davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
Killed by Lightning.

A friend in Highland informs us of the melan-
choly death of Mr. WELLINGTON VANCE, of that
County, by lightning, during thunder storm on
Wednesday afternoon the 10th instant. Mr..
VANCE was in his field ploughing, and seeing
the storm coming, stopped the end Of the furrow,
and while extricating his horse from his plough,
with the trace chain probably in his hand, the bolt
fell upon him. His brother WILLIAM VANCE, was
within ten or twelve steps of him at the time
Both were knocked down, and both arose and fell
second time. WILLIAM recovered in moment,
and springing to the assistance of his brother, car
ried him about one hundred yards, when he ex-
PRED There were no marks of lightning on his
person or clothes. The horse was also struck
down, and remained PROSTATE for some time. He
then commenced struggling violently, and in about
thirty minutes arose and walked off.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
A Modest Request.

The Viadicator requests us to copy batch of
compliments to Gen. PIERcE's gallantry and cour-
age, occupying more than two columns, and made
up, principally, of extracts from Democratic news
papers, and the dispatches of Democratic Generals.
Inasmuch, as we consider newspaper editors in
duty bound to furnish their readers interesting mat
ter, and especially as we, have never asserted or
even intimated that Gen. PIERCE was not as brave
as WINFIELD ScoTT himself, we must decline
complying with the very moderate request.
Lest we may seem illiberal, however, we
make an extract-poetical too-from the Pmdtca-
tors alarming array of testimony to prove what
nobody has ever denied:
''Break New England's lion spirit!
No!-not while Pierce can plunge his stced,
Amid the cannon blazing near it,
Wave his bright sword and onward lead"
The italics are our own, and are intended to de-
sgnate that particular portion of the above de-
lightful verse, which confirms what we did say of
General PIERCE, viz: that he sometimes fell from
his horse. 1t seems that he was in the habit Of
plunging his steed, and the probabilities are that
the steed occasionally plunged him..
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
Tribute to Gen. scott

In the year 1888, the late Rev. DR.. Charming,
of Boston, one of the most distinguished literary
men the country has produced, in the course lee
ture on war, paid the following tribute to the emf
nent character of Gen. Scott. The lecture was
delivered soon after the "Patrot" troubles on the
Canada frontier, which Gen. Scott had been chief
ly instrumental in settling, and may be found a
mong DR.. C.'s published works. Abiding to Gen.
Scott, this language is used -
ITO this distinguished man belongs the rare
honor of uniting with military energy and daring,
the spirit of philanhropist. His exploits in the
field, which placed him in the first rank of sold
iers, have been obscured by the purer and more
lasting glory of a pacfcator, and friend of man
kind. In the whole history Of the intercourse of
civilized communities, we doubt whether bright
er page can be found than that which records his
agency in the removal of the Chcrokees As far
as the wrongs done to this race can be at0ned for,
Gen Scott has made the eXpiatich. In his recent
mission to the disturbed borders of our country he
has succeeded, not SO much by policy as by the
nobleness and generosity of his character, by NOR
al influence, by the earnest conviction with which
he has enforced on all, with whom he had to do,
the obligations of justice humanity and religion
1t would not be easy 70 find among IFS man who
has won purer fame and would do something,
no matter how little, to hasten the time when the
spirit of Christian humanity shall lie accounted an
essential attribute and the brightest ornament Of
nnblic man -
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
Con SrcSS.

The proceedings of Congress for some weeks
past, having been very meagro and unimportant,
we omit our regular synopsis. We will, however,
from time to time, record all matters of general in
terest which may transpire in either body.
On Wednesday last, bill was reported in the
Senate from the Committee on Foreign Relations
which proposes TO grant indemnity, in pursuance
of the recommendation of the President, to the
Spanish subjects resident at New Orleans and Key
West who suffered losses by the popular tumuts
at those places consequent upon the late Cuban eX-
petition.
The House of Representatives on the same day
passed to third reading the bill TO grant dona-
tons of public land to the several States and
Territories and the District of Columbia, in due
proportions, for the support of Education and other
public purposes. The National Intelligencer con-
graduates the whole country, and the honorable
Representatives themselves,on this suspicious step
in most benefcent masure. An effort was made
on Friday to have the bill re-committed to the
Committee on Public Land, and this failing,a mo-
ton was made to lay the bill on the table, which
was negatived by decided vote. A motion to re-
consider the vote by which the House refused to
recommit the bill, was then laid on the table.
This bill grants public lands to all the States at
the rate of one hundred and fifty thousand acres for
each Senator and Representative in Congress, and
to each of the organized Territories and the Dis
trict of Columbia one hundred and fifty thousand
acres. The number of acres appropriated by the
bill would be some sixty millions.
The House passed the bill on Saturday, by a
vote of yeas 90, nays Sc.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

