davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04
THE MERCHANTS WIDOW.
PICTURE OF LIFE IN A CRY.


One bitter cold night, between the hours of
eleven and twelve, as one of the night guardians
Of our city was taking his accustomed round,
he heard a noise, and in turning to learn whence
it came, observed an object which proved, as he
drew nearer, to be female in lumber yard,
in the act of gathering stray laths and pieces Of
boards, and endeavoring to hide them under her
apron. The officer took her into custody. He
was about conveying her to prision when she
began to plead for her little children, begging
that he would take them 10 prison too, that they
might not freeze, and promising if he would that
she would not mnTmur at her own fate. She
stated that within an hour she had put them to
bed BY the scanty warmth Of her last burning
ember which she owned that she lett them
sleeping quietly, not realizing the poverty
which surrounded them !; that her name was
p, and that she resided in C street.
AT the announcement Of her name the officer
looked at her intenty, and by the light Of the
street lamp, which shone through the cold night
air full upon her face. he was almost horror
struck To recognize in his prisoner the widow Of
his deceased partner 10 business. Without di-
vuging his name, or speaking a word, he turn
ed with her towards her dwelling, and found
her domestic affairs as she had stated On the
floor lay three pretty children, the Oldest about
seven years of age, and the youngest, golden.
haired by, aged one year The hearth stones
were fireless. On the table lamp burned
brightly, as 10 exhibit with more trulhfulnes:
how scantily the lonely cabin was furnished -
The woman and her children were in a wretch
ed condition, not having sufficient clothing, fnoc
or fuel to sustain lie another day. She and he
little ones were very soon provided with tht
comforts of life.
) The mother, New England born woman
was too proud 10 beg for her Boston born chill
dren, and not having sufficient sIop work - t
meet the pressing wants of a severe winter, re
: solved to buffet The chilly midnight blast an
| steal for them. Accordingly, after wrapping
them in few garments, she left her love
; ones at home and sailed forth. She passe
through several wealth-crowded streets, wher
the merriment which flows from the wine-cu
seemed rife, and from whose splendid parlol
0 the rich glare of costly chandeliers gleame
t forth as if To defy the darkness of the nigh
and walked until she reached the spot whel
s she was found. fortunately by one who kne
q she was an honest woman, and the widow of
s Boston merchant.
The secret of her present condition may
all summed up in few words After acqui
: ing between TWO and three Thousand dollar
d her husband ventured, like too many, to indule
lie in what he termed g harmless glass Of wine
J. he soon become dissipated, and died drum
Il ard leaving his wife destitate. The fam
is is now doing well.
: Reader, this is but one Of the many simil
facts which exists in moral Boston. Is it
~ hard matter to conceive what preventive to Il
ruin of this family was most needed "
IN think not.-Bee
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04
WINE AT WEDDINGS.

The practice Of using wine at wedding
feasts is still continued BY many persons, and
even BY some who profess to be friends Of
temperance, to the great hindranee Of the
progress of this holy cause, and the initiating
to the broad road ofruin, of many who might
possibly escape but for this temptation,-a
temptation thrown in their way BY the sex
that should be the last to be guilty OF such
thing, inasmuch as it is looked to as the
conservator of public and domestic morals,
and because that sex suffers most from any
deprivation of these. 1t is indeed wonderful
to think that women in general have so little
reflection, as to tempt men to drink that
which even little children know is attended
with the most awful and heart-sickening CON
sequences. We accuse woman as the guilty
party in this, because il. there is any period
in her life at which she holds absolute sway,
it is at herwedding, and few could be brutal
enough to seriously oppose any of her reas-
oKable wishes on that occasion. If brides
were to insist on the contrary, wine OF othel
liquors would never be introduced at wed
dings, and they would never have the pam
, ful consciousness IN after years, that the,
r were accessory to the ruin Of beloved hus
band, brother or other relative, by havini
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04

