davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
The Hammer.

The following appropriate peDegyric
on this primitive instrument, which was
the first invention i'm mechanics and per-
haps also the first in war, is taken from
the Scientific American.
The hammer is the universal emblem
Of mechanics. With il are alike forged
the sword Of contention and the plough
share OF peaceful agriculture--ihe press
of the free and the shackles of the brave.
The eloquence of the forum has moved
the armies of Greece and Rome to
thousand battlefelds, but the eloquence
OF the hammer has covered those fields
with victory or defeat. The inspiration
OF song has kindled, high hopes and no.
Bile aspirations in the bosoms of brave
knights and gentle danes, but the itsspi-
ration of the hammer has strewn the
field with tattered helm and shield, deci.
ded not only the tale Of chivalric combat
but the fate of thrones, crowns, and
kingdoms. The forging of a thunder
bolt was ascribed by the Greeks as the
highest act of Jove's omnipotence. and
their mythology beautifully ascribes to
one of their gods the task Of presiding at
the labors of the forge. In ancient war
fare the hammer was powerful W ca pom,
independent of the blade which it form
ed. Many stout skull was broken
through the cap and hamlet by blow Of
Vulcan's weapon. The armies of the
Crescent would have subdued Europe
on the sway of Mahomet, but on the
plains of France their progress was ar
rested, and the brave and simple warrior
who saved Christendom from the sway
of the Musselman, was Marte!--s.,he
hammer" The hammer, the saviour
and bulwark of Christendom. The
hammer is the wealth of nations. By
it are forged the ponderous engine and
the tiny needle. 1t is an instrument Of
the savage and the civilized. Its merry
clinks point out the abode of industry.
II is domestic deity, presiding over the
grandeur of the most wealthy and ambi-
tious. as well as the most humble and
impoverished. Not stick is shaped,
not house is raised, ship floats, car
riage rolls, wheel spins, an engine moves,
a press squeaks, viol sings, a spade
delves, or flag waves without the ham,
mer. Without the hammer civilization
would be unknown, and the human spe-
cies only as defenceless brutes but in
skilful hands. directed by wisdom, il is an
instrument of power. Of greatness, and
true glory.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
A Tale of the Camp.

The advanced guard Of the army, on
its way to Montery, had run out Of the
town of Marin a considerable force of
Mexicans, who had left their dinners to
be ea;cn by the Americans, when it cam
ped for the rear TO come up. That af-
ternoon portion Of the Texas cavalry
occupied vacant lot near the Plaza
While drawing water at one of the wells,
whic!. at first was supposed to be pois-
oned. dispute arose between two young
men named Barclay end Rogers. At
sundown, to Rogers surprise, he receiv-
ed a challenge, written on "a piece of dir
ty paper in lead pencil. Rogers had no
paper TO write reply ON, but told the
bearer of the challenge that he had no
intention Of wounding the feelings of his
old messmate, and begged his verbal ex-
plana.ion as an apology, which he did,
and expressed his full satisfaction and his
pleasure at terminating the difficulty SO
happily. .s -
The next day, however, Rogers was
astonlshed at receiving another commu-
nication from an officer of the artillery,
stating that Rogers reply was not salts
factory 10 Mr.. Barclay, and demanding
a writfen apology. Rogers was on du-
,y tha, day, but as soon as relieved he
mounted his horse and rode to the tent of
an infantry friend, TO consult him and ask
his assistadce in the affair. Rogers re-
lated his story, and told his friend that
after what had passed he never could
consent to give written apology. Il
fear then" said his friend, ga fight can
not be avoided; but wait here a moment,
and will ride over and see your adver-
sary's second, Lieut.. R., the artillery Of
feet"
After the lapse of half an hour Rog-
ers' friend returned; and said: ..Well,
fear the meeting must take p!ace;--I can
DO nothing. and besides, regret to in.
form you, that from the delicacy Of my
situation. cannot &C. for you in this mat.
ter; but Lieut.. X. requests me to ask
you the favor to call on him tomorrow,
as he thinks lie will be able TO arrange
the difficulty"
The brave and generous Lieut.. r. was
the pink OF chivalry of the American
army. lie was always appealed to by
his brother officers in affairs of honor; his
decision was received as final. The next
day he galloped to Lieut.. r. s ten, ,and was
kindly received. After glass of wine
they talked the matter over, but could no,
agree on settliag the difficulty.
"It is strange" said Lieut.. R., "you
admit you intended no offence, and have
said SO; why no. pa, i, in wri,ing!"
"For the very cause" replied Rogers,
"that the verbal explanation was deemed
satisfactory and accepted; and now
should feel it dishonor to be forced in
to measure which / conceive not war
ranted nor necessary"
"Well, them" replied r., "name the
hour and we will meet you--weapons,
! suppose, PISTOLS
"No," replied Rogers, "double-barrel-
ed shot-guns--we are both good at it,
thirty steps, but have no friend to act
for me. Now. | am sure you will no,
compromise the honor Of either of US,
so ACT Tor US both.
II will, ), said Lieut.. R., after having
reelected moment s'on one condition,
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
Early RiSfng.