Mr.. STANLY, of North Carolina, has introduced
bill in the House of Representatives, proposing
to deposit with the several States the fourth install
ment of the deposits of the public money directed
to be made with them by the Distribution Act of
1886, to be applied by The said States to transport
to Liberia the free people of color within their re-
spective limits and provide for their maintenance
and education there. The aggregate amount
which it is thus proposed to deposte is $9,367,
PA 90, of which the portion of Virginia is 1872,
800 81. The depostes are TO be made in five per
cent. stock of the United States, and the interest,"
only is to be used in the way indicated. 1t is to
be hoped that the measure will succeed, and be
approved by all the States. Several Governors Of
Virginia have urged the removal of the free ne
groes from the State, and our Legislature passed
an act year or two ago making an appropriation
in aid of the Colon cation Society. This act, il
passed, will obviate the necessity of any further
State appropriation, and must prove of vast benefit
to all classes in the country
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
New Books.

We are indebted to the Publishers, Messrs. LIP
pINcoTT, GRAMBo S, Co., of Philadelphia, for cop
les of ''Old Mortality" ''The Black Dwarf,
"Guy Mannering," and ''The Antiquary," being
a part of the handsome edition of the "Waverly
Novels in course of publication by that frm.-
We take occasion again to recommend this obi
ton as the best and cheapest that can now be pro-
cured. They are issued semi-monthly in Parts,
each Part containing complete Novel, and two
Parts making volume, at SIP for the Twelve
Volumes, bound in Cloth, 81, per volume, or fifty
cents per Part. Sold by Mr.. r. CowAN, Book
seller of this place
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
ssFuss and FeatIlcrs,U

The Democrats will knock sold Fuss and Fcath-
ers" into cooked hat" He is the very mau
they wanted to beat-Vind.
o. Yes and the very man they still acant to
beat-but this will be all.
We confess that the name by which the Editor
of the Vindicator is pleased to designate the old
hero of Lundy's Lane, is not altogether nappro-
pirate. At the terrible battle of Churubusco, the
feathers that foated from his ''cocked hat" like
the white plume of Harry of Navarro, might al
ways be seen in the thickest of the fight, and a.
round them his brave followers rallied to victory
All! indeed it was ''fuss" that WINFIELD SCOTT
kicked up there! He raised quite rumpus, too,
at Niagara, Chippewa, Cero Gordo, Chepultepec
and various other places, and has just commenced
another little ''skrmmage" which has caused con-
siderable commotion in the camp of the enemy.
"Then, let us back him in the fight.
Our cause is just and high!
And show them that the fuss we raise
Will make the feathers fly!"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
From the National tuteuigencer.
Official Copy Of the Wing Platform,


