davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
TaE CHICAGO CONVENTION.

We have to-day the FIRST accounts. Of me
proceedings of this important Convention,
which was organized on the 9Th instant. by
the temporary selection of Mr.. BARTON, Of
Buffalo, as ChaiFmas.
Upon calling the names Of the delegates, the
following States were found to be represented !:
Maine, New Hampshire. Connecticut. New
York, Pennsylvania, FLORIDA, Indiana, Micbl-
gan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, Mis-
sour, Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa.
A committee was then appointed to nomi-
mate officers, upon whose report the Hon.
EDWARD BArEs, Of Missouri, was appointed
President, and number OF other gentlemen
Vice Presidents and Secretaries
Letters were read from Hon. HENRY Clay,
Jos. GRIsSELL, THOMAS II. BEsToN, SiLAs
WRIGHT, LEWIS Cas-, MARTIN Vas BcRES,
and others. MIR. BENros, on the whole, may
be said 10 be in favor OF Federal appropriations
for the improvement Of The Western lakes,
harbors, and rivers Mr.. WRIsHT's views
are IN the main similar TO those entertained by
the Missouri Senator. Gen. Cas- writes 10
the Convention that he is sorry he cannot at
tend, but gives no opinion on the lake and
harbor question. MIR. VAN BuREs, IN a brief
letter. wishes success ''to all constitutional eff
forts" for Western improvements. r.CLAY,
in an equally brief letter, cordially concurs
''in what is announced to be the object of the
Convention"
A letter to the Journal Of Commerce makes
mention Of a report presented TO the Conven-
ton on the Commerce and Navigation of the
Valley Of the Mississippi. Il is pamphlet OF
80 pages, filed with facts, Of which the an
nexed summary will afford some notion:
''In 1916 the receipts at New Orleans from
the upper country amounted TO seventy
millions of dollars tue steamboats, engaged in
the trade of st. Louis were two hundred and
fifty one and the whole number on the West
ern rivers nearly twelve hundred, valued at
sixteen millions of dollars, 10 which are TO be
added four thousand keel and flat boats. The
annual cost Of transportation is forty one mil
lions. The total value of the domestic pro-
ducts put afloat Cpon the waters OF the valley
is two hundred and sixty millions; and the
value of the whole commerce atloat is four
hundred and thirty millions--being double the
amount OF the whole foreign commerce of the
United States. The number OF steamboats,
lost in 1912 was sixty eight; in 1876 the num-
Der was thiriy-six. The annual loss of lives
is one hundred and sixty. The saags, it is
well known. have caused many of these dis
asers. But TO this commerce of four hundred
millions the Government does not give even
a snag boat, nor "a farthing light to designate
the place of DANGER Nothing is given for
this commerce, while the foreign commerce is
protected at an expense of nine Of ten millions
annually"
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
LET CHILDREN SING.

We exiract the following beautiful and j.
dicious remarks from "Phrenology for Chill
dren." 1t abounds in passages remarkable for
their simplicity and eloquence;
"All children can learn to sing if they COM
mence in season. do not say that all will
have the same sweet voice of the nightingale;
Tor some have naturally sweet, mild and soft
voices when they talk, while others speak in
loud, strong and masculine tones The same
is tue in regard TO singing.
''In Germany every child is taught 10 use its
voice while young. In their schools all join in
singing as regular exercise, as much as they
attend to the study of geography and in their
churches the singing is not confined to choir,
who sit apart from the others. perhaps in one
corner of the house, but there is vast tide Of
incense, going forth 10 God from every heart
which car give utterance to this language Of
the soul.
Children, sing yes, sing with your whole
hearts! David sang before the Lord, and il is
meetthat you should do the same; and, always
when angry feelings rise in your breasts, curb
and check them by singing sweet and cheer
full songs"
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
FROM VERA CRUZ AND MEXICO.
attack ou fe6asoo--Tht EasrifRs-- Santa .5Ssa
ra'siag Foresd neutrality-suspicious. for lie
Tending fhe CITY or .usstco, SC. Nc.

