davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01
CALIFORNIA GOLD REGION.

We are indebted 10 Gen. Jesup for the
following very interesting letter received
ut the Quartermaster Generals depart
msnt. Il throws new light upon the de-
velopmcnts Of gold ia California Union.
QUARTEaMAsrER's OrrIcE. San Francisco,l
CALIFORNIA, Sept. 10, i8i8.
SIR: In compliance with mn iniima,ion
in nv monthly report of June 81. proceed
20 give you hasty account Of California
az il is seen under the influence of The gold
excitement now prevailing throughout the
country. shall precede my remarks up
on the mines by few observations upon
the situation Of the country prior TO their
discovery.
Up to the time tho American fsg was
raised in California by Commodore Soat,
10 July lS46, the country may be said tn
have slumbercd OF from its first settlement
without enterprise or activity on the part
Of i,s inhabitants. Constitu,;onaIly indo-
lent 10 their habits, the climate was ndm-
rabIy adapted to develop aud pcrpesua,c
the worst forms OF siothfulncss aud improv-
idence among tho occupants Of the soil.
The people wero too much the victims Of
these vices to become even shepherds in
tho true sense Of the word; and they lived
without either milk, butter, or cheese, al.
though surrounded BY thousands OF mich
cows; and scarcely an attempt was made
10 call out tho agricultural virtues Of the
soil. A little wheat aud corn. and few
beans, pumpkins, and melons, satisfied the
moderate wants OF those who had never
known the comforts TO be derived from in
dustry, and the grand staple Of subsistence
with oil clnsses was the flesh Of their cat
Ito. Tho listlessncss and part of this
kind Of life chung to the whole native pop.
ulation, and when tho United States flag
was raised here, the country could boast Of
no improvements, either public or priynte,
except what the moderate wants Of d warm
latitude rendered impcratively necessary.
There were many Americans aud for.
cigncrs in the country prior 10 the change
Of lags; but no regular emigration had Ia
ken place; and the unsettled condition Of
politics, and constant revolutions, prevent
cd anything like systematic enterprise
which might otherwise have been expect
cd from citizens Of Anglo American origin.
The herds Of cattle which covered the ran
chos were slaughtered for their hides and
tsllow, to he exchanged for merchandise as
before, aud the people continued to cherish
their Incidence rs much NJ in former dave;
but the change Of flags brought cores
nondinp revolution in the various occunn.
lions Of life. After the first call for volun-
tesrs was answered, and foreigners resi-
ding in the country were at leisure to enter
upon tho improvement Of their property,
all became activity. Confidence was in.
spired by the introduction Of American au-
thorisy, and al believed that they were
virtually upon the United States SOIL
Crowds came thronging in from the noun
tains, tho forest, and the ocean, Of rough
exterior, but Of indubitable Anglo Ameri-
can origin, 10 seek their fortunes in new
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01
TIE POOR, god HELP THEN!
ny MRS. n. Z. HEWITT.


Here are few seasonablc lines from one Of
the most charming Of American writer's. They
have been published, we dare say, again and
again, but they are none the less attractive on
that account.
Old Winter comes with u stealihy tread
Ger the fallen Autumn leaves,
And shrilly he whiste,h overhead,
And pipeth beneath the caves.
Let him come! we care not, amid our mirth,
For the driving snow or rain
For little we reck OF the cherries hearth,
Or the broken window pane.
'Tis . stormy night, but our glcc shall mock
At the winds that loudly pirate,
A. they echo the moan OF the poor that knock
With their cold hands nj our gate.
The poor-we give them the half-picked bone,
And the dry, mildewed bread;
All. they never, God help them know the pain
OF the pampered overied.
Fill round again with cheering wine,
While tho fire CLOVIS warm and bright;
And sing me song, sweetheart OF nine,
Ere YOU whisper the words ''good night.'
You will never dream, meath the co, crlng warm
OF your soft and curtained bed,
Of the scanty rug and the shivering form,
And the yawElng root o'erhead.
The poor! God pity them in theirnec
We've PRAYER for every groan!
They ask us with ou,streichcd hands for bread,
And we carelesslv give stone.
God help them. God help us. tor much we lack,
Though lofty and rich We be;
And open our hearts unto all tina, knock
With the cry Of Charity.
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01