| Our Democratic neighbors of the "Union" seem
to be distressed that they should have wasted am
munition in crticsing one of the resolutions form
ing the Wing Platform, as just adopted by the
Wing National Convention. The resolution refer
red to is the eighth of the SERIES relating to the
Compromise Measures Having been erroneous
ly printed in the newspapers, the Union hastily
seized the opportunity to give vent to its indigna-
ton on account of the supposed omission of the
words compromise" and "final, !" which words, it
maintained, were essential to imply an honest and
faithful support of the laws composing the ''com-
PROMISE" 1t turns out, however, that the official
copy of the Platform, which we publish below, is
in this respect precisely what the "Union" con-
tended that it ought to be-; and now instead of re-
joicng to find that its previous complaint was ut
tery groundless and that both the great parties of
the country have periodically placed themselves
in the slime national position in support of the com.
promise, it seems grieved and disappointed at the
discovery land even impeaches the authetc record,
because it does rot correspond with what was has
tily prepared for the newspapers, under circum
stances, as regards this important act of the Wing
Convention, highly unfavorable to accuracy in the
precise words of the proposition The report of
the Platform which appeared in the National Intel
lgencer, to which the Editor of the s'Union' re-
fers with such apparent confidence, we can assure
him was not verified by the original copy or by
the journal; as he supposes. 1t was simply the
work of the Reporter, who, having before him the
platform previously submitted by the Southern
Wings, noted therein the alterations whilst Mr.
Ashmun continued the reading, with his back turn
ed to the Reporters, amidst the noise consequent
upon repeated cheering and other outbursts of ap-
plause from the greatmulttude that filled the hall.
When the eighth resolution was reached, the
changes of phraseoogy, without affecting the sub
stance, were such as to confound the Reporters in
their efforts to correct the copy before them, al
though they might easily from the slowness of the
reading, have taken down the entire resolution in |
shorthand, if they had anticipated the necessity of
pursuing that course The consequence was, that
with one exception all the Reporters on the left of
the Presidents chair entertained doubts as to the
of their copies of this resolution, and
were supplied with manifold copies of it by the
gentleman who expressed himself satisfied that he
had obtained an exact copy. This accounts for the |
publication in all the newspapers, and
we trust the explanation will be satisfactory our
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
Abolition and Freesoil Movements.

The State Central Committee of the Freesoil
Convention of their party will be held at Worces-
ter on the 9th of July next, ''to consider the
state of the times, of politics, and parties, and to
take such action in relation thereto as the cause of
liberty, equality, and human rights may demand"
"The Liberty Party of the United States" have
called Convention to meet at Buffalo on the LIST
of September, to nominate candidates for President
and Vice President of the United States, in place
of GERREr SMITH and CHARLES DURKEE, who
were nominated last fall but declined. This call
is signed by FREDERICK DOUGLASS (the fugitive
slave, )ANroiNErrE L. BRowN (the female preach
cry and others, and is approved by j. G. BIRNEY,
G. SMITH and VIM. GooDEL.
The Frcesoilers are also to hold National Con-
vention to nominate candidates for President and
Vice President, at Cleveland, Ohio, on the first
"Wednesday in August. Their announcement is
signed by SAMUEL LEWIS, Chairman of the Free
soil National Committee, and dated Cincinnati,
May LIST.
Besides these movements, long Address 'to
the Anti-slavery Christians of the United States"
in behalf of the american and Foreign Anti-Sla-
very Society,"" signed by some forty persons living
in various parts of the North and West, and dated
New York, May, 1852, is published. The sub
jects of which the Address treats are arranged I'M
der different heads, as follows: Extension of
Slavery" Sc, Government Implicated with Sla-
very" 1.-The Church Implicated with the Sin of
Slavery" "Atrocity of the Fugitive Slave Act"
delinquency and Duty ofthe Church, j" COLLECTS
of the Society" 1T Aims to Rectify Public Opn-
ion," "Wants of the Society,"" "Appeal for
Fundso
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
The Ratification Meeting.

Curiosity prompted us tie call at the Courthouse
on Friday evening last, when the Democrats pro-
posed a meeting to ratify the nomination ofPlERcE
and KING 1t was the second attempt-the first
having proved a failure for some reason unknown
to us. When we first entered the house., the
scene was solemn and awe-inspiring, The can
dies burned lazily and reflected their sckly rays
upon the demure features of sundry Democrats
scattered here and therein the jury-box, on the
bench and in the bar-while the solemn silence that
prevailed was occasionally broken by the monotonous
tolling of the bell, as signal to the faithful that
the house was not full. The sombre picture was
somewhat relieved, however, by the jocund faces
ofnumerous Soorr Wings, who occupied the back
ground.
The meeting was organized by the appointment
OF BENJAMIN CRAWFORD, Esq, Chairman, and
the Editor of the pindicator Secretary. A COM
mlttee was then selected to draft resolutions, which,
in short time reported through Mr.. SKINNER,
who embraced the opportunity to deliver himself
of speech Before he got through, however, to-
gether with number of Wings and Democrats too,
we adjourned to the Book Auction, where gen
tleman from Wisconsin was furnishing far more
lively entertainment.
While we were present there was not the stamp
ing of foot, the clappng of hand or the rafting
of couple of thumb nails, although Mr. S. de-
pcted in glowing colors, the atterng prospects Of
Democracy. In point of responsibility the meet
ing was unexceptonable, in point Of numbers re-
markably slim, and as to enthusiasm there was
certainly none before we left, and, we understand
but little more during the evening.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
spirit of the Wing Press.

