davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
.Gbaits 4iitratats.
THE
BY JAMES REFS.
PAGE /.
THE Il

The frst page Of the book Of life opens
with a view Of a gambling house in New
Orleans. There is a mixed assemblage of
men, on whose distorted features could be
read whole volumes Of crime and passion.
I counted thirty persons, besides those
whose business twas to set the gambling
machine ia operation. The table was COW
cred with money, upon which the excited
wretches gazed with nervous earnestness,
andas chance, or fraud, perhaps both, oper-
ated against them, the deep volcanoes of
the soul burst out 10 wild ordinations, In
termingled with oaths and curses. A true
pisnre of hell is a gambling house,
One old man, whose grey hairs hung
wildly about bis neck, grasped dollar after
dollar, as it(arncd up to his number, and
the CHASTITY smile teld how it soothed the
anguish of his mind. lie won, but there
were those who lost; what a picture did
thor cOuntcnmces convey Of the passions
that reigued withinl Eyes distendcd, lips
compressed, the nervous tremor, all showed
that the spirit Of gambling was doing iii
hoFrid work. One young man there was
who more particularly attracted my atten
tioh, for in him | recognized a fellow board
CT. he lost, bat his countenauce gave NJ
indication Of It, he smiled, but the close OBJ
server might have discerned asudden twitct
Of the lower hp. and nervous action of tn,
arm, which plainly told that all was no
calm within. The book of life opened TO
him dark, and the page was blotted will
the tears Of an absent parent.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
PAGE V.
THE .

The FIRST page presents aview of the gal
lows. The scenery around it differed from
any that | had ever gazed upon before
On the right rolled the waters of the Sus-
quehanna, on the left arose the blue noun
tains, covered with the mighty oaks, those
old forest trees, whose ages could alone be
reckoned by the wood rangers; for they
bore the impress of centuries. An immense
multitude had assembled to witness the
execution of a hardened criminal, one con-
victed of committing a most horrible muir
der. 1t was a fearful sight to gaze upon.
The scaffold was erected at a point of the
forest known as the cross roads it was
rude constructed thing, but firm. The
clouds we're gathering in dark folds above
us, but ever and anon the sun would dart
forth its rays, and striking the dark shade
of the trees, gave to that portion of the
scene a supernatural appearance of bright
ness. Around and about the gallows stooC
the anxious spectators. There was a min
gled look of pity and defiance to feeling OIL
each countenance, which gave to the up
Fitted faces of the thousands an unearthl,
VI WI hOdu4oA OAPlCoolou. "a 4oSO Ch
culprit assembled the ladder, followed b
the hapgman; the rope was arranged,
solemn silAnAA rAignad among the vas
crowd-pot a sound was heard-respira
ton itself was suspended! The clouds ha
passed away, a sickly ray Of light shon
for a while upon the awful preparations
Again it ceased to shine, the clouds gail
cred in fearful blackness, the thunder rolled
the lightning flashed, and a breeze whic
swelled to a mighty wind, swept down frol
the mountain. AT the moment the unhal
Ply man raised his head from his heavin
breast, and gazed around with wild an
maniac stare-I started-the action attra
ted his attention, our eyes net, and Il
next moment he was launched into Etc
nifty! It was Morton The book of Life
completed!
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

PUBLIC REcoGNITIoN.-Rev. G. w. John
ston was publicly recognised as Pastor of the
Baptist Church in this city on last Sabbath.
The order of exercises was as follows:
Reading IF the Scriptures and PRAYER by
Rev. A. Mcdowell. Sermon by Prot. Win
gate, Of Wake Forest College; and address
and right hand of Fellowship, by Rev. j. j.
james after which the newly appointed
pastor addressed some appropriate and feel
ing remarks to the church and congregation.
The services were fully attended, and con-
Quoted with becoming s~Olemnity throughout.
Brother Johnston enters ungn the duties
of his pastorate under circumstances of inte-
rest, and it i is hoped his labors here. as thew
have been recently in the eastern part of the
State, may be ~abundantly crowned with the
divine blessing.-Bib. Rec.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
Spirit If 4e 9r BagB 0mR CuHn-s gnpumn ana fmg dauRa phs paper.

