The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 39, July 1935 - April, 1936 Page: 41
346 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Diary of a Confederate Congressman, 1862-1868
Went to church; heard a very good sermon from Dr. Doggett
on faith. Read much in a poem called "Lucille"201 said to be
written by Bulwers son. Disappointed in getting no letter from
home today. Snow melting very fast. Talked long with Graham.
Have to make a final vote on the Tax bill tomorrow. May God
enlighten my judgment so that I may vote correctly and
patriotically.
Monday 23d In the House several amendments of a most
onerous character were made to the closing sections of the Tax
bill-among them one taxing all sales of every character exceed-
ing $100 in amoung 21 per cent. I voted against this. And on
the final passage of the bill202 I voted No. I am not satisfied
that the first section of the bill is constitutional & many of the
details of the bill are most oppressive & inequitable. It passed
by 50 yeas, 30 nays. Herbert, Gray, Wright & myself208 voted
no. Graham not present. Wilcox, yea.
How deeply I sympathize with Graham in his affliction. Today
he heard of the death of his mother. He is deeply pained and
gives way much to sorrow. How singular! He was with me
when I heard of the death of my dear mother! I am with him
when he hears of the death of his. What pain he feels I know
for I have endured that which is like it. May God grant him
the consolation of his Holy Spirit's influence.
The report of the Conference Com. in regard to the impress-
ment bill204 was adopted. Runer & Garnett had some angry words.
~*"Lucile," poem by Owen Meredith (Robert, Lord Lytton). Narra-
tive-dramatic poem in six cantos.
"'Sales tax March, 1863. It is of interest to compare Federal sales
tax of 1932. "Stringent tax measure of April 24, 1863, included a sepa-
rate 10% tax on the profits during 1863 from the sale of provisions and
other food products, iron, shoes, blankets, and cotton cloth. The tax
was directed against wholesale rather than retail trade." (Schwab: The
Confederate States of America, page 292.)
2"Herbert (1862-1864; admitted Second Congress November 21, 1864);
Gray (1862-64); Wright (1862-64); Graham, M. D. (1862-64); Wil-
cox, John A. (1862-64). The entire delegation from Texas in the First
Confederate Congress. (Including, of course, the author of the diary,
F. B. Sexton.)
20'Impressment bill-On March 26, 1863, the government legalized im-
pressment of foodstuffs which had been deemed unnecessary. Because of
soaring prices, the government offered sums far below market price and
the system of impressment failed. Result was that troops almost starved
for food.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 39, July 1935 - April, 1936, periodical, 1936; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101095/m1/49/: accessed April 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.