Not very well, dear returned Nichols in
a subdued manner, his lids falling upon his
cheeks as he spoke.
Mrs Nichols pressed her lips to his fore
head, and then laid her face, now wet with
tears, against his.
Thus was the matter reconciled between
them, and never after was there the reno
test allusion thereto. Days passed before the
pressure on both their feelings was sufficient
ly removed to permit their hearts to bound
lightly yet, during the time, they were par
ticularly kind towards and considerate Of
each other.
In due time, the sunshine came back a
gain, and it was more permanent sunshine.
Stronger reasons for selfcontrol were seen to
exist by Mrs. Nichols than were before ap-
parent to her mind, and she called into ex-
ercise strength Of purpose that made her
effort successful. Was she not herself hap
pier, independent Of the effect upon her hus-
band Yes, far happier, The fretfll spir-
its were cast out Of her mind, and cheerful
spirits came in to fill their places. A new
habit of feeling was established.
Does our little story need word to en-
force the lesson to wives that we would teach
Men, especially those who arc cheerful and
companionable, have many temptations tc
90 abroad and mingle with the pleasure-seek
ing. Let wives who have good home-lovine
temperate husbands, remember this, and lef
them not fail to repress a pecvish, fretful
fault-fnding temper, if inclined thereto, 70
nothing will so surely estrange man from
home as this.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04

connived at the excesses Of the wife cup at
their marriage.
Our own opinion is, that the woman who
encourages or administers to the appetite on
any occasion, does not deserve sober hus-
band, and she has no right to complain if he
becomes intemperate-Sat. Express.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04

A HARD HIT-An expelled member
of the Sons of Temperance in Wateryille,
was pretending to disclose to several
companions some part of the response,
in the initiating service of the order. A
young Son oil Temperance who was pres
ent denied their truth, when the follow
ing dialogue occurred
Didn't have to say that, or some-
thing like itP
Mo-
'Well-then I'd like to know what
did say
well, can tell you
'What2'
You said among other things SOL
emily pledge my 50ord and honor as
man ?
This ended the conference, and it is
said the expelled member has made no
disclosure SINCE WaterpiIe Mail
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04

70 Byrelying on our resources, we acquire
mental strength; but when we lean on Others
for support, we are ike an invalid who, having
accustomed himself TO crutch, finds it dificub
TO walk without one.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03
Prepare for the Reverse.

A man kuows not how soon he may be
reversed In its unceasing revolutions, the
wheel Of Providence may one day place
him among the poor. How many at this
moment are languishing in all the horrors
Of the most abject destitution, who were
ence rich in this worlds goods, and whose
lips dwelt in perpetual sweetness on the
sell: deluding promise Tomorrow shall
be as this day, and much more abundaut!.
Remember The poor. In yonder gloomy
prison is one who made gold his idol. He
forgot the needy in his prosperity, and the
appeals Of the needy awoke no sl mpa,by in
his heart. He was MI his brothers keep
er, SO be boarded up his surplus luere in bis
Golfers, and permitted the dying and the
destitute TO meet their doom, but as he met
ed out to them, even SO has it been meted
out to him. Not ray of affection cheers
now the gloom Of his prison walls. Left
alone with the phantoms of the past, how
agonizing his remorse! Remember the
past, clothe the naked,- feed the hungry,
minister 10 the distressed, and their prayers
and blessings will fall upon your head like
rich incense, more desirable than gold and
Jewels.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

A Nur FOR CLAIRvoYANTs -Clairvoy-
ance will look up after this, if we nre to
believe the New York Euening Post
So far back as February, 1851, clairvoy-
ant, on being interrogated respecting the
Arctic expeditions, answered that Captain
Austin, who commanded one of lhe English
ones, was at tha. time, in Longitude 95 deg.
Is min. west. This prediction was record
ed in DR.. Gregory's work on Animal Mag
netism, published in Edinburgh lass spring,
and reissued here some lime during the
past summer. We remember distinctly
reading The fact in that work months ago.
Since that period, Capt. Austin, as is well
known, has returned, and strange to say,
his log book shows that, on the day specl>
fed, he actually was in the place mentioned
by the clairyoyant.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03
Death.

