davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

10 Some time ago, it was stated that a
bet was made that a man could not shoot an
apple off another's head with the pistol From
the following from the Picayune. the feat
seems to have been accomplished:
The great match and bet of 1000 dollars
to eight hundred, has at last been decided.
Mr.. Travis winning the money upon the first
shot. The affair came of on May day, at the
residence Of Mr.. G. A. Rabbit. at Bayou
Ramos. on Tiger Island. parish of St. Mary's.
in this State 1t being difficult to procure an
apple. a small orange only about five inches
ii circumference was substituted. After the
shooting distance Of thirty-six feet was mea-
sured, and all parties agreed, the orange was
placed by the judges upon the head Of gen.
tlemau a friend Of both parties, Mr.. j. r. o..
and no object intervening, the first shot told
the story. hitting the orange, half Of the bullet
going through.
Both gentlemen displayed great nerve up
on the exciting occasion. and acknowledged
best shots in the country we're present. and
an express themselves fully satisfied that Mr.
Travis is the best pistot shot ~ the vorld.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31
ORIGIN Al.
For tlt Port Gibson Rcuale.
Ennui.
BY ANrolNErrE.

Eaa.i is 4 growth Of Engish-root,
Though uamelcss n eur language I'VE retoit
Tie iaet f9r words. and let the French translate
Tat awful yawn which sleep cannot abate."
Who has not known its spell-who has not
III. lis influence? 'Tis not lassitude o.
mind, but Of body; for while the latter re-
mains irresistibly inert, the mind scars tri
umphantly above it. and in tranquil ecstacy
u happiness, roams the world Of beauty OF
love and fancy, till, lost in the immensity Of
is own divine nature, il shrinks enfe ebed
within its clayey bosom The bright spring
time of nature, when all is beautiful around
is the chosen time for its power. The react.
lon produced BY the transition from winter to
spring, Is too great for mans weak frame
and tired nature seeks repose. The birds
warble their songs. ill earth is but an echo
Of the spheres !" the flowers diffuse their odor,
aud the dazzling clouds float languidly above
rs. The heart is filed with alteration and
love 70 the Creator for these good gifts, and
the bosom swells with emotions Of hope, JOY,
and peace. The body becomes subscrvient,
and mind reigns prO-cminent. Some philos-
ophers contend that the mind cannot be sum-
moned to intense application when the body
i in languid state. The fearful or pleasant
dreams tia. visit the sleeper, viii prove the
reverse The sensible signs may not simul-
hncously be giyen-the body will not act
with tile mind "a late riser said that be could
make up bis mimi to get up, but could not
make up his J0ly . and the operations Of one
may bc distinct from the other, asd never
moie 50 than when under the influence O.
Ennui.
"'Tis mind that makes the body rich =
and he that has no resources Of mind, Is more
70 be piticd than he who is in want Of the
necessarios for the body; and to be Obliged 70
beg our daily happiness from others, bespeaAS
more lamentable poverty than that OF him
who begs his daily bread" Why not, then,
indulge in that languor induced BY external
Influences Of the season, as il contributes to
our mental Measure. /. Where it intcrferes
with the utility Of life. or with the value oil
tine as expended in physical effort Then IN
deed il is unwelcome then resist i as an
evil genius, and guard against its influence.
for it is certainly an enemy to industry ;-ano
in all bearings Of life. when matter transcenos
mind. and in this gold-mad country of ours y
! isircquontly the case, then fight against u as
Aa biusrtat Zoe that could assail you.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

LIKE THE ANGELS =" Why! you would
have me like the angels" exclaimed a young
girl with whom friend bad been talking.
Truly would we have women like the an
gels. And why not ? Is it any harm to be
like an angel We read that they are very
beautiful, full Of love, truth. purity, compass
sionate, sinless. Are these forbiddieg traits
Angels SANDER not each other. They have
no circles in their glorious home where char
acters are picked to pieces. Angels never
wrcathe the face with smiles when envy is
gnawing the very heart-strings in twain
Angels never rejoice over the downfall Of an
other. Angels lure not with the eye, and
then coldly cast off with the lip Angels
suffer not passion to paint the brow dark with
discomfort and hatred.
Would you not wish, eventually, to become
angels2 Or docs this thought never enter
with the multitude that cross the mind' S
Threshold! Why not, prepare then, for this
high destination ? Why not discipline the
sublime thoughts, and beautiful in good deeds!
Cultivate your affections be pure in thought,
gentle in spirit. Danish forever deception,
evil speaking. inordnate love Of pleasure
Why not become as near as you may be, an
gels on earth? All young ladies'. believe us
when we tell you there is no harm in striving
to be like the angels.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

Whole Number, las.

