING. . TWELVE THOUSAND PRISONERS TAKEN."
On Monday, April 10th, came the news of Lee's surrender, and great was the rejoicing thereat. The following head lines were displayed in the papers of that, and the following day :
"VICTORY !" "GLORY TO GOD!"
"FINAL TRIUMPH OF FREEDOM !" "SURRENDER OF LEE!" "UNION AND FREEDOM TRIUMPHING !"
Nearly four years had passed since the war began. Those four years had been long ones, freighted with much sorrow, anxiety and doubt. Widows mourned for their husbands or sons, or perhaps both ; mothers of stalwart boys had seen them go forth,
APPOMATTOX C. IL .; PLACE OF LEE'S SURRENDER.
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strong in their manhood, and only knew that their bodies lay in some unknown trench or hastily made grave, on Southern soil. Fathers shed tears in secret, as they dwelt on the happy days ere their sons had gone to the war. The cheek of many a maiden had grown thin and white, as she sat in her Northern home, think- ing of her dead lover, and felt that life before her had no bright days. The whole land was in mourning, and it was there- fore with glad hearts, that they heard that the fighting was drawing to a close. All felt a burden had been lifted, and that war was not to longer add to their cup of sorrow, already so full.
The following account of the doings of the day, was written over twenty-two years ago, and was intended only for the eyes of the sons and daughters of the author, and their intimate friends. It is in fact a part of a journal, containing accounts of impor -. tant events, transpiring during his life time, and therefore is undoubtedly correct. The narrative is as follows:
"Sunday night, at eleven o'clock, April 9th, 1865, the news on the previous page was telegraphed to the Bangor Daily Whig and Courier, and at three o'clock on Monday morning, the sky being clear, although threatening rain, owing to a damp air and south wind; boom! boom! went cannon from Court street heights, and the principal church and the court house bells were rung, announcing something of importance. Having taken a long walk about the fields on Sunday, P. M., I slept the first part of the night quite soundly, but waked perhaps at a quarter to three, and was wide awake when the sudden salute was given. Knowing something of importance had transpired, I out of bed and dressed, and told my wife I believed Lee had surrendered, and I made my way down town, coming in view of various bonfires blazing, and many houses illuminated, principally with gas. All the time
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cannons were booming from Court street, until one hundred rounds had been discharged. I found the Custom House, George Stetson's, Rufus Dwinel's, George W. Merrill's, as well as several stores illuminated. Geo. W. Merrill's house, in the night, situated on the corner of Prospect and French streets, behind numerous fir trees, presented through them, one of the handsomest sights I ever witnessed in illumination. The scene, as I passed down Park street, resembled in every respect, all but the bonfires, the scene during the freshet, March 20th, 1846, which I have described in my family history, under that date .. Men running to and fro, no head to any point. I went to the Post Office, and through on to Kenduskeag Bridge, and up to City Hall, but could not gain admittance. While going up Hammond street, I was grabbed by Mr .- who hurrahed for the Union, stating that . Lee's whole army had surrendered. By this time men were gathering dry goods boxes and barrels, left on Main street. to show samples of dry goods, and carried them to the centre of the square, and made a bonfire. . About half past three I made. my way to the Whig and Courier office, and a dense crowd was in and out the office. I pushed my way through and purchased a copy at five cents, containing the portion of news I have preserved on the previous page.
As my paper would not reach my house until after six o'clock, I cleared myself from the crowd to go home. At that moment Willard B. Heath. with a tenor drum, and Z. L. Bragdon, with a bass drum, marched across the lower Kenduskeag Bridge, calling aloud, "Fall in," and a company of, say one hundred men and some boys were already marching in time with the drummers. I fell in and marched up Hammond and back. up Main and back, down Broad, and back to the bonfire in the square, where the company halted with the music still playing. I waited a short time, when
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I felt anxious for my wife and children to hear the news, and started for home. I came a short distance, when my soul burned within me to persuade the crowd to go to Marcellus Emery's boarding house, and call him out and inform him that the Rebellion had gone up. I went back, and my first impulse was to offer the music ten dollars to follow me an hour. Then I thought I might be doing too much for my part, and I started for home again, and again came to a halt, thinking I would go back, and do as I was about to do at first, but it occured to me to go home and read the news, get a cup of tea, and return immediately. So I kept on, and when I reached --- street, I met Mr. Nath'l Harlow, walking down in the middle of the street. and he turned about and went to my house with me. and, after I built a fire in the dining room stove, I read the news to him, my wife and children coming down stairs while I was reading.
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