How often d, we hear exclamalions con
ce-niDg the caprices, the ruthlessness ofthe
grim messenger Dealh. How off his re
lenlless shat, strikes distnuy 10 the breasts
not alone of those whose forms il strikes,
and consigns TO to the silence Of the grave,
the clod Of the valley, and the worm.
A young mother lately, deprived for sew.
eral months OF the presence OF an inian,
daughter just entered on that endeariug
period when her innocent prattle began 10
afford sweet music for mothers ear, and
sweetest solace for O fond mothers heart,
wrote 10 friend in charge Of her treasure,
in terms Of touching tenderness, and breath.
ing such affection as only a mother can
feel, yearning the while for single mo.
menl's interview in which she might again
and once more embrace her darling one.
Ali little thought she that but one short
hour before The receipt of that epissle, the
Spciler would have seized upon its preyl-
But it was even 50! Where but a short
time before sat The bloom of Health, was
there then nanght but The pale hue oil Death.
The words penned concerning one supposed
TO be dancing In mirth and glee, were
perused in presence OF the coffin and the
pull. The ross had been blown from its
parent stem. Like lay dying along a
mooniit lake, had her spirit passed from
earth, and her parents were leit-oh, we
could have wept to think-how desolate!
How hard to bear The anguish of smit,en
hope, and ties thus rudely rem. asunder!
But ngan we hear of another stroke Of
the relentless archer, and this time the shaft
hath passed nearer our own breast. While
we have. been indulging bright visions Of
again joining, for happy hour, circle in
which the destroyer had ye, made but slight
inroads, death had already entered the
chamber of a near friend. and paternal
love was but there dwelling constantly by
The couch Of The dying one, awaiting the
breathing of that last sigh which should
bear his soul to heaven. Conscious as We
should be that there is but breath Of mir
and q beat of the heart be,wixt this world
and the next, for all of US, or even that
sdeash,' in the words of Lokman, is nearer
TO us than eyeid TO the eye,' when thus
suddenly bereft Of those We love, how
cruelty doth the lone heart feel The nolbing.
ness of life itself, which seems but vnpor
gilded by sunbeam; and fully do we rea.
lize that .....t
flight is none ..-
Save that which cometh from the pure source
Of neer disturbed ether; for the rest,
'Tis darkness all; or shadow Of the flesh,
Or else its poison
Goshen Democrat.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03
For the Portage Sentin ell.
s~, The Mind.

The mind, aroused, like flashing meteors
Bursts all its fetters, and in lightning fires,
| Goes through the universe in triumph.
The earth's deep caverns, where perpetual nigh
Enshrouds the whole in mystery and gloom,
It enters, and the arcana there unlocks.
Or with the rapid speed of thoughts swift pinion
It trayerses immensity of space,
To other worlds and suns and shining spheres
And presents orbs unnumbered to our gaze
Or, if tits &C ive-cont emplates itself .
1t reads the history of thought and sense,
And brings our nature plainly into day
The oceans billow, tossed by raging winds,
In mountain waves, which makes the watery
grave.
The hurricane that sweeps with madening rage,
Whole cities from their base, and desolate,
Resemble faint the intellect enraged.
Calm summers eve when nature hushed in rest,
Reposes in soft dallianee with the breeze;
Or at the dawn, when from the dewey grove
Sweet strains arise in carroled songs, -a
To greet the glories of the blushing moIn,
Speak of the mighty passions in repose.
Traverse the universe with comet speed;
View ev'ry star and world that has name,
Then plunge the depths of metaphysic lore,
And gaze upon the wonders of the mind!
"Man know thyself," the Grecian Sage enforced;
But who has learned and who can know enough.
The lisping child, in accents broken, sweet,
Wakes to the beauties of this world of care,
And talks in raptures of each charm it greets.
No flower that blooms, nor landscape it beholds,
No running rill, or bubling stream, or grove,
But that its bosom swells with keen delight.
Kingdoms may crumble, thrones be overthrown,
Man be the subject, actor of the whole;
Yet if the tortures which a foe infcts,
Do writhe the body with keen agonies,
The mind absorbd feels not the faggot's FIRE,
But charm'd With nature, it alone is calm.
The winters blasts come from the frozen North,
And scar the foliage of the yerdant woods,
Carpet the green earth with the fallen leaf
And chill the dew drop into diamond gems;
Thus, bright ties are rivn, by the lapse of time,
No day unelouded dawns for man to enjoy;
The bnoyant youth in old age droops and dies;
The brightest prospects vanish as the wind.
Though cares may thicken and dame fortune
frown,
And cherries deserts stretch their sands afar,
The mind unsullied shines on hopes beyond,
And cheers US on with energy to toll.
Palm yra, Oct. 2ist, 1851.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