The L. s. steamship Alabama. Capt. Win
die, arrived at New Orleans on the morning
OF the 7th inst. from Vera Cruz. having sail
ed on the I'd INST She touched al Brazos
on the 4th. The New Orleans Times (eXira)
OF the 9TH INST. has received full files OF Vera
Cruz papers To the LIST inst, together with sew
eral letters from their correspondent, Indicator,
which are suhjoined.
Our latest dates from the city OF Mexico. by
this arrival, are the 18th ult which reached
Vera Cruz on the Both. by 4 Merchants ex-
press. The news, however, is very meaere.
Santa Anna, II is said, has demanded forced
loan Of one million OF dollars and is raising
the money at the point Of the bayonet A let
Ter states that the work Of iorlytying the APP
proaches TO the capital is proceeding vigorous
". but the writer adds that a great lack Of
Judgment is displayed IN the selection of posi-
tons for defence
We learn verbally that the British Courier
reached Vera Cruz on the night OF the LIST
last, but as the A latama sailed atdaylight, on
The following morning no news, if any. was
received through thai, medium, had transplres
The Courier probably left the city OF Mexico,
on the 26th or 9th ultimo
Singular as it may seem, II appears that no
later intelligence has been received at Vera
Cruz from the army. AT all events, our cor
respondent makes no alluSion to the advance
Of Gen. Scott, who, it is presumed, is still at
Puebla, waiting for reniorcements.
We make the following extracts from the
correspondence Of the Tunes:
VERl CRuz. June 26, ISL hear moth
ing OF the PROJECT Of changing the government
depot from this city TO Tuspan, aud hope the
notion, fit Were entertalnedh has fallen through.
Jaapa. | believe, has been entirely aban-
doned BY our troops; and, indeed we this
evening have Intelligence that the guerlllas
have taken possession Of that city. Whether
this be true or not, the virtual abandonment
which has taken place. evinces a strange in
difference IN General Scott as to the safety Of
his communications. thought a general al
ways secured his rear when advancing into a
country even at great sacrifices OF force in his
main divison-but here find a very different
policy TO govern Vera Cruz has less than
three hundred men in her garrison. The Ma
nonal Bridge. Encerro and Cerro Gordo GER
tainy, and Jalapa probably. are not at all
guarded, and the country IS flooded with the
native enemy,
Lieut. - Merrifeld, Of Capt Ford's
company OF Indiana Dragons tins morning
blew bis brains out with pistol, at the camp
uear the CITY. No one eau tell what impeled
him r. the foolish deed.
The health Of the city has suffered Gue
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

The remains Of Col. Hardin and Lieut. B.
r. Houghton reached st. Louis on the 9TH in
stan;, in charge of the returning Illinois voo-
lunteers. These brave men were feelingly ad
dressed by John NJ. Eager, Esq, who was re-
piled to in an appropriate manner by MAYOR
Richardson, of the volunteers. The collins
containing the ashes of the gallant dead were
borne in procession to the Court House, and
placed in the RotuDda on cataiaique, cover
ed with black. relieved at the borders and ed
ges by white lace, and surmounled at the sum-
NIT with a row ofcannon. The Rotunda was
darkened and lamps lighted, producing very
solemn effect and giving highly impressive
character to the ceremonies. The assembly
were addressed here by the Rev. Mr.. Van
Court and Mr.. Benton, in a brief but very APP
propriate manner. The procession was then
re- formed, and moved TO the river bank, where
the remains were committed TO the steamboat
Defiance, to be carried to Meredosla, and
thence to their last resting place, in Jackson
vile Illinois.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
Aneedote of Gen. Taylor.

The Mississippi volunteers relate an anec-
dote illustrating Gen. Taylor's characteristic
goodness of heart. Soon after the battle Of
Monterey. and during the excessively hot
weather, from which officers and men suffer
ed severely, some gentleman sent Gen. Tay-
lor for his private use, barrel of ice, and a
quantity of delicious claret. The precious
burtben was deposited at the Generals tent,
with note from the donor, after politely ac-
knowledging which, the old hero caused the
heat. of the barrel to be knocked out, and, tax
ing for his own use lump as large as his
fist, sent the whole Of the remainder, and the
claret, to the hospital, for the use OF the sick
soldiers. This is but one instance, out of ma
ny, of the considerate and sefsacrifcing gen
crosby and humanity Of Gen. Taylor's char
acter.
We state this fact upon the authority of a
gentleman who had il from the Mississippi
volunteers. Such conduct adds new lustre
to the old hero's radiant fame. brighter than
any which the most 5rillian; deeds of arms
could impart.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
Natural Curiosity.