oil alders and abcttors iu descrtion. A..
mcrican troops have never been exposed 10
such incentives TO descr,ion; and il 10 no
desracti"n from their high character tn say
that additional pay aud emolumen,s Cue
faithful service aud more severe punish.
mcn.s TOT descrtion, arc impers,ivciy nec-
essary, u troops are To be kept in this coun-
try. Soldiers arc meeting persons every
day, in chasacser and habits no way supc.
rior 10 their own, who havo realized more
from three or four weeks labor in the mines
than is paid to them fur five Of tho best
years Of their lives devoted to tho service
Of their country. The people Of California
sympa.hise with the soldiers, aud dcsersiou
with majority Of them 10 not locked up
on as Stigma upon the character VI tho
offender. With dazzling pecuniary pros.
poets before them, and all tho feeliOcs Of
their associates to support them. the morals
Of the troops will rapidly de,eriorate, us,il
the military establishment il broken ND Nv
dcscrtion. But if the mines OF California
are 10 be made source Of revenue 20 the
government, measures like those above in.
dicated become more and more important.
MS efficiency and fidelity among the troops
will then be indispensable 10 The public in-
tercsts.
Inn, s!r, respectfully, your oh-dient SER
want, ]. l.. FORSON.
Captain and Assistant Qusrtermaster.
Maj. Gen. Tues. s. JEsrP,
Quartcrmaster Gen. u. s. Army.
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01
VOLUME S.-NO. 81.
THE ZETTE,

Is PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT
Too Dollars per annum in advance;
7iro Dollars and Fly Cent? u, six months;
Three Dollars at the end of the year.
The ADORE terms min be strictly enforced.
TERMS OF ADVERTISING.
For one square or under first insertion, si,oo
Each subsequent insertion, %
A liberal discount made to yearly advertisers.
The number Of insertions desired must be
marked on the advertisements, or il will be con-
tinued until ordered out and charged according
~.
Letters to insure attention must be directed
post paid to the Editor
No paper discontinued until all arrcnrages be
paid, except at the option Of the Editor
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Who 10 now
featuring in Boston, said the sensible thing
that follows, in discourse on Amusemeots
delivered the other evening before tbs
Mercantile Literary Association: "A
musemcnt were indispensable to sound
morals. lf,he Young wcrc not provided
with harmless and virtuous amussmsuts.
they would have vicious and coryupsior
nmuscmeuts. Sumo parents are % much
nSraM that their children would do wrong
that they would not let them do any ships.
But when they obtained their liberty, with
none 10 control their plcasures--oeves Inv.
ing learned to oct Alright, they we're cuias
sure to riot in sclfindulgencc."
PREMATURE INTERMEyr, or DEsncRa-
TON or rnE ToMB.---A few sdays siucs
Mrs Pierce, the wife 1t Judge Picrce ana
Mrs. Williams, visited the Strangers Vault.
in Greenwood Ccmetry. where the remains
ofihe late Mrs. Mn6st we're inferred. o.
examination they discovered thas shs hodv
of the deceased hsd hsen tusnsd over. ~
clothes torn and hair disovdsssd. Whethe,
she Vas prcmsturely inferred aod svoas
from insensibility TO suffer horrible &C.
ond death. or whether some scoundrel ~
desscFa'sd the tomb, i urksowu.-N. 3.
SuH.
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01

Mai. Gen. Tues. s. JEsrP,
Quartcrmasier Gen. u. s. Army.
BOTANICAL CURIosirlEs.--The Ilo,
Houses attached 10 the National Institute.
where arc deposited the botanical treasures
collected BY the Exploring Expedition, ara
under the superintendent ot Mr.. w. d.
Breckenridge, who was the Bo,aoist Of tho
Exploring Expedition, and by whose cspe-
cial care many Of the plants were trans.
planted from tho remotest corners Of the
earth to the city Of Washington. Tho col.
lection NJ the present iimo embraces some
whcrc about eighteen hundred spccics.-
Generally speaking, they seem 10 DO in a
healthy and fiouishing condition, and MANY
OF them IRE now in full bloom and glory
II has been suggested to us, however.
that the plants are too closely crowded To-
gcihcr, and that there is great need Of ad-
ditional buildings, where the larger speci-
mems might he fully developed.
Our object, however, on tho present oc-
casion, Is merely to crafty the curiosity of
our readers, by giving them tho names OF
some Of the moro curious plants to he seen
in tho Institute Hot Houses. In the iirs,
place. then, we would mention the New
Zealand Flax, which the English a, New
South Wales arc in the habit Of using for
the manufacture Of superior qunliiy Of cor
dage. Ofths Aloe, there are 10 DO found
here between forty and fifty species,
brought from the different portions of tho
world; the display Of Cacii il exceedingly
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-02-01

