davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11
THE NEW POSTAGE Law.

The new postage law passed at the recent
session Of Congress, went into operation on
the lst inst. The following are its provi-
sions, to which attention must be paid by
those mailing letters. 1t will be seen that
unless the postage is prepaid no letter will
be sent from the office in which it is depos.
tied.
That from and after April lst, 1855, the
single rate of postage on letter conveyed
in the mail for any distance betueen places
in The United States not exceeding three thou.
sand miles, is three cents; and for any dis
tance exceeding three thousand miles, ten
cents.
That from and after April lst, 1855, pre-
payment, either by stamps, stamped envel.
opes Or in money, is compulsory.
That from and after January lst, 1856,
all letters between places, in the United
States must be prepaid, either by postage
stamps, or stamped envelopes.
The existing rates and regulations in re-
gard to letters to or from Canada and all
other foreign countries remain unchanged.
Absolute prepayment being required on
all letters to places within the United States
from and AFTER April Isl, 1855, great care
should be used, as well in pre- paying the
proper amount on letters above the weight
Of half an ounce as on single letter.
The provisions in regard to the registra-
ton OF valuable letters will be carried into
effect and special instructions issued on the
subject as soon as the necessary blanks can
be prepared and distributed.
The following explanatory instructions in
relation to the operation Of the new law
have also been issued by the Post Office
Department.
l. The act Of Sd March, 1855, making no
provision for unpaid letters to places within
the United States, on the same or day fol.
lowing any such unpaid letter or letters be.
ing put into Post Office, the Postmaster
thereof will post up conspicuously in his
Office list of the same, stating that they are
held for postage. If not attended to, such
letters must be returned monthly to the Dead
Letter Office.
O. Letters part paid should be dispatched,
charged with the additional postage due at
the prepaid rate according to the distance,
established by said act, except where the
omission to pay the correct amount is known
In have hnnn i~.--.'.!... - '1e s'."!'t
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

farmer, and his estate lay to the southwark
near the Tennessee line, and only about
fifteen miles from M. He was known
to have had some two thousand dollars with
him at that time-money which he had re-.
ceived at Columbia for corn. 1t was nearly
dusk when he started from the prisoners
shop. He took out his pocket.book to pay
for the Job of shoeing ahis horse. This he
did within the shop, and two persons were
present who testified TO the fact, and also
that when the pocket.book was opened, a
large bunch of bank notes were exposed.
About an hour after Hampton left, the pri.
soner came out of his shop and went to his
able, and having saddled his feetesc horse,
mounted and started at a full gallop, in
the direction which Hampton had taken.
Next came two witnesses, Mr.. Simple
and Mr.. Jordan" both of them respectable
citizens of NJ, who oatestifed as follows
They had been in tt-s edge of Tennessee
on business, and were returning home. At
about nine o'clock, on;the evening in CUES.
they came to the point. in the road where a
high bluff overlooked the way; and while
passing this, they were startled by seeing
something in the moonlight which looked
like man. They at once dismounted, and
found that which they had seen was the
body of Matthew Hampton, all gore cover.
ed and bleeding. They had not been there
more than a minute, when they were joined
by a third man, who said that he saw the
murder committed, and. that the murderer
fled towards M.
Simple and Jordan both recognized this
new conner as one HenrysBilger, and though
his character was by no means Of the most
exemplary character, Yet that was no time
for discussion The body Of Hampton was
still warm; SO that the murderer could not
have been gone long. Bilger had no horse,
so Simple agreed to remain by the body
whileJ ordan and Bilger went in pursuit Of the
murderer. They put their horses TO the top
of their speed, and in half an hour they
overlook the prisoner, whom Bilger at once
pointed out as the man.. Jordan hailed the
young blacksmith, and found him nervous
and excited. lie then asked him if he had
seen Matthew Hampton, and Adams replied
in the affirmative, but be spoke in very
strange manner. After some expostuIation
the prisoner accompanied Jordan to M,
and there he was placed in the hands of the
sheriff, and upon examining his person, Mr.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11
EDGEFIELD, s. c., APRIL II, 1856.
like the truth; but he would have the jury
remember how easy such stories could be

