davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
THE LOUISA RAIL. ROAD

The bill to extend this Railroad to the Eastern
base of the Blue Ridge, has also passed the House
of Delegates, and, it is believed it will meet with
the sanction Of the Senate. Verify, the present
Legislature merits the plaudit ''wel done good and
faithful servant"
For dong time we apprchcnded nothing would
be done during the present session to advance the
prosperity and happiness of the people But we
have been most agreeably disappointed, and what
we feared would be profess session will close in
blaze OF glory A new era has dawned upon
Virginia All the signs of the times are suspicious
and we now confidently look forward TO the day
when harmony will be restored TO our good old
Commonwealth, and all her vast resources fully
developed.
Our own peculiar portion of the State has been
large recipient Of Legislative favors With the
Valley Turnpike on the Nortll-the Parkersburc
road on the West-the Southwest road (Which
must now inevitably be brought TO Buchanan, and
thence through Lexington to this place. on the
South, and the ScotsvilIe road and Louisa Rail
Road on the Fast, our town must become the CEN
tire of large trade and travel. And with Bank
here to furnish active capital, and q large number
OF intelligent and industrious merchants to use it.
we should think it strange indeed if great amount
of business is not transacted here
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
From The New Orleans Picayune, EsG. &C.

LATEST FROM THE BRAZOS.
The Steamer Cora, from the Brazos, sailed Oh
the 10Th inst
The Intelligence heretofore given of the prospect
of an action at Saltillo is confirmed. All Gen. But
ler's ou,posts said 10y the Maamoras Flag 10
have been driven i'm, and the attack if made at all
was expected during the first few days of February.
Dr. Hardy, (who came passenger lii the Cora,) is
of opinion that Gen. Taylor's command at Saltillo
would exceed rather than fall short of six thousand
men, Or course, there was fear as to the result.
Many believed that when the MeXicans found him
in such force and SO strongly posted, the idea Of an
attack would be abandoned.
Very many officers were still of opinion that San
tn Anna meditatcd no serious blow i'm that direc-
ton that the movement OF division of his army
thithcr was but feint, and that he will lead the
main body OF his forces to Vera Cruz.
Various rumors have reached the city by this ar
rival some of them TO the effect that general en-
gagement had taken place. To none Of these do
we attach any credence.
good deal of apprehension is felt at Matamoras
OF an attack from Gen. Urea. This officer is UNI
ders,ood TO be this side Of the mountains at the
surpassed in the Mexican service, the remainder
are irregular cavalry or rancheros.
Col. Drake has the command at Matamoras
where an Indiana regi ment is stationed. One com
pany OF rifles had been detached from it to relieve
Capt Lowe, in the command of Fort Brown.
The troops were still embarking at the mouth a.
rapidly as possible. Gen. Scott sailed on Saturda,
the 18th inst. Gen. Worth had not left on tn,
18th, and would see his whole command on ship
board before leaving. The troops would lie concen
rated at the isle Of Lobos rapidly rs possible bu
we are informed by an intelligent gentlemen that i
was not supposed the army could move from Lobo
! before the 18th of March
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
FROM THE BALTIMORE AMERICAN.