PICKING UPTHoUeHTs. Boys, you have
heard Of blacksmi!hs who became mayors
anG magistrates Of towns and cities, and
men Of great wealth and influence. Wha.
was the secret of their success? Why,
they picked up nails and pins in The streets,
and carried them home in the pockets ol
their waistcoats. Now, you must pick up
thoughts in the same way, and I'll your
mind with them; and they will grow into
other thoughts almost while you are nsleep.
The world is full of thoughts, and you will
find them strewed everywhere in your path.
-BurraH.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

GA love Of truth, delicate regard
for the feelings Of others, simplicity Of
speech, on inherent and retiring modes,y,
regard for God and religion, real love
fol what is really virtuous, these consi
tute a beauty meritorious and worthy of
possession. The sick bed will test ii, but
it will shine brighter there; time, with his
itching fingers, cannot steal it, for it is
locked within treasury that never ye,
was robbed while all these were its safe
guard, and it can be improved every hour,
yes, every moment, till it shall shine in
the glory Of perfection.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03
NJ ALCOLM,
A NIGHT'S RIDE.
4 THRILLING ADVENTTtE

IS = - q
Come, boy, put spurs to your horse, and
ride fust, or tho gathering Storm will be
upon us in all its fury before we reach
shelter, and il mistake not, we are not
far from the Black Forest lnn.'
AYE, Sir Knight replied the page who
rode by the side OF the first speaker who
was powerful knight, mounted on large
horse. ! have heard strange stories Of this
same inn, and many weary traveller has
sough. refuge under lis roof, but has never
been heard Of after. Melhinks should
fear 10 tarry there over night as4
'Talkess thou of fear, boy, to me, NAL
colin, sprnamed the fearless, who have
never known what it was to fear-I who
have fought hand and hand with score
of Saracen dogs, on the bloody fields Of
Palestine; but, by my patron saint, | made
them bite the dust-then talk TO me no
more Of fear .. E....
fNow methinks see a ligh, glinmering
fnin.ly through the lofty trees, and if | re-
member right, it is near the inn, replied
the page.
'Well, by my faith, am right glad, for
| would break oGr fast, which lasted since
early dawn .z.-.-. s
'Whal, my noble knight, if the inn be
full and we find no accommodation, but have
to continue our journey
BY the head of St Peter, will tarry
there over night, if Helderbrand the terri
BILE, and his band are quartered within its
walls
At this moment the travellers rode up 10
the door of the inn. Dismouniing, they
gave their horses to the groom and entered
the house, where seated before large fire,
sat two men in close conversation. The
FIRST was The landlord, who had an expires,
sion not tho most favorable; the second
was man of large proportions, dressed as
hostler, but there was lofty daring in
his face and appearance, which belied his
dress and calling. The landlord rose to
receive them, and with syeophant c smile,
welcomed them to the Black Forest Inn.
sWill you tarry here the night, or will
you pass through the lorest?' said the land
lord .......--. ...
NO, by The mass, no have ridden far
enough 10. day, and require resi- and enters
tainment.
sralkest thou Of riding through the Black
Forest on such night as this, Bernard
| wager thousand thalers that there is not
knight in all Germany who would run
the hazard. No, moi even were The life Of
his lady love at stake, infested as i, is by
he terrible Helderbrand and his. band ,
said the hostler, with look of indignation
atthe knight. .,.-,5..
s'Tis false, thou craven coward; I cast
the lie in Thy teeth,' said Malcolm, and if |
| thought you had half the sum you have
named, | would accept the challenge, ride
through the forest, return and give you
that which you stand much in need of
a flash of passion passed over The face
Of the hoster, and it was deathly pale with
rage but quickly regaining his composure,
he said 10 the knight -
'Many years have toiled for the sum
which have named, but ! will neverthe.
less place, it in the hands of my friend here,
I the landlord, an honest man if you will dc
the same with like amount, and then ride
through the forest to the inn Of the 'Wlth
] cred Tres and pass the patch word Of ih'
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

kPThey tell good story Of very po-
lite sheriff who came near being opldone
by person who i, was his duty to hang.
Sir said the gentleman, as the sheriff
was carefully adjusting the rope, really
vour attention deserves my thanks In
fact, do not know of one shonId rniher
have hang me- Really said the sheriff,
you are pleased to be complimentary.
do not know of another individual it would
give me so much pleasure to hang
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