MEN AND WoMEN IN AMERicA.-T ideal
Of the man of America seems to me 70 be.
purity Of intention, decision 10 will energy in
action. simplicity aud geutleness in manner
aud demeanor Hence it is that there is
something tender and chivalric in bis beha-
vior to woman which is infinitely becoming
to hun. In every woman he respects his own
mother
In the same way it appeared to me TINT tho
ideal OF tie woman Of Americi, Of the woman
OF the New World. is independence in eharac-
ter. gentleness Of demeanor and manner
The Americans ideal Of happiness seems
to me to be marriage and home, combined
with public activity. TO have a wife. his own
house and home. his own piece Of land !. to
take care Of these and to beautify them. at
the same time doing some good to the State
or TO the eity-this seems TO me to be the OBJ
ject of human life with most men journey
to Europe to see perfected cities ana-ruins
belonging to it. as a desirable episode.
OF the American home have seen enough
and heard enough for me to be abe to say
that that the women have, in general al tho
rule there which they wish to have. Woman
is tho centre and the lawgivcr in the homes Of
the New World, and the American man loves
that it should be so He wishes that his wife
should have her own will at home and he
loves TO obey it. Ia p'olf Of this, hayo
heard the words Of Young man quoted Il
hope that my wife will have her own will in
tho house. and if she has no., Iii make her
have it | must, however. say. that in the
happy homes in which lived. saw the wife
equally careful to guide herself By the wishes
Of hor husband as he was to in lulge her. AZ
fection and sound reason make all things
equal-lIiSS Brcmcr.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

LUDIcRoUs MISCHIEF The following
droll incident" is related in the Knukey-
locker, as having occurred to a lady CT rc-
spectability in Brooklyn.
1.-The lady has a charming little boy, very
observing initiative and active The child
had noticed the postman constantly leaving
letters, and moving off quickly. and ho
thought it would be a very fine thing to be-
come a postman So he went one day to his
mammals cscritoire, and took out some twen-
ty.fge or thirty letters, tied them up. and
sailed forth, leaving one at every house. and
moving of quickly. The LAZY was rather
surprised when her next noiglibor brought
her an open letter. which she raid somebody
had left at her door; but what was her as
constituent when visiting hour arrived, for
another, and another and another LADY com
ing in, all bringing open letters. until her
ample parl0r was completely crammcd -
You need not doub. the mirth and fun grew
fast and furious, as each lady entered with
the same tale, and he little postman was
eatcd beyond measure to find what a capital
post nan he was but the best og the fun was.
that every lady, one and all, asserted that sho
had not uufolded or read word Of IT,"
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

SLosmxG ABoUT.-The judges often tell
stories on the members Of the bar, albeit they
are much oftener the subjects Of the stories
themselves. We lately heard one Of the for
mer illustrating the prOpriety Of letting well
enough alone." by the following anecdote:
An affray case was on trial in the Circuit
Court Of Pike county, in which some six or
eight peace.breakers we're represented By al
most as many lawyers, each Of whom, in turn,
nut the only witness for the State through the
tortures Of a tedious cross-examination. Nat
a we'll known Montgomery practi-
TONER. was counsel for a biz black fellow
in the crowd, who answered to the name Of
Saltonstall. As to this defendant, the only
proof which was elected on the examination
IN chief Of the witness for the prosecution, was
tbat-to use the peculiar phraseology Of the
narrator" while the rest on 'em was q Gus
sim and clinchin aud pairing off reg'lar
r'yal Salt0nstaH Jest Kept st0sltiR' about." /"
This expression was repeated halfdozen times
-Saltonstau Kept SkoShin' dbout. The
Solicitor and Nat both construed this to mean
that saltonstall was only moving about, drunk,
among the combatants, and the former did not
press for an explanation. Presently, how
ever. il came to Mats turn TO cross-examine
for his client; and as he had received quite
handsome fee considering how things stood,
he felt found to make something OF de-
monstration." So, quoth he, with the air Of
the ayoheer Of injured innocence
"Come. witness, say over again what it
was that Mr.. Saltonstall had to do with this
affair."" !.
saltonstall? Why, I've told you several
times. the rest on EN- clinched and paired of,
but SaltonstaH he jest kept StOstin
about"
"Ah, my good fellow" exclaimed Nat,
ouite testify, we want to know what that IS.
I. isn't exactly legal evidence in the shape
YOU put it. Tell US what you mean by sIos11-
2 Wen.p said the witness, very deliberate.
H. all try. You see, John Brewer aud
Sykes they clinched and fout That's IN the
legle form, amt i < :,
"Oh. yes!!" said Nat-"go on "
Abney and Blackman then pitched into
one another. and Blackman bit off piece 81
Abney's lip-that's legle too, ain I 1t /"
Proceed
"simpson and Bill Stones and Murray was
on the ground, bitiu'. gougin and
kiclsin' one anotner-that's legle too, IS II
Every but 60 on !"
And saltonstall made it his business to
co backwards and forwards, through the
crowd ~ with big stick in his hand. and
knock dorm ercry loose mar az nc cfo,eg
as fast as he come 70 en-! That's wna1
call sLosHIN' ABOUT.
Nat i Of opinion. now. that unless a pr'n'a
,acie case Is made out by the prosecution. on
the direct examination Of their witnesses y IS
quito as we'll for the defendant to waive his
ri0bt % cross-examine.-M0nt. Ala Aiait.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31
B0US.
Life as it is.

