davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28
wiki, S;CIxuess.

Mr.. Beverly Watkins, of Sugar Creek, Clinton
CO., Ills, has written u long communication for
the BelIeyile Advocate, in which he states that
he has discovered the true cause Of that fightful
malady-desruciv both to man and beast
known as the milk sickness. lie says II is caused
| by a weed, which grows in timber, generally in
rich upland, and pinoak, linn elm, &c, though 1t
is frequently found in other kinds Of timber, and
in bottoms. Itnever grows in prairie or land u
der cultivation. 1t grows from one to feet high,
furking out into many branches from the main
stem, and the blossom, which appears in the lat
ter part Of August and beginning of September,
comes out on the extreme ends of the branches,
in broad punches, somewhat in shape like pars-
nip when gone to seed, but very white and fine
The leaves vary in size from one to three inches
broad, as they are nearer the top or bottom, -
and are generally shaped somewhat like this. ~
As there are many weeds that resemble this,
it would he very difficult to describe il so that the
reader could distinguish it at sight, and il is, there
fore, not attempted; but Mr.. W. is WILLING to point
out 10 any one who will go to the trouble to call
Oh him.
Many reasons arc given by Mr. Watkins to
show that the milk sickness is caused by this
plant, and some Of them are very plausible, if not
entirely convincing. One is, that in places where
that sickness prevails, he has always found the
weed very plenty, while in places where the sick
ness does not prevail, it is not to be found. An
othe reason be gives is, that while his cattle has
been kept grazing on the prairie, they were never
afflicted with that sickness but as soon as they
entered the timber, where they eat nothing else
perccivablc but this weed, (and he has several
times watched thcm,) they began to get sick and
die. And third reason is, that after this weed
is killed by the frost, (and one or two heavy osts
will do it, so that cattle will no longer eat it.,
there is no longer the least danger in letting them
run in the timber.
This is matter of great importance to the
west, and if Mr. w. has indeed succeeded in dis
covering the cause Of this ''terror of the west he
will have become one of the foremost among his
couutry's bcnclactoIs In Kentucky and Indiana,
and, doubtless in other States there has for years
been standing reward offered for the first disco
very Of the cause Of the milk sickness, and should
citizen Of our own state be the fortunate disco
verer, we have no doubt our legislature would al
SO reward him handsomely.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28
A DEMOCRATIC FARMER.

Comets.-Prol. Nichol, Of Glasgow
University, in his Architecture of the
Heavens, as well as in his work on the
Solar System, regards comets as mere ne
bup, of the most ETHEREAL nature, and
therefore incapable of doing any mischief,
though their nuclei should come in con-
tact with the earth or sun. He says: ga
comet is vast mass Of nebulous or pure
ly ETHEREAL matter, SO light and flmy that
nothing on this earth can be compared to
it. II was calculated of one, that its
whole immense volume, if compressed in
to density equal to our atmosphere,
would not occupy more than one cubic
inch Even the denser part of these bo-
dies-their apparent nucleus---is a'togeth'
er filmy for, through the very heart OF
comet Of considerable brightness, stars OF
the 10th magnitude have been deserted.
And again: "Comets are nothing but
ncbulosllies. Even their ndclei dissolve
into fog under the inspecian of tele-
scope. Through the heart Of one, Sir
John Herschcll once deserted cluster Of
stars Of the 10th magnitude
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

An exchange tells the following excellent
story OF Jacob Barker, once a celebrated merchant
in New York, but now in New Orleans: "Mr.
b. once sent to an insurance office the following
message: III thee has not signed the policy, thee
need not, for | have heard from the ship He
had SO, she was lost--but the president of the
insurance company, eager to get the premium, re-
turned word that it was already done. Jacob oh
tanned GOO by this adroit message,-lhere was
a little ja,oing on both sides"
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

the following; "a hen, belonging to Benjamin
Galloway, Esq, of Weakly CO., Tenn, was some
time ago bitten by ratesnakc, but, by proper at
tcntion, the wound was cured. However, strange
to tell, we informed that every egg laid since
that time by this hen had picture Of rattle
snake represented upon the shell. Mr.. Galloway,
who is afraid to use these eggs in the family, has
kept them, and will, with pleasure, exhibit them
to the inspection OF the incredulous."
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

Emigration. is expected that the emigration
from England the ensuing year will be unusually
large, it is encouraged by the government still
more extensively than hitherto, in hopes, perhaps
by getting rid of portion of the disconnected and
suffering among the population, to enjoy more
quiet and security at home. 1t is stated in a Ii
verpoo paper, that there will be a very large cmi-
grafton of working people from that part to the
United States. A considerable portion of them
will proceed to New Orleans.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