For the purpose Of arousing humanity
from sleep, several expcdiehts have been
tried more or less serviceable. The
alarm is well known as, perhaps the best
of these, and next the theological moni-
tor, constructed upon the same principle
derserves remark. Franklin constructed
an ingenious apparatus which consisted
Of having small vase placed above his
head, into which water from the cistern
tap was constantly flowing all night drop
by drop. until it overfowed at an early
period of the morning. Button kept a
cockatoo by his bedside, instructed to
call the hour of six in the morning,
which the orni'hological watchman con-
trived to do with wonderful accuracy of
of time. Pope burned candle all night
which caused at five, when it burned
down into the socket. loud explosion
to take place. Milton awoke regularly
at four, and Shakespeare composed somo
of his finest passages at day break, both,
doubtless, being awakened by an early
manifestation of the poetic power strug-
Cling to exert itself. As one of the re-
ceip.s, however, for waking in the morn
ing. we would recommend The hour at
which it is wished 10 rise strongly imp
ressed upon the memory before retiring
to rest, and singularly enough, the power
of memory will be found to exert itself
so strongly even in sleep, that bet er
monitor need not be desired. Itis upon
this principle that servants, and those in
general employ, are able to awake at a
regular hour throughout the year.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
SERENADE.

"Oh! Polly, poke your night-cap out,
And listen to my sighses:
My heart it beats 'rub-a-duh-dub,'
And my eyes how they criesses:
Then haste, dear Molly, haste away,
Day breaks, and time it flieses,
Oh! come and take me to your arms,
Or I'll lay down and dieses.
The stars are going out my love,
And the sun oh see it rises,
And Pm going going! GONE! (falls)
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS." (dies
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
MISCELLANY.
BY MRS. ABBY.

O.! sigh not for the fair young bride,
Gone in her opening bloom,
Far from her kindred, loved and tried,
To glad another home;
Already are the gay brief days
OF girlish triumph done,
And tranquil happiness repays
The early wood and won.
Fear shall invade her peace no more,
Nor sorrow wound the breast;
Her passing rivalries are DER,
Her passing doubts at rest;
The glittering haunts of worldly state,
Love whispers her to shun, -.
Since scenes of purer bliss await
The early wood and won.
Here is a young and gnileless heart,
Confiding, fond and warm;
Unsulled by the worlds vain mart,
Unscathed by passions storm; .
In ''hope deferred" she has not pined
Till hopes sweet course was run;
No chains of sad remembrance bind
The early wood and won.
Her smiles and songs have ceased to grace
The hall of festive mirth, ..
But woman's safest dwelling place,
Is by the true ones hearth.
Her hours of duty. joy and love,
In brightness have begun,
Peace be her portion from above,
The early wood and won.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

WIscoNsIN--BANK OR NO BANK.--On
the 18th inst. after spirited discussion
that occupied the whole day. the bill,
submitting the question of Banks or no
Banks, to vote of the people, was or
dered TO be engrossed Cor third reading,
by the decisive vote of SO to 81.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

"How do l look, Pompey." said a
young dandy TO his servant, as he finish
ed dressing. 49,.
Elegant, massa; you look bold as a
lion."
''Bold as a lion Pompey! How do
you know! You never saw lion"
10 yes, massa, seed one down to
massa jerks, in his stable,"
"Down to Jenk's Pompey! Why,
you great fool, Jenk s hasn't got a lion;
that's Jackass."
"Can't help it, massa, you look just
like him.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