ter, we sang to the wild notes of music,
which gave to the scene a romantic tone,
and whid found a corresponding chord to
vibrate upon in every heart. Ishall never
forget my visit to the mountains Of Penn
wlvania. In q place so remote from the
infectious vices Of a populous city, it was
10 be expected that the people were virtu-
GUS and happy. Nor had there occurred
aught to disturb the tranquility which pre-
vailed there, until the second week after our
arrival.
One morning the body of a young girl
was found on the bank, or rather the mar
gin Of a small stream which washed the
base Of the mountain, near the town. It
was recognized as being the daughter of a
poor woman who mangled for the boarders
Of the hotel. How didthis fearful accident
occur2 was in every mouth. tAh, here
are marks of violence, and evidence of foul
play SuspicioR soon rested upon a young
man, who had been seen lurking in tbs
neighborhood, and whose sudden disappear
ance gave rise to the report that he mus
be the murderer. On her person was founC
o PiSCO u paper Win TIC W1uS1 0NluoHtl,
written in haste, { Meet me at eight-at tn
usual place. signed NJ.
The paper | saw, the letter N staggere
me; there was something ia its appearance
that attracted my attention ; it seenned t
speak. A mysterious feeling crepE oTe
me as l gazed. and meatally exclaimed,
is Mortonl l turned the piece of pape
over, examined it closely, it was evidentl
written on the back of a letter. sAhl wh;
do see-'on a portion of the address, the,
letters were visible, timer part of IL
post mark was on it, and | could plainI
decipher-'e cans La
1t required no key, it was plain the lie
ter was post marked New Orleans, and d
rected to Mortimer Strange! Murd
completed the fourth page of the book
life
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
COngress-President's Message.

Congress met Monday at 123 O'Clock. The
Senate was opened with prayer by the Rev
Mr. Slicer. The Secretary read a letter from
Mr. Atchison, dated Platte city, Mo. Nov IL,
stating that as he could not be present at
Washington before the third week in Deem
Der, he resigned his post as President of the
Senate.
Mr. Hunter moved its acceptance, and that
the Hon Lewis Cass be chosen President pro-
tempore, which was agreed to, and Senator
Cass took the chair, and returned thanks.
The President and House were informed
of the organization of the Senate.
The House was called to order by the Hon
Linn Boyd, the Speaker. A committee was
appointed to wait on the President and SEN
ate on the organization of the House.
The Presidents Message was sent in on
Monday afternoon. 1t is a document of some
length, and commences with In allasion to
our foreign relations, the most interesting
part Of which we give, as follows:
The past has been an e~ventful year, and
will be hereafter referred to as a marked
epoch in the history of the world. While we
have been happily preserved from the cal
antilles Of war, our domestic prosperity has
not been entirely uninterrupted. The crops,
in portions of the country, have been nearly
cut off. Disease has prevailed to a greater
extent than usual, and the sacrifice of human
life. through casualties by sea and land, is
without a parallel. But the pestilence has
swept by, and restored salubrity invites the
absent to their homes, and the return of bu-
siness to its ordinary channels. If the earth
has rewarded the labor of the h~usbandman
less bounifully than in preceding seasons,
it has left him with abundance for domestic
wants, and a large surplus for expectation.
In the present therefore, as in the past, we
find ample grounds for reyerent thankful
ness to the God of Glace and Providence. for
his protecting care and merciful dealings
with us as a people.
Although our attention has been arrested
by painful interest in passing events, vet our
country feels no more than the slight vibra,
tons Of the commissions which have shaker
Europe. As individuals, we cannot repress
sympathy with human suffering, nor regret
for the causes which produce it. As a nation
we are reminded, that whatever interrupt
the peace, or checks the prosperity of Chris
tendon, tends, more or less, to involve oul
own. The condition of States is not unlik,
that of individuals. They are mutually de
pendent on each other. Amicable relation
between them, and reciprocal good will, ar
essential for the promotion of whatever /
desirable in their moral, social and politica
condition. Hence, it has been my earnes
endeavor to maintain peace and friendly in
tercourse with all nations.
This wise theory of this government, s
early. adopted and steadily pursued, of avoi
ding ali entangling alliances, has hitherto ez
empted it from many complications, in whic
it would otherwise have become involved
Notwithstanding this our clearly defined an
we'll sustained course of action, and our gee
graphical position so remote from Europe
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

