davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

AsTRosoarelL MISUNDERSTANDING the apptoPra-
tons made by Congress during its last session was one for
series Of observations for determining the pafaaI Of the Sun
and Planets or in other words their distances from the
earth, by process One set of observations is to be
made by Lieut. j. NJ GItIiss of the United States navy in
Chill while corresponding observations to DO made at
the Northern Astronomical Obsevatoes Of this country and
Europe The difference Of latitude between the observations
made north and south Of the equator will furnish base line
from which, with the required angles may be calculated the
distance Of the and planets. The necessary instruments
for prosecuting the labor assigned Lieut. GtIlIss who Is
now in this city, in Of preparation. They will
probably cost much less than five thousand dollars and
soon as completed the Lieutenant will start upon his scientific
pilgrimage. II is gratifying to notice that Government,
BY such appropriations the alluded to- is indicating its
character in regard to the Arrangement Of science
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
OCEAN STEAMSHIPS.

TaE Hermann SrEAnsHIPs.-The accident to the engine
OF this steamer will detain her at Southampton until the
middle Of December The damage to her machinery oc-
CURED on the 18th Of October when the tail Of the
arboard engine, which the side levers and which
the connectngrod working the crank attached gave way
The shock acting upon the side levers cracked hem and the
arboard engine became unseceabe The remainder Of the
voyage, 1900 miles, was performed with engine, aided
by the sails in about six and half days, and the Hermann
arrived of Cowes about half past eight o'clock P. NJ.
the 5h instant having made the in about sixteen days
has been found necessary have side levers The
voyage Bremen has been abandoned and the Hermann
cargo was to be forwarded by schooner chartered for the
purpose The German mails delivered to the postmaster
Of Southampton for transmission London, from
they were sent forward by the Hamburg mail The
passengers for Bremen had their passage paid from Southamp
ton via Londoa to Bremen by the English steamers.
MOVEMENT STEAnsHfrs.--Three frst-cass steamers
arrived at the port Of New York on Saturday. within twelve
hours of each otherthe Cherokee Of the Savannah line
the Cambria, Of the Liverpool line and the United Saies
Of the Havre line, from New Orleans. The Souhern1, of
the Charleston ne sailed in the afternoon OF the day
In the Of another year shall have such album
dance Of seagong steamers that their arrival and departure
will cause more remark than the sailing Of feet Of
packets the regular steamers for Boston and Albany
Nc,c York Express
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
WING CELEBRATION AT MOBILE.

The Wings of Mobile (Ala.) had magnificent
celebration on the night of the Goth instant honor
of the election of TAYLOR and FILLMORE. 1t is thus
described in the Register" Democratic paper
.sThe Wing Jubilee came off in fine style on Monday night
All that burning tar barrels brilliant iuminations, soaring
rockets Chinese crackers and Bengola lights could
At early hour the principal streets filled with dense
and urid SMOKE that made usually clear atmosphere
unlike that Of the Iron City, Pisburg Through this
Portable fog made way determined to much
Of the show visible TO the naked eye The process
sion very large, including besides the Rough and
Ready Club large number Of persons horseback several
carriages great many and wagons and innumeabe
multitude days Many Of the arts and trades were repre-.
scented in costume with the enblems and implements of their
occupation. The butchers had decorated like stall,
with many superior specimens of meat which doubt the
next morning found ready sale in market blacksmith
shop, with glowing furnace and its occupants work ham,
merng the heated on indicated the place the procession
Of the Knights Of the Anvil The disciples Of Faust and
Franklin had printing press busy engaged in striking off an
But the most picturesque and beautiful object presented
miniature steamboat brilliantly painted and decorated with
wheels in constant notion turned not by real engine but
by Ethiopian inside Many of the other crafts and
calngs had similar representations, but unde
take TO describe them ALL In the way Of illuminated transpa
encies there quite extensive array large number
OF houses in the city brilliantly illuminated The Court
house blaze Of candles, and the porco front
covered by large transparent painting representing General
TAYLOR and 'Od Whitley their way to the White House
The procession circumnavgaed the town. passing through
all the principal streets Every thing went off in peaceful
and orderly manner. Shouts for 'Od lack rent the air
the sevedoes and NJ. A. Ms made the night musical with
Rough and Ready melodies and the despmouthed cannon
filled the welkin with its reverberaons
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
THE FIELD OF BUENA VISTA.

