davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-13

BEAT THIS WHO cAN.-.nr. Charles ". III
erandc,, made in the Cooper ShopofMr. A. A.
Hunter, in five days of last week, Eighty-five
good Flour Barrels, taking his Slaves from the
yard, and racking his own hoops, for which he
received seventeen dollars.
Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-13
sqMpEsAon."-It is now conceded on all

'9MPERAoR.'-It is now conceded on all
hands, that It is the design of the Administra-
ton to create the Office of Lieut.. General of the
Army in Mexico and appoint thereto Mr.. Ben
ton of Mo. clothed with plenary powers as am
bassador and generallisimo. To him will be
conferred the task of conducting the war and
obtaining peace Precisely, thus was Cesar
sent into Gaul, land other commanders elsewhere
who, on their successful return, and often be-
fore saluted with the regal title 'Imperator,: =
and became generally the curse and scourge Of
their country. Unluckily for the reasonable
designs of the Administration, the leading Off
GERS of our army are Wings, and their success
and good conduct has deprived the President OF
any excuse for supersedlng them. He must
therefore, forego his cherished purposes, OF
create Dictator as he designs TO do, through
whom be may effect them.
Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-13

PLANK RoADs.-This species of road seems
to be attracting some attention just at present
and we subjoin a table of the expense of con-
struction, which, we find, accompanied with
many useful observations on the subject, in the
Syracuse Journal, from the pen of George Ged-
des, civil engineer.
Estimate of the cost of single tract Plank
Road. eight feet wide, for one mile:
Stills in. by in. l40SO #. board meas.
8 #. width of Plank 8 in.
thick l26720
Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-13
Corruption Funds.

In the Governors Message, our readers will
notice the following items: "Paid Counties,
expense of Tax salesy &c. @44,o47 49," How
do our readers suppose This, enormous draft or
the general fund, nearly twice as much as one
whole administration ought to cost, is accumu-
latedl Why, chiefly by making the delinquent
tax payers, most of them pon-residents, support
Newspaper in each county where the lands are
situated, to retail the silly inanites OF the Free
Press and kindred journals. These papers, es-
tabished for political effect, are rarely seen by
the persons interested and are more difficult to
find than the Office of the Auditor Genera, where
the returns of delinquent lands are kept. AS
an advertising medium, they are most outrageous
humbugs; yet year after year while every one
was groaning with the weight of taxation, and
lamenting the insolvency of the State, and stri-
wing to sell themselves and their posterity to
the loicest bidder for that was the true tendency
of those most false estimates of the States liza
billties and resources which the Friends of the
Railroad sale, without respect to party, put
forth,) this corruption fund was exacted and
paid to continue party supremacy. So unblush-
ingly has the infamous purpose of this fund been
avowed that, in the Legislature itself, the prop
osition to give the advertising of the tax-sales
to the Treasurers of the respective counties, has
been opposed and voted down, because some of
the counties we're Wing, and consequently,
wing papers might get the patronage!
"UrI PossrDETIs. The extracts from the
Official Correspondence we give this week con-
clusively proves that the conquest of California
at least, was aimed at from the beginning of the
present war.
"* if the treaty of peace" says the Pres
ident shall be made on the basis of the uti pos
sidetis it may leave California to the "United
States" In plain Englis if peace was made on
the basis of our retaining the territories they
had occupied, California might be found. in
possession of our troops. Verily,the President
has held the SOLVE BRANCH IN HIS HAND
Nothing can be more contemptably mean, than
this barefaced hypocrisy of pretended anxiety
for peace, and the constant cant kept up about
pacific intentions, while every page of Official
History, proclaims to the world that on no 9TH
er terms than the REIMBURSEMENT of just what
the United States pleased to claim, could Mexi
CO have at any time obtained peace. Behold the
solve branch" the President holds out. 81 shall
occupy and hold California. You are foolish
to fight about it for we can hold it in spite OF
you so just yield at once or make war which
will give me an excuse for seizing still more
It's matter of Indifference, but you can have
peace at any time by yielding to our demands.
Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-13

