NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
June 1861
From The Missouri Democrat, Thursday, June 13, 1861.
GOV. JACKSON’S INCENDIARY FLIGHT.
Destruction of the Gasconade and Osage Railroad Bridges.
Advices reached us yesterday that Governor Jackson, on his return to Jefferson City, on Tuesday night, caused the destruction of the Gasconade and Osage railroad bridges. A dispatch to this effect was received at the Arsenal yesterday morning, and by the last evening’s train on the Pacific Railroad, we learn, positively, that the Gasconade bridge was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The mail dispatched from the post office, yesterday morning, got no further than Hermann, where the news of the disaster was first received. The cutting of the telegraph wires by the same Vandal hand leaves us without any reliable advices from points on the Railroad, above the Gasconade, and from Jefferson City. There was a rumor at Hermann, well credited at that place, that the Osage bridge had also been burned. It is not doubted in this city that both structures are entirely destroyed.
We learn that just before starting from the city on Tuesday evening, on the special train, Gov. Jackson gave his solemn word of honor to Mr. Taylor, President of the Pacific Railroad, that he did not intend to harm any of the bridges or do any damage to the road.
Gov. Jackson’s list of crimes is now absolutely appalling. He stands before the country as a coward, a liar, an incendiary and a traitor. Can he, will he, be permitted to escape the gallows? The scoundrel was gibbering with fear during his stay in our city, though the assurances of protection from Gen. Lyon were most ample. He no doubt took the special train with the belief that a detachment of United States troops were to follow immediately in his rear, and arrest him directly on his arrival at Jefferson City. Craven and perfidious himself, he supposed others are governed by the same vices. It is bad enough to be a rebel, but to be a miserable coward to boot, is reaching a depth of degradation, until now unexplored. Well may the Missouri secessionists hang their heads for shame, for their leader in the hour of their need proves himself to the world a feeble and yet ruthless dastard.
His alarm was, no doubt, fully shared by his Major General, Sterling Price; and we are disposed to believe that this distinguished officer was an accomplice in yesterday’s barbarism. It is reasonable at any rate to conclude, knowing the influence of General Price over Gov. Jackson, that these acts of incendiarism would not have been committed without his sanction. Even those in our city who have been adhering to Jackson and Price, denounced their infamy last night.
The destruction of the Osage and Gasconade bridges, is another severe blow to the already crippled trade and travel of our city. The loss to the railroad company and its employees, who have been so liberal in their accommodations to the Governor, will prove very serious.
