Note to readers – Sauk Valley Media reprints editorials and articles from the past as a regular Monday feature. The following items appeared in the Gazette on May 26 and June 2, 1866.

Death of General Scott

Lieutenant General Winfield Scott died at West Point, N.Y., on last Tuesday morning. His death was quite sudden and unexpected, he having been in usual health until Sunday.

A nation will regret that the old hero has at last passed away. For 58 long years has Gen. Scott been in the service of the United States, and the people well know the grand old chieftain's history from Lundy's Lane to Molino del Rey, the decisive battles which brought peace after the war of 1812, and in our contest with Mexico.

During the great rebellion, just ended, Gen. Scott remained true to his country, and did all in his power to crush its enemies. Who can forget the graphic pen picture of the old patriot as he stood on Pennsylvania Avenue, on Inauguration Day, 5 years ago, and with a few trusty regulars compelled the rebel mob to silence and respect.

And later, when the rebels of Virginia tendered him the command of their troops, how grand was his reply:

"I have served my country, under the flag of the Union, for more than 50 years, and as long as God permits me to live, I will defend that flag with my sword, even if my own native state assails it."

Would to God others in power had possessed the manhood to be so loyal.

Great man! Good man! He has gone from among us at last. Ever loyal; ever true; his memory will be revered by a nation of freemen.

Farewell, old friend; may the flag you loved ever wave triumphantly and unmolested over the country you have served so well. – June 2, 1866

Another Civil War threatened

The appeal of the Woman's Rights Convention to Congress for the "enfranchisement of women," has been published. It contains the following alarming sentiments: "Crush not, we pray you, the million hopes that hang on our success. Peril not another bloody war."

We do hope that the ladies who have this thing in charge will not push it to such dire extremities. Let them give us a little time to recover from our late terrible conflict, and to pay off a part of the debt, before plunging us into another war, the end of which no one could foretell. – June 2, 1866

The launch

Until quite recently, the building and launching of vessels have been monopolized by the dockyards of seacoast cities. But this is a progressive age, and enterprise tends westward.

Sterling has had a launch. The occasion was the setting afloat of the mammoth flat boat which is to do the heavy work in the coal trade on Rock river. A number of our citizens were on hand to see the "animile" take its maiden duck, and among them the "Commodore."

The ways were in position, and soaped to a degree that would have astonished the deacon's horn, and all was in readiness. The Commodore mounted the hurricane deck, vigorously grasped the tafferal, and declared his intention to accompany the stalwart vessel on its first trip toward the aqueous.

The levers were brought to bear, and with a stentorian heave-ho from the workmen, she glided down the ways like a flash, and ker-slap into the water.

The concussion was too much for the Commodore's equilibrium, and with heels upside down he went into the hold, much to the astonishment of himself and the amusement of the bystanders.

The boat was launched and "walked the waters like a thing of life," but the Commodore thinks that when another is to be baptized, he will stand on the shore and see how it's done, preferring to trust in terra firma than attempt a double somersault without practice. – May 26, 1866

Caught an eel

On last Tuesday evening a large sized eel was caught near the Sterling dam, by Philomon Hecker.

His eelship weighted six pounds, and measured three feet and five inches in length. He was caught with a hook, but young Hecker was obliged to get a dip-net under the slippery customer before he could be brought to shore.

Eels have been caught at this place at various times before, but they are not common. This specimen is the largest we have heard of. – June 2, 1866

Body found

The dead body of a woman was found in Rock river, near Como, one day last week. The remains were identified as being those of a lady who committed suicide by jumping from the bridge at Oregon, Ogle county, some weeks since. – June 2, 1866

New meat wagon

Have you seen Randolph's new wagon? It is just the thing for delivering steaks and roasting pieces, and is worthy the notice of our citizens.

Any one who cannot invoke an appetite for savory sirloins after making their selections from that wagon, ought to turn vegetarian entirely, and get the credit for it.

We expect to see old Bach's, who "board out," patronizing the new institution and roasting their purchases on a pine stick over a coal fire. "Wait for the wagon," and if you desire your day's supply of fresh meats left at your homes, just leave orders at Randolph's meat market. – June 2, 1866

Busy builders

The demand for mechanics in Sterling the present season is unprecedented.

The scores of new buildings now in course of erection give employment to every man that can shove a jack-plane, flourish a trowel, or use a paint brush, and hundreds more could find remunerative jobs here during the summer.

Notwithstanding the large number of buildings now being put up rapidly, others are still in contemplation, and hardly a day passes without the letting of contracts for erecting business houses and dwellings.

Sterling is growing more rapidly than ever before, and while we do not expect to rival Chicago (as does Freeport), we expect soon to rival Freeport, and possibly leave that village in the shade. – May 26, 1866

Incendiarism

On last Saturday and Sunday evenings, attempts were made to set fire to our neighboring town of Dixon. Old rags, paper, and other combustible material, completely saturated with carbon oil, were placed in a rear room of the Emery House and ignited, but they were fortunately discovered before any material damage was done.

Had the fire got fully under way, an extensive conflagration must necessary have ensued, as the Emery is situated in the midst of a wooden row, and the flames would have spread rapidly. Prompt measures should be taken for the discovery of the would-be incendiaries, and their speedy exit from this "cruel world." – May 26, 1866

In love

An editor has fell in love. Just hear what he says:

We love to see the blooming rose, in all its beauty drest; we love to hear our friends disclose the emotion of the breast.

We love to see the cars arrive, well laden, at our door; we love to see our neighbor thrive, and love to bless the poor.

We love to see domestic life with uninterrupted joys; we love to see a happy wife with lots of girls and boys.

We love all these – yet far above all that we ever said; we love, what every printer loves, to have subscriptions paid. – May 26, 1866