davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-01-19

The patriotism of the Russians was thought to
be admirably exemplifed, when it was supposed
that they had spontaneously set fire to the city OF
Moscow. When the British were believed to be
approaching. Savannah, in our Revolutionary
war, the inhabitants of that city resolved upon
a similar act, with spirit worthy of any age or
nation, as may be known from the following
passage of M'Call's History of Georgia.
Upon this trying occasion, the patriotism of the
citizens of Savannah was tested BY resolution
which was offered by one of the u embers Of the
committee of Safety, the purport of which was,
that the houses in Savannah, which were owned
by those whose motto was Liberty or Death, in
Guiding houses which belonged to widows and
orphans, should be appraised; and in the event
of the enemy's gaining possession of the city,
the torch was to be applied in every direction,
and the town was to be abandoned in smoking
ruins. To the establishment even of those who
made the proposition, when the republican party
was convened, there was not one dissenting voice.
Among the number where this resolution origin
ated, we're many of TIE most wealthy inhabitants
of Savannah, and some whose all, consisted Of
houses and lots. The houses of those persons
who were inimical to the American cause, were
not to be noticed in the valuation. Committees
were accordingly appointed, and in few hours
returns were made to the council of safety
There are many instances of conflagration by Or
der Of monarch, 'who can do no wrong," but
there are few instances on record where the patrI-
otsm of the citizen has urged him on to the de-
struction of his own property. to prevent Its be-
coming an asylum to the enemies of his cOun-
try. The resolution before mentioned, was put
in the hands of Col Lacklan M'Intosh, and pub
lished in general order for the government of
the troops"
Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-01-19

An Irish Pig merchant, who had more money
in his pocket than his ragged appearance denot-
ed, took an inside passage in one of our stage
coaches, during the late severe frost. dandy OF
the first order, who was fellow passenger, was
evidently annoyed by the presence of Pat; and
having missed his handkerchief, tasked him with
having picked his pocket, threatning to have
him taken before magistrate at the next stage.
Before they arrived there, however the exquisite
found his handkerchief, which he had deposited
in his hat. He made very awkward kind of
an apology upon the occasion; but Pat stopped
him short with this remark, ''Make yourself ca
sy, nv honey; there's no occasion for any bother
about the matter. You took me for a thief, and
took you for gentleman; and we are both mis-
taken: that's all, my honey"
Livsrpoo' Mercury.
Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-01-19

Irish LaW.-The following extract from an
affidavit read in the Court Of Common Pleas in
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

ton OF national or party politics, that now
excites the sensbility ofthe people of the
United States, which so much concerns
them as this subject in regard to which
SO great an apathy prevails.
ReSotred, That Il committee of three
be appointed to receive subscriptions to-
wards paying the expenses of any suit OF
sufficient magnitude for the purpose OF
testing the constitutonaity of the GUS
tom authorising Imprisonment for debt
before the Supreme Courts of this State
and oithe United States.
\ IloN. GEORGE BLAKE, protested a.
gainst the enormity of the existing law,
and grounded his opinion upon the prin-
ciple Of the first resolution. That no
man could voluntarily enter into a con-
tract, which by any construction of law
could be made to deprive him of his free
dom.-Nith respect to the Constitution,
he doubted whether the Supreme Court
OF this State would not feel bound to sus-
tain the custom The constitution pre-
scrlbes that no man can be deprived of
hls liberty, except by trial of his peers,
or by the law Of the land. That lar Of
lie l0nd has by several cnactments
sanctioned the custom. lie had his
fears, therefore, as to the result of trial
otthe question upon constitutional grounds
before the State Courts. Still as he
thought the agitation of the question
would do much good, he would subscribe
Literally to further the object With the
Legislature, however, the power of rem
edy rested. Public opinion he believed
was daily improving, on this point, and
he felt convinced that persevering eff
forts would soon accomplish this matter
/. The law, or rather report Of the Com
mlttec recommending law, now before
the Legislature would by much rem
edy the evil, and with some variation this
would fully effect the establishment of
nearly all the princi pies set forth in the
resolutions as above. He portrayed in
strong language, the utter variance which
existed between this relic of barbarism
and the spirit breathed throughout all
our free institutions; and could not be-
lleve that mans selling himself to i'm
prlsonment and bondage, by contract,
ana In his business, could De any more
sanctioned by laws, than that those laws
could take away the moral turptude of
suicide.
A committee was appointed to wait up
on several gentlemen distinguished as
lawyers, merchants and statesmen, who
were known to be favorable to the cause,
and request their presence and aid, "A
subscription was Immediately opened for
the purposes named in the last resolution,
and and handsome CONNIE ncement
made.
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06
Wsryl1 of tic Ciugrs.
NEWPORT.
THURSDAY MORNING, OCT. 9Th, 1881

