davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

''Of these, think, that not more than
half the oxen, not more than three-fourths
of the mules, and not SO many as one-
fourth Of the horses, aow survive, or
will pass the Sierra Nevada mountains.
And The late owners-where are they!
Most Of them are beyond TIE mountains;
thousands of them in a destitute condi-
iona slaruing condition. Humboldt
river, from IFS source to the Sink, will
be the great scene of suffering; and the
aid that falls short Of the Desert, viii, |
fear, fall short Of a majority of cases"
He states that relief TO be effective,
must 60 beyond the Desert. He also
says that estimate of Capt Waldo, that
there are yet beyond the desert 10000,
is correct. We close with the following
affecting statement.
"What vast destruction of property
and loss of life have befallen the emigra-
ton by the Plains this year! And how
tragic will be the last act in the drama,
when winter draws its curtain of snow
over the scene! Deluded, suffering hu.
mainly! Of the outfit of these $4,000,
the average cost could not be less than
$3.50. A much higher sum would be more
correct perhaps, but that average would
withdraw in property from the States,
$4,000. 900, besides the capital brought
hither. But of this 100000, not
more than 100000 will be added to
wealth of California; all the rest is con-
sumed or abandoned along the road
like the equipments of some grand army
in a disastrous retreat. And life-lhe
cry for life and bread! Hear we not the
wail!'
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
A Good One.

The Cleveland Herald of the Goth, is
responsible for the following frst-rate
story. The idea of collecting a tax or
anything else in a printing Office these
hard times is preposterous:
THE TAX MAN IN A PRINTING Or
rIcE.--Every business has its unpeas-
ant duties, and none more than that OF
the tax ga,herer. One of these, gen.
tlemanly, unoblrusve individual, few
days since entered printing Office in the
city, book in hand, and politely accosied
the proprietor with--'Paid your poll tax,
sir?' No., was the answer, i don'I
pay; I'm one of the city protectors. -
'iIow's thar why I'm a Fireman
Fireman ard runs wild der masheen.
All right said the collector, as he pass
ed TO the next man, who answered.
serve my country and belong to the
Squad OF course members of the
Squad are exempt. L he third was a
minor-the fourth trained with the Hi
oernians-the fifth declared himself
merely passenger, without even cod
fish or any other visible means of sup
port and the sixth and the seventh were
Ducthmen. making temporary steam en-
gines of themselves at the fly wheel of
an Adams press. Their only answer,
'Yaw,' soon satisfied the collector that
they didn't know the difference between
poll tax and a poll.parrot. The eighth
man declined paying, because in the e.
vent of suit he should win. The col
lec,or's eye frightened; Young man.
said he, l'll sue you. get judgment. take
out an execution, and then where are
your why as I'm day boarder,
sleep in the office, hain't got any coat
and carry my household furniture-a
tooth brush and wooden comb in my
hat, | spose I'd beat you on on execu-
,ion.' The man whose duty it was to
collect for Caesar the things which are
Casar's left, soliloquizing that he stood
as much chance of being struck by
lightning, as of collectinga poll tax in a
printing office
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
The secession Convention.
NASHVILLE. Nov. 10.