lHE THREE MILLION BILL, without the quail.
fcatlon of the Wilmot provso, passed the ordeal of
the two Houses and is now a law. The bill itself
has thin caver of FEASIBILITY on the face of it
but to understand it Alright it must be considered in
cohheNlon with the remarks of the Chairman of the
Sohinlt'ee on Foreign Relations, who, in open
SENATE, declared It's real nature and PURPOSES
Our readers have not forgotten MIR. Sewers 4
Vowa-that The object of this extraordinary appro-
pnatlon was to furnish the leader of the Mexican
army with the means of paying his troops. in order
that they might be made tractable i'm his hands as
he promised to be in ours.
Let us suppose that this declaration goes to Mex
ico, as 1t must, In advance of The approximation
What then ? The people of Mexico will behold in
Their Leader pensionary Of the United States-an
uhihasked traitor who receives money from the en-
erny 10 subServe the enemy's purposes. Is it not
so And If 1t be so, how can Santa Anna retain
the contdenceof his countrymen2 Let us reverse
lhe case, and suppose that in war between the
United States and England for example. the COM
mander-in-chief Of our armies in the field held at
the same time the Presidency, and was man of
controlling influence with powerful party that
he was willing to conclude disoracefui peace. but
feared to avow himself SO lest his popularity and in
Huencc NIGH be cndangered and that, finally, to
strengthen his hands and to give him the means of
procuring subservlent instruments to accomplish his
design, the British Government in open Parliament.
appropriated large sum for his use. If such
man should not fall at from his high position
overwhelmed by the Indignation of his countrymen
1t would be because all sentiments of honor and "a
riotism had become extinct among us, and the ia
Guilty had become lost Of recognizing the worst cha
racteristcs of treason
There is one point of view in which we can I'M
derstand how the Mexicans might permit this Jug
gle to go on. They may know very well that the
whole project is only a scheme on the part of San
Ia Anna TO get money, and they may wink at the
stratagem by which this Government allows itself
to be cozened-It may remain in the recollection OF
the heXlcans that Santa Anna has duped Mr.. Polk
once already, and that the manner in which the ex
lied chief was brought home and restored TO the
mead OF the army, did not in the slightest degree
affect his devotion to Mexico, or impair mis- eflicen
cy as commander.-Why not suffer this accom-
Piished master of duplcity to carry on his game /?
Money is very desirable to the Mexicansgvery
they could fight us to much better advantage with
few millions in their Golfers and 10, here comes
simple pigeon ready to be pucked The chance
is too good to be lost; the game is irresistibly at
'raciive to the prince of Mexican sharpers. 1t is
much better way of raising money than to lay taxes
which can rarely be collected, or to seize upon
church property from which nothing can be realized
except unpopularity
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
FROM SANTA EE.

An Extra from the office of the ST. Louis Re
publican, under date Of the Goth ut gives intelli-
gence OF 4 battle having been fought between Col
Doniphan's regiment and the Mexcans, about fifty
miles above Ell Paso Del Norte, in which the for
mer, as usual, were MISUNDERSTANDING Mexicans
were killed, and seven Americans wounded The
number of Meyicans is reported to have been 1900,
while the Americans numbered only 600
There had been an instruction planned ut Santa
Fe headed by the priests, but it was discovered in
time to prevent it. At the time the company left
the Americans had twenty Of the ringleaders ar
rested, nearly all Of them priests; and it was
thought that they would be executed
There has been great deal of sickness in the
American army, which was very atal-iever of q
typhoid character sweeping them off daily.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
THE SCOTTSVUJE ROAD

IL is with unfcigned pleasure that we announce
no our readers the passage by our Legislature of
BIZ to relocate and McAdamisc the road to Scots
vile. The estimated cost is $4,000, and the
State with unusual and truly commendablc liberal
iiy has subscribed for Ihrce-firlhs Cor sos. 600
worth) Of the stock, leaving only $4,000 to be
raised by individuals The proportion of Augusta
would be abuut $23 900, and the residue must bo
raised in Albemarlo and Richmond. We under
stand that a scheme has been suggested OF sub
hitting the question to the landholders of AUGUSTA
to decide by vote whether tax shall be laid on the
lands OF the County to raise that sum in four or five
annual instruments. If the majority should te in
favor OF 1t, the tax will be laid and the subscription
be made on behalf Of the County, and the diyi-
dends will he applied TO the reduction of the Conn
ty taxes In future. The great benefits likely to
result from this measure are: first, it viii ensure
the construction of the read and second, it will
difiuse the burthen rateably amongst those who
will be most benefited, instead of LEAVING it to fall
exclusively ON the public spirited portion of the
community. From the best lights before us, we
regard the project rs founded in justice and sound
policy, and we heartily wish it may meet with sue
tncS
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
DIVISION OF THE STATE.