like the truth; but he would have the jury
remember how easy such stories could be
made.
1t was long after dark when the jury re-
tired to make up their verdict They were
gone half an hour, and when they returned
the foreman showed by the hue of his coun-
tenance that the verdict was fatal All saw
it, and could hear the throbbing of the
hundred hearts that beat about me.
"Gen,lemen of the jury, have you made
verdc!l"
We have"
"shall your foreman speak for ou!'
eyes"
"Abel Adams, stand up aud look the
foreman in the face. Now, sir, is Abel
Adams, the prisoner at the bar, guilty Of the
murder or not l'
Hark The first syllable Of the word,
Guilty." is upon the foreman's lips, but he
speaks it not. Those who yet crowd about
the windows shout with all their might, and
in moment more man crowds his way
into the court room. He hurries up and
whispers to the Judge. Henry Bilger starts
up and moves towards the door, but in an
instant the hand Of the sheriff is upon him.
All is excitement the most intense. Direct
ly the mass at the door begins to give way,
and four men are seen bearing upon their
shoulders a chair-a large stuffed chair
and in that chair sits Matthew Hampton
not dead but alive. True he is pale and
his lips move. At length the chair is set
down before the bench, and the old physi.
clan of NJ asks permission to speak.
As soon as this fact became known, all is
quiet once more.
The physician says that neither. Of the
wounds which Mr.. Hampton had received is
mortal, though he at first thought they were.
The blow upon the head, and, the stab in
breast, combined to produce case Of cata.
lepsy which resembled death SO nearly that
many an experienced person might have
been deceived. When he gave out that Mr..
Hampton was dead, he thought it was so.
But when he found that Hampton was living
he kept the secret to himself for fear that a
certain man, whose presence was much
needed, might be missing.
At this juncture, Mr.. Henry Bilger made
a savage attempt to break away from the
sheriff, but did not avail him. The jury
were directed to return 10 their box, and
then Mr.. Hampton was requested to speak.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

JEROME BOaAPARTE GOING TO FRANCE.

The Baltimore correspondent Of the Wash.
ington Star says:
learn that our much esteemed townsman
Jerome Bonaparte, will leave in the course of
few weeks for France, where it is his pur.
pose to reside permanently, after due ar.
rangements shall have been made. His
present designs, however is to visit Paris and
make arrangements for future residence
there with his family. 1t may be known to
our readers that he became citizen Of
France on his last visit, and if | mistake not
had titled honors conferred upon him.
Young Jerome, his son, is now at the Cri.
mea, holding a lieutenants commission in
the French army, with prospects of promo.
ton, if successful in military career, not
only to high rank, but even to the imperial
throne. There is a wonderful magic in the
name of Bonaparte with the French nation,
and no one can tell, should fortune smile,
discovering at the same time Napoleon ge.
MUS and talent in this young man, to what
degree of eminence he may rise. There is
wide and inviting field before him, with
chances of placing himself upon the throne
OF France. Such an event may be remote
but it is within the range of probabilities.
He always bore high reputation here, and
was marked by nature for his amiableness
Of character, together with 6rmness, bravery
and intelligence.
1t will be matter Of regret to lose from
among US so valuable and highly esteemed
citizen as Monsieur Bonaparte, but the
residue of his days may possibly be passed
more agreeably ina country where he stands
so nearly related to nobility, and where his
very name is spell word. Should adverse
circumstances, however, occur at the Cri-
mea to thwart the hopes and prospects of
his son, different course may be pursued.
Lady Bonaparte is native Of Baltimore, a
plain republican, and to find herself amidst
the royal or imperial family may prove su.
perd home in the city of monuments.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11
Qyboiitt stor:g!,
THE BLACKsmITH's TRIAL.
BY AUSTIN C. BURDICK