We learn from the Jersey City Sentinel that
our neighbors in Jersey City have been anus
ed and delighted for some evenings past, by a
stream of natural gas, proceeding from the
bed Of the river in the Cunard dock On ap-
plying fire TO this gas it ignited immediately
and produced flame varying in length from
foot to 20 inches. 1t is not known whether
it proceeds from below the stratum of mica
slate which forms the bed Of the river, OF from
the deposits Of mud, Sc. resting upon it. If
it proceeds from below the slate, the stream
may last for ages, and can be employed for
the purposes Of light; and, if not, ii must pro-
coed from the carbonace0us matter which the
river deposits, and therefore cannot last long
The character Of the gas is not yet distinctly
known, but the fact of its burning without
smell shows that it must be either hydrogen,
carburetted or sub-carpureted hydrogen.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

The steamer Britannia was telev,srh., -
Boston this morning at half pas, elgbf n,.i W
and arrived at the wharf little belora 800, $500
O'Clock, bringing fifteen DAYS later $40 49,
from Europe. The Britannia left Iiys, LAVE
on the 4th inst.
There has been a still further decline =,
-four. AT the departure Of the steamer. IVES.
ern canal was selling at 81 shillings per Sol
Baltimore do. 80 shillings; and other SouA
ern descriptions, together with Pennsylrani,
brands, at about the same price given for Bal.
timure. Ohio do. 80 la Sis 81.
The marke, in Liverpool was dull at these
raies and purchasers asking a further redue
ton. The receipts Of -four and grain wen
large and the supply on hand large for Inc
season. Corn meal has also declined 10 2k
per barrel with but moderate demand.
The Cotton market was characterised viii
much more frmness, and sales were making
10 fair extent at an average advance OF 1,
Id. per ID. on the better qualities
There has also been decline of two 10 threa
shilings per quarter in Wheat.
Indian Corn was selling al 44s. Cd to As
and in fair request
The money market was much easier, aud
discounts were made by the bank Of England
rather freely.
The prospects or an abundant harvest are
exceedingly promising. The weather has
been most propitious, and in case it continues
favorable, the most cheering anticipatonS IN
this respect cannot but be realized.
The political and general news POSSESSES
but little interest
The following Were The prices of breadstuiis
in Liverpool at the time ofthe departure of the
Caledonia.
Flour was selling at SO to d0s per bbls In
dian meal At % 10 2is. per bbls Indian Corn
at AZ to 52s. per quarter, and wheat | | l2s.
Sd. per bushel.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
THE SPIRIT OF JEFFERSON.

The Spirit of Jefferson came to us last week
considerably enlarged and improved. We
wish our neighbor success in all things,
except his efforts TO propagate the michievous
heresies of his political creed He is, we take
it, noble fellow, albeit loco,--Never so far
forgetting the dignity of his profession, as to
make differences of political opinion a pretext
for illusions Of "envy, hatred and NAL
ice," against his adversary Never misiaking
impertmence fer wit, or coarseness for sarcasm,
and never seeking to invade the sancti,y of
private life, in order to indulge, or pander to
the worst passions Of our nature.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
Death of Joseph q. Neal, Esq.

We regret TO announce the death of Joseph
c. Neal, the talented editor and originator of
"Neal's Saturday Gazette" He was sudden
ly seized with an affection Of the brain on Sat
urday morning, at his residence, in Seventh
streets above Chestnut, which terminated his
earthly career, yesterday morning, between 8
and 9 O'Clock. Mr. Neal, the author Of the
inimiiable "Charcoal Sketches" was highly
esteemed throughout the literary world in
Europe as well as this his native land. He
was for many years the courteous editor of the
Pennsylvania, OF this city, and subsequently
the successful originator of the best Of our
weekly literary papers. Possessing as he did
all the finer feelings of friendship, affection
and humanity, his death will be the more re-
GREETED by all who knew HIM.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
ARRIVAL OF THE CHINESE JUNK.