FROM ruE NEW ORLEANS BULLETIN or NOV. 81.
We recently had exhibited TO The original Of the cee
braed letter from Gen TAYLOR SANTA ANNA, written
the field Of Buena VISTA in reply the summons Of Santa
ANNA TO surrender with his army.
This document is in the form Of note, being folded
half sheet of letter paper. II is in pencil, written by Major
(now Colone Bliss, and signed by Gen. TAILOR. The
writing is very legble and is in the regular open hand Of
COL Bliss and with the strongly marked signature Of General
TAYLOR There is nothing either in the note the sigma
that indicates haste but the contrary, judging from
the general appearance Of it, should say that both the WI
ter and the sgner OF it were calm summers morn
ing when it prepared.
As Col Bliss in the city the time this note,
took occasion inquire Of him the circumstances under
which was written He told Us that he il on the top
Of his fOrasng cap placed on his knee, sitting bank Of
EARTH Gen. TAYLOR debating the of it. and that the
latter did sign it, reported horseback, but that he
was standing by the side of his horse, (od Whey) and
laid the paper on the saddle ard signed there with the
pencil with which he (Col. BLrss) wrote it.
The gentleman who brought this document from Mexico
came passenger in the steamer from Vera Cruz with Mr. Cur
ronp, our Minister. He obtained /, in the city Of Mexico
intends to have elegantly framed for preservation be
values il very highly.
Though the letter familiar to all resders give the
following rerbotim copy from the original
"HEADaUAarERs ARsr OF OccupArfoS,
"Near Bueaa VISTA, February %, ls4s
"Sa In reply to your note Of this date, summoning
to surrender my forces discretion beg leave say that
decline accedng to your request.
"Wnh high respect, am, sir, your obedient servant,
~. TAYLOR,
MAJOR General U. s. A. Commanding
"To Seuor D. Asro LoPEz DE SANTA ANA,
Commanding in chief, Eucantada.'
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

About five hundred dollars were raised by voluntary
buon by the Wings Of Rochester and expended in pur-
chasing and cooking four hundred chicken pies hundred
and fifty mnce pies. five hundred and fifty large loaves Of
bread, forty fifty barrels Of apples hundred and fifty
turkeys geese and chickens, besides necessary supply Of
biscuits cakes, &c. They distributed about FIVE hun.
bred and fifty families at their houses Thanksgiving Day
The Ladies Charitable Society, which has been In existence
thirty years. have divided the city about forty dis
trct, and have appointed vste in every district inquire
into and relieve the necessities Of the sick and destitute. These
ladies' with characteristic benevoence, volunteered to super
intend the distribution Of the dinner the families in per-
This noby done by Wing contributors and their
better halves who acted themselves and distributed their chart
ties as If there had been no political distinctions
NeW York Express
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
Messrs. GALEs & SkAroN.
NOTE, By THE EDITORS.

NUIE' EUtIUAs'
Had we supposed that our correspondent in sta
ting his for addressing his request to US, in
tended to intimate any thing more than that the ex
cessive occupation of the Commissioner of Pensions
discouraged the expectation of his being able to
give early replies to individual letters asking expla
nations of statutory enactments, we should have at
least entered careat in his favor. There is no
officer in the Government, we are persuaded who
more assiduously and faithfully devotes himself to
the discharge of his proper duties than the Com
missioner of Pensions.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