IN the fall of ls49, | was travelling in
the West on business. left the Mississippi
steamboat at Columbia, Ky, having made
up my mind to travel by land as far as
Muhenburg county, where | should strike
the Green River far enough to the northward
to take one of the small fiat boats for the
Ohio.
Late one evening I arrived at the town of
NJ, intending to take the stage from
there on the next morning. The bar-room
of the tavern was crowded with people, and
noticed that large numbers of the citizens
were collected about the street corners, ap.
pearing to be discussing some matter OF
more than usual interest.
OF course became curious TO know the
cause of all this, and at the first favorable
opportunity, | asked the """o'i"" "e 81"
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

A single pound of fax thread, intended
for the finest specimens Of France Lace, is
valued at six hundred dollars, and the length
of the thread is about two hundred and
twenty six miles. One pound Of this thread
is more valuable than two pounds of gold.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11


paid rate according to distance, established
by the act Of March 3, 1855, aforesaid.
4. Ship letters, as they cannot be prepaid,
and are not supposed to be embraced in the
new act, will continue to bo despatched
agreeably to the provisions Of tho fifteenth
section Of the act Of March 8, 1925.
HoNoRs TO THE LATE EMPEROR OF Rus.
srA.-A letter from Berlin, Prussia, says:
"The death of Nicholas has made pro-
found impression on the court of Berlin, and
particularly on the king, who is reported to
have been for some time in state border.
ing on frenzy Unusual honors are paid to
the memory of the deceased, all the thea
tres are closed, and the whole Prussian army
is put in mourning Quite mob Of princes
and princesses are passing through this city
for st. Petersburg, to express their sympa-
thy with the bereaved family, and to be
present at the funeral, which, it is expected,
will soon be followed by that of the EN-.
press, who has been for years in most deli
cate state of health, and will probably not
long survive her husband"
THE COURAGE TO DO R1cHT.-What
more noble attribute Of our nature than to
do right, the fearlessuess of truth, cruelty:
ing to the obligations which it imposes, all
hypocrisy, every principle which initiates
against the advance of the soul.
The mere recognition of wrong is as
much the ability Of wise man as that OF a
fool, and vice versa; but he who is indeed
wise, thinks not when that recognition teach.
es him wisdom. The fool stumbles at the
threshold of light. He shuts his eyes to the
picture that ght affords Of the true proper
ties Of his mind. By its low desires, its
unhallowed pleasure, he is ever melted to
delay all self.examination, and to fatter him.
self that in his disguise there can be no de-
lection.
Alas that that nature which is bound to
progress by its own origin, which claims
connection with God, ever should pervert
the bright properties which that origin has
conferred, from its uprooted progression to
a consort with things of earth, to union
of matter without the spirit.
But Joy, unspeakable joy, when true to its
relationship with eternity true to its truth
and integrity, true to its innate promptings.
the soul claims to be heard against even Itself,
and boldly chastses when wrong has been
done; when conscious that its errors have
been of its own choice, it applies, without
shrinking, the just deserts which reason de-
mands.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