The Albany Dutchman perpetrates
the following hard hit al Tobacco chew
ers:
"A chemis. in New York has just in
vented a substitute for tobacco, which
will doubtless soon supercede the weed,
as j, is just as nasty, and a great deal
cheaper"
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

q When we see neat. pretty girl,
with Tree but innocent air-with cheeks
which we can hardly help kissing, and
with pair Of heav emily blue eyes, which
seem to repose in perfect serenity be-
reath their silKen lashes-we always
wish that she was near mud-puddle,
and that we had to lift her over Go
way strawberries, you've lost your taste.
-.Aibany Dutchman.
The editor is certainly man of taste,
but we think he discriminates too closely
in regard to eyes; we shouldn't object to
her eyes being black or hazel--not we.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
Short Sermons.
"Study to be quiet, and do your Owl

iuuy " oC puic', uIu uO your own
business. - Thes. 4 c. 81 v.
INTRODUCTION. Most of the moral
disorders and wretchedness that prevails
in the world. may be traced to two clas :.
ses Of persons, viz: those who have no
business Of their own, and those who
NEEDLE with the business of other peo
pie. Hence the importance of the apos-
tolic exhortation. "Do your own busi-
ness" From this injunction, we are
taught ..... .......
I. That j, is our own business in this
world to attend to some kind of bust
ness.
]. We should study to ascertain the
appropriate business Of life. Error, at
this point, is often ruinous. See the
failure Of many. May we not ascribe it
to erroneous views. and often to the pref
erences Of parents and guardians!
2. We should do whatever our hands
find to do with our might. ."--Eccles. tx.
10. "The idler's brain is the devils
workshop"
III. That it is our business to do our
own business.
And what, may be asked. is our busi-
ness! ~ ...
1. To labor in some useful employ
ment. "Not slothiul in business" See
Adam in Paradise. The ant, the spider
and the ieaihered tribe, teach us lessons
Of wisdom and economy.
2. To glorify God and secur the sal
vatlon of our souls. This is the chic (
end of man. "One thing is needlul;" ma
ny things may be desirable.
3, To labor to promote the temporal
and spiritual welfare of others. ..Thou
shalt love thy neighbor as myself. -
Man is not to live for self alone.
4. To pay our homes, debts, and keep
all our temporal and spiritual matters in
order, that we may be always in state
Of preparation for death. '.Owe no man
anything" not even the printer. "Set
thy house in order," and don't peep too
often into your neiglbor's.
iii. That it is our business to let 9TH
er peoples business alone.
1. Are you preacher! Do not OBJ
trude your nose TOO far into the private
concerns Of your parishioners, or meddle
with the private callings Of subordinate
officers of the church ....
2. Are you laym Do not trou-
bic yourseifiioo much with the preach
er's business, nor be too officious in die
tating to him what he ough. to do, and
what he ought not tn do. Take care
not to pay him calls on Sunday.
3. Are YOU an adherent of pariicu.
lar sect! Do not intermeddle with the
private affairs Of other denominations,
nor rejoice over their adversely. "I.et
him that stands take heed lest he fall"
4. Are you an editor! Give ",he
devil his due" Write no line which,
when dying you would wish to blot
Give your readers good mental food, and
if they do not pay up in due tine, re.
mind them Of the precept IN our text.
5. Are you loaier! Remember. you
dishonor God, disgrace mankind, and
shame the Hornets Nest.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

An old lady said her husband was We
ry fond Of peaches, and that was his on
ly fault. Fault, madam said one,
.how can you call that fault!' why,
because there are different ways of eat
ing them. sir. My husband takes them
in the form of brandyv
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

The Louisville Courier says, the gen.
tleman appointed to serve with Mr.. w.
j. Brown, of Indiana, on the committee
on private land claims, refused to serve
with him, and he was compelled to ask
10 be excused from serving on the COM
mittee. This is he reward of Mr..
Browns shameful conduct in regard to
the Speakership OF the House.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

TRUE-BUT RATHER STRoNG.-'The
Albany Knickerbocker says: "The mea-
nest thing man can be guilty of. is to
get into your confidence and then 60 and
betray your secrets. Such a fellow
would dig up the coffin of his mother
and sell her shroud for paper rags"
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

IMMENSE RoPE.-A new rope, to be
used on the inclined plane Of the Colum-
bia railroad, just manufactured in Phila-
delphia, is 5000 feet in length and nine
inches in size. Itrequired fourteen ton
of Italian hemp, and weighs 900 lbs.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

"Are you not alarmed al the approach
of the King of Terrors!" said the minis
ter TO sick man.
"Oh, no! l have been living six and
thirty years with the Queen of Terrors
1.-The King cannot be much worse!" was
his reply.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
"EXchahge."