DoINGs IN THE CONQUERED TERRITORIES GEN
ERALLY.-We are compelled, by want of room
to abbreviate and condense many facts which
reach us through cur exchanges, showing the
progress of "our Institutions" among the As
tees.
The n. o. Fieaynne of Dec. Is, had recei-
we'd files of the Californian containing election
returns! in several places. In San Juan, Mr.
Mateo Felon has been elected Alcalde. In
Monterey, for the same office, no less than sew
dh different candidates ran, the highest on the
list receiving 90 votes. Whole number cast
33s. The Ex-Governor OF Monterey has re-
turned to his residence.
The first Jury trial ever known in California
was held in Monterey, Sept. 4th, 1876. This
marks an important era IN the civilization Of
the Pacific coast. The defendent was charged
with shipping off lumber of the Plaintiffs frau
dulently.
The Jury acquitted the defendent offelonious
intent, and found verdict of SIS dollars; but as
the defendent had offered to pay this without
suit, plaintiff was ordered to pay cost.
The Texas papers complain bitterly of the
organization of territorial governments in Santa
Fe, claiming that the province belongs to Tex
as; and proceeding with great share of reas-
on to assert that the present disposal of that
Province fairly destroys the groundwork upon
which the justice of the present war is based.
In the County of Bastrop there were the pres
ent year 1896 acres in corn; 1O49 in cotton,
$40 acres in oats, and 80 acres in potatoes.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25

that good General would have adopted the latter
plan long since, the withdrawal of nearly all the
forces from the river would have almost ensured
the success Of descent"
1t was further reported that Gen. Taylor had
fallen back towards Monterey, and expected every
day TO have battle. This, however, was not
credited at New Orleans. The Picayune enter
tans greater apprehension for the injuries the Mex
leans may inilict in the valley of the river and at
Camargo than at Monterey OF beyond that point ;
and the Bulletin also deems it the true policy OF
Santa Anna to reach the banks of the Rio Grande,
and seize upon Maamoras or Camaygo rather than
attack Saltillo or Monterey. At the latter place,
though the American garrison is only about 2 00O
men, they are 50 advantageously fortified to be
able to resist the whole army that Santa Anna
could bring against them. In one fort alone there
are mounted upwards of thirty cannon, which com
pletely command the city.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
FROM THE LEXINGTON GAZETTE.

.uessrs Editors AS the Convention to nomi-
naie suitable Candidate 10 represent this Senate
' Dstrict Is about to meet in the town of Green
VINE on riday the Eth inst, it may not be inn
PioPci W ADDRESS few remarks to the Delegates
appointed at the meeting held i'm Iexipgton o5 tho
Isl gay OF the March court. In the first place let
every one who is thus appointed be present Tn
them Is entrusted the and management of a
public matter in which every citizen of Western
Virginia is deeply interested. That interest de-
rnands that due regard should be had to the man
ner IN which the object of the Convention is to BIO
accomplished. We all know, and regret the know
iedge' TOO, that old mother Augusta contains with
In her limits, large and respectable number of cit
izehs, VINO differ In opinion, with the whole mass
OF the people in Western Virgina-upon very
Important and interesting pont--viz the white
BASIS question: True they constitute a minority i'm
mat county, but it is very considerable minority
ana needs attention. Perhaps watching would be
Inc better term. The appointment of her Dele
gates TO this Convention gives reason to put us up
on our guard, and look to it that all is RIGHT In
that list OF Delegates are many who would sacr-
nee this principle, dear and so vital to the pros
perity Of Western Virginia There arc 20 Dele
gates; Ito of whom are in favor of the mixed basis
the remaining are of the right styipe This is
mentioned as fact, not as any evidence of DESIGN
on the part of our Augusta friends, but as a fact
'hat should be noticed particularly when the nomi-
nation shall be made to the Convention Let the
ly and aflirmatively answered. is he in favor of
the white basis of representation Has he in the
late contest in Augusta upon this issue supported
the friends of this princple2 Will he refuse to
compromise upon any other platform Is he a
warm and decided friend to the completion of the
James River and other schemes of improvement in
which we are interested? If these questions are
answered satisfactorily then may safely support
the nomination, but if not, we hope our delegation
VIII In no way and by no act commit Rockbridge
In his support. Several gentlemen have been moI
toned, as suitable persons to fill the office Amonp
them we notice the name of Lytteton Waddeli.
OF Staunton. We had not expected this, as in the
last Spring election, he had been so warm sun
porter of the mixed basis candidates He is there
fore not the man to suit the views of this region as
IN the issue made upon this very question, he was
found against us. We want no doubtful represen-
tatlve. but firm decided and reliable exponent Of
our wishes
William Kinney, Esq, has also been mentioned,
and his firm and decided opposition to the Messrs
baldwin and Massie-the mixed basis candidates
his devotion to our Improvements ability as
a statesnan-hls talents and character-render him
the most available and desirable candidate in the
eyes Oh ROCKBRIDGE MAN.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
FOR CONGRESS,
COL. ALGERNON S. GRAY,
OF ROCKINGHAM.