We have transferred to opr, columns this week
the letter Of Gov. Ford to Messrs. Oakley and Ry-
an, under the belief that it will be looked for with
interest by our readers. Tho letter was written,
ii will be observed, to repel the charge lately so
frequently made against the democratic party of
this state, that they held the doctrine that ono c-
gislature has right to repeal all acts Of former,
even though such repeal be in violation of sacred
contracts and vested rights. This infamous charge
we believe, first made its appearance in the New
York Tribune; but since then it has been fully
endorsed by the wing papers of this state, and
dwcIt upon necessarily, in the hope that capital
may thereby be induced not to advance the mo.
ney under the law Of the last session for The CON-
pIstion Of the canal. The wings are unwilling to
let the democrats have the credit Of completing
that noble work they know /. will release the
state from her smbarassmcnis and restore her TO
,nore than her former prosperity and this they
isssd above all lhings for they know tina, II de.
nocsscy shall ones hsvc accomplished SO much
81 our statc, tic people will moi b likely to wan,
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

John Neal us every body knows, has said
great many good things and among them we find
the following:
The dollhouse system Of education is doing
wonders in our land. The boy kicks of his dia
per and lrock and jumps into caIskin boots and a
long tail coat He exchanges the nipple for ci-
gar, and the sugar teat for quid of tobacco. The
girl is either baby or lady. She makes one
jump from her nurses arms into her husbands,
and, of course, is FINISHED"
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

From China.--Therc has been n late arrival at
New York from China, and news is brought of an
alarming riot and fire at Canton, in which the
foreign factories pilIaged and set OH fire, and
much damage was done. The British plenipo-
Tertiary made demand for redress, which, if not
promptly answered, is to be followed by tho most
vigorous measures. SO the much talked of peace
between England and China seems to be already
at an end.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

OF Of The Svape.-From the scrap below,
found in a Connecticut paper, we are inclined to
believe that the destruction of tho world is Ger.
tainly over for this season at least.
Tho Rev. DR.. Jarvis, Of Mddctown, Conn, is
preparing for the press q work on tho Chronology
Of the Bible, in which he designs, among other
things to show that, were Mr.. Millcr's views Of
the meaning Of the prophetic writer's correct, the
world would have been burnt up several years
ago, as he has placed the Rcdcemer's death exact
" five years tcu late.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

Young Mercer, whose trial We noticed last
week as going on at Woodbury., N. j., has been
acquitted on the ground of insanity and dischnrg-
ed. Every body appears to be satisfied with the
decision. Great confusion and excitement, it is
stated, prevailed in court previous to the render
ing of the verdict by the jury. The crowd fol-
lowed Mercer out of court after his acquiltal, and
gave vent to their feelings by cheers.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

The circuit court of the United States for the
district of Alabama has decided that the marriage
ola white man with an Indian woman, according
to the forms and customs of the Choctaw nation,
is void; that civilized man is incapable of con-
tracing marriage with savage, and that their
offspring is icgilimatc and could not inherit. A
most singular and unrish,eous decision, in our
humble opinion.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28
ground of insanity. In that case, one Of his ordi-
nary efforts would have been amply sufficient
N. n. City Election.

At the recent charter elccton in the city Of
New York the democrats were triumphan, beyond
all Notwithstanding their mayor, TIE Hon.
Robert II. Morris by the unprecedented majority
of sir housaad voies. They also succeeded in
eecling 81 out Of 81 of the common council
Good for the Knickerbockersl
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

Important DeciSi0--Folks may now whistle
in the streets much as they please and a, what
ever hour suits them best. 1t has been decided
in Boston that whistling is not disturbance of
the peace. A Mr.. Brewer recently recovered ten
dollars from two watchmcn of that city for impri.
soning him IA hours for whs,ling in the streets
at night. Mr., Brewer was determined not to ''pay
too dear for his lchiak.'
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28
From The Pennsyivaaian.)
Hmprompiu on the Coar, Of Error, nj yyn.
s;liu.tOls.

With Washington, her favorite son.
The country went most bravely ON.
And raised her name in story;
With Jefferson, aud Madison,
And Jackson, down to Harrison,
Still on, on, on TO glory.
With Tyler she began to err,
Called Webster, Spencer, and UpshtE,
Wing Tories, to support her;
Echo returned no sound to her
From congress walls, save err, err, err,
And now she calls for Porter.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

From Mcrico.--rhe painful rumor that the
Texan prisoners who were captured at Mier and
who had made their escape have been recuptured
and ordered to- be shot by Santa Anna, is we are
greved to state, fully confirmed by late arrivals
from Mexico. 1t is stated the English and Amc-
rican ministers demonstrated energeticaIy against
the barbarous edict.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28
For the Free Trader.