Passing along one OF our streets the
other day, we saw written in flaming
characters over the door Of one of our
rum saloons, 1.-The Exchange" Ex-
change, exchange, thought we, musing,
as we wended our way; surely that is a
most appropriate name! Here a man
can exchange wealth for poverty; health
for disease; and an un,arnished reputation
for the drunkard's notorie.y! Here he
can exchange ,he respect and esteem Of
acquaintances for the boots and derision
of the rabble; the pleasures of social in.
tercourse for the companionship of va
grants; and the delights of a happy fire.
side for the miseries Of the gutter. He
can exchange the cheerful countenance,
with the impress of intellect. for the
bloated face and unmeaning stare; a
proud and manly bearing for the drunk
ards stagger; comfortable and respecta-
ole garments for those soiled and torn;
all that is pure, and lofty, and noble in
humanity, for an that is foul and grovel-
ling and debased. He can exchange a
happy home for the drunkar grave,
and the joys Of heaven for the miseries
Of hell.
An appropriate name is Exchange"
for all our groggeries, and we recommend
its universal adoplior.-Union Bonner.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

"'rhere appears to be great gather.
ing about these premises" said pretty
damsel. as she put on her new skirt.
"Yes," quickly added her cousin. ..and
great hustle, too"
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
James Baker,
ATTORNEY 1T L.AW,
OttumWa, Iowa,

Office in the South Room of Mr.. Myers
new frame building. Also, a Notary Public.
and as such, will take the acknowledgement
of deeds and other instruments. He keeps
constantly on hand Blank Deeds, Mortga-
es, &c. December 7th, lS49.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
New Tailor Shop.
nj. w. FOX.

HAVlNG located in Ottumwa, is pre-
Ii pared to do tailoring in the best style.
Having had a number of years expe rience
in the business, he fatters himself that he
will be able to please all who may favor him
with their work. Cutting done on the shor-
test notice. May 3st, 1919.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
MEDICAL NOTICE.

hrs. CAMPBELL & HENDERSON,
~ having associated themselves in the
practice OF medicine, tender their services
In all the various branches of their profess
ion to the citizens of Agency city, ana sur
rounding country. 49, ..... ...
July 9th, 49.-tf.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

Inc following neat toast was tossed
of at the late Medical supper at Colum-
bus, Ohio:
The Ladies.-The only successful
Homeopathists. They cure mans great
est malady-of the heartily leefle Of
the some sort
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
Bertrand Jones,

a TTORN f. 7 a T Lar,
OTTuMwA, IOWA,
" ILL practice in the Courts of the 3rd
w and 9Th Judicial Districts; and .the
Supreme Court of the State.
Ottumwa, June 9Th, 1919.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

CoNsoLAToRY.-"Ish shall soon die, Cuff
y-l must soon set out upon long
journey"
"eerry well," replied CufTy. Il guess
you hab good goin', bekase it's all the
way down HILL" a a
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

II Martin Luther and Thomas JEFF
ferson learned the trade of turner. and
worked at the lathe. 1t is not strange
that men so partial 10 revolutions should
like that trade.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

A little boy. seeing drunken man
PROSTATE before the door of a grog shop,
opened the door, and putting in his head,
said to the proprietor: "See here neigh
Dor, your sign has fallen down."
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
LAND WARRANTS.

THE subscribers have on hand large sup
i ply and will be constantly supplied
with Land Warrants, which they viii sell
at the lowest market price and guarantee
them to be genuine.
nsnE BRIDGMAN & EVANS.
Fairfield, Feb. 23d, l849.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
ID. #. Gaylord
A u C. ITO N F. f. II, /,
orrIyM W a vnwA

Ee II OTTUMwA, IOWA.
MILL attend to making sale of personal
w property or Real Estate, at auction
at any time. for reasonable compensation.
He may be found in Ottumwa, unless absen,
on business May 10Th, l849.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
M NlAsONIC.

a THE stated communication of Or
A TUMwA LODGE No. l6, will be held
~\ at the Masonic Hall, on Thursday
the 2lst. day of Feb, at 6 o'clock p NJ
A punctual attendance of all the members
is requested. Brethren of good standing in
all regular Lodges are respectfully invited
to attend. BELA WHITE, Sec'y.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
That sold Coon.u

@ DWiRE, selected late in September.
~. in the city of New York, splendid
stock of fashionable
DRY G. o o ID s.,
which arc now received, opened and set up
for sale by STREET BROTHERS.
Agency City, Nov. I'd, iS49.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
j. ID. Dcvin,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
OTTUMWA. IOWA