0Ij- We authorized to announce Hon. JAMES
McDowELL, of Rockbrdge, candidate for c-clcc-
tion to the Congress Of the United States. from the
District composed of the counties Of Shenandoah Rock
ingham, Pendleton, Hardy, Augusta and Rockbrdge.
oj- We authorized to announce WILLIAM KIN
NEY Esq, OF Augusta as candidate 10 represent the
District composed of the counties of Augusta aud Rock
bridge, in the Senate of Virginia.
o. We arc authorized to announce HuGH W. SHEr-
FEY, Esq, candidate for election the Legis
laturc, from the county of Augusta.
&C. We are authorized TO announce CHAPMAN JonN-
son, Esq, candidate for election the Legsla
turc, from the county Of Augusta
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
CONGRESSIONAL CANVASS.-THE
DISCUSSION

The candidates to represent this Congressional
District had their first meeting in the Court House
on Monday last As it had been publicly announ-
ced that they would be present to give their views
to the people, Oh the important questions which
agitate the public mind, large crowd of our coun-
tymen were in attendance. About half past IL o.
clock the Court took n TO afford the candi-
dates an opportunity of addressing the voters.
Owing to circumstances beyond our control we
are obliged to postpone sketch Of the debate I'M
I'll next week. Suffice it to say for the present. it
was conducted in the most gentemanly and cour-
teous manner on both sides The contest was
placed entirely on high public considerations, and
not single remark was permitted TO escape from
either gentleman which was calculated in the slight
est degree to reflect upon the motives, or wound
the feelings the other. Long may such continue
TO be the usage in this enlightened district We
know no more degrading spectacle than to see two
gentlemen who are aspiring TO high public trusts,
bcspattering each other with the mrc and filth of
party slang. All that is necessary TO cusure the
permanency of the usage which has been adopted
by the present candidates is for the public to fown
upon every effort the part of the candidates, or
their friends, or the public press, to depart from it.
Let the present contest result as it may, we shall
have gentleman to represent us.
The canvass is now fairly opened, and the candi-
dates will doubtless visit the other counties of the
District, and we can promise the people rich ban
quot. Gov. MCDOWELL. is 4 brilliant and beauti-
full speaker and needs no commentator at our
hands Col. GRAY, OF the other hand, has been
but little before the public He goes into the can
vass with only county reputation; but are
greatly mistaken if he does not come out of it with
character for talents aud eloquence, and devotion to
Wing principles Of which his friends and his party
may well feel proud. The proceedings of Monday
must have satisfied all who were present that Mr.
McDowELt has found ga foeman worthy Of his
steel -
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
The WAR AND THE BEST MODE OF
ENDING IT