NeSSrs. EdiforS-I am glad to see a
sober, sensible, and intelligent view taken
of the coming August election; and such
an one is presented in the last Free Ira
der, signed "Justice." Tell me, Messrs.
Editors, if any Democrat in Ottawa op-
poses the doctrine of nominating some of
the candidates in different parts Of the
county IL there is, name him out in
your paper that your readers may know
who he is You fellows in Ottawa are
quite smart, for you have the Senator, two
Representatives, Sheriff, Recorder, one
Commissioned, Probate Justice, Coroner,
Surveyor, School Commissioner, Treas
urer, Clerk of the circuit court and Coun-
ty Court, and have held most Of them for
years. Now, this is all wrong and UNI
Just. If the offices to be filled next Au-
gust are not profitable, it is the duty OF
other Democrats to bear the burthen a.
while if they are profitable, it is right
others should have an opportunity to
make something by holding them. You
townsmen are no better than we farmers,
and | think the Democratic Convention
would do well to turn some of you out TO
grass for season.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

Rahcays and Coaches.--An old "whip" thus
shows the distinction between railway and
coach accidents: "If," says he, "you gets CON-
foraby capsizcd into ditch by the roadside, there
you are. but ifyou gets blown up by an engine,
run into cutting, or OF an cmbankmcn,, ,phere
are pou ?"
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

Commander McKen2ie has been acquitted by
the court martial before which he was tried, and
the president has approved it. But i, is dubious
Iy limited by the n. Y. Herald, a paper that has
all along evnced the utmost hostility to McKen-
zic that "this is not tho end o the Somers affair"
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

Produce Of the United Staies.--A statement,
proparedhy the commissioner fpatents, estimates
the products of fifteen articles only, which were
tho growth of 1912, at nearly six hundred mil
lions of dollars.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

7srcS.-It is said that England offers to pro-
cure the acknowledgment of the Independence of
Texas by Mexico, on condition that slavery be
abolished in the republic.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

HayH.-The sable republicans OF st. Domingo
having become dissatisfied with their government
generally, and with the tyranny of their president
Boyer, in particular, have risen en- niasSe deposed
the tyrant and driven him from the Island, and,
at the latest dates were engaged in forminga more
liberal constitution.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

The New Orleans Tropic, il speaking of Mes
merc experiments, tells the following good one:
An apothecary's boy quite wag) was mes
merzsd, and then the operator rubbed the organ
of adteSirne,s. The boy Immediately rose and
said he would spread n pLtter!
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

A First Rate CertEcate-rhc following GER
titicatc was sent to patent medicine inventor.
The photography is peculiar, to say the least OF it
and should Noah Webster accidentally cas-, his
eyes OH it, be would doubtless faint.
sur Take the Libburly Of addressing yew
abowt the brandy and salt i was afflicted with
dredlul lowness of sperits and rcwmatism which
having freely aplidc the above has both disappear
ed sur my way of Applying is the sawlt outside
wonst day q the brandy in twice every hour.
its ellex is sumtime really Astonishing. my wife
allzo takes the abuv Meddsin in heI Tea, q finds
crate benefits. sur ycwr most obcdient
TuMNUs SPooNEY.
P.S. neybur of mine Tride the Ahuv on his
wife bean Bad skalded killing pig but Unlukky
forgot to put in the sawlt owever it was all We
ry wei. for the brandy aloan Cured his wife &
now he's got the sawIt to cure his bakun.
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28

The following is cpt from the Picayunc. 1t
can't fail to raise laugh
without faith it is impossible to be saved"
was mldc, by French preacher, to read, "wilh-
out face it is impossible to be shaved"
The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-28
Gov. Forsl's Letter.

j. o. Gsovwn, Secretary.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16
APPORTIONMENT BILL.

The bill to apportion the Congressional delegs-
ton of the State. passed the Senate on Tuesday
the 9Th instant, precisely in the form i, came from
the House of Delegates, by vote OF l6 to ID
All the Wings present, and four Democrats, voted
against it. The Wing absent was MIR. Lang
horne, and the Democrat, Mr.. Shinn, who it is
said would also have gone against the bill. The
four Democrats who recorded their votes with the
minority were MessIs. Voolfolk, Hunton, New
man, and McMullen-some of whom denounced
the bill as an infamous Gcrrymander, which they,
as Democrats, were sorry to say, was perpe.ratrd
by Democratic Legislature.
The Select Committee of the Senate to whom
the bill had been referrod reported several amend.
ments making it less exceplionable, but they
were promptly voted down. They proposed to
strike out Bedford from the Albemarle district,
and insert Louisa and Fluvanna in its stead
Lunenburg and Fluvanna were to be taken
from the Buckingham district, and Bedford insert
ed in their stead-which would have made il
a Whig district. by taking Louisa from the
Richmond district, it would most probably also
have been Wing. Three changes were likewise
proposed by the Committee in the Western Dis
tricts, but it is not stated what they were.
AS the question is now settled, we annex tab
ular view of the arrangement of the Districts for
] n, inf ,,,tt, nC H.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16
MANY VOTERS.
TO lie Editor of lie Lexington Gazette.