/ Let as make an excursion down tho stroo,
and sec what We can learn. Yonder i ,ho
wreck Of rich mans son. He was permit.
ted to grow up without employment. went and
came as he pleased, and spent his time IN tbe
gratincation Of Spontaneous passions. desires
and incllnations, with no one 10 cheel, hin,
when his course was evil, or encourage him
IN the ways Of wisdom His father was rich
and for that reason the son Thought ho had
nothing to do, no part in honest labor to Der.
form. = p''-
Well, the father died, and the son inherited
portion Of bis abundant wealth, and having
never earned money by honest toll. he knew
not the value Of It, and having no knowledge
OF business, he knew not how TO use il. so he
gave loose reins to his appcti,es and passions
aud ran at a rapid pace down the broad road
70 dissipation. Now behold him a broken.
down man. bowed with infrmity, a mere
wreck Of what he was, both physically and
mentally. His money is gone and he lives
on the charity Of those whose hearts are open
with pity. Such is the fate Of scores and
hundreds and thousands that are born Of for
tune.
And there, on the opposite side, in that
comfortable mansion. lives the son Of poor
cobbler. Fifteen years ago he left the hum.
Die room Of his parent, and went forth into
the broad world alone, to seek his fortune-
All his treasures consisted Of his kit Of tools,
good knowledge Of his trade, honest prinei-
Piles, industrious habits. aud twenty-five cop
pers. Now he is the owner Of that elegant
mansion. is doing a thriving business, pos
sesses an unbroken constitution, and bids fair
to live at good old age. Such is the lot Of
scores, hundreds and thousands who never
boasted Of wealthy parentage.
Go into any city, and you viii almost inva-
riablY find that the most enterprising men are
Of poor parentage-men who have had to row
against wind and tide: while on the other
hand. a majority Of the descendants Of rich
families are below mediocrity in talents, live
a short time like drones on the labor Of others,
and then so down to untimely graves.
What lesson should this be to those who
are by all means. either fair or foul, accumu-
lating treasm es for their children
Ifthe rich would train their children to re-
gular habits Of industry, very many Of them
would be saved from intcmperance, misery,
and an untimely end.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

AN EplToR on BEARD.-The editor Of tho
Maine Republican says Editors are telling
their experience. SO here's ours. For years
We have worn a stout, handsome beard. OF 4
fancy color, eros between London brown
and the shade Of the Maltese kittens shaving
only the upper lip. Ne began this'course.
in the first place, because We wero too lazy to.
shave. Last SIMMER we wanted to hook al
our countenance, anu % we had our facial
hair removed. and got the bronchitis in place
Of IT, The board was m-re comfortable than
sore throat. and so We took i. back. Wc
believe in beard as an arrangement Of ma
ture. necessary for the health--and NATURE Is
not often improved upon"
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

The NEW GUDGEoNs.-The following dia.
logue, which actually took place some years
since between an old lady. who had much
confidence in professionals, and learned but
eccentric clergyman, goes to strengthen con-
viction already strong in many minds, viz
that human nature is gullible:
Now, parson, as you are a man Of much
learning, | want to ask you what became Of
the eleven days, when old style was altered to
new ?"
We'll, well. madam. you know this world
is hung on two great gudgeons-"
"Indeed. sir. well, what then ?"
Well, it had been turning round on the
two gudgeons great while, and they got worn
out and it broke down"
DO tell me if it did ?"
Yes, marin. Well, after the world broke
down, all the people turned to and put in new
gudgeons. and set it going again; and it took
'em just eleven days."
The old lady was abundantly satisfied. and
would have given to the learned gentleman
the degree Of bachelor of science, without fur
ther mination.-Lyun NelrS.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