fSrEREsrINs CAsE.-In Cumberland county (Pa.) last
week tried the of Cahane Oliver and Others Of the
State Of Maryland, against Daniel Kaufman, Of Cumberland
county, for aiding the escape and harborng thirteen slaves
claimed as the property Of the plaintiffs.
great number of witnesses produced by the plain
ts counsel who that the slaves brought the
evening Of the Gath Of October ls47 the barn Of Kaaf
man. and after remaining there part Of the night taken
Called who immediate neehbors Of Kaufman and
oSsnaey refused to answer any questions or inquiries pro-
pounded by the court or counsel Being apparently deter
mined to keep SILENT they given into the custody the
sheriff and conveyed to Jail. But, after remaining there
short time they concluded il better to come forward and
give evidence, and accordingly did very humble man
The defendants counsel took the ground that case Of
this kind did under the jurisdiction Of this court
Able and lengthy speeches made by the on both
Sides and the judges charge though BRIEF the point
The jury retired and after being out eighteen hours
returned verdict Of 1900 damages for the plaintiffs.
Baltimore Patriot.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

From Cist's Cincinnati Advertiser and Niles's
Register we gather some interesting statistics of the
number Of electoral votes cast for each President
Originally two persons were voted for--the highest
in vote being thereby made President, and the next
highest Vice President. But the difficulty which
sprang from the equal vote of Jefferson and Burr
effected change in the Constitution.
In 1889. Ten States entitled to 70 votes. George
Washington received 70, which all the cast
some Of the States represented in full John Adams
was chosen Vice President.
In 1892 Fifteen States were entitled to 1875 votes, (which
George Washington received 1872, all the cast John
Adams again Vice President
In 1896 Sixteen States entitled 1873 votes of which
John Adams received IL and Thomas jefferson chosen
Vice President.
In 1900 Sixteen States entitled 10 1873 votes Of
which Thomas jefferson and Aaron Burr received each 49,
No choice by the people, The House of Representatives
after baong six days, the thirty sixth ballot elected
Thomas Jefferson President and Aaron Burr Vice President
In 1904. Seventeen States entitled l76 votes Of
which Thomas Jefferson received 1872. George Clinton Vice
President ........" ...s#
In lS0s Seventeen States and 76 votes James Madison
l22 vo,es and chosen President George Gin
ton Vice President George Clinton had received electoral
every election since the organization of the Govern
ment. .....
In 1912. Eighteen States and 2ls votes. James Madison
received l2s President and Ebrdge Gerry l3l Vice
President
In 1916. Nineteen States and 22l votes of which James
Monroe received ls3. D. D. Tompkns Vice President.
In 1920. Twentyfour States and 1872 votes. James Mon
roe received 23l. D. D. Tompkins Vice President.
From 1904 1920 the successful candidates had been
minated by of the Democratic party in Congress.
Since tina, tme s2o) all parties have nominated National
Conventions t..
In 1924. Twenty-fou States and 26l votes. Andrew
Jackson received SO for President and John Adams "a
the Wing candidate. John c. Calhoun, Vice President,
had 1873 votes.
In 1929 Same States and col votes Jackson received
49, majority Adams Of 95 electoral votes. Calhoun
Vice President.
In 1882 twenty-five States and 2ss votes Jackson
ceved 2l9, majority of ITO Clay Martin Van Buren,
| Vice President.
In 1896. Tweny-sir States and 294 votes. Van Buren,
received 10, majority of 81 VIM H. Harrison.
| NJ. Johnson Vice President
In 1910. Twentysx States and 294 votes of which Gen
Harrison received ga, majority Of ia Van Buren,
| John Tyler Vice President
In 1914. Twenty six States and PTS votes. of which Jas
X. Polk received no, majority Mr.. Clay of GA. G.
NJ Dallas Vice President. .....
| INCREASE or VOTES.
/ The popular vote since 1923 for President ha.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