The Chinese Junk arrived Of New York
las, Saturday morning, after passage Of more
than two hundred days from China. The
Evening Gazette says that she looks ''as much
Ike huge red morocco shoe, turned up at the
toe, as any thing we can compare her to. p
Her build Is that of whale boat; she is 100
feet long breadth of beam 25 feet; IL feet
hold; her stern has rise from the deck or about
80 feet; is built entirely of teak wood, and is
very strong her masts (three) Of teak wood,
and laieen sails, which she has used during her
passage her cables are made of bamboo and
anchors OF wood her cabin is 30 feet long, %
feet wide, and 81 feet high, painted with de-
signs Of birds, beasts, &c.; in the after part of
the cabin is a large case, containing one ofiheir
principal goddesses, she having thirty arms and
hands stretched out. She is decorated with
watches, flowers, and other offerings, and con-
lains large number OF other cariosities.
The Express says that every person on the
land and on the water is asionised al her un-
que appearance. She is unlike ship, brig,
schooner, sloop, steamer, canal boat or any
other craft. Her stern appears like two or three
poop decks, piled one above another, nearly
fifty feet above the water, and her rudder,
which is latced, weighs eight ions, and Is in
shape something like, only much larger than
canal DOatS. III taxes forty Inen 10 spef Htf
ina gale Of wind Herprow is nearly square,
and open in front, with large wooden anchor
projecting out like figure head She has
galleries or walks outside, extending from the
stern to midshps. Her stern is nearly square,
and she is gaudily painted with figures. We
learn from her commander that il is two hun
bred and twelve days since she LEFT China
She has aoated, drifed, and sailed along, stop
ping at the Cape Of Good Hope and st. Hell
ena. She was bound to England, her Cap
tain being an Engishman, and the speculation
English, but in consequence of the long pas
sage her course was altered and she put into
tins port, where she will be exhibited for seve-
raj weeks, and then proceed to her port OF des-
tination, in Britain. She has a crew of about
fifteen English and fifty Chinese. IL is sin.
gular sight to see many of the crew at work,
nearly naked, and others in the Chinese garb.
She is an excellent sea boat, lies to and drifts
with great ease and salty IS about seven hun
d.ed tons burden, and has large surplus of
provision on board. The commander states
that he has experienced very severe weather,
particularly off this coast The passage has
been nearly hundred days less than he anti
clpated. Her accommodations within are
handsome and cornmodious, and she is filed
with curioslties descriptive of the country she
came from
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
A GOOD JOKE.

A correspondent of the Trenton Gazette
states that on the arrival of the President at
Philadelphia, the ''supes" OF Arch ST Theatre,
not wishing to be ouidone by their neghbors.
threw to the breeze one of the famous flags
used in 1874, with the following inscriptions
in the tallest kind of letters, 'Potk, Dallas,
Skunk, and the Tariff Of Az" whereupon
arose shout that would have done honor 10
the uaterrifed of that eventful year. Some
one suggested an improvement by cutting Oft
the Tariff thus making unwiitingly, more OF
the history of Mr.. Folks intrigue for office and
Of bis Administration, than either the young
or the old bows intended.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

An Editor somewhere in the interior OF this
State, walks into a lady in this way, because
she had greater taste for poetry, than wash
ing dishes:
An interesting female correspondent SENDS
US very undressing piece Of poetry ana
limidly lisps request for its Publication
The moon IS called "biighp-the stars arc
f1a,tered with the original appellation Oh
meekeyed--the trees come in for full share
Of eulogy and the Failing Spring is pron0on-
ced silver, plated or something to that effect
Besides this, the poem is equally instructive on on
other important subjects. II Mary VIII senu
us an affidavit that she has washed the dlshes,
mended the hose, swept the house for Wees
after she was ''blas,ed' with poetic fire." we
will give in, and startle the literary wofio
from is lethargy. For the present we say,
dorm your stockings and darn your poe"l
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
Valuable Advice.

An experienced writer tells US how to pre-
serve our teeth. Let, says he. every man,
woman and child keep little pulverized char
coal in their bedrooms, and on retiring at
night let them put as much of il as can be lard
on sixpence into their mouth, and work it
about among the teeth with the tongue, and
ii will not be long before there will be no de-
cayed teeth for the dentist to fill with ANAL
gum, or pure gold either.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

The Alexandra Gazette says that examin-
atoms are making in Prince William County,
Va. for Copper, and that so far they have been
quite successful. The Gazette adds that $500
pounds of ore have been shipped to Boston
with view Of determining its quality.
Our Virginia neighbors would have found
il to their interest if they had sent the ore men,
toned above 10 the Baltimore Mining and
Smelling Company" where its quality would
have been proved with as much accuracy as
it can be al Boston, and probably atess expense.
Bait JAmer.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