NASHVILLE, NOV. 10.
The Chair announced the next bust
ness to be the reception Of reports from
the several delegations in regard to va
cancies in their respective communica-
ton; " hereupon, eacl, State reported their
committees filled. The States were
then called in alphabetical order for any
resolutions which they desired to sub
nit 10 the consideration of the Conven-
ton; wheleupon,
Mr.. Clay of Alabama, submitted the
following exposition and declaration of
rights, which he read to the Convention,
and which he referred to the Committee
on Resolutions, BY a standing rule.
We, the delegation assembled from
portion Of the States of this Confede-
racy, make this exposition of the causes
which have brought us together and Of
the rights of which States we represent,
are entitled to under the compac. of the
Union.
We have amongst MS two races mark
ed by such distinctions OF color and NOR
al qualities as forever forbid their associ-
ating together on terms of social equality
and equal political power, and with US
the blacks have been slaves from the ear
lest settlement Of our country, and our
relations have grown up with the infancy
of our institutions. Any thing tending
to produce change in those relations
must end in CONFUSION and the entire ru-
in of one race or the other.
When the Constitution was adopted,
this relation, as it exists, was expressly
recognized and guarded in that instru-
ment. Ii was great and vital interest,
involving our very existence as a sepa-
rate people, then as well as now. The
different States of this confederacy ac-
ceded TO that compact, each one for itself
and ratified it as States. If those who
are parties to that compact disregard its
provisions, and eLdanger our peace and
existence by their deliberations and uni
ted action, we have the right as Suites TO
secede, upon the same principle that we
adopted in the compact. There being
no common arbiter, we hold this to be
essential TO the sovereignty and indie
pendence Of the States in the last resort,
the ultimate object of those who are ur-
ging on the Federal Government in its
aggressive policy upon our domestic in
situations, is beyond all doubt finally to
overthrow them and abolish the existing
relation between mater and servant
amongst US.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
Nashville Convention.
NASHVILLE, Nov. l3-6p.


The following new delegates appeared:
From Georgia, seven; Mississippi, nine;
Florida, three; South Carolina, two.
The States being called foi, they were
presented by Messrs. Clay of Alabama
and Dupont of Florida. The document
from the Alabama Delegation is very
lengthy and Of the most ultra char
acter. denouncing the compromise bill
Of Congress, declaring the right of seces-
sion inalienable, and more than intima-
ling its necessity; recommending gen.
eral Southern Convention to take meas
ures of redress, &c. 1t was referred to
the appropriate Committee.
After some uninportant talk the Con-
vention adjourned ill tomorrow at 10
o'clock.
Tennessee will report resolutions to-
morrow.
The following States are represented:
Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Geor-
eia, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida,
in all about 60 delegates.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
The whole Of the Stock taken!

Ii is with pride and pleasure that we
announce the fact that The whole amour,
of stock, 100000 for the construction
of the Burlington and Mount Pleasant
Plank RoaG, has been taken, and the
completion of the work, at an early day
next summer) secured beyond the pos
sibility of doubt. The city last week
declined the terms on which loan of
$4,000 had been offered. and that
amount, together with some 8 or $4,000
more which had remained untaken, was
Immediately subscribed by private indi-
viduals--some six or eight of our enter
prising capitalists. The city therefore
owns but $4,000 of the stock-lhe bal
ance, $4,000, being in the hands of pri-
vale indiyiduals.-Bnr. Tri-weekiy Tel
egraph.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

PoRK.-We learn from authority, in
which we have the utmost reliance, that
a sale of several hundred hogs was made
yesterday in the cars from Indianapolis,
by one feeder TO another OF the same
class, at So 45 gross, delivered at Colum-
bus. AT this price wiz: 81 As gross)
we would estimate the price net SO 40.
This is considerably above the views of
buyers in this city: SO 25 being as high
as we have heard offered by any of them,
though there is determination to go as
high as is paid in Cincinnati or Louis
vile.
Since the above article was written,
we have heard of a sale of eight hun
dred or one thousand hogs at 81 81 net.
delivered here. The opening price will
be, in this market, $3 25 to 50 49,
Madison Lad.) Courier 9Th inst.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
wonan's Rights Convention.