Follower OF THE LoRD.-An itenerant
preacher recently travelled among the north
western counties Of this State. lie was
mounted on an animal whose appearance be-
tokened very bad kcOping-thc mere framc-
work Of what had once been horse Riding
up 10 the door Of country inn, he inquired
Of the landlord the distance to the next town.
The host vas 50 forciblY struck with the APP
pearance Of the animal upon which the que
rist sat, that he walked around twice before
giving him the desired information. lilo
then enquired:
"Who might you be. If it's fair qucs.
ton ?"
"I am follower Of the Lord" was tho
answer.
Folerin' the Lord. eli p demanded the
host "well, III tell you what it is. old fell
Ter, (eyeing the horse again,) there's one
thing sartin-if you stop often on the road.
you'll never ketch him with that hoss"-
Exchange paper.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

QUARRELlNG.-If anything in the world
will make a man feel badly, except pinching
his fingers in the crack Of door, il i un-
ouestionably quarrel. No man ever fails
to think less Of himself after, than be did be-
fore; il degrades him in the eyes Of others,
and. what Is worse. blunts bis sensibiitios on
the one hand, and increases the power and
passionate irrilahility on the other. The
truth is. the more feaceably and quietly we
get on the better for our neighbors. In nine
cases out Of ten. the hettor course is, if mar
cheats you. to quit dealing with him if he IS
abusive, quit his company; ifhe slandcrs you,
take care to live so that nobody viii believe
him. No matter who he is, on how be mis-
uses you, tie wisest way n TO let him alone !;
for there is nothing better than this cool,
calm. and quiet way o. dealing with the
wrongs We meet With
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

TIE THREE DOLLAR Cold CoIN.-lt will
b recollected that an act Of Congress Of
February, 1858, directed the coinage Of three
dollar gold pieces at the mint and branches.
Specimens Of this coinage having been sub
mitted to, and approved BY, the Secretary Of
the Treasury, the coins will, says the Wash
ington Union, be immediately put in clrcu-
lation.
The diverse Of this coin represents an ideal
head, with the feathered cincturc symbolic OF
America, the word liberty appearing on
the hand cncircling the head. and the inscrip-
ton Of United States Of America" sur
rounding tie whole. On the reverse is a
wreath composed Of some Of the staple pro,
ductions Of the United States, viz :-wheT
cotton, Indian corn. and tObacco-thc denom-
ination and date being in the centre.
As compared with the other gold coins the
devices and arrangement are novel, but per-
haps not less appropriate and, together with
the difference in the diameter Of the piece,
will make it readily distinguishable from the
quarter eagle, which approaches it most
nearly in value. II is 1620ths Of on inch
in diameter; and weighs 77,4 grains or.
1925.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31


HESs-Why DO hens scratch about tn,
roots Of trees and shrubs Every gardener
is exasperated by the obstinate pcrtinacity
with which fowls uncover the roots Of his ro-
ses. raspberries, cherry trees. and everything
el,e which be especially wishes to protect and
secure. The truth is, that hens know where
to look for their food, and at the roots oil
shrubs arc the precise places where worms
are 70 be found-either because they feed on
the sap Of the plant, or wish to be ready to
climb it in due season. or because a better
protection than elsewhere is there afforded
them.
"Shanghae hens will not scratch" Yes,
but they will scratch, if not al bad as others,
as bad as they know how
Hens are great lovers Of lettuce. They 10
not ask for vinegar, or sugar. or oil to cat
with it, but will mount into the hot-bcd and
take it b. word Of mouth. just as they find it.
more to their own satisfaction than that Of
the gardener, whose choice slad heads they
spoil Lettuce might probably be sown for
fowls. when confined, and would condnce not
simply to ther amusement but to their
comfort and health Fowls need the food
proper to the season. In summer they want
grass and green succulent food with bat little
grain in the winter they want grain straw or
hay, and meats-Prairse Farmc'.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