BF The North Carolina Railroad is fin
ished from Goldsboro' to about 90 miles west
of Raleigh; and by the first of January,
Freight, Mail and Passenger trains will be
running from the former to Durham's in Or
ange county, a distance of about Is miles,
At the Western end of the Road, the track is
laid to within three miles Of Salisbury,-to
which point it will be completed in the course
of a fortnight. Salisbury is 43 miles from
Charlotte. AtMis end Of the Road. the Com
pany have been carrying freight and passen-
gers since the 10th of September, and have
fully provided Cars, Locomotives, and &C.
By Christmas, therefore, 1l8 miles of the
Road will be in full operation-leaving about
100 miles of superstructure to be laid next
year.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
PAGE ".
THE

It was inaWild part of the State ofPenn-
~sylvania, in the year 1887, where the huge
mountains rise up almost perpendicular,
and seem as if they we're playing hide and
seek with the clouds. l was there for the
benefit Of my health, rs was also some thir-
ty or forty others. We enjoyed our time
most delightfully."-, hunting and fishing oc-
cupying two-thirds of it. Then we made
up parties for sailing, and when the moon
poured down its silyery rays upon the wa
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

Quoting the legal business of the govern
ment.
He calls attention to his former recommen-
dations in reference to the District of Column
bia, and urges them upon the attention of
Congress.
He then refers to our present position as a
nation, and concludes as follows:
Under the solemnity of these convictions,
the blessing of Almighty God is earnestly
invoked to attend upon your deliberations,
and upon all the c~ounsels and acts of the gov
eminent, to the end that, with common zeal
and common efforts, we may in humble sub
mission to the Divine will, cooperate in the
promotion of the supreme good of the United
States.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, Dec 4, 1854.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
PAGE III.
THR @

1t WIS 10 another city, a vast, populous,
commercial city, that l feund myself bSsily
engaged, aud for a while neglected the book
Of life. | read men as they appear in the
great mass. The pages were filled with
tr dc and traffic, aud in the hurry and son.
fusion Of my vocation l lost sight Of indi-
Viduahty. But a circumstance occurred
which brought up Immediately before me,
one Of the actors on life's stage. Extensive
forgeries had been committed, and 80 inge-
niously too, that the rogue had already re-
allied from the brokers upwards of forty
thousand dollars. These drafts purported
to have been drawn by a large cotton house
in New Orleans, on their agent in New
York. When 1 first heard the circum-
stance and the name of the firm ia the Cres-
cent city, l was struck with the curious CO.
incidence that associated my gambling ac-
quaintance with tho forgery. The name
by which be was known in that city was
Morton, and the drafts | aseertained were
made payable to Mortimer. True the sim.
ilarity in name was not in itself sufficiently
striking, but what strengthened my suspic.
ion vas the fact, thatthe gentleman alluded
to in the second page as peing robbed, was
a clerk in the very house by whom thu
drafts were said to be drawn. Satisfied il
my own mind Of the truth Of my own sur
misses, / Immediately started off to the bro
ker to get a sight of one ofthe drafts. Jus
as | reached the corner of the street il
which his Office was located, who should
meet but the object of my suspicious. H,
was followed by a black man carrying
heavy trunk; as soon as he saw me b,
changed color, and passed rapidly on, will
head averted purposely to avoid me. III,
is guilty, / exclaimed, and has filled tn
third page of the book of life!
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

gT S. L. Tiley, Esq, says the Teetotaler,
the acting Most Worthy Patriarch of the
Sonsof Temperance, who resides in st. Johns,
N. B., has lately been elected to the response
bic post of Provincial Secretary of that Pro-
vince. This is the chief Office Of the Ministry,
and is one ofhigh responsibility. Mr.. Tilley
is a seIf-made man. Only a few years ago he
was a quiet druggist; he Joined the Sons of
Temperance, and was found to have q gift
for speech-making, and from speaking in the
Division room, took the field and public plat
form, where he was most effective was cleo
ted to Parliament on the Maine Law issue;
last June was elected NJ. w. 2. Of the S. of
T., and has been elevated to the honorable
post of Secretary of State of his native Pro-
vince.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13
PAGE IL.
TIL ROBBERY.

