davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15

Our collection of ''outside'' delinquencies
would be incomplete, were we TO omit the fol-
lowing case, which was investigated by the
author not long ago, and in which not little
ingenuity of the baser sort, was displayed
II will serve as a specimen Of a numerous class
of cases, characterized by attempts 10 defraud
some correspondent, and TO fasten the blame Of
the frand upon some one connected with the
Post-Ofice. We could give many instances of
similar kind, did our limits permit.
A person Of good standing in community,
who laid claim not only to moral but relig-
ious character, was visiting in large town on
the Hudson river, abont midway between New
York and Albany. This person owed cer-
gyman, living in New Haven, Conn, the sum
of one hundred dollars and one day he called
at the house of another clergyman Of his ac-
quain,ance in The town first mentioned, and re-
quesied to be allowed the privilege Of writing
letter there to his clerical creditor, in which
the sum due that gentleman was 10 be enclosed.
Writing materials were furnished, and he pre-
pared the letter in the study Of his obliging
aud in his presence
Amer he had finished writing it, he said ia
the clergyman. snow, as the mails are moi
always safe, wish 10 be able 10 prove that
have actually sent the money. | shall there
fore consider il great favor il you will accom-
pany me TO the bank, where / wish 10 obtain a
taas.aJ liz 100 cor sor,a small rash ,ba,
7 | 49, and hoar ,v;,oess ,ho, 7 enclose N,
nonav onS derosi, the lo,,e, in the nost-ofice y
"SIy rt. -arJ r.n,Ion,.n ra.dilv ,ceeded n
A.. a.ns., .nd s.ao, ~ih b,m ~ he bant
wbere a hin of the reouired denomination was
obtained and placed in the letter, which was
,ben sealed with a wafer. Ike CLERGYMAN all the
while looking on.
They then went to the post-office, (whicl
was directly opposite the bank,) and after cal
ling the attention of his companion to the let
ter and its address, the writer thereof dropped
it into the letter box, and the two persons wen
their several ways.
The letter arrived at New Haven by due
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15
THE MERRY HEART.

IT is well to have merry heart,
However short we stay;
There s wisdom in a merry heart,
whate'er the world may say.
Philosophy may lift its head
And find out many a flaw,
But give me TIE philosopher
That s happy with a straw.
If life but brings us happiness,
1t brings us, we are told,
What s hard to buy, though rich ones try
With all their heaps Of gold;
Then laugh away, let others say
Whatc'er they will of mirth,
Who laughs the most may truly boast
He IS got the wealth of earth.
There IS beauty in the merry heart,
A moral beauty, too:
1t SHOWS the heart 5 an honest heart,
That IS paid each man his due;
And lent share of what s to spare,
Despite Of wisdom's fears,
And makes the check less sorrow speak,
The eye weep fewer tears.
The sun may shroud itself in cloud,
The tempest wrath begin;
1t finds spark to cheer the dark,
Its sunlight is within;
Then laugh away, let others say
Whate'er they will of mirth;
Who laughs the most may truly boast
He IS got the wealth of earth. E.A.N.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15
VERMONT LEGISLATURE.
The Iroquois Ciaim--w What il is, and wha
was done about IL.