Bennett, of the New York Herald had
one of his unrivailed cops of his repor-
tets at the Woman's Rights Convention
recently held at Worcester, Mlssachu-
setls. His style of reporting is as Iu-
dicrously groieslue, as the inimitabie
Yankee Silsbee's style of trailing off
"down-east' yarns. The following
sketch will exhibit the pervading senti-
ment of the meeting:
"The tail end OF this gathering of
abolition infdels and deudel blue stock
ings, il appears, was extremely delicious.
friedrich Douglass figured largely. He
had learned to take his rights. lie had
been turned out of railroad cars aud
steamboats,, knocked on the head, and
kicked and cutIed like a dog, bu. hs
didn't mind it. He urged that the ladies'
should also take their rights--not wal.
for them to be doled out occasionally
but to take them. Sarah Tyn-
dale recommended the women to be en-.
couraged, for it appeared that she herself
had been remarkably successful in tn.
crockery business. Mrs. Mott said
Mrs. Tyndale had visited all the houses
of bad repu,e in Philadelphia, aud had
established retreat for the Mary Mag
delens, three hundred of whom she had
reclaimed and given useful employmen,s.
Very good for Mrs. Tyndale,
Mrs. Lucy Stone was very ambitious
She wanted women put ahead, so that
when she died, il should not be written
on her grave-stone, that she was the
"relicl" of somebody. Mr.. Hubby
Kelly Foster was not satisfied with the
bible doctrine of the in(eriorily of wo-
men; of course not, when his spouse,
Abby Kelly Foster, was at his elbow
Mrs. Lucetra Mott, the ruling spirit Of
the establishment, thought that ST. Paul.
being an old bachelor, was a perfect
ninny, and dldn't know anything about
women, and was no sort of Judge, and
not entitled TO respect, in recommending
"Wires, be obedient to your husbands"
ST. Paul. after all, was only barian.
full OF the ignoranco and prejudice of
that day.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
California Intelligence.

Letters were received in town last
Saturday from California as late as Sep
TENDER 30th, our EXCHANGES coming up
TO October 9Th. The success of the
gold diggers there is not very cncour-
aging. Mr.. Benz. Seamans, an old
citizen Of this county has died since his
arrival there; he left last spring. We
subjoin the following account of the suf-
ferings of overland emigrants who had
not been able to reach their destination
from the San Francisco Courier; it is
truly heart Observation-Disclosures Gaz,
News from lie Pi,ins-2O,000 Men
beyond the Desert-C hsiera-Star-
ration-hdion Hostility.
Through Hawley a. Co. we have re.
ceived the Sacramento Transcript of
yesterday. 1t contains a letter dated al
the Great Meadows, Humboldt River,
Sept. 18th, from Capt. Waldo, the phi
.anlhropic energetic friend of the imi-
grants.
He states that he met many who had
given up TO die; others without food. save
the worn out horses which had borne
them thus far on the way TO California.
Some were living on dead and putrid
horse hesh--some had died from starva-
ton. lie says he has met very few
who have any provisions, and nearly all
are travelling on foot, their horses and
mules having given out. No one now
thinks of gold--the cry is for bread.
"'fhe Indians have stolen great
number of the emigraats stock, thereby
many families have been left from four
to six hundred miles from the settle
ments, without teams or means Of con-
yeyance, and the Indians are daily grow
ing more hostile and daring. There is
scarcely day passes, that there are not
more or less skirmishes between them
and the whites.
"Many women are on The road with
families OF children, who have lost tEeir
husbands by cholera, and who never
will cross the mountains without aid. |
have met intelligent packers who left the
Missouri river on the LIST of July; they
concur in the statement, that there are
yet twenty thousand back of the desert.
Fifteen thousand Of this number are
now destitute OF all kinds of provisions;
yet The period of the greatest suffering
has not arrived, if the supposition be
correct, that twenty-five thousand are
yet back of the Sink. 1t will be moral
ly impossible for ten thousand of this
number to reach the mountains before
The commencement of winter; and the
probability is that they will then find
these mountains covered with snow from
five to twenty feet deep. All remember
the fate of the Bonner party"
In another letter dated Tuckee River
September 18th 1850, he states other
facts in relation to the prevalence OF
cholera, deaths among the emigrants and
the hostility of the Indians towards them.
He closes his letter with an earnest ap-
peal for help, TO these unfortunate peo-
pie. We sincerely hope his appeal will
not be in vain.
J. Nicely Johnson Esq. has gone to
Sonoma and Napa, to solicit aid from
Gen. Smith.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

THE PLANK ROAD CoMPANY.--At a
meeting OF our citizens last Friday eve
ming a company was organized Tor the
construction of the first section, from
this place to Charleston, of the keoknk
and Desmoin;s Valley Plank Road. A
committee consisting of Gen. Ar thur
Bridgman, VIM. Brownell, ]. B. How
ell, Ed. Killbourn, and John Brown,
were appointed to open Books and pro-
cure subscriptions TO the stock of the
company.
AS all things are now ready, we trust
that the citizens both of the town and
country will come forward and take hold
of the matter in liberal spirit of ener-
geiic determination to put the project
through with as little delay as possible.
-Keokut Register.
We understand that the Committee on
the above Plank Road took twenty thou
sand dollars stock! Pretty good start.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
LATE Elections.