1t was in a large boarding house, the
view from the balcony was beautiful; it
opened out upon the Mississippi, whose
dark waters rolled along towards the ocean,
IN all the grandeur and glory of the Faith
err of Waters Myriads Of steamboats,
foated along, laden with the riches Of the
upper land and the huge ships freighted
for Europe gave goodly evidence, that this
indeed was the Emporium of the West
This page Of the book of life opened bSau-
tiful aud bright, and as 1 gazed upon it, /
wished in my heart that it might be eter-
nal
While / stood gazing, thoughts carried
off on the wings Of imagination were rioting
iR the snticipations Of the future -
what is thought
Imggination's vast and shoreless sea,
Which shifting light aud darkness play sth-
wart
In rapid change inscrutable and free,
a mirror where we find forms Of all things
that be-"
A friend approached me, upon whose
c~ountcuaucc a shadow Of grief rested and
hid the sunshine Of his heart. So great q
change struck me, and l inquired the cause
Il have been robbed he replied, robbed
Of my watch, and two hundred dollars IL
cash AZ that moment the young man o.
the gambling house came up, I caught hit
eye, il quailed bonOath my glance-was i
guilty
Robbed, did you say taking up tn,
words of my friend how very strange;
too lost my watch, a valuable lever, tn,
gift of my mother. We have a thief il
the house | gazed at him intently as b,
spoke, and calmly Observed yes, and Z
.s4DvJler tor His face flushed, then grew
Pale es death, his lips quiVered, and he has
tily left US.
Look after taat man, Saudford-h
rooms with you, does he HotP i asked.
Yes
Mark me, Sandford-thnt nan is th
robberi'
'He a robber +! why he is the son Of
wealthy planter. Why suspect him? p
Simply because l study the pages {
the book of life The first and secon
chapter Of bis eyentful career arc write
and st%creotyPed on the eternal tablets.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

ATHoUGHT.-Suppose your Heavenly Faith
er bad placed in your possession a precious
diamond, and commanded you to inscribe
thereon a sentence which should be read in
Heaven at the last great day, how careful
you would be in making the selection! You
have such a diamond in your hands now
There are immortal creatures around you ev-
cry day, more precious than the brightest dia-
mond, on which you are every hour Inscrib-
ing, by your precepts and examples, your in
structions and your conversation, something
which will remain forever and, in the last
day, be read aloud to your honor and JOY, or
to your eternal condemnation.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

F~RIGHrFUL AccIDENT.-The horses attach
ed to a buggy in which DR.. Green, Of War
rem, was riding in this city on the 9th inst,
took fright, ran away and threw out the
DR.. and the servant driving him very Sc
riously if not fatally injuring both the Doctor
and the servant.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

"OLD RPS PoP-GUN."-This is toe title
of a neat little paper on our table, hailing
from Shelby, cleveland Co., N. c., and ed
tied by "Trip Van Wrinkle and Frank Harley"
1t is rather of the swivel order, but has taken
a large object to shoot at, viz: "The vices
and follies of the day, our target-at which
we will FIRE when we please" 1t can hardly
miss its aim, crack away at ever so much
random may its success be commensurate
Herewith. Terms, Is cents for three months /;
FIVE copies for 81, &c., in advance.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

ES The financial troubles Of the country
are by no means at an end, we regret to say,
nor at the worst. Heretofore private banks,
brokers, spectators, and here and there a
merchant, have failed. These classes con-
tinue to fail hut now the iron manufacturers
are likewise failing. Many Of them, says a
Pennsylvania paper in the iron region. are
stopping operations and suspending payment.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

A tremendous snow storm prevailed to the
eastward of New York city on Monday, as
well as through the Nothern and North wes-
tern portion Of the state Of New York. Snow
fell in some places to the depth of eighteen
inches. The storm was accompanied with
very high winds generally, and in some pla-
ces attended with disastrous results.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

LoTTERIEs.-Probably almost all of our
readers are familiar with the lottery circular
nuisance. Thousands of these circulars are
sent through the mails to persons who would
as soon touch a snake as encourage that spe-
cies of gambling. Wehave reason to believe,
however, that many persons are has temp
ted to waste their money in that way. A
day or TIVE agowe received an advertisement
of a lottery all the way from Frankfort on
tho Maine, with a request to publish it for 2
or 3 months. We threw it in the fire, as We
do all such advertisements, believing that no
price we could receive for such publication
would atone for the evil we might produce.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