The Washington Republic, heretofore regarded
as the peculiar organ of Mr.. FILLMoRE's admin
istration, says
Winfield Scott is the nominee of the Whig Ma
tional Convention for the Presidency of the United
States. He was not our first choice among the
distinguished men who were the candidates for that
position. But he is the first choice of majority
of the Wings of the Union. To all who recognise
the obligations of party this fact is conclusive
lie Is nominated upon platform adopted by the
convention he has accepted the nomination upon
that PLATFORM ace do not see upon irIat principle
any Wig can itithhold from him his earnest. cor
dial and hearty support. No one can doubt his pa
triotism. His eminent services in the field ali of
us acknowledge. His capacity for civic employ
ment, wherever it has been tested has been illus
trated by uniform success. That he will be hon.
est, true and faithful to the Constitution, every
act of his private and public life abundantly testi-
fies. That he will be loyal to the Union no one
can entertain doubt.
The New York Commercial SAYS
We keep faith, both in heart and with the pen,
with the great national Wing party with whom
we have been SO long associated Wecan support
the nomination most cheerfully and consistently;
for, though our preference for Mt Webster has
been strongly felt and earnestly expressed, it has
been accompanied by no objection to either General
Scott or Mr.. Fillmore, both of whom we have ever
believed TO be true to the Wing party and the u
MON, and therefore friends of any measures that
have promoted OR ea.. promote the prosperity of Ell
ther
The Baltimore american, in every respect a
model paper, and an ardent advocate of Mr.. FILL
MoRE's nomination, in announcing the nomination
of Gen. SCOTT, says
We announce this nomination with fixed de-
termination heartily to support it. Our individual
preferences, as our readers are well aware, were
directed But in the general action of a
party, holding to great principles, the surrender of
individual preferences is matter of duty when
ever the common cause requires it. A Platform
has been established by the Convention, for which
we thank them. 1t is broad and wide and nation
al, and has the approval of General Scott; andany
man hho takes nomination upon that basis Is en-
titled TO the cordial support Of ercry true Wing in
the UniOn
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

Ratification Meetings.

The Wings of Baltimore held grand ratifca
ton meeting on Monday night, after the adjourn
ment of the National Wing Convention, in Mon
ument Square. The american says the throng
was the deIisest they have ever seen gathered In
that place, and by its unanimity enthusiasm, and
hearty endorsement ofth eloquent addresses which
were made gave the strongest evidence of the spir-
it and determination with which the Wings will
enter upon the approaching contest. The speakers
were Mayor Jerome, Hon. Benz. Gardiner, Of Ala
bama, Hon. w. B. Preston, of Va, Col. Williams,
of Kentucky, Col, Anderson, of Ohio, R. A. Up
ton, of Louisiana, J. S. Yerger, of Mississippi,
Gov Jones, of Tennessee, Col. Schuyler, of Mas
sachusetts, and COL Edny and Fl. w. Miller, oil
North Carolina.
The Wings of Philadelphia held meeting on
Tuesday night. Not less than twenty thousand
persons were assembled within the precincts of In
dependence Square. Among the speakers were
Gov. Jones, of Tennessee, W. b. Preston, of Vir-
gina, G. B. Duncan, of Louisiana, and MIR. Cobb,
of Mississippi. One of the resolutions adopted
concludes as follows:
That the country owes to a Wing Administra-
ton and to Wing ccunsels the settlement OF the re-
cent sectional controversy; and that, being thus
happily settled, we deprecate its renewal under
any preteXt, pedging to perpetual Constitution
perpetual fidelity and to the laws In being under
it respect and submission"
An immense gathering of Wings took place at
D,Io NNa1naS1o,,
The Hon. John M. Clayton made a speech, por-
ton of which the telegraph reports as follows:
'',rhe 9Th resolution, Mr.. Clayton said, was not
as adopted by the Convention; and he read the
true resolution pointing out the discrepancies in
the one reported in the papers. He said these res
olutions gave the South ample guaranty, and were
not humiliating to the North. Winfield Scott had
been chosen the standard bearer this platform of
principles, and the only question he had to propose
to his hearers, was, Shall we adopt the Baltimore
Wing Platform? Unanimous cries Of eyes"
''yes.") General Scott, he said, was scholar,
and statesman, and the greatest General of the
age. He never saw better international lawyer,
and he would support him for his civil qualitica-
tons alone.
The Wings Of Richmond held meeting on
Saturday night, which was attended by about
thousand persons. w. H. MCFARLAND presided,
and r. II, DANIEL offered resolutions expressive
of the cordial endorsement by the Wings of Viz
gina of the platform and the nominees. r. E.
SCOTT of Fauquier, and ]. M. Boris delivered
Speeches The former stated that ofthe &c mem
bers of the Wing Convention who voted against
the platform majority were in favor of the fugi-
tive slave law
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
BIackwood's Magazine.