correspondent of the Lexing ton Gazette ex-
presses the opinion that large number of the citi
zens of Rockbrdge County would be rejoiced to sec
the State of Virginia divided. We do not pretend
to possess any very extensive or accurate information
In regard to the public sentiment of that eniuhtcn
cd community on the subject, but VIC mus. confess
we were very much surprised to sec such decla-
ration i'm the columns OF the Gazette. For our par,
we should regard division of the State as calsm-
ity which would be second only to dissolution of
the Union. Indeed. we should appreheud that the
latter would soon follow the former The object
would, doubtless, be to make Western Virginia a
free State, thereby giving to the non -savcholding
section an increase OF seven Representatives and
two Senators. Such arrangement of the balance
of power would at place the South at the mer-
cy of the North and force the slaveholdinr States
either to divide the Union. or to surrender thei
most important rights and institutions
But 1t is not our purpose, at this time, to entc
into any argument of this question, though we may
perhaps, at future day take occasion to recur to il
Our only OBJECT in noticing the declaration was
10 express our very decided dissent from the mea
sure, and TO say that we believe it would hardl,
find single advocate in the broad limits Of OF,
Augusta. She has no sympathy with Divisionists
She is loyal to the old Commonwealth Of Virgni:
as it was in l776, and as it now stands; and sh
will resist to the utmost every attempt, come from
what quarter and in what form it may, to sunde
the ties OF brotherhood and of common interest
which bind together the East and tho West An
If, in an evil hour, the fratricdal blow should b
struck, and she should be compelled to elect to g
with the Fast or the West, we believe that nine
ten,hs of her citizens would decide to abide tn
fate Of that portion OF the Commonwealth whic
gave birth to Washington and jefferson, aud Mad
son and Marshall and Henry, and is ccnsccrated i
the eyes of the patriot by the scene of so many ole
rious Revolutionary achievements, and as the res,
ing place Of the FATHER OF HIS CouNrRyi
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.

The Post Office Laws arc completely remodeled
by the changes made to the new bills.
The franking privilege is restored as before the
last law vert into operation, and Congress appro-
PIRATES two hundred Thousand dollars TO paw the
hostages of the two Houses of Congress- The
ranking extends to the recess as well as the terms
Of Congress.
Besides the provisions made in the bill authoriz-
ING the establishment of sixteen war steamers
twelve for mail scrvice-one of the sections of this
bill authorizes a contract to be made for CONVEYING
the mail in steam vessels directly to Astoria. San
francisco and Monterey, on the Pacific, starting
from Charleston, New Orleans, Havana and
Chagres
The same act makes it an offence TO send two
letters under one envelope, and newspapers are to
be charged three cents postage, except when sent
from the office of publication. Mail carriers and
contractors are, however, authorised to carry news
papers out OF the mail for circulation or for sale
The Post Master is authorised to establish branch
Post Offices in any city where the convenience of
the inhabitants may make it desirable, and that
without any increase of the present rates of postaOe
lie is also authorised 70 sell stamps to the deputy
Post Masters. and which are by them to be furnish
cd to those wishing to purchase
lhe commissions and compensation Of Post Mas
tiers are altered as follow:
Those receiving $500. and under arc allowed
the benefit of the ranking privilege The follow
ing are the rates OF commission allowed
On any sum over two thousand four hundred dol
lars twelve and half per cent, (prcsent rate,
eight per cent?
On all sums arising from the postage on news
papers magazines and pamphlets, fifty per cent.
(Present rate fifty per cents
on the amount of hostages on letters OF pack
cts received for distribution seven per cent (pre-
sent rate five per cent?
On SUN not exceeding one hundred dollars
forty per cent, (prescut rate thirty per cents
On sum over the first hundred and not exceed
ing four hundred dollars, thirty three and one third
per cent, (Prcsent rate twenty five per cent?
On sum over and above the first four hundred
and not exceeding two thousand four hundred dol
lars, thirty per cent-BGH. american.
We learn from the "Union" that Briradier
General WoRrH has. in consequence Of his pallan,
services. been nominated and confirmed by the Sc
pate as Major General by brcrct.-.Nm. Int.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
END OF THE 18TH CONGRESS.