was done about IL.
The following from the Burlington Free
Press, the senior editor Of which was a Sena-
tor from Chiuenden, will be read with interest
by our readers
The loss of the bill intended to provide for
the extinguishment of the lroquos Claim is to
be regretted. Ohen as this claim has been be-
fore the General Assembly, we suppose but
few of our citizens have any clear notions about
it, and slight sketch Of the case may be in
terestiug.
Very soon after the government Of Vermont
was fairly established, application was made to
the Legislature by the chiefs Of those Indians
for a proper compensation for their hunting
grounds now occupied by part of the State
(viz, so much as lies icest of the high ridge of
the Green Mountains and north Of q line run
ming eastward from TiconJeroga to Sutherland
falls on Otter Creek, } for which it was alleged
the aboriginal owners had nsyer been paid by
anybody, in any manner.
The manner in which the subject was treated
by those who spoke for the State in early days,
cannot be spoken Of with much commendaiion.
Considerations were pressed into the case which
did not belong there-argumenis were used
better fitted to stop the mouths Of the applicants
for the moment than to satisfy their Minds
the case was rather shufTled of. A small graf
uiiy was made to the chiefs, and the matter had
the 60 by for the time, the hope being evident
ly, that the claim would be dropped. But il
has meter been dropped. Again and again has
it been presented--and as often pushed aside
with slight notice-without an admission Of
the claim, but with slight appropriation for
travelling expenses. and general expression
good will for our "fed brethren" Under a
growing sentiment that the matter deserved a
more thorough treatment, year before last the
Governor Of the State, acting under joint res
olution Of the Senate and House Of Represen-
tatives, appointed Hon. Timothy p. Redfeld of
Montpelier, 10 investigate the subject and make
report thereon. Mr. Redfelds report was com
municaied TO the General Assembly in 1854,
and his report and the accompanying documents
are TO be found at length in the Appendix to
the House Journal of that year. The candor
and ability Of the report made decided i'm
preston on the minds Of many in the General
Assembly and the result was joint resolu-
tion requesting the Governor to appoint a com
missioner TO investigate the matter still further,
and to negotiate the claim with the proper clai-
manls, and To report anew. Hon. ]. W Hotch-
kiss Of Waierville, was appointed for that pur-
pose He seems to have fulfilled the duties of
his appointment with fai'hfulness, ability, and
discretion. According TO his report, the lndi-
ans OF three distinct settlements, viz, Caueh-
nawaea, 81. Regis, and Lake OF the Two
Mountains, are the survivors Of the lroquois,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15
POETRY.
From the Cazenovia Ropubliea
WILLIE BELL.

Down in yonder shadowed valley
Where the death-tide waters roll,
Where huge phantoms ever daily,
With the fecting, fainting soul;
Where the hymn Of death is waking
In the gloom with measured swell
Thither went, our heart-strings breaking,
Little, loving Willie Bell.
All the spring-time played he gladly,
With the sun-beams from the sky
In the summer watched he sadly
All the spring fow'rs fade and die;
And he WANDERED by the broOk-side,
Where the gushing waters fell
Where the angels sang at night-tido
Music low to Willie Bell
But when summer blossoms faded,
And the autumn leaves flew by
When the gentle buds were shaded
By the snow wreaths from on high;
Then voice came down from Heaven,
Like the waves in winding she'll,
And an angel crown was given,
To the brow of Willie Bell.
Folded then his hands Of whiteness,
0'er the marble, lifeless breast,
While sweet strains from harps of brightness
Welcomed him to heavenly rest;
And the eyes Of blue were closing
0'er the cheek where death-damp fell,
While the drcamless sleep reposing,
Was the form Of Willie Bell.
Down within the grassy meadow,
Down within the silent vale,
Where at even comes the shadow
OF the moonbeams, still and pale;
There, upon the cold earth's bosom,
Mid the snow-fakes as they fell.
Laid we our bright summer blossom,
Loy'd in death, sweet Willie Bell.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15


Accent of the Post Office Department, is now
.I ...1.. ,l;. Io W. .Lo
A'''"'u ''y ''' p"'",
ie" eA'i1e'' ''o'" "''"'''su
A NIGHT IN A PosT-oFFioE.
Some years ago, the post-office of prom
inent city in Western New York became in
volved in a series of mail depredations, and at
length it was apparent that some one of the
three clerks who had slept in the office, must
be guilty of committing them but the fasten-
ing of the charge upon the delinquent was a
thing yet to be accomplished, BY various
processes. the RANGE of suspicion was narrowed
down till il rested upon one of the clerks, and
it only remained to get the legal proof Of his
guilt
Packages were missed that were known to
have reached the office by the midnight mails.
The clerks took turns in getting up to receive
these mails, each one performing his duty for
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..

For one square Of IL lines minion tybe, three in
scrtions 81: 90; for each subsequent insertion 20
will be made. Tho number Of Insertions must be
marked on all advertisements, otherwise they win
bo continued until ordered out.
POSTAGE = The PHOENIX is sent into all the
towns in WISDnAM County, free Of Postage The
Postage to any part of this State out Of Windham
County, will be 10 ccnts year.
JoB wonk executed in good style at fair prices.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15
MISCELLANY.
TEN YEARS AMONG THE MAIL

This Work, by ]. Holbrook, Esq, Special
Agent of the Post Office Department, is now
announced ready for public sale. We make
few extracts from advanced sheets =
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-15