~ The first Flag Of Independence, hoist
ed in Texas. was thrown upon the breeze at
Goliad in December 1885, by the gallant
and patriotic Captain Phil. Dimmtt aud his
intrepid little command, who had just captur-
Cd the Mexican fortress at that place, The
flag indicated an unialtcrins p.rposc to Garry
the war to the knife, !" or achieve the Inde.
pendence Of Texas; anl was truly significant
Of the character Of the man who caused it to
90 made and proudly waited on the wind. Il
bore crimson and white stripes, and an up
lifted arm, with the hand firmly cleuching a
blood red sword. On either side. on the con.
tire white stripe, we're the words in crimson
letters Liberty or Death :" This flag was
hoisted amid the NEST enthusiastic acclama.
tions ofthat little band Of determined patriot,
and they mutually pledged themselves, over
enlivening potations of bad brandy. to never
falter in the noble cause they had just then
espoused until it should be gloriously con-
summated.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31
P 0 0 4 R Z.
For me Port Gibson Rereille.
Downfall of Napoleon.
H,aaty lcqacs' r frir''d, 'rho Is grsai a.urer
4 Hs Military chisfaia,
BY CAROLINA.

pehoIdihe brave on Alpine's towering view,
An 81 the fatal field 81 Waterloo
ripm Alp 70 Alp his noble name resounds.
Aul kings and princes cast their glittering crowns
When proud, imperious Britain's stern command
Dared 10 en,lave his own dear native land,
Hesworc allegiance TO the god Of wars,
Aal eorsair heroes rolled their war-crowned cars.
E.holi linn climb ambitions towering height.
Wailc genius hoyerd DER ihe brilliant light
Which shed iis lustre on his manly brow,
All caused a would submissiyely 70 bow.
roud Egypt viewed his banner from afar,
And dared 70 hail the mighty God Of War;
Dat E ic stroke from his illustrious men,
purked from her monarch's brow her diadem
alias sons grew pale beneath his martial word
Aua Spain's proud summit owned him as her lord.
Vow sec him reach the angry, fOaming Rhine,
Anl IRON cliifhis mighty voice sublime
Cfel" God Of battles shield, o. shield the brave.
Ani ave Napoleon from a watery grave 70
The god Of battles heard his strong appeal,
Which caused each warrior in his raaks 10 feel
Ne based the surge-it bore his noble bust,
aud Moscow's spleI,dol crumbled in the dust.
Behold him crown'd with laurels victory won,
SID smiling heaven has blest him with son.
sAlons,erlp they cried--a cruel tyrant he,
T9whom brave Galia bow'd the suppliant knee
And was this all No, naughty Bourbon's cap
Was dcckcd with jewels, cast into his lap:
Tie glittering prize but told his joys were DER,
And drove him to Helenas bleak and dreaIy shore.
Iouiser' he cried, " thou partner OF my JOY,
wi.h you leave my fair and lovely boy;
u thee no more my hearts deep grief will tell,
Adieul dear one, a long, a sad farewellw
Slow moves the ship the swelling canvas spread,
Alieur' be cried, then bowed his fainting head
Away The vessel dares the ioaming wave,
Which beats against Athrtca's dismal cave:
sOh. Godw he cried "the vineyards ofmY France,
50 iull Of wild and beautiful romance,
An forever doomed with thee TO part,
While SCREWS ranking thorn is inmy heart
Il this be so, then welcome be my death,
Thrice welcome, shaft, that steals the eorsair's
breath -
The shat, is sped, and on dreary shore
Sleeps one whom hosts Of Frenchmen yet adore
Tie weeping-wiow DER his tomb may sigh,
While tears Of sorrow drop from PHYS eye.
The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1854-05-31

THEY WERE NEVER CHILDREN.-We talk
Of Adam and Eve as having been before the
fall, 10 very happy condition, but one thing
they missed - they never were children.-
Correspondent Albany Register.
True. We never thought Of that Adam
never played marbles. Hc never played
hokey." lie never drove a tandem Of boys
with string. lie never skated on a pond.
or played "balI,' or rode down a hill on a
hand-sed. And Eve, she never made a
playhouse; she never ate with another little
eirl from the tea-tabe, set out with the toy
things; she never rolled hoop. or jumped a
rope, or pieccd baby quilt or dressed doll.
They never played blind mans buff, or
" pussy wants corner" or "hurlY burly, "
or any Of the games with which childhood dis
ports itself. How blank their age must have
been. wherein to memories Of early youth
came yelling up in their hearts, no visions Of
childhood floating back from tbe long past no
mothers voice chanting a lullaby to the ear
Of fancy in the still hours Of the night, no
fathers words Of kindness speaking from the
church-yard where he sleeps Adam and
Eve, and they alone of all the countless mil
lions Of men and women that ever lived, had
no childhood. albany Register.