Sometimes it is almost poetry. From the Memphis Daily Appeal, 9/21/61, a letter written by a widow living near Osceola, on the raid:

"I wondered if I were dreaming when I looked out from my window, while this was going on, and saw the stars and stripes, waving near, its once glorious folds, protecting and sanctioning the proceedings of desperadoes, who had forgotten that a Constitution ever existed, which protected the liberties of the people."

Sometimes is is hilarious. From the DAILY TIMES [LEAVENWORTH, KS], September 6, 1864:

"We noticed the petite proportions of the Chief of Jayhawkers in the city yesterday. He is fresh from the cattle stealing zone, but don't look much like a native. With his hat off he presents as formidable an appearance as an enraged porcupine." (Assume they are talking of Jennison, who was short, and work a tall brimless fur hat that made him look a little taller.)