his morning, at one O'Clock, the Senate and
tfQpse OF Representatives were adjourned sine die
by their Presiding Officers; and, before this paper
reaches the hands of any of our readers twothirds
o ' tie Hemoers OF both bodies are on tho way to
their respective homes.
The Annual Appropriation Bills have all become
laws, though not without severe struggle between
the two Houses upon the amendments made TO the
Civ'l and Diplomatic Bill by the Senate, some of
which were agreed to, and others rejected or com
promised.
The bill authorizing the appointment of addition.
al General and other Officers i'm the Army has be-
come law after contest between the two Houses
winch enued In rejection of the amendment of
me House OF Representatives for giving to the Pre-
sident authority to appoint Commanding General
to supersedc, Of course, the present Co4m.ndeY1
of the Army in the field
The Harbor Bill, (involving appropriations TO
the amount Of less than half a million of dollars
which passed the House of Representatives some
days ago and passed the Senate yesterday morning,
Is understood TO have been retained in the hands of
the President, and failed to become law. Its
twin sister, however, (the Lighthouse Bib has
ocen approved.
The Senate bill to appropriate half a million Of
dollars, in the name of the People of the United
States, towards the relief of the sufferers by famine
IN Ireland, met the fate which anticipated when
we heard OF lis commitment, in the House of Rep
resentatives, to the Committee of Ways and
|
the benevolent purpose of the mover and support
ers OF that measure has been Observation-Disclosures
fntcihgcnccr, March A.
The nomination Of Charles Jared Ingersoll as Min
lster to France was very properly rejected and
Richard Rush appointed and unanimously confirm
ed.
David Tod, of Ohio, is Minister to Brazil in the
place of Mr.. Wise
George w. Hopkins (mcmber from Virginia }
Minister to Portugal.
John Randolph Clay charge d. af1aires to Belgium.
In the place Of Thomas q. Clemson Mr.. Calhoun's
son-in-law) recalled.
Andrew beaumont rejected as Commissioner of
Public Buildings by a large majority, and DR..
bp @ OF Connecticut, appointed in his place.
George Cadwallader, Of Philadelphia, Brgadier
General
The Three Million bill has passed both Houses
without the Wilmot proviso
The Oregon territorial bill was defeated
General
franklin Pierce, of N. H., appointed Brgadier
General
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
PUBLIC MEETING IN FGsHERsyuJE

AZ a meeting of 4 number of the Wings of Fish.
erSyIilo aud vicinity held at Browns Store on Sat
urday the 9th Of March, 1917 Col Moses III. Nc
CUE was called to the Chair, and ROBERT WADE
appointed Secretary
The object OF the meeting was stated by the
Chairman TO be the appointment of Deleoates TO
represent this meeting in the Greenvillc Convention,
to be held on Friday next, for the purpose of nom-
mating suitable candidate to represent this Senate
rial District
On motion of John Hamilton, Esq, the Chair
appointed Committee Of three to report the names
OF Delegates TO the said Convention to be held at
Greenville. The Committee were John Hamilfon
Capt. III. III. Peck, and Zackariah Calbraith. The
committee retired short time and reported the fol
lowing delegates; Col. F. McCue. Thomas Cal
6ral'n; Col. NJ. II: McCue, DIR. Addison Dold, Ro-
bert Wade and Capt T. s. Baskin
on motion, the committee was added to the mum
Der of Delegates.
On motion Of John Hamilton, Esq,
Resolved, That the proceedings Of this meetino
be forwarded to the Spectator Office for publication
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
MOSES II. McCUE. Charm.
ROBERT WAIDE. Sccrv.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
ron THE SPECTATOR AND OTHER PAPERS OF Augusta
AND RocKDRipGE.
SENATORIAL Ell,
oENNIUKIAL ELECTION.
ORGANIZATION OF THE GREENvILLE CON-
NENTlON-wHlTE BASIS

The resolutions of the LEXINGTON mce,no ,f,;r,;,
that Rockbridge will support mo candidate for tho
Senate who is not unreservedly for the White Ba-
sis-or in other words. who will no, go for a,por-
toning representation according to White ponnl,.
ton. The first occasion which will present itself
for giving effect to this vital principle will he in
the organization OF the Greenyile Convention.
AS 4 matter of course, the delegates from ROCK
bridge will feel themselves instructed TO require that
that body shall be organized on the White Basis.
Estimating the votes at one for every thousand of
White population, this arrangement will give TO
Augusta about sixteen votes, and ten to Rockbridge
The adoption Of this principle will be productive Of
much good hereafter, as it will prevent any differ
ence between the counties, to which shall fur
nish the candidate. AS the political power oupht
70 reside where the majority Of the White popula-
uof are found, it follows necessarily that Augusta
ought always to furnish the Senator.
VOX POPUII
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
GEN. TAYLOR