'Boasiing idiot! Know that thou stand.
est in the presence oi Heldebrand? He
and the hosller are one! Now say thy
last prayer, and prepare for thy long jour
noy.'
s3o! ho! come on, and we shall decide
who shall travel that road first;' and their
swords met for the dreadful conflict.
| Long and desperately they fought, and
| it was doubtful Tor time which would be
the victor, as both were very powerful
men, and skilled in the use Of their weap>
ons. The fight was for life or DEATH
With the desperation of a Tiger. Hcldebrand
pressed upon The knight, but he maintained
his ground by his superior coolness and
presence Of mind, until Heldebrand, with q
powerful blow, broke the sword of Nal
colin, and as lie did so a loud laugh of
scorn rang out upon the midnight air.
Now, thy wolle's whelp, know thy time is
come?' sa -,s.
'Hot hop said the knight, drawing one Of
his pistols from his bel! and presenting il
to the breast oil Heldebrand. 'Now, by
my good fortune, hast thy time come, and
tomorrow will claim the ten thousand
thalers which the government has set as n
price, upon Thy head!'
Tomorrow thou will never see--so fire
and know that thy weapon is powerless,
and that at my command the charge was
withdra wn.'
'Ho! no! So we will try then, and see il
thou liesl!' and firing, the ball shattered
his arm, and lodged in the brigand's side.
n q nj. ell
quickly raising himself on his knees, he
attempted to put signal whistle to his
mouth. u, .-.- ..-.-..... ...-.
.Ho! hop said the knight, as with dex.
ferrous movement he knocked the whistle
from his hands.
Curses on the rascal Bernard. He has
played me false; but will not die ill
have my revenge!' sr.
May you can spare yonr curses for he
did your bidding but too well. discovered
your villainy too soon for your purpose
Now if you will suffer yourself 10 be bound
hand and foot, will take you back to the
inn. Ii not shall trouble you for your
head, and that is all that is required lor the
ten thousand thalers.'
The last hope but one had fled, and that
was that some OF. his men might rescue
him.
The once powerful robber suffered HIM
self to be bound and placed upon his once
favorile horse, Hunting Devil, and with
Malcolm, returned to the inn, which they
reached about daylight, just as party Of
soldiers arrived at the inn, on their way
through the Black Forest, as an escort, to
whom Heldebrand and Bernard were given
in charge. Within three days from iho,
time they were tried by public tribunal,
condemned and shot. The bund was brok.
en- up and dispersed. Malcolm received
the ten thousand thalers which had been
ss. on Heldebrand's head, and ten more for
Bernard the landlord, second in command
With the money, Malcolm erected n mag.
nificent dwelling, dalled Ho, Ho. or BLACK
Forest Castle, by which name it is known
to the present day.
Thus ends the thrilling adventure of
sNIGHr's RIDE
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

A Dutchman was relating his marvellous
escape from drowning, when thirteen of his
companions were lost by the upsetting of
boat, and he alone was saved. Sand how
did you escape their fate!" asked one of the
hearers. II lid not go in der poat," was
tho placid answer,
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

@Never be cast down by triffes. If
a.spider break his web twenty times, twen-
ty times will he mend it again, Make up
your minds TO do thing, and you will Dc
it. Fear not, il trouble comes upon you;
keep up your spirits, though the day be Il
dark one,
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

GFTake but single drop Of rain,
clois,ered in tho green fold of a blade of
grass, and pour upon it one roy Of the
morning sun, where will you get lopida-
rv, with his utmost skill, to cut diamond
that shall shine like that2
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

FF ul,er, Of The New York Mirror.
was badly beat by n ragged newsboy, who
was standing in his way, and 10 whom he
said, sVamose, you little jackuss.' The
urchin looked him in the face as he re-
piled:
4 ain't jackoss-they're fuller in the
face, fuller in the ears, and fuller all
over
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

@No girl ever made a happy union
by Irritation; because no man capable Of
making a woman permanently happy,
was ever attracted by that which is disgust
ing to persons Of intelligence and refine.
ment
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

FThere is no halfway passion. A
person either likes you or dislikes you
this thing Of loving little is like blowing
up powder mill little; i. can't be did!
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

sFA true friend unbosoms freely, I'D
vises justly, assists readily, adventures
boldly, takes all patiently. defends conr-
ageously, and continues friend unchange-
ably.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-11-03

@An Editor in Illinois gives nutice
that ''there will be no paper this week," :"
as his wife is using his scissors to half-seat
his trowsertoons with"