mere between iortv and fifty species,
brought from the different portions of tho
world; the display Of Cocii is exceedingly
rich, tho species aud varieties numbering
near one hundred and fifty; beautiful M.
an'mosds are hero, not DULY from New IIol-
land, but also from Mexico; also, three or
four specimens Of the singular Banksis.
which derives its name from tho celebrated
Sir Joseph Banks. Rich specimens Of tho
Pitcher Plant, from the East Indies. are NJ
80 10 be seen here; one plant of the Ze.oia
NJ lio,tentot bread; air plants from Mexico
and Brazil; strange looking flowers from
China, such as tho Chinese Lady's Slipper:
together with luxurisnt specimens Of tho
Green and Black Tea, the Cinnamon.
Chocolate, and Black Pepper. Thore l.
also TO lie seen here, q small Pine tree.
which Mr.. Breckenridge plucked with ri.
own hand from one Of those mountains n
California from which uncoxnsed gold !,
DOW being extracted, according TO the ru.
mors Of tho present hour. Upon the whole.
the Floral treasures ot our Government ara
really very valuable. and We hardly know
Of a place 10 the Metropolis whcre our
readers can spend moro agreeable or
profitable hour.---Washiagsos National
Iatelligcncr.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

the sophistry Of Benton upon this point in
its true color:
"It becomes necessary then to trace the
history of the Virginia resolutions adopted
on Goth January, 1S49, after a long and ex'
citing debate. These resolutions, it will be
remembered, re-afirmed certain resolutions
relative to the Wilmot Proviso passed on
the 9Th of March, 1s47, by the Legislature.
adding to them resolutions relative to the
District of Columbia, and a resolution re.
quiring the Governor to convene the Legis-
Ilature If the Wilmot Proviso should be pas
sed during its vacation. The resolutions Of
9Th March thus reafirmed were drawn up
on 18th of FEBRUARY, lS47, the day after the
passage of the Wilmot Proviso in the House
of Representatives attached to the three
million bill, and were offered in the House
of Delegates by Lewis E. Harvie, Esq, Of
Amelia county, on the next day, the 18th,
and passed unanimously on the same day
ttOo days before Mr.. CaLhoun's resolutions,
denounced By Mr.. Benton, acre altered in
the Senate 9he United States. The res
~olutions offered by Mr.. Harvis were sent to
the Va. Senate for its action, and in that
body they were amended by MIR. Stanard Of
Richmond and finally passed on the 9Th Of
March, l847. Thus it will be seen that the
Wilmot Proviso passed the House of Rep
resentatives on the 10Th of FEBRUARY and the
Virginia resolutions were prepared the next
day and presented on the 18th, before Mr..
Calhoun look any action on the subject,
and, although they were not finally passed
until the 9Th of March,, they were printed
and published in their original form among
the proceedings of the House of Delegates
in the papers Of the day. They were cop.
led in our paper of 18th FEBRUARY, ls47.-
They contain statement of facts, known to
be true by many persons in this city, over,
throws the labored effort of Mr.. Benton to
attribute the resolutions adopted by the
people Of Accomac and the Legislature Of
Missouri and other %slaveholding States to
Mr.. Calhoun's movement in the Senate
for the argument used BY Mr.. Benton would,
if sound, prove that Mr.. Calhoun's move
ment may be attributed to the action Of the
Virginia House Of Delegates.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23
The Fight goes bravely on!

We learn from a reliable source, that
Senator Atchison has rolled up his sleeves
and gone to work in good earnest. He was
to have addressed the people of Howard
on the third Monday of this month, and
thence he contemplated going to Jefferson
and addressing the people of Cole, in reply
to Col. Benton's speech delivered at the
Capitol. He intends to canvas the State
from this time till the meeting of Congress.
and will visit Pike from Jefferson. The
time Of his visit will be made known at an
early day, and the voters of "Old Pike
We know, will turn out in mass to hear theii
Distinguished Ssnator-we say distinguish
ed, notwithstanding the sneers of the s'Mis-
souri, Republican," who not a century ago
was in the daily habit of putting forth just
such snsers upon Thomas H. Benton
W0U he sings q different tune as to him.
We also learn that Mr.. Hall will canvas.
his district, and the ~favorite of the north.
east, James S. Green, is already at work in
Cole, Cooper, Howard and Morgan, ant
that portion of his district to which Col
Benton has paid so much attention. We
venture the prediction, that neither of these
gentlemen will turn their backs and rur
away from any man, humble or exalted
wing or democrat, who feels an inclination
to reply to them. THeyared democrats, and
are not get too big for Me,r Jreeches.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23
Mass Meeting i'm Platte County.