The war is the engrossng subject of converse
ton in every circle. Statesmen, without respect 10
party, and military men, are alike divided in opin-
/ Ion IN regard to IT, Under these circumstances it
/ is with dillidence that we undertake to hazard an
expression of cur sentiments on the question. But
having bestowed some reflection upon it, we feel it
our duty rs conductors of public press to throw
our mite into the general stock of public opinion,
to be estimated at what it may be worth.
1t seems to us that in coming to a conclusion as
to the best mode of terminating the war, we must
in the first place ascertain why it was begun
| Unless we know h0t, we cannot determine how
far the purposes which prompted the commence
ment of hOstltles have been accomplished. For
what object then was the war commenced? Mr..
Polk says, and Congress have endorsed the state
ment, that Mexico began it. That declaration is
SO palpably untrue, even by the admission of dis
tlnguished Democratic gentlemen, and is so direct
Iy opposed to all the recorded evidence on the sub
ject, and TO Mr.. Folks own subsequent declara-
tlons and conduct, as not to merit serious reluta-
ton 1t is now conceded on all hands TO be true
that the war was commenced by the orders of Mr..
Polk TO General Taylor to march into the Mexican
territory, and to plant his upon the banks of
the Rio Grande and within half mile Of the city
of Matamoras.
But waving the discussion of this matter for the
present. and assuming Mr. Folks declaration to be
true, that Mexico commenced the war, and that
the United States was on the defensive, what is
the course which sound policy, to say nothing of
high sense Of national honor, requires the United
States to pursue
The design Of the Administration is now obvi-
ously 10 make The war one of conquest and not of
defence. Mexico having commenced hostilities ac-
cording 10 Nh Polk, he has determined to carry
the war into the enemys country and to rob her Of
some of her fairest provinces.
Two questions arise, LIST, ought this to be douo7
and End, can it be done
We do not propose to discuss the question with
reference to The justice injustice OF such a course
so far as Mexico is concerned. That is foreign TO
our present purpose. We are now looking at the
matter only as it regards the United States. And
this point Of Wow We arc clearly Of tho opinion
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
For THE sTAUNToN SPECTATOR.
A TRUE TRICK OF OI.DEN TIME

The session of the Legislature was greatly dis.
turbed by the movements of Tarleton The mem
bers had hastily retired from Charlottesville and
convened at Staunton. The report that Tarleton
was on MS march TO Staunton reached the Scotch
Irish Congregations of Thinking Spring and of An
gusta Church on the Sabbath day. Their talented
and patriotic preachers, (also Scotch Irishmen, }
Waddeli ana CraIg, announced the stirring intelli
gehcc from their respective pulpits. The Wing
cry OF leone, let us meet and drive back the enc.
my ere the impress OF one hostile foot pollutes the
soil OF our own Augusta" was echoed back by
every bosom the report spread abroad and all the
men and boys capable of using hostile Implements
rushed to the mountain top at Rockfsb Gan. and
took position" half way down the mountain ON
the Eastern side. The boys from Middle River
were there, of whom, John Dixson, Robert Ken
ney and George Crawford, (part of messy nre-
pared spot upon the mountain slope upon which
10 OV9uac TOT the night Their friends and neigh
the gunsmth,) and one or two of the Rutledoes go,
possession, by stratagem, of the selected SPOT In
ring the afternoon of the day Dixson was busilv ern
Ployed In peeng the entire coat of bark from come
well grown chestnut saplings, intimatinp with an
occasional significant shake of the head that with
inc cannon Of his manufacture he would plav upon
the British. Night came on and the lsnrners of
the chosen ground, under the broad blue canopy of
Heaven, slept soundly.-Not so. John Dixson.
re was sSiiluIly mounting his guns, and so load
ing them as to direct with sure aim portion of
NOISY brook, which at this day hurries by the shop.
wherein the sledge of WOomedorf makes the anvil
ring. The moon at length peeped DER the green
mountain and the eastern hills. The well dtencb-
ed sleepers awoke. Jamie as he began to rub HE
eyes, exclaimed-"What wat nightlo Allison
sprang from his watery bed, and seeino Divson
seated the ground, his knees supporting the
hither end Of his cannon, with an abiuration inter.
''Well, d--n Dixson's arery.1 " "'"'-
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
THE RETIRED WIG SENATOR'S

The National lntelligencer contains a deserved
tribute IN honor OF those gallant and worthy WHIGs
whose terms of office as Senators of the limited
States have just expired, and who now 90 into pri
vate life with the proud consciousness of having
performed their duty faithfully, to wit: WILLIAM
). ARCHER, of Virginia J. NJ BERRIEN, of Geor
gia; JOSEPH CILLEY, of New Hampshire THos.
CLAYTON, of Delaware GEORGE Evans, of Me-;
SPENCER JARNAGIN, of Tennessee; JAMES IT..
MoREHEAD, OF Kentucky; JAMES F. SIMMONS,
of Rhode Island and WILLIAM WoopBRJGE. Of
Michigan These gentlemen are worthy of all
that the lntellgencer has said of them, and we
unite cordially with our respected contemporary in
thanking them for their devotion to the whig cause
and the true interests of our country MAY they.
in their retirement, enjoy health and happiness, and
be found always willing, when they are called on,
to step forth IN defence of their party and its prn-
ciples !-.4terandria Gasette
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
STILL LATER.