Imprisonment for Debt. In another part
of this paper will be found the proceed
lngs Of a numerous meeting of some of
the wealthicst and most respectable citi-
zcns OF Massachusetts, held recently in
Boston, for the purpose of devising the
proper means of briaging about an entire
abolition of that barbarous relic of feudal-
ism, Imprisonment for debt. 1t is a NOR
tiiying fact, that laws are still existing in
the Statute books of most of the States of
this Union, which give to the cruel and
vindictive creditor the power of dragging
an honest and unfortunate man from his
fireside and his family, and incarcerating
him III the cold, damp vaults ofa dungeon,
the fit abode only of the midnight assas-
sin. The unlceling creditor has it in his
power also, after the miserable s. wretch
ed debtor has avalcd himself of what is
falsely called "the benefit ofthe poor pris-
oncr's oath," still to punish his legal VIC
tim by keeping him, yet longer in Jail; he
has only to advance to the jailor, the pit
ilul sum of one dollar a week, and this
punishment may be continued by any
carniverous Shylock to the end of the
debtors lile.-IIis wife and his children
depending entirely for their subsistence
upon the daily labor of husband and a
father, whom the la,c of The land has Civ
en- up to the vengeance of a cold-blood-
ed, hard-hearted creditor, who, because
he cannot obtain his five, or his hundred
dollars, pours out upon his helpless VIC
tim, and still more helpless family "a flood
of suffering and anguish, whose bitterness
is the bitterness of death itself. We en-
Wy no man the enjoyment of his lonely
hours, who can find it in his soul to re-
joice at the sullerings he inficts upon an
honest man, a helpless wife, and her in
FAINT children, by thrusting that man into
prison simply because he is unable to pay
him q few dollars and cents. We hope
in mercy that the day is near at hand
when our Statute book shall have cffac-
ed from its pages, this foul disgracc.-
We ask nothing for the dishonest debtor
who meanly withholds from his creditor
his rightlul Gues,-but on the contrary,
we could calmly look on and see such a
man drink down the full measure of his
punshmcnt-bc that punishment what it
may.
II is to be hoped the Legislature Of
this State at the coming session, will at
least make some sort of provision for that
class of the community who by mislor-
tunes have become unable to pay their
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

occurred to my mind, 'do unto all men,
SC. | was obliged to decide, that | would
not like to be interrupted in SO happy a
sleep, by the application of sprout; and
so determined not to whip Jack. My
next reflection was, how | came by the
right to chastise my fellow man, for in
dulging in the embraces oibamy repose.
Littleton, Coke, Blackstone, &C. were
called in TO aid my inquiry. None ofmy
law authorizes established my right
they all gave me power to chastise my
slave, but was searching for the n "hi to
do so. found that my law authorities,
would punish me for whipping my fellow
man who was free; but my slave | might
chastise at pleasure. Why! Because
he was my slave. My next inquiry was,
how did Jack become deprived of his
freedom. Oh! he was born a slave; that
is, his mother was a slave when he was
born. And here my law authorities left
me. When at College, | had read and
always admired the principles of our Gov
ernmcnt, as developed in our Declaration
of independence, and the first paragraph
vi liluL uDDlc llSlI uIIlclIt StdTcN Illc nat
O the face" can men are born free and
equal" | blushed for my folly ,denounc-
ed slavery as Inconsistent with law, re-
ligion or humanity, and left Jack to his
repose. have been compelled as a
lawyer to decide against slavery, as Il
philosopher to decide against it, as phi
lanthropist to decide against it, and how
can you, who profess the Christian relig-
ion, help deciding against slavery, when
the golden rule ofthe Saviour so express
ly iorbids it, From this day Jack is
free"
This man was then a disciple of Tom
Paine, his wife ii member of the Baptist
church. The sequel is short. Jack was
informed by his mistress CT the whcle
transaction. lie was greatly mortified
at his own bad conduct; but he had
nobleness of mind that would not be out
done in generosity. He positively re-
fused to part with his master, but deter
mined never to 60 to sleep at his work a.
gain. lie lived in the family about two
years, and died His master, in two or
three years afterwards, died of the con-
sumption, rejoicing in the hope of the gos-
pei. His wife, | believe, is still living.
Lexington (Ky.) Lmninary
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06
[FroIn the Salem Observer.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL.