The following is the preamble and reso-
Ilu:ions passed BY an adjourned county meet
ing ofthe Democracy Of Platte, on the 2sth
inst. They were reported by a committee
consisting Of one from each township in the
county, and each resolution was voted upon
separately, but two dissenting voices bsisg
given sgainst any II Of them.
Whereas, a crisis has arrived in the affairs
Of this nation, when il becomes necessary
that the Southern States should take a firm
and decided stand, for the preservation of
their rights, as States of this confedsracy,
under the constitution Of the United States;
And whereas, we believe the Union to be in
danger of being dissolved, if the fsnaticism,
which has produced the SO called Wilmot
Proviso, is still persisted in. And whereas,
we deem it the duty of all good citizens,
who really wish to preserve our beloved u
MON, to adhere strictly to the letter Of the
Constitution, and the spirit Of the compro-
misses which brought about its formation :
And whereas, the Federal Government is
one Of limited powers and that "the powers
not delegated to the United States by the
constitution, nor prohibited to these States
are reserved to the States respectively, or
to the people :" Therefore,
ResOlved, By the people of Platte County
in convention assemblage:
First-That in a Democratic Represen-
~tative government it is the duty of the rep
resentative to obey the well known will Of
his constituents or to resign.
Second-That we will adhere strictly
and faithfully TO the constitution Of the u
|nited States, and denounce all those as
traitors to our glorious Union and enemies
to the liberties Of mankind, who shall at
tempt, either directly or indirectly, to de-
prive any American of any of the rights
guaranteed to him by that instrument.
Tird-That We are opposed to the
lWilmot Proviso, that we consider it un-
necessary and uncalled for and unjustin its
application to the citizens Of the sfave-hol-
ding States.
FlM-Thatw we are in favor Of the applica.
ton of the principles of the Missouri Com
promise to the Territories Of the United
States lately acquired from Mexico.
SizM,-That American citizens reno
wing from the States of this Union to any Of
the territories are entitled to all the essen
tial rights, privileges and immunities under
the Constitution Of the United States, as
Citizens, that they were while within the
boundaries of any one of the United States.
A HANDSOME DoNArIoN.-The Lancas.
ter pa Intelligencer states that the Hon
james Buchanan has deposited with the
Councils Of that city the sum of $4,000, to
remain as g perpetual fund, the interest
arising thsrefrom to be expended annually
for fuel for the use of poor and indigent
widows and orphans, during the Indictment
winter seasons.
Mr.. Buchanan is an "old ~bschelor,' but
Possesses a soul worthy the highest honor.
and blessings conferred on man by the IL oil
woman. 49,
u The river is falling at this point, and tn.
sandbars are again becoming familiar 10 the eye
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23
VALERA.
FW the Bonner.

| ~" tS OuJtpJs
MI. EDIroR: There has been sgood deal
of enquiry in this county, about the position
Occupied by Mr.. William Priest, our Sena-
ltor from this district, and Mr.. John B. Hen
derson, our delegate to the lower House Of
the Legislature, OF the subject of the evil
mot Proviso," and the resolutions Of instruc-
Ition passed at the last session Of the Legs
l~lature.
l believe that both these gentlemen voted
flor these instructions, and in so doing re-
Elected the will of their constituents. So far
las ! have been able to ascertain, the great
body Of the democrats are decided, in their
approval Of these instructions, and in their
condemnation Of Col. Benton's rebellion
against them.
1t is known that Col. Benton has denounc-
ed these resolutions as a disunion move.
ment-as the offspring Of Calhoun nulli6ca-
ton, and as unconstitutional-and those
who voted for them, as a set Of knaves hr
fools. The democrats of the whole State
are disposed to resent this wholesale denun-
l%ciation of their faithful public servants, and
are every where holding public meetings
endorsing the resolutions of the Legislature,
Idenouncing Benton's rebellion and proviso
doctrine, and defending the action Of their
public servants.
The great body of the democrats Of this
county are decided in their approval Of the
resolutions of the Legislature, and in con-
domination Of Col. Benton's course. But
while they are thus disposed to defend their
representatives, the question is frequently
asked, "What are our representatives them
seives doing2 Why are they not defending
themselves against these insulting charges
preferred against them by Col. Benton and
his hired writer's? Are they disposed to
stand up with their constituents end defend
Me,r action, or are they lodging the respon-
sibility and leaving the whole defence to
their constituents, while they cotcer at the
first believing of this enraged Missouri
Buffalo? Are they disposed tamely to sub.
NIT to the insult of being classsd either Is
knGres or fools, without one word in their
defence, and rely on their constituents to
defend them? Do they not know that tits
themselves who are thus attacked and m.
suited, and that it is as much their ~iinteress
as it is their constituents, to stand up in de-
fence Of the resolutions2 or do they expect
their constituents to take their honor in Their
keeping, and do all the fighting, and cor
lrinue to heap honors on their represents
tives for their mastery inactivity?
Now, Mr.. Editor, injustice may be done
to our Representative and Senator BY their
silence, for I believe that they are sound 90
this question, and had hoped that no one
would be more ready to resent such o. in
suit than they would. They voted for thess
instructions, and in so doing reflected, ts
will Of their constituents, aud I had hoped,
and still hope, would be as ready a. any
members Of the Legislature to join then
constituents in their defence. Can youh not,
Mr.. Editor, from some information inyou
possession, set this matter right?-othef
wise, injustice may be done our represents
tives, who have hitherto given uniss.ss
satisfaction. PIKE
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