ILLINOIS. democrats have cleo
ted six of the seven members of Con-
gress from Illinois, viz: w. HI. Bissell,
w. Davis, 0. b. Ficklin, DR.. Molony,
free soil democrat,) w. A. Richardson,
Thompson Campbell, democrats, and
Richard Yates, wing. Legislature moi
heard from.
New yoRK.-Whig Governor Hunt
elected by a small majority. 10 wings,
IA democrats, and free soiler, elected
to Congress. Legislature largely wing.
New acknowledgements Governor
elected--also 4 democrats and | wing
elected 10 Congress. Legislature dem
ocratic, and an U. S. Senator to be cleo
ted. Large democratic gain throughout
the State.
MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN, Very
much "mixed," on account OF free soil.
ism,-demoeratic party in both States
decidedly worsted.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
Destructive Fire.

On Monday night, between IL and
o'clock, flames were discovered burs.in G
out of the Livery Stable of Lyman e.
Shomo, on Fourth street, between Main
and Locust. An alarm was Immediately
given, but proved too late to save the
building. which was burned TO The ground
Nine valuable horses were consumed
along with it, together with all the har-
ness belonging TO the establishment, save
one sett. The entire stock of sleighs,
bufalo-robes, &C., was consumed. The
buggies and other wheeled carriages
were saved. The entire loss will range
between $4,000 and $4,000. The prem
ises were insured for s2225 in the Mu-
tual Office Of this city.
The proprie.ors Of the Stable are con-
ident, from all circumstances, that the
fire was the work OF an incendiary.-
The buildings On the Locust st. side of
the Stable were in great danger of burn
ing, but were saved through the exer-
tons of the citizens. They are much
charred in several places. Towards
Main street, the buildings connecting
with the City Hotel were also charred in
places, and only saved by careful and
&c.
prompt observation-disclosures Telegraph
of Nov. l3M.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
Old Dams to be Removed and
Navigation Opened

The undersigned, citizens Of Wapello
county, believing that the artificial and
illegal Instructions 10 the navigation of
the Des MONIES river can no longer be
tolerated, we have determined to take
such legal and righiful measures as will
fully and effectually remove this enor.
nous public grievance. We, therefore,
invite all of our citizens to meet
us in convention at Ottumwa, on Satur-
day the 23d inst, TO consult on the nc
cessary measures 10 effect the contem-
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
y- George A. Mix, ESD, of this CITY

D Georgia.. Mix, Esq, of this city,
has received the appointment of Mail
Agent for Iowa. Wisconsin and Mime
sofa, and has entered upon the discharge
of his duties. From our acquaintance
with MIR. NJ, we doubt not his appoint
ment will prove a most crediiable and
useful one to the Department.-Du-
buque Tribune.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

AT meeting held in Morgan county,
Georgia, on the 9th ult., addresses
were made by the Hon. WV. e. DAw-
SON, Whig-one of the Georgia Sena-
tors in Congress--and the Hon. HOWELL
CoBB, Dem. Speaker of the present
Congress, both of whom sustained the
action Of Congress, and opposed seces-
sion and disunion. Resolutions were
then unanimously adopted, resolving
tina, there is no sufficient reason why, as
patriots, and as Southern men, they
should not "acquiesce in the late nation
al legislation, nor why the State Conven-
ton should do any thing calculated TO
place the State of Georgia in hostile OPP
position to the general Government"
Candidates for the Convention we're
also nominated, with instructions "to op-
pose every measure which may be pro-
posed to the approaching convention
which may tend, directly or indirectly,
TO the dissolution of the American I'M
ion by reason Of any present existing
cause"
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

A taker of the census in South Caro-
lima says-I have numbered on my lisl
about 10000, and have not found sim
gle maiden lady over 80 years. They
can't live in this country beyond that,
when they either die orget married.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
The Overland Emigration.