Lieut.. G. r. p, Rogers arrived at Washing
ton yesterday evening with dispatches from
the squadron before Vera Cruz, having left
Anton Lizardo on the night of the 4thinstant.
The contents of his dispatches were not
known. The U. S. Steamer Mississippi had
been on fire; occasioned, ii was said, by spon-
taneous combustion Of the coal; but the fire
had been extnguished by the great exertions
Of the crew: She was not materially injured
The naval force left by Com. Perry at Tabas-
co, had marched into the interior and routed a
largely aiperiorto force Of The enemy
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
The next House OF Represe natives.

The Union once predicted with confidence
that there would be Democratic majority in
the next House of at least l6. New York
voted, giving % Wings instead of the IA
which the Union allowed, and sraitway an
other estimate was framed, making the ma
jority 10. This estimate, and the actual re-
suit in the States that have since voted, are as
follows:
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
THE BEE.

Is the title Of spirited little weekly pub
lished in Winchester, and whose sting seems
to be particularly aimed at the social evils
prevalent in that town. 1t promises the
general reader, not only to be amusing, but
also to do much by its satire in reforming the
conduct of many who can only be reached in
the manner adopted by the editor Of the Bee.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
OFFICIAL.

We regret to learn that the Chevalier GAS
PAR JOSH DE LIsBoA has been recalled by the
Court Of Brazil. as its Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentlary to the United
States.
Mr.. LIsBoA presented to the Secretary OF
State, on Friday last, Mr.. FELIPE PEREIA
LEAL, late Secretary of Legation, as Charge
d'Affaires from the Court Of Brazil.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
A Fish Story.

The Boston Atlas states that six gentlemen
went out from Gloucester on the 9TH OF July
in the pleasure BOAT "Look Out" and caught,
in four hours, over one hundred thousand
pounds of Goldfish and haddock. Eight fish
weighed four hundred and fifteen pounds
The following was the weight of each for
ty-three, forty-eight. forty nine, fifty. tftv-
three, fifty -four, fifty Ave, sixty-three There
were several which weighed between twenty
and twenty five pounds.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
DEATH BY LIGHTNING.

We learn that Mr.. Henry w. Long, of
Somerset county, Md, was instantly killed by
lightning on Wednesday, the 9Th inst. Mr..
Long was in his field, in the act of placing a
log on the fence, when the electric fluid des-
cended upon him like sheet of fame, killing
him aud setting fire to the fence. His little
son. standing few yards off, seeing his faith
er's fate, ran and gave the alarm, and when the
brother ofMr Long got to him, he found his
boots and feet nearly burnt off by the fire from
tho fence
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22
GRAHAM'S MAGAZINE.

We have received the August number Of
this popular monthly ILLUSTRATED by'a hand
some engraving and filed with contributions
from the pens Of J. Fennimore Cooper, T. S.
Arthur, Alice G, Lee, Caroline II. Butler,
and other favorite authors. 1t may be seen al
our office
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

G,- We invite attention to the business card
OF Messrs. LEE, JUDsoN AND LEE, which is
said to embrace the most extensive and varied
assortment of prints ever offered for sale. We
should be glad to furnish country Merchants
visiting New York, with letters of inuoduc'
ton to this firm.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

Total.

This makes difference Of seven in the
number Of Locos, aud mot counting as a
Wing the Independent elected in New Hamp-
shire,) difference of Is in the relation ofpar-
ties, which would exceed by three the estima-
ted majority Of ten; and to this should be ad-
ded the two members claimed from Wiscon-
sin, making clear Wing majority of 5. The
following is the Unions estimate for the
States where elections are yet to be held:
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

The New York Express has received an
unofficial statement OF "Uncle Sans Cash
account" by which ii is made to appear. and
pretty clearly too, that the deficiency, to be
obtained by loans in ls48. will amount TO
about A4o .0OO. 900 only.
Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-07-22

Very CompLpESrARY.--A rich lady re.
Gently died in London, leaving legacy to an
English author OF flOo0, at the same time
stating her reasons. and thanking nm .or the
-.,cny iorrs If sIssr A;s ,ocrss had eivsn her,