THE TWO EIrRExEs.-A Have paper states that there
had recently arrived in that city party Of hirfve Tsppst
monks from La Meiere These persons were to take pas
sage board the Brunswick which sailed the LIST of Nover
Der for the United States where they had been summoned By
NJ FLAeEL Apostolic Vicar, form agricultural establish
ments and clear up in Kentucky immense virgin forest
They take with them farming tools in very great quantity
BY singular coincidence the Brunswick also was to take
out detachment Of sevensr Icaran COMMUNISTS who were
paradns the streets OF Havre procession their patriarch at
their head The simultaneous presence Of two 50 different
secs in the ship has raised difficulty According
the rules Of their ode il known the Trappists are not
allowed to have any intercourse with the farest portion Of
creations but the Ecarisn detachment counts in its ranks
certain number Of To calm the scrupes Of the rev.
erend brothers, Is intended SEPARATE by means Of par
on, the between decks into distinct apartments The
Communists will be behind, the Tapps,s forward I, said
that the caan colony Texas has Just decided that the cap
a town Of their establishment will take the Of CADET
vile, in memory Of the author Of Tcaa after the example of
Rome in former tines where BY an analogous measure the
Of its founder Romulus was perpeuated paper
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

In New Orleans the l7th was tried a suit Instituted
by R. G. Mathewson against Col. H. Wilson, Mr.. NJ pub
shed in Vera Cruz whilst army possession Of that
city, and COL w. Governor Of it, paper called the Genius
Of Liberty Certain articles published which caused
Col w. to Mr. NJ and send him out Of the country
the ground that the articles were beous and tended to
excite dsaecton, &c. Judge Buchanan Of New Orleans
after hearing the case decided in favor of COL Wilson, thus
approving his course, and sdudged Mr. NJ to pay the costs
Mr.. NJ. had laid his damages at 5000
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

MosT AWFUL MURDfR AND RossERr.-The st. Joseph
Gazette Of the 10th instant the startling intelligence
that just that paper going to press they had received
information that Msjor SsoER, Paymas,er in the United
States army, had few days previous been murdered ard
robbed in Saline county, Missouri Major Singers Wife and
her Sister were in cotnPsny with him. both Of whom like
wise said to have shared the fate The Major had in
his possession hundred ard sixty thousand dollars with
which he proceeding the upper part Of this State pay
the three months pay those volunteers that were er
titled to il.
The Gazette says that clue thus far had been discovered
who pepetraed the foul deed other than suppostior
that the soldiers who had acted his we're the mur-
derers.
Major srserr married but short time since and thi,
sudden termination of his well bis wifss and her
sisters existence in the bloom Of life and in the midst Of health
will deep gloom large circle Of beresved relatives
and friends. ----- IL
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

The st. Louis Republican Of the 18th instant, saws tina,
Messrs sigersons packing their establishment in that
city hundred erces Of pork for the French navy
which Is to be delivered Immediately. This is the FIRST con-
tract Of the kind in that section Of the country There are
also very large quantities putting up there for the English
market At the packing establishment of Messrs Clskson
Morgan alone not let than twenty-five thousand hogs viii
be cut nj their blocks
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
A PENNSYLVANIA.
ARMY ORDERS.
WAR DEPARTMENT.

GE,sa.L oaDras,l Nv. Wa DEs.aTss o
No. So. AD'uFAsr utshsALs ofFnE.
Washington, Nor z, Is4s.
/. Brsadier General D. E. Twress, Major General By
Breye is assigned to the command of the 9th Military De-
Partmen He will, withou, delay repair to ST. Louis and
enter upon his duties accordingly.
.. Colonel w. J. WoRra, Major General by Brevet is
assigned to the command Of the 9Th and 9th Military Depart
ment accordng.o his brevet Of Bngadier General He will
report by letter Major General TAYLOR commanding tie
Western Division, and also report in person that General
on his route to Department No. 8.
B. The 9Th regiment Of infantry will Immediately repair to
Texas ria New Orleans, where the commanding officer will
receive further instructions from Major General TArLoa
a. The Sd regiment of infantry is assigned duty in De-
Parment No. g. The four companies now New orleans
barracks, will repair to jefferson barracks and there receive
the further orders Of Major General TAYLOR The sir CON-
panies Of the regiment in Texas WILL the
cessay reconnaissance be made in the direction Of Il
Paso, be put en- route for that post.
S. Companies and u artillery, under orders for De
partmen No. 3, will Immediately be put route for Jefsr
barracks, there receive the further instructions Of Major
General TAYLOR. BY order.
L. THOMAS, Assistant Adj. General.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