avail myself OF the columns of your paper, to
respond to the nomination made OF me, through
both of the political presses in this place, as a
candidate for the Senate of Virginia and also as
an answer To the several personal solicitations BY
letter from citizens of Augusta.
have from The first moment that my name has
been used in this behalf uniformly declared to my
friends, that l could not under any circumstances
consent TO become a candidate. No man could feel
more sensbly than do, these renewed manifesto
tons of confidence and regard from my fellow
citizens of both political parties: and if again en-
tering into public life would not be attended with
sacrifices greater than can well bear, would
cheerinlly accept the nomination which might, or
might not, place me in the Senate for The next
four years.
have devoted already nine years of my life to
the public, and having but recently retired for the
purpose OF devoting myself to my professional pur-
suits, and repairing the breaches made by that
service, ] feel constrained. most respectfully to
decline the honor Of canvassing for seat in the
Senate. G.. p. DORMAN.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16
10 The Editor olMe Spectator.

AS the time is approaching when we should
recommend candidates for the sufrages of the peo-
pie. to represent them in the next House Of Dele
gates, and as it is important Augusta should be
well represented and as ii is now understood that
the present able delegate Mr.. Brooke intends to
retirei permit US to bring to the notice of the peo-
pie of the county, the name of an individual who
will make an able and good representative
Though he has not mingled much with politics or
the strife of party, yet his high intellectual en-
dowments and his legal attainments, added to his
goodness of heart, his moral worth, point him out
ests Of this county III the next Legislature. We
alude to JOHN G.. Fulton, Esq. and though this
is written without the consent or knowledge of
that gentleman, we have no doubt he will consen,
to become candidate, when he is assured he will
receive the support Of
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The Central Democratic Committee Of Rock.
bridge have appointed the following gentlemen to
represent that county in the Convention to be
held at Harrisonburg on the 30th of this month,
for the purpose OF nominating candidate for
Congress: Mathew White, Maj. Joseph Bell,
Col. w. II. Caruthers, Samuel Gillock, John
Harris, A. M. Lusk, Capt. Joel Lakeland, John
A. Paxton, Capt W. Shields, Col. w. Paxton,
Shanklin McClintic, l.. J. Mclaughlin, VIM. r.
Bell, John j. Mcbride, DR.. W. Rogers, Addison
Gilmore, II. @. Davidson, II. w. Mackey, and
James III. Paxton
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16

We sincerely regret to hear of the removal OF
Mr.. Wight, by the Legislature, as Pcnitentiary
Storo-keeper, and the more for the reason which
has operated to produce it. He is one of the most
amable and deserving of men, and was acknowA
ledgcdly faithful and valuable public officer.
But, ne is Wing, and Democrat wanted his
pace--and this vas the sole reason for his renio-
val. Wellm the Enquirer say ''we feel for the
case of Mr.. Wighr'-for it is such acts that give
to Party all its bitterness, and render it so hateful
TO liberal and generous minds.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16
Capt. HARPER


Dear Sir:-lt seems to be generally understood
that one OF present worthy Delegates the General
Assembly will be candidate present station
at our Spring election And upon casting about for an IN
dvidoal who would represent Od Augusta with cred
minds were al once directed TO JAMES BELL Esq-a
gentleman whom all know and whose political prin-
cpics, large experience and superior qualica-
tons a magstratc-aud the influence good which
such an individual would be likely upon his fell
low members-emnently qualify him to represent us
though the undersigned have had communication witt
MIR Bell on the subject they ondly hope he will per-
NIT his to be announced 4 candidate the
ing election. FARMERS OF AUGUSTA
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16

tive understand that WILLIAM KINNEY, esq.
has resigned the Office of District Attorney Of the
United States for the Western District Of Virgin
ia, in consequence of the increased labor which
would be imposed upon him by the late law of
Congress establishing new Courts, and the inter
ference occasioned thereby with his regular bust
ness.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-16

~ II will he seen from card published in
this paper that Gen. DoRMAN positively declines
the solicitation of his friends to become candi.
date for the Senate. We presume, therefore, tina,
there will be no farther call for Convention by
our political friends in Rcckbridge, and that Mr.
BROOKE will be cordially supported by them.