Constant attendance of children at
school is of great importance, although
little Is attached to it by many parents.--
Public provision for schools is of little use
if the privileges are to be abused, as they
are generally in this respect. "Thee
cannot" tour old Master used to say
he was quaker, an excellent man and
master, although he violated the rule Of
the persons in some instances) thee can
not form the golden chain of learning
without putting in every link; thee can
not go up the ladder of knowledge with
out stepping upon every round," was the
advice he used to give to his pupils who
were irregular in their attendance, and
of course could not keep pace with their
classes. Upon this subject, the Portland
Advertiser has the following good re-
marks:-
"There is no one thing more vexatious,
or more determined to the prosperity of
a school, than the irregular attendance
of scholars. The school committee Of
Portland, and we presume it is the case
with town schools in all places, have the
modification to find that nearly one thiid
of the whole number that profess to 90 to
school, are a class of gentlemen and lady
visiters, who step in occasionally to take
a lesson and to note the progress of the
instructor or instructress. They profess
indeed to be scholars, but they have no
claim to the name, because they never
continue at school long enough to obtain
any advantage. Parents should remcm-
ber that by OBTAINING their children at
home for slight or inc ilicicnt causes, they
not only injurc The scholars, but inlurc
the school. In, scholar is sensibly af-
iccted, nasmuch as he is thus put behind
his class, o. has riSsed lesson, the loss
of which i, like IT, loss of n step in a
fight of stains The moe steps lost, the
moe difficult is the ascent of the schol-
al. 1t is an injury to the school, be-
cause he is a dead weight upon the ef.
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

debts. Such provision has become the
more necessary, as this State is now with
out any insolvent law whatever, 1.-The con-
sequence of which, great number ofpe-
titions are now pending before the Leg
islature, praying for relief to be extend
ed to many persons already in Jail, and
to still lArger number who are daily Ii
able to be cast into Jail.
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

.AMH Masonic Nomination. The Hon.
William Writ, of Maryland, has been
nominated by the Baltimore Anti-mason-
ic Convention as a candidate for Presi-
dent of the United States. MIR. Writ, it
is we'll known, is a very distinguished
lawyer, and held the place of Attorney
General of the United States during the
administration of John Quincy Adams
1t is due to truth to say, that he is no less
distinguished in private life as man of
mestimable worth Mr.. Writ addressed
a very able and manly letter to the Con-
venton, declaring explicitly that in ac-
cepting the nomination he wished the
Convention and their constituents to un-
dcrstand distinctly, chat if he should ul-
timately be elected, he would not in any
respect be the President of the anti-ma-
sonic party-that he should not judge of
men by their masonry or anti-mdsonry-
but solely by their intrinsic merits, by
their conduct as men. This letter we
should think, to some of the over-zealous
members of that Convention, must have
been cutting indeed-it was surely ga
thrust under the fifth rib" Mr.. WIS
letter shows him to be precisely such an
anti-mason as Henry CLAY is known or
presumed to be, and yet the No. l Sec
retary Of the Baltimore Convention, who,
until very recently, arrogated to himself
the honor of being the great and most po-
tent advocate of Henry Clay that could
any where be found in New-England,
avowed it to be his duty (or rather he
found it to be to his own personal inter
est to abandon Mr.. Clay in favor of Mr.
Writ. If in this triflng matter-thc loss
of such friend as Mr.. Secretary No. Il
MIR. Clay has lost much, Mr. Writ has
most assuredly gained but little more
than ga heavy load of light stuff"
United States Bank.-At the general
triennial meeting, of the stockholders of
the Bank of the United States, held at
Philadelphia on the lst ut. a very able
and interesting report from the Board of
Directors was read, exhibiting full and
very minute detail of the hourishing stu-
alton of that great and extensively use.
ful Institution. We should be glad if our
limits would allow us to publish this doc.
ument
We have received the first number Of
the "Chron,cle Of he Times" semi
weekly paper, published in Providence
by that old veteran of the corps, Col
Bennett II. Wheeler, the proprietor and
editor. Col. Wheeler was for many
years senior editor Of the Providence
Phcnix For the last six or eight years
he held the office of Postmaster in Prov
dence, and from which he was reformed
out about two months since. Col. w.
is ndvnntngcously known as an old fash
ionod republican, aud as an able conduc.
tor of newspaper We wish him am
pie success.
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

