It was reported that the Knights of the Golden Circle were mounting a campaign against union soldiers. Secesh (secessionist) literature and personal letters were being sent to Union soldiers to undermine their resolve. Much of the literature claimed that the war was about freeing slaves. The claim was meant to convince unionists that there was no reason to die to free slaves.
Ads in the paper advised recruiters for the 10th and the 26th were looking for young men to join their ranks. The 10th,an Irish unit, had suffered a number of deaths and injuries within the preceding few months.
The Ladies Benevolent Society sponsored a supper fund raiser to help the soldiers. Several young ladies groups were formed to make clothing for the soldiers. Supplies purchased, or made, were gathered for the packet leaving Evansville headed to Tennessee battle sites.
Balls were held, breaking up the winter tedium. The 2nd annual Fenian Ball entertained the Irish in the south end. The Fireman’s Ball produced great fun for the large crowd that came out for it.
Several young men announced their plans to form a reading room. The plans included a fine library to being housed in the room. (Public libraries were few and far between at this time. Most libraries were private and fee based.)
The latest fashion in hats included a gaslight hat. Tiny tubes and a container made of gold provided gas to give a twinkle around milady's head. (Similar to a fiber optics hat today with fire)
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