The June number of this periodical has been re-
ceived from the American publishers, Mossrs. L..
Scorr s. Co., of New York. The contents are,
Policy of the Protectionists, Five Years in the
West Indies, Fortune Hunting Extraordinary,
Ferguson the Plotter, Carmina Lusoria--Scraps
of Rhymes, Thoughts upon Dinners, Fragments
of Poetry, The Great Question, Index. The num-
Der is one of more than ordinary interest, and the
second article may be read with special profit by
those sentimental philanthropists who have deriv-
ed their knowledge of the system of slavery from
such works as Miss SrowE's Romance called
HUncle TOMS Cabin"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

No AccoUNrISe FOR TAsrE.-The Baton
Rouge Gazette says: negro on the plantation of
Mrs. Dupiantler who was supposed to be ''dirt
skeleton, and all hope Of saving him was given up,
when it was found that instead of eating dirt. the
negro was eating rags. He would eat his clothes.
blankets and every description of cloth, would sell
his s.rations' for old clothes to eat large pieces of
woolen, cottonade, Sc, were taken from him, and
we learn since he has been deprived of them, that
he has become quite healthyhe gives no reason for
his singular taste, which seems now to have left
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

0y- We see it stated that the name of WIN
FIELD ScoTr was originally, Wiagfeld, but the
"great Captain" was so vain, he dropped the ''g."
-Vindicator.
So do we, but we don't believe it. If true, how
ever, it is not so radical change as the democrat
ic friends of Gen. PIERCE are endeavoring to eff
feet in his name. They are so aristocratic, that
they drop two letters and add one, for the purpose
of manufacturing "Lord PERCY" out of a ''Nlr.
PIERCEo ...l.-
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
National Agricultural Convention.

A National Agricultural Convention was held
in Washington City last week. Twenty three
States and Territories were represented by one
hundred and ffty-one delegates. A Constitution
for National Agricultural Society was adopted,
and resolution passed requesting Congress to at
ford its aid to the agricultural interests of the coun-
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

POLITICAL MOVEMENT IN MAINE.-A call has
been published for mass convention at Portland,
(Me.5 to be held on the 29th inst, to nominate
candidate for Governor in opposition to the rec
lection of Gov. Hubbard, the Democratic candid
ate The call is signed by two thousand of his for
mer friends, who oppose him because he signed the
liuuor law.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

Coon JoKE.-It is currently reported that when
a committee of Democrats at Washington, waited
on Commodore Stockton, and invited him to ad-
dress meeting to ''ratify' the nomination of Gen
Pierce, he expressed his great establishment that
they should ask him to speak in support of such
heard Of He added that all he had heard of him
showed that he entertained set of principles eve
ry one of which almost Com. Stockton was oppos-
ed to. He thought it very strange to be asked TO
speak in favor of such nominations Trenton
Gazette.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30
.Jeu d, Esprit.

"Lundy's Lane and Chippewa
For their Hero now hurral
Let Wings unite-the day is ours,
Beyond the fate of adverse powers.
Our foes may boast that they are fierce,
While leading on with Gen'l Pierce
But they will find their work too hot,
Pursued by Wings with General Scott"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-30

eo- A Geographic dispatch published in the
Richmond papers during the session of the Wing
Convention at Baltimore, to the effect that Presl-
dent FILLMORE had advised his friends to go for
WEBSTER and thus "save the Wing party is
contradicted. He s9ni no such message.