OTTUMWA, IOWA
WILL practice in the Coulls of Wappello
and other counties of the Third judicial Dis
trict, and in the Supreme Court. Prompt
attention given to the collection of claims in
the river counties, and the sale of land war
rants. Aug. =, 48.-ly.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

+. 1t is reported that the 'Ereasursr Of The
Cherokee Nation, Mr.. Daxid Vann, is
deiaulter to the amount oe $1,000.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
LAND WARRANTS,
On a Credit

a LARGElot just received, which will
"A be sold on fair terms. A supply on
hand at all times. Entries made at Fairfield
or Iowa City If desired. ]. ID. DEVIN.
Ottumwa, November 29th.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
Boots & Shoes.

\ Large and fashionable assortment, just
a received by STREET BROTHERS.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15
Business Cards.
THE EMPORIUM OF
e II s M Z @ M Z
James Mcfarland.

HAS received the Fall and Winter
IL Fashions for 1880, and is prepared to
do Tailoring on the shortest notice, in the
neatest and most fashionable style, and on
as reasonable terms as any other WORKMAN.
Cutting done in good style, as usual.
MaySth, l849.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-02-15

MEDICAL NOTICE.
THE UNDERSIGNED would respect
Il fully inform the inhabitants of Ottum-
Notwithstanding country, that they have
associa ed themselves together in the prac-
tice of Medicine and Surgery in Ottumwa,
where they will attend all calls i'm the line
of their profession. Prompt attention and
reasonable charges in all cases. .
V. w. COFFIN.
A. d. WOOD, MD.
Ottumwa Nov. 18th lS49.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-18

VIRGlNlA:-At Rules held In the Clerks Office Of the
Circuit Court Of Augusta County, the month of De-
cember 1850.
William Patterson, Ann Craig, Samuel C. Boyers and
Nancy his wife, Joseph Gongwer and cthers-F!aintfs
AGAINST ~
Jane Patterson Caharine j Schumacher, Newton Chapman
and Rebecca J. his wife, Peter S. Baker and Virginia his
wife, William w. Craig James Craig, John j. Craig
Rachael Craig and Robert H. Craig heirs and .epcesen-
tatives of Ann Craig, Notwithstanding,
ON AN AMENDED BILL.
The object of this Bill is subject sale LOT Of land ~
inc in the town of Waynesboough in Augusta CO., oeona-
inc to the estate Of James Patterson, decd also number
of Slaves belonging said estate which were assigned
Jane Patterson widow of said James, as of her dover in
said estate she having departed this life since The nsI-
tuition of this suit. ;,
The Defendants Newton Chapman and Reoecca j. MS
wife, Peter S. Baker, and Virginia his wife, William w
Craig James Craig, John j. Craig, Rachael Craig and
Robert NJ Craig heirs and representatives OF Ann Craig
decd mot having entered their appearance and given secur
y according to the of Assembly and the Rules OF this
Court and it appearing by satisfactory evidence that they
are not inhabitants of this Commonwealth ii is ordered
that the said Defendants do appear here on the LIST Monday
in February next and answer the bill the plaintiffs and that
copy ofhs ordor be forthwith inserted in some newspa-
per printed in Stanton, for four weeks successfully and
posted at the front door of the Court house. Err
A COpy-feste.
r.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-18
COMMlSSIONER's SALE

SpY virtue Of decree Of the Circuit Court Of Augusta
h1 County, the undersigned Commissioner will, on Fri
day the 9th of December next proceed upon The premises.
to sell the TRACT OF LAND belonging to the estate
Of Samuel McCuchen sen dec'd lying about haifa mile
from the village of Mddebroo in the County Of Augusta.
and adjoining the lands Of John Randolph and others Ihts
tract consists to about eco Ac e, which will be sold
subject TO the cumbrance of the widows life estate in 81
acres thereof It's soil is excellent qualityfs wen
walered and iinbered and has, whole, the character
Of being Of the best plantations in the upper part OF tho
county.
TERMS.-So much money in hand as will be necessary
pay the of suit and expenses of Sale. The balance
ofthe purchase money in four equal payable on
credit of six twelve, eighteen, and tweny-tour months
the purchaser executing bond therefor with good personal
security and the title retained until the last nstament shah
have been paid. =,
Possession of all except the Dover Land, given daydf
SALE with reservation Of the crop of grain growing
thereon. JOHN NEWTON, Commr.
November 20, l850-,ds
fs- Rockingham Register and Lexington Gazette,