On the 9th of Feb an express arrived at Ca
MARCO with note, dated Monterey, IL o'clock A.
NJ, Feb. 23d. saying an express had just arrived
from Saltillo bringing Information that Santa Anna
sent 4 summons to Gen. Taylor demanding his sur
render. The general told him to sscome and take
him." Santa Anna stated that he had 10000
men. and that if Taylor did not surrender he would
cut him to pieces. The note concludes 1.-The
express which left after dark last might says thai
Taylor was giving the Mexicans HI"
This may be considered the last official commu-
nica,ion received. all the subsequent information
being derived from the MeXcans.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25
EXCITING RUMORS FROM THE RIO
GRANDF

\ late arrival at New Orleans from Brasos San
tiago brings accounts from the latter place to the
lst of this month. Capt. Hughes, of the Illinoi.
volunteers, who left Gen. Taylor's camp, twenty
miles from Saltilo, on the 18Th, and Monterey tie
18th ultimo, states that Gen. Taylor had 5000 MGR
with him, and there were Two regiments of troop:
at Monterey. Every thing quiet at both places
when Capt. Hughes left and Gen. Taylor intended
to remain al his camp near Salto until the LIST d
April
Gen. Worth left Brasos on the 25th uGmo, on
board the steamer Edith. One company Of Infln-
try, one company of Artillery, company Of
Dragons, and the light batteries, had all embarked
Six companies Of Dragons were still at the Bra
sos, waiting transportation.
Mr.. Kendall, one of the Editors of the New Or
leans Plcayune, writes to that paper from BrasOs
Island, OH the 2Sth ult., as follows
'''rhe news from the direction Of Monterey, or
rather the rumors and reports from that quarter,
important. = An express arrived at Mata-
moras on the Goth ultimo (Frday) from Col Cur
It's at Camargo. That officer states that an express
left Seralvo on the evening Of the 25d from Col.
Morgan with an Injunction to him to stop all trains
between Calnargo and Monterey. Col. Morgan s
regiment was to leave Soralvo at daylight on the
morning Of the oath, but It's destination was UNI
known. The enemy was reported Us advancing in
great force, but from what point is not designated
Col. Morgan received his orders direct from Gen
Taylor
- his is Inc substance OF the lnteUgcnCe Brought
by the express. Verbally hear it rumored that
Gen. Mejia has thrown large force into Linares,
where he commands in person. There are those
who hink-of course TO one kno,cs any thing pos
Iuvely-that Santa Anna intends making leint
with considerable force in the neighborhood Of
Con Taylor, with the intention OF divertng the
attention Of that officer and when this is affected
TO pass him with large body of light troops and
make an attack upon Camargo, Matamoras, or
some Of the depots in this vicinity Nothing could
be easier at this time, drawn away as the force
along the river now is but still doubt whether
Santa Anna has the nerve to make such demon
stration A friend thinks that he is making Rent
in the neighborhoOd If Sdltill0 with the intention
OF Withdrawing attention from San Luis while he
is sending of large force to Vera Cruz. There
may be something in this a few days or weeks
will tell the story.
"'The last accounts placed Gen. Taylor at Aqua
Nuega. twenty miles on the other side Of Saltillo
with the most Of his force. All the reports would
60 to confirm that Senta Anna has large body Of
men in his neighborhood bus whether with the in
'ention of attacking Gen. Taylor, or passing him
and falling upon the American posts and dcpos on
the Rio Grande, no ono knows Every ono says
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-25

Inc prisoners captured by the Americans in the
battle OF Resaca de la Palma have been highly ho-
nored by the Mexican Government. Gen. La Vega
mas oeeh nominated General of Brigade, and has
been presented with medal commemorative oP hi,
yaor Or the Lieutenants who fought by his side
In that bloody conflict Don Alexandra Prada and
Don Silverio Velez, Lieutenants have been raised
to Captancles, and sub Lieutenant d. Feliciano
Ruiz has been made Lieutenant Lieut.. Col.
Martinez, who accompanied Gen. La Vega, has
been elevated to the command Of battalion Gen.
La vega has received his commission as Com
mandant- General of the State Of Vera Cruz