/ lne roadside. lie had just time to see that
it was Henry Bilger, when he received a
blow upon the head from club that knock
ed him from his horse Then he felt a sharp,
singing, burning pain in the bosom, and
with a momentary starting of his muscles
he opened his eyes. He saw that Bilger
was STOPPING over him, and ransacking his
pockets He could just remember of hear
ing the distant gallop of a horse-that he
thought his body was being dragged to the
roadside; and after that he could remember
nothing till he awoke in his own house, and
found the doctor by his bedside.
For little while longer the multitude
had to restrain themselves. | remember
that the Judge said something to the jury,
and that the jury whispered together for
moment, then the prisoner stood up
once more, and the foreman Of the jury said,
"not guilty"
Then burst forth the hearty shouts Of the
people. Abel Adams sank back into his
seat, but in n moment more he was seized
by score of stout men, and with wild and
rendng shouts they bore him into the free,
pure air, where the bright stars looked down
and smiled upon them. A little way had
they gone when they, met young woman
whose hair was floating in the night wind,
and who rung her hands in agony. They
stopped and set their burden down. Abel
Adams saw the woman, and sprang forward
and caught her to his bosom.
"Mary-Mary-l'm innocont-innocent
and free.''
The wife did not speak. She onl y clung
wildly to her noble husband and wept upon
his bosom.
A wagon body was torn from its axetree
the blacksmith and his wife were placed
therein and then they were borne away
towards their home, and long after they
had PASSED from my sight, | could hear
the glad shouts Of the impulsive people,
waking the night air. and revorberatlng
among the distant hills.
On the next morning, before the stage
started, | learned that Matthew Hampton
had determined to make the young black
smith accept of one thousand dollars, wheth'
er he was willing or not.
Two weeks afterwards while sitting in
the Office of my hotel at Cincinnati, re-
ceived newspaper from NJ; Henry
Bilger, had been hanged, and on the galows
acknowledged his guilt. Matthew Hampton
was slowly recovering, and the blacksmith
had, after much expostuation, accepted the
thousand dollars from Hampton's bounty.
A woman will cling to the chosen object
Of her heart like possum to gum tree
and you can't separate her without swapping
strings no art can mend, and leaving a por.
ton of her soul upon the upper leather oi
your affections. She will sometimes see
something to love where others will see moth
ing to admire: and when her fondness i:
once fastened on fellow, it sticks like glue
and molasses in busby head of hair.
"CnsAR, wants to ask you a conomdrl'
u.s."
"Well, Pomp, purceed, and 'spress yer
sef."
). "Why is a colt getting broke like young
lady getting married9 Guve that ups.
&C Vos ,ruo tbot nm fore YOU Ak it"
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

A sporting gentleman in New York offers
to bet a large amount that during the CON-
ing summer he will drive from the Astor
House to Union Square in light wagon
drawn by rats. He calculates that he can
accomplish the task with one hundred rats
in harness..
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

4 Cry BAsKRupr-'The City of Phila-
delphia has applied to the State Legislature
for temporary loan, as an immediate neces.
sity. The Pennsylvanian says the amount
required by the City, to place her finances
in even respectable condition, is one mil
lion and half of dollars
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

Our DOOR ExERcrsE.-It is owing mainly
to their delight in out door exercise that the
elevated classes in England reach particu.
lar age, notwithstanding their habits of high
living, Of late hours, of wine drinking, and
many other health destroying agencies; the.
deaths of their generals, their lords, their
earls and their dukes, are chronicled almost
every week, at 10, 80 and 80 years it is
because they will be on horseback, the most
elegant, rational and accomplished of all
forms of mere exercise, both for sons and
daughters. But the whole credit Of lon
gerity in these classes, must not be given to
their love of field sports, it must be divided
with the not less characteristic traits of an
English nobleman-he will take the world
easy; and could we, as a people, persuade
ourselves to do the same thing habitually,
it.would add ten years to the average Of hu-
man life, and save many broken heart, and
broken fortune, and broken construction.
Halls Journal of Health.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

Come, come away, come, come away!
Tho her temple be gorgeous, her promises fair,
Your trust she but seeks to betray.
'Tis beacon of evil to tempt thy poor soul
To tn. rocks where the pillows of wrath ever roll {;
But come to the light that illumes heavens way
Come, come away, come away.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11
NEWSPAPER 9UARRELS.

We take this time, when our words will
not be applied to any special case, to state
our views on the subject of newspaper quar-.
rels. We have never taken notice of any
of our cotemporaries when they have assail.
ed or misrepresented US in their columns,
for we believe the readers of our paper do
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

swift in the exercise of Christian sympathy,
and would more frequently realize the luxury
of doing good Christian Advocate.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

"CnsAR, wants to ask you conomdri'
u.s."
"Well, Pomp, purceed, and 'spress yer
sef."
"Why is a colt getting broke Ikea young
lady getting marrieds Guve that ups!
"Yes, guve that up " fore you ak it,.
"Kase he is going through bridal cere-
mony."
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

WoMAN's RIGHTS IN ILL1No1s-The fol.
lowing resolution was adopted by the House
Of Representatives of the Illinois 4Legis!a.
ture:
Resolccd, That fine of $500 be here.
after imposed on any lady who shall lecture
in public in any part of the State, without
first putting on gentlemen's apparel.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

