War News
The Franklin Repository (Franklin County's Republican Newspaper)
Brief War Items, July 15, 1863
Excerpt: The unanimous report of all those who were in the recent severe fight at Port Hudson, in regard to the negroes, is, that they fought like devils. They have completely conquered the prejudice of the army against them.
Rebel Atrocities, December 2, 1863
Excerpt: There is one chapter of rebel atrocity in this war that remains to be written, and we hazard little in saying that when it shall be truthfully portrayed, all other atrocities of the war will pale before it. We refer to their treatment of our negro troops. The rebel leaders have steadily refused to recognize negro troops or their officers as entitled to the treatment of prisoners of war.
Our Negro Troops, December 30, 1863
Excerpt: The Richmond Enquirer of the 17th inst. solves the problem of negro prisoners by frankly admitting that they have been murdered. Speaking of the government sending negro troops to the field it says: "Should they be sent to the field, and be put in battle, none will be taken prisoners--our troops understand what to do in such cases. If any negroes have been captured during the war we have not heard of them."
Capture of Fort Pillow, April 20, 1864
The black soldiers, becoming demoralized, rushed to the rear, their white officers having thrown down their arms. Both white and black were bayonetted, shot or sabred, and even dead bodies were horribly mutilated.
Rebel Savagery, April 27, 1864
Excerpt: We have already given a brief account of the inhuman brutality practised by the rebels upon the troops of Fort Pillow after it had been surrendered; but the details increase in horror as they are developed. The negro troops fought most gallantly until overpowered; but they were outnumbered immensely and were overcome.
Rebel Atrocities, May 11, 1864
Excerpt: Some of the Rebels stood upon the top of the hill, or a short distance down its side, and called to our soldiers to come up to them, and as they approached shot them down in cold blood, if their guns or pistols missed fire forcing them to stand there until they were again prepared to fire. All around were cries of "No quarter, no quarter!" "kill the--negroes!" "shoot them down!" All who asked for mercy were answered by the most cruel taunts and sneers.
Pardoned, February 15, 1865
Excerpt: Lieut. Morgan S. Bryan, convicted in the Courts of this country for shooting Frank Jones, and sentenced to the Eastern Penitentiary, has been pardoned by Gov. Curtin, and is now at his home in Pittsburg.
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