These people it seems, deserve our
sincere commisseration. A writer in
the Transcript states The number thus far
who have been taken account of as i'm
migrants over the plains, TO be as follows.
He gets his information from the report
Of Lieut.. Donaldson, of the United
States Army:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
HBy a letter received at This plac

w By letter received at this place
from California, we learn of the death Of
Col. B. Royston, ex-senator from this
county and Monroe. The deceased
was one of cur best citizens. and his
death will be deeply felt by the commu-
nifty. He has left a family to mourn
their untimely bereavement.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

U A shock OF an earthquake was
felt at Farmville, Va, on the 9Th ult.
1t continued for several minutes, and was
accompanied by rumbiing noise, sinil-
ar TO the report of distant thunder.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

v The half of the Iowa State Ga
zette printing Office and good will, is Of
fered tor sale. The Gazette is one OF
The oldest papers in the State, and will
no doubt soon find purchaser.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

;VA Paper Mill is in course of erec-
ton at Bentonsport, on the Des Moines,
and will be completed the coming spring.
Hurra for the Republic of the Des
Moines. ~
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
WILMINoroN. lDel.l Nov. I3.

Ross, Democrat, is elected Governor
by SO majority. Riddle. Democrat, is
elected to Congress by 200 majority
The Democrats have majority in the
Legislature, which will elect u. s. Sem
ator, in the place of Wales, Wing.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
BosToN, Nov. Is, 81. M.

No choice for Governor by the peo-
pie. The State Senate will consist Of
ten Wings, twenty-five opposition. five
no choice. and two doubtful. The House,
as far as heard from, stands 1853 Wings,
l46 opposition, ard 81 no choice.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

Long JOHN WENTWORTH, Nj. G.. from
Chicago, was cowhided in the streets of
Chicago on election day, by RICHARD L.
WILSON, late Postmaster of that city.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

AS indicating the extent of the Ger
man population of Cincinnati, il is sta
ted that 10000 letters are received an
nually at the Post Office in that city,
from Germany, on which the postage
collected amounts TO $4,000.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

There are now six daily newspapers
In San Francisco, town that less than
three years ago, had hardly FIVE hundred
people in it.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

~ See The advertisement of D. r.
Inskeep q Co.. They are supplied
with all articles usually called for. and
are anxious to sell them at low prices.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

"A much larger proportion of mules
and horse teams" ne says shave passed
than of oxen. The sum total, think,
may be SET down as follows, in round
numbers, as an approximate estimation
of the emigration of 1850:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22
why the West want Banks.

Thompson's Bank Reporter has the
following we'll considered article upon
the tribute paid by the Western States to
Eastern bankers
The amount of Eastern bank curren-
cy used and held in circulation by the
western States is nearly as follows:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

~ In the Springfield District Illinois,
the Wing Congressmen is reported cleo.
ted by over 1000 majority.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

In one or two districts there is some
doubt--the vote being close.
AssEMBLy.-So far, 80 wings TO %
democrats.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

w Hon. ID. F. Miller has nearly re-
covered from his late illness.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

"When am man." is the poet : 6.
childhood; "when was youag,'
poetry Of old age.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-22

tE Look out for a snow storm.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-13

a Noble Sentimen In a letter de
clining TO be considered candidate for
United States Senator for New Jersey.
Commodore Stockton gives utterance to
the following honorable sentiments:
"iIowever averse | may be to enter
into questions of party politics, still per-
NIT me To express the hope that the ap.
pointInent of Senator may be conferred
on some one whose heart and hand and
voice are pledged to the Union of the
States al all hazards, and to the support
of the compromises of the Constitution
and the execution of the laws with un-
faltering fidelity.
"Survive who may, perish who will,
the Union must be preserved. 10 this
sentiment, for one, set my hand and
heart, and on its maintenance, am now,
as | have ever been, ready To pledge my
life, my fortune, and my honor. The
people of New Jersey have, al the late
election, adopted i. and made it theirs,
and every citizen every where, who loves
his country and his race, will respond to
il with enthusiasm"