SA- In giving the names of the candidates
for Solicitor of the 4th District, last week,
we gave Mr.. Stedman's name as VIM. c.
It should have been J.. A. Stedman.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-12-13

P. s. We are gratified to state that since
the above article was written, notice has been
given in one branch of the Legislature that a
Bill would be introduced touching the subject
of legislation on the traffic. We presume it
will'be of a character indicated in a resolution
passed atthel last session ofthe Grand Division,
leaving The whole matter discretionary with
the voters in the several school districts. r
Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-05-23

were regarded as being probably the final
1ttempt OF Austria to restore peace before
she declares herself.
IheConstantinople correspondent of the
London Times, under date of April 80.
furnishes the following items:
Lord Ragland has arrived here, and
the unpleasantry in which the Porte was
involved with the French ambassador
has been satisfactorily arranged.
The demand of General paraguay d Hill
llers has been conceded, and an apology
for the delay has been made to him on
the part of the Porte.
There are fifteen thousand English
now here, and as many more French ap-
preaching.
The fleets We're, on the 25th of April,
before sevastopol.
Fifteen Russians merchantmen were
seized before Sevastopol.
A rumor is current at Galatz that the
commandment of Sevastopol began on
the 18th, but the statement requires con.
tirmation.
A part of the troops in the paw of
Hayder Pasha have received marching
orders for Adrianople. Q
Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-05-23
Pennsylvania Railroad comnanv A.

PaILADELrHIA, May 22.-At a meeting of
the Stockholders Of the PENNSYLVANIA Railroad
Company, this morning the Board of Direct
oes submitted report relative to the purch ass
OF the main line, stating that So. OOO. 600 would
be required for the removal and repairs Of tn.
Road and Canal, and they estimate the total
value at only 81 ,000,000 The report takes
ground against the purchase at the rate Of
slo'ooo,ooo specIhed, as the minimum price in
the act of the Legislature. The report VS..
referred to Committee of the Stakeholder
TO report upon two weeks hence.
A report was also read from committee an.
pointed to visit Chicago, relative to the appli
cation OF the Ohio and Indiana and Fort WAYNE
and Chicago Railroads for the endorsement, of
their bonds for half a million each. The re-
port recommended the aid, but the Board of
Directors adopted a resolution that. in the Alb
sence OF authority given by the Legislature.
and in the present financial difficulties of tba
country, the measure was inexpedient at the
present time. 0
Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-05-23
THE MAYORAr.Tv

as the time approaches when the citizens
OF TINS District will be called upon to select ene
from among the distinguished names now be.
lore the public, l think it consistent with the
occasion to submit few remarks for the con.
ssma or my fellow citizens granting the
same privilege to all who feel inclined re- ev
press their views on the same subject.
with all respect for the talents and eYce,.
renee OF the honorable gentlemen who annear
as candidates, would most EARNESTLY recon-.
mend the re- election of Mr.. Maury a. an az.
perienced and excellent oficerHa man of
sound Judgment and well-directed zeal and
affairs 0"i Pupic
In view Of these facts, ask you, fellow citi.
zens, If it is not due to the merit of a oood
0mcer 10 show our appreciation of his service,
oy re-electing him to the Office which he has
so ably sustained ONE or MaNv
Washington, May 70, 1854. T.
Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-05-23
BY GREEN q SCOTT, Auction..r,

VALUABLE BUILDING LOT ON FOURTH ST.
east AZ Auction.-0n WEDNESDAY the 24,l
we shall sell in front OF the prem i.es at
CLOCK p. m, handsome Building Lot, situated on
..h ttreet asst, 1t being Let No 6, in Square No
having front of IS feet inches on 4th street east
running Dack ioo feet inch, containing near 6 900
ma avenue, ON public space. The above defciibsd
property is but short distances from che Capitol
and handsomely located. and the sale will be- vii
wor,ny the attention Of persons wishing to make
Terms one-third cash balance in six and twelve
oh.ns, Tor notes bearing interest from day of sale
a ed gwen and deed of trust taken
o GaEEN SCOTT,
Ai'N ~ " Auction.