| give You the facts, as detailed TO me by ,he gen.
tleman himself, few days after they happened
IAYMAN.
-7ugust Is, 1881.
In 1906, a. E. NJ, who had been born
and educated in Virginia, settled in one
OF the frontier counties of Kentucky
Ills father held slaves; and he had been
always used to the practice OF associating
with the term Stare, the true Virginia
acceptation. Mr.. M. purchased ne
gro man to assist or rather attend to his
little farm for he was Lawyer by pro-
iession, and knew very little about farm
ing. And sometime about the last of Ju-
ly, the negro was directed by his master,
to take his hoe, and go through the corn
field and cut down the rank weeds and
iuXurlant sprouts, that had grown up
there. Jack took his hoe and went 20 his
work; for he was really an excellent
slave. Some days after, his master TAX
ing rambe through the cornheld to see
IL the roasting ears were not fit to use,
accidentally comes across Jack, not en-
gagged III cutting weeds, but sitting at his
ease between the extended roots of a
large stump, with his head leaning on the
top OF the stump, and fast os'.ep. The
day was very hot, and Jack had selected
stump, the tall sprouts of which formed
a complete protection from the scorching
rays Of a meridian sun; where he was en-
Joylng Natures grand restorative, happy
as prince. His master at first felt pro-
voked, and concluded that he would ap-
ply one of the sprouts that formed Jacks
pleasant arbor, to very different SER
wee. But as he had never before had
occasion to even rcprove Jack, he hesi-
tatcd, and upon second thought conclu-
ded that as he appeared to be qvite hap
py, 1t would be ungenerous to interrupt
his enjoyment. lie therefore took seat
OH another stump, a few feet from the ne
gro, and fell into a train Of reflections on
the relations between Master and Stare.
lhlS engaged him for an hour or more
lie then got up, and returned to the
house, leaving Jack to his rcposc. His
vile inquired how Jack made progress in
cutting weeds. lie told his wife the cir
cumtancc Of finding Jack asleep, and
that he had left him happy as he had
found him. She expressed some surprise,
that he had not at least awoke him, and
set HIM to his work. He then gave his
wife the reasons for his (as she thought)
extraordinary conduct. III was at first
disposed" said he, "to pull off one of the
tall sprouts that formed Jacks pleasant
shade, and give him good whipping
| then concluded to set down and rest
myself, q let Jack indulge in his reposc.
While sitting musing on his happy coun-
tenancc, fell into train of reflections
on the subject of UaSier and Stare, as
pcrsonilied in Jack and myself, still feel.
ing strongly inclined to fog Jack when
he awokc. While musing on the sub
ject, the rule Ibid down by the Saviour,
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06
New SOUVENIR. We have lust seen

New SOUVENIR. We have Just seen
specimen of the plates and Typography
of an interesting little Annual, adapted
more especially to the instruction and a
musement of that part of the community
which feels an interest in religion. 1t is
entitled "Ihe Christian Offerings" and
will be issued from the press of Messrs.
Lincoln g. Edmands, well known pub
fishers in Boston. So far as we are able to
Judge of the execution of the work from
the specimen exhibited, it is highly to the
credit of the artists engaged in it, both
as to plates and Typography. 1t will be
an additional recommendation ofthc COZ
iering" to the Rhode-Island public, and
a sure guarantee Of the correctness of its
style and the purity of its sentiments,t that
it is got up exclusively by Rev. gen.
tleman ofthis place, whose character and
attainments are every where respected.
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

*This has now become a trite and fulsome COM
pliment to power, TO ascribe the pure motives to
impure actions The appointment of those edit
ors, who had grossly ,ilited the President and his
wife, could not have been from pure motives
Touching my own appointment, shall show IN
the course Of these letters, that IT never would have
occurred, but for my decided ard avowcd hostility
10 his administration. .lr. .NorreH hold, his ap-
pointment as Postmaster of Detroit, on the same
prounds-more of this hereafter. We, Mr. Ritch-
ie paayers about the chastity of the press and the
purity of the President motives
The advice contained in the concluding sentence,
was more friendly than pure; and how such po-
ltical anchorito as lr. Ritchie, exemplary a re-
former. and so consistent patriot, could ever
have permitted It's conception to sod his chaste
mind, cannot imagine. 1t proves, however, that
he - perfectly conyersant with the means n0de
use of IN he administration 10 preSeTDe as dI-
HeTeHts
+Not communicated by me, hut evidently com
ing from one familiar with the transactions
SAsa...sEss - ssssss
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06
[From the Providence Journal.