|gross, whites and all both Of which were
introduced in the last Congress, and the Let.
tef proposition actually passed the lower
House.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23
FLOR the

ttOt inc 02uneF.
|. onscsr to en- L. G." published in the Lou;sica
Record Of the 20h uE.
Aye-let the storm rage on
True freemen can the tempest bide,
When ranged on Freedoms holy side
Their country's banner floating wide
O'er every chosen son!
Aye-let its rage come down;
Let Southern men, ike traitors flee,
Nor stand for Southern liberty,
And link their names with infamy,
For dread Of Benton's frown:
We dare their boasted might
For many q bold heart fingers near
The tottering standard high TO rear
And shout with one united cheer
Strike for our Southern right!
Nor will We heed the cry
That echoes through the startled land
OF "Unionl Guard its holy bandI
When severed by disloya1 hand
Then must our country die"
We love its golden link
But when the only choice we have
Is, bending Ike . Servile slave .
To all, that Northern power may crave,
No Southern maa win shrink.
Back to the North win flow
The tide Of guilt-the sacred blood
The ties Of broken brotherhood,
VIII mibgle in one mighty food,
And sweep her homes with wool
We pledge Our native land!
And may its glory still remain
Unsullied by oppressionis stain,
Nor "Union" prove . wstchwold vain
To lbeTty's true band.
When breaks that happy morn,
No eye win beam with brighter tears,
No heart look back with lighter fears
Than hers, whose simple strain now cheers
The Southern patriot on
VALERA.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

MoaeAN CouNrY.-A county mass nss'
ing Of the democracy Of Morgan dseids.
by an overwhelming majority in fssos
the resolutions Of the Legislature snds
gainst the dOctines and course Of Beatca.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

Aye-let the storm rage on
True freemen can the tempest bide,
When ranged on Freedoms holy side
Their country's banner floating wide
O'er every chosen son!
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

Aye--let its rage come down;
Let Southern men, like traitors flee,
Nor stand for Southern liberty,
And link their names with infamy,
For dread Of Benton's frown:
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

LINES
In onsper to ON. L. G." pubEslsd ia the Louisieaa
Record of the 26th uh.
Democratic banner., 1849-07-23

same speech:
"A geographical party, and chiefly a po-
|litical caste, are necessarily at work on the
subject. Their operations pervade the
States, intrude into this chamber, display
themselves in innumerabls forms, and the
Mickcning gfMe signs the forth
coming of some extraordinary increment"
Again, he said in the same debate:
81 foresee that this subjects to act a great
part in the future politics of this country;
that it is to be made one of the instruments
of a mOn1entOus movement-not for dfrid.
ing the Union-somsthing more practica-
BILE, more damn0M than that" &C., &c.
Then it was that Senator Benton saw dan.
gsrtO slave property from the sncroachment.
of the North. The same Senator Benton who
said in his Jefferson City speech, "I hav.
seen no danger to the sLaUe property Of any
State an this Union by the action Of Con.
gress, and cannot contribute to alarm Mt
country By engaging in discussions whiel
assert or imply DANGER" He could see
danger nineteen years ago, when the abo'
litionists were without power and had not ,
single open advocate in Congress, and hat
no measures to abolish the slave trade BE-
tween the States, and to abolish slavery IL
the District Of Columbia by . vote Of ne.