We learn from private source. WORTHY Of Gro
dence, that Gen. Taylor is far from being satisfied
with the recent changes made in the disposition of
the forces in Mexico, and that although now busily
engaged In preparations for march into Zacatecas
1t is probable he will soon quit the country, or in O.
ther words, resign his command
1t is also said that the Department having treat
eo MN win very little ceremony, he has written
the Secretary letter. which, if published. wonld
be curiosity. In it he has spoken his mind freely
and bluntly.
We do not know what credit to attach to these
statements, but they come directly and from a
source which impars to them a strong degree of
probability-the writer having many opportunities
Of obtaining correct information
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
THE ARMY.
The Washington Union of Wednesday night

The Washington Union of Wednesday night
says
We understand that letters have been received
from Major Gen. Scott late as the 18th Of Feb
ruary, at the Brazos. He was making every ar
rangement 10 remove the troops to the island of Io
Dos; but, contrary, to his expectation, the ten
transports which had been engaged at New Or
leans, and the others which had been despatched
from the northern ports, had not yet arrived 1t is
certain that they must have arrived there from both
ports before this time. The ordnance too, had not
got to the place Of its destination.
Accounts had been received that the Mexican
troops were pouring into Vera Cruz, principally in
consequence of the dispatches which had been in
tercepted on the person Of Lieut. Richie, of the in
fantry.
II is also said, on highly respectable authority
that French merchantmen had just found its way
into Vera Cruz with ten thousand stand of arms
and twenty tons Of gunpowder on board. 1t re-
mains to be seen in what manner this vessel elu-
ded our blockading squadron.
1t is said that Com. Perry, who left Washing
ton few days ago TO embark in the steamer Mis-
s'sslppi, Oately repaired at Norfolk,) within a
week goes to the Gulf, to take command of our
squadron
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11

Let 1t be borne in mind that the Wilmot anti
slavery Proyiso was introduced by a prominent 40
cofoco, and adopted by House of Representatives
IN which there Is Locoioco majority of sixty 3
H1risonJ,yg Republican.
And let it be remembered at the same time. tb,,
nearly every Southern Wing voted for the same
antl-slavery buckingham Register.
And let it be remembered that there is not a word
of truth in your assertion, Mr. Register for every
Southern Wing voted against it.
Let it also be remembered that the same paper in
copying an extract, few weeks ago. from letter
Written by Mr.. Stewart Of Pa. on the subject Of tho
Tariff, made that gentleman speak Of the Tariff
Of AZ instead of '46.
And let it always be remembered that the Editor
of the Register is in the habit of MAKING the
most unreasonable drafts upon the crcdulity Of his
readers, and yet claims to be ycry pio,es gentle
man.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11

o1-On our first page will be found two communica-
tons on the subject of the District School System both
'of which are much longer than bargaincd for We
hope our friends will hereafter remember they are
writing for awccky newspaper and when they extend
their communications TO great length they not only
exclude the current news of the week. but proven,
others from giving their views that well other
subjects AS there is likelihood that the School Sys
TEN proposed will be brought to the polls VIC canno,
consent at least for the present. publish any COM
munication on the subject that will occupy more than
the ono half Of a column
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-11
COL. BENTON-A Disco OsI-pE,

The following is copied from the ST. Louis Re-
publican. 1t places Mr.. Benton in an unenviabc
position:
'Some doubts having been expressed whether
hlr. Benton ever was Lieutenant Colonel in the
regulor army, an examnato on of the records Of the
United States Court in ST. Louis, placed the matter
at rest. After the peace, an action was commenced
by the United States against Lieut.. Colonel Thorn
as IL. Benton, for the recovery of considerable
sum Of money, placed in his hands during the war,
as superintendent of the recruiting service, which
money he had applied to his private use a judy
ment was rendered against him for several thousand
dollars, as any one may see who chooses to exam
Inc the records MIR. Benton stated the truth. then
when he says he was Lieutenant Colonel in the
l. y army. AT period too, when those small fry,
Gaines. Scott and Taylor, were fighting at Erie
and Niagara, he recruiting in Tennessee. and
had plenty of Uncle Sans money in his hands