81" The citizens ofthis State, friend
ly to the encouragement of AMERICAN
INDUSTRY, are invited to attend IA Public
Meeting at the iowa House, in this
town, on SATURDAY, the 10Th Octo-
bcr at 3 o'clock p. NJ. for the purpose
of appointing Delegates to represent this
State in the Convention Of the Agricui-
tmal, Mechanical, Commercial and Man
ulactu'ing interests, to be held in the city
Of New York, on Wednesday, the 26th
e Ant..Lnr IOQl
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

The Anti-masonic Convention which
met at Baltimore on the o6th ult. for the
purpose of nominating candidates for
President and Vice-P President of the u
niteo States, was organized as follows
John c. Spencer, of New-York, Presi-
dent; John Rutherford, New-Jersey, lst
Vice President; Jonathan Sloane, of O.
hio, Cd do; Thos. Elder, of Penn. Sd do;
John Bailey, of Mass, 9TH do; Benz f.
Hallett, of II. l.; f.. ID. Barber, Yer;
J. c. Leavitt, Conn. and Caleb Emery
of New Hampshire, Secretaries. The
Convention consisted of ll3 members,
representing l2 States. On the Sd day
of the meeting the following nominations
were made, viz:-WILLIAM WRIT, Of
Maryland, for President, and AMOS ELL
MAKER, of Pennsylv for Nice-Prcs-
ident, both having previously signitied
their attachment to the cause of anti ma
sonry, and willingness to be run as can
didates for the above Offices.
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

Lemuel ii. Arnold Tristan Burgess
Benjamin Aborn Samuel Nightingale
Samuel Dexter Ephraim Talbot
George Curtis Charles Dyer
Charles Jackson Samuel n Richmond
Sullivan Dorr Samuel n. Mann
Crawford Allen Walter Paine
John Whipple VIM. f. Richmond
JOS l.. Tillinghast James Rhodes
Thos. Thompson II. Dorrance
Benjamin Hoppin John II. Ormsbee
Edward Darlington Geo. w, Jackson
Stephen Waterman Thomas Rivers
George Jackson Mathew Watson
Richmond j Arnold Orray Taft
A. ID. Hodges B. G. Harris
James Anthony S. b. Mumford
Henry Anthony l.. w. Clifford
Rcsolv'd Waterman ID. c. Harris
Martin Stoddard c. i. Tillinghast
Thomas Trucsdell Samuel Randall
William Jenkins Daniel Greene
Amasa Mason Asa Pierce
James f. Simmons Stephen Arnold
William Anthony Asa Ames
William Sprague Il. J. Stead
Elisha Dyer S. B. Whe atom
John Farnum Ruel Richards
Richard Waterman Thomas II. Holden
Elisha p. Smith Timothy Temple
B. ID. Weeden William Pabodie
John Greene Pardon Miller
Peter GIinnell George Baker
Amasa Spraguc Samuel f.. IIamln
Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06

The Providence Riots. The Commit
tee appointed by the town of Providence
to make report of al the facts in rela-
ton to the late riots in that place, have
performed that duty and reported through
the Providence Journal. The Report
occupies several columns Of that paper,
and does not vary materially from the
account published in our last. The ex-
tent of damage done by the rioters will
be seen by the annexed paragraphs from
the Report:
"The Committee have not been able
to ascertain that any houses occupied by
respectable inhabitants, have been injur-
ed by the late riots. There were de-
stroyed in Olney's lane-one dwelling
house owned by WIN. II. Staples, esq;
four do. do. by S. Staples, jun; one do.
do. by Ezekiel Burr, esq; one do. do.
by Isaac Peck; one do. do by Rosanna
Jones.
In Snow Town, so called, the follow
ing damage was done cone dwelling
house owned by Mrs Granger, windows
considerably broken; two do. by Thos.
Sessions and family, winC ows and doors
destroyed, with some other damage; one
do. by James Thurber, esq. mostly de-
stroyed; one do. by Nicholas Brown,
esq. upset and much injured; one do. by
do. windows broken, and otherwise in
jured, one do. by do. windows conside-
rably broken; two or three houses own
ed by other persons, names not asccr-
tanned, few panes of glass broken"