Fsos St. JoHSs, IN. B)-The ST. Johns Courier Of the
18th contains notice from the shes office that the whole
OF the city property, lands islands JAIL orphan asylum.
kehouse Mayors Office engne-house and every thing else
held by the city, will be sold Saturday next to satisfy an
execution issued out Of the Supreme Court by certain cred
or to whom all this property had been mortgaged for about
$500 600
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

GEORGE BEtTzHoovER, extensively known among the
great travelling community, for many years. the proprietor
Of the Fountain Inn the city Of Baltimore died at his
sidence near that city, Saturday. In the seveny-fh year
Of his aae.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

NAvr YARD AT NV ORLEAss.-The New Orleans
"Crescen says that the United States Government has pur
chased lot Of ground the other side Of the river abou,
half mile below the foundry Algiers, for navy yard
The lot has four hundred feet front on the river contains ten
superficial acres, and cost $4,000.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

STEAMBOAT ExrIosros.-Ths steamboat Monedo explod-
ed the Arkansas river the 18th, eight miles below Lit
tie Rock One deck hand killed and four or Eve deck
hands badly saded The captain and clerk escaped IN
hurt. The cargo was saved.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
JOSEPH HENRY,
Secretary Smithsonian Institution.
JAMES P. ESPY.

JAMES P. ESPY,
Mseoroogst under the direction Of the secy Of Navy
In connection with the above. Circular, it may be
mentioned that six sets of meteorological instru-
ments, including barometers, thermometers, &C.,
were sent from the Smithsonian Institution yester-
day, to be forwarded TO the coast of Oregon and
California, for the purpose Of establishing series
of meteorological observations on the western side
of the Rocky mountains. 1t is believed that, from
observations in this locality, in connexion with
those to be made in the eastern and middle part of
the United States interesting meteorological facts
can be obtained relative to atmosphercal distur-
Dances over the continent Of North America.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02

The Greensbug fon, Lighthouse, the entrance Of An
napos hsrbor. fine building, with foryseven feet elevation
for the light has been finished and s now ready for ue.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-02
METEOROLOGICAL.

At the last session of Congress an appropriation
OF two thousand dollars was made for meteorolo-
gcal observations, to be made under the direction
of the Secretary of the Navy. By the following
Circular it will be seen what arrangements have
been made with regard to the subject:
WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER J., ls4s.
The Regents Of the Smithsonian Institution, their last
meeting resolved establish extended system Of
logical observations particularly with reference American
storms embracing far possible the surface Of this CONT
In order that the meteorological observations ordered by
Congress a; their last session may not interfere with this
erpe, but cooperate with it. the Secretary of the Navy
has directed Professor EsPr join bis abos those Of the
Secretary OF the Institution. ".
As preliminary step, is important TO ascertain the
Der aud locality Of the persons who will assist in this
PRISE and what available instruments the country
For this purpose those who disposed to join in these OBJ
seations respectfully requested signify their willing
ness do by line addressed the Navy Department.
with the word "Meteoroiogy" written the envelope
Though would be of great importance that each observer
should be provided with perfect Of compared instruments
yet believed that much valuable information relative
velocity the DURATION and the Of may be OBJ
tanned without instruments from record Of the
face Of the sky the direction and force of the wind and the
beginning and ending of rain and snow provided the obse
vaons Of sufficient and duration Blank FORMS
free Of expense will be sent to those who are disposed to join
in the observations and the Of funds for
this purpose sufficient, full Of instruments will be fur
nished to careful observers in important localities
Very respectfully, your ooedent servants