THE Knoxville Wing says: John Mitchell
known as the Irish patriot, reached our city ast
week, and took rooms at the Coleman House.
He has wife and FIVE children, and comes to
settle in this vicinity permanently, as he informs
US. His wish is to purchase farm, not far
from this city. Mr.. Mitchell is n small man,
rather spare made, and is, we should say, about
forty years of age. He is genteel in his dress,
rather easy in his manners, and in the absence
of any information on that point, we should say
he has been we'll raised. We see nothing in his
face Indicative Of superior talents, and IN ms
conversation he is mild and prudent, go tar as
our observation extends.
LII. ~ nm ,noney 1eedeth no nurse
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11
(original.)
COM E AWAY.

Come away from the charms of the worlds gaudy
show
Come, come away, o come, come away,
From the gttering ,insel Of beauty bright glow.
The thoughtlcss, the heartlees, the gay.
O linger no longer in fancy's charm'd bowers,
Whereperfumes dist from deccpton's ,~ee.aowers;
But come to the hearts of the loving and true
Come, come away, como away
Come away from companions that lead thee from
home
Come, come away, o come, come awav -
In the ways Of destruction they'll caus'
Whose fee, wander far, far estray
Forgetful of God and unmindful of
They scorn the blest hope that thro' j
Then come to the home of the pcaceft
Come, come away, Come away
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-11

He that hath no money ueedeth no purse
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-03-28
United States Patent Once,
Washington, Mar. 20. 1858.

m the petition Of CHARMS W. COPELAND of New
" York, N. T., praying for the extension of a nat
emit granted to him for an improvement In s.tbe
manner OF arranging the low pressure steam engine
50 as to adapt its parts to be used by vessels for
ocean s'rv1oe for seven years from the expiration
OF said patent which takes place the 18th day of
June, eighteen hundred and ftty-fye:
IL Is ordered that the said petition be heard at the
Patent Ofice on Monday, the 28th day Of NAV.
1000, at IL o'clock m; and ell persons are notifies
70 appear and show cause, if any they have. vhy
said petition ought not to be granted
Persons opposing the extension are REQUIRED In
nie in the Patent Once theirobections specaIv act
forth In wrti.g at least twenty days before the dsy
OF hearing all testimony fled by either party to n.
used at the said hearing must be taken and trana
m1tted In accordance with the rules of the ofacs
which Will be furnished on application.
Inc testimony in the case will be closed On the
18th day Of May; DISPOSITIONS and other papers r..
lied on As testimony must be fled in the ONCE on or
before the morning Of that day; the arguments. II
any, within ten days thereafter
ordered also, that this notice be published In tbs
Union, lntelligencer, and Evening Star, Washing
ton, u. .; Argus, Baltimore Md Evening Arms
Pniiadeiphia, Pa. Scientific American Nav York
ana inquir 7, Cincinnati, Ohio once a veek for
nroe successive weeks previous 70 the osth dav "A
may next, the day Of hearing.
CHARLES MASON.
nc Commissioner of Patents.
P.s-Editors Of the above papers viii please con-,
and send their bills to the Patent Once, With M
Per containing this notice. mar23-sav
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-03-28
HOWARD LIFE INSURANCE COM.
PANY OF NEW YORK.

., NdsH1HgIOH, Ngt1It
THE Howard Life Insurance Company, possess.
L ing an ample capital, and every facility for ex-
tending its operations upon the most secure basis
makes every insurance against Life Risks upon the
most favorable terms.
Parties insuring upon the mutual plan are entI
tied to proportonaie share of the profits or upon
the joint stock plan by which they pay a lower rate
of premium, but do not share profits.
Policies are granted either for life, or for limited
period.
The Howard commends itself to persons in all
stations, but especially To every head Of family
Military or Naval Oficers of or on duty may be
insured in time of peace.
Persons insured in this Company have the privi-
ege Of crossing the Atlantic, to ports in Europe
| all seasons of the year without extra premium
Special permits for California, Australia, or the
Sandwich Islands, AT a reduced rate Of premium.
Office No. 33s North ID street, one door east OF
Tenth mar 3-eolm