The Tined document was Immediately shown
to the post master, and in his opinion, as well
as that Of the clergyman, daring robbery had
been committed. The latter gentleman was
advised by the post master to proceed at once
to New York, aud confer with the Special
Agent, and at the sane time TO lay all the facts
Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-05-05

a.. ~ hAANiN > hEGAkks.
Mr.John Rankin replied to Mr.. Murray. He
remarked, that gentleman was not alone in mis-
understanding the Bible. No book in the world
had ever been slandered as this, in regard to it's
teachings on the subject of slavery. The gentle
man who introduced the subject Mr.. Murray had
been out Of order in many misunderstood Of order
in referring to other parts Of the Bible except
those on this snhject-and out Of order in combing
his head during prayers. daughter Mr. Murray
wears his hair long, like a woman, Lat does not rs
in her case eonfne il. with a comb There were
three classes Of laws in the old Testament, judi,
cial law ofthe law of the land, which it was not
to be expected would prohibii every thing that
was wong ceremonial law, and the moral law
which did probationary crime. The moral law for
bids polyganiy, though the judicial law did not,
ior it is said 'thou shall not covet thy neighbours
wife'-not wives. lie took the shareholders. first
great srgnment-th the curse upon Ham. This was
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-11-21
SEARCH FOR A WIFE,
AND
WHAT CAME OF IT..
BY N. v. ST. LEON.

F. Hamilton Irwin, Esq, had just re-
turned TO bis native city OF New York, af.
ter q three years absence on the cont;
neDt. Twenty FIVE years old, handsome,
witty, " ealtby and an accomplished shcol-
sr, it is no v onderhe found himself an ob-
ject ofgreat interest TO imairyns with large
families, and interesting young ladies',
But Theodore Irving Esq, father, to. our
hero, had set his heart upon his sons
marrying Miss Louise Howard, a reigning
belle, and what was much better in the
elder gontleman's ewes, q great sheiress,
and notwithstanding the polite aud ear,
nest manner in which he stated bis hopes
and plans TO his son, the latter at once re.
fused to comply with anything OF the
sort. -; !. x. 49, 80 80
What is your. .obisctiobi,.', ipquired the
father, "do you dislike the appearance Of
Mss Howard" 2
Really, sir, I cant inform you on that
point, rs have Beyor seen ,henp sS =,
'Then il is unjust 70 condemn her, bot
1 assure you, she is the belle Of the sea-
son. :
sThsre; that's enough to condemns her.
Iswould rather inarry 4 housemaid than
a,r@ianing beauty. They are always,
heariless Airts, have been engaged to a
dozen d d:fferent persons. etc, etc. Besides
I am NOT so tired Of ny Individuality yet
as.t6 sihk inte the husband OF 4 iadyf n
think ,the distiae,ioasana aasies sho6ldbs|
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-11-21
LANCASTER H, SOUTH

approached the building which, with the
exception of the walls, was a heap Of
ruias. s.,..# H...r. 5. 2.
$50, John Ciassen, you have glutted
your vengeance upon me, and this is your
work--viper, wretch |"
Classsen turned, and behcld within six
feet OF him, Van Dyke leaning on his mus
ket. ...~~,-.o IL
mo, no, Peter" the wretch muttered,
trembling as he spoke, "it was the Brit
ish officer you know that wouldn't in
jure you" $ %..t T. I'd"
"Speak not another word, liar, or |
shall forget myself and blow your brains
out. l heard all. You are to*have fifty
gaineas for rapprehending me. am eve
rythihg THAT is bad. l came to burn
your house down, but fled when your
friends approached. Wretch, | saved
your dwelling and your worthless carcass
and these ruins are my reward"
"Peter, dear Peter"
"Scoundrel, do not apply the word dear
to me. 1t sounds worse than the hiss OF
a snake. Listen, John Cassen /; the chic!
reason Of your animosity to me is be-
cause Kate Vessels preferred my hand
to yours.
"Thanh God She and her father are
now safe from your persecution, for they
are now within the American line. Now
hear me; spare you this time, for you
are unarmed but when next we meet, be
it town or village, forest or road, at we'd.
ding or funeral, it is your life or mine
Cor
Classen waited for no second bidding
but disappeared in the direction taken by
the soldiers in double quick time, bis hair
Standing on and, for, like all rogues, be
was as cowardly as he was bad.
Van Dyke paused moment, and thus
pondered in his own mind-"that scoun-
drel will bring some OF thosef horsemen
back, for he will imagine that I may lin
ger two or three hours around this old
place. Yes, yes, will after some twenty
OF our lads---have prapared an ambush
for them. fIfiy guineas VIII draw Glass
en- an n:where; coward as he is, especially
when backed by the red coats.
il was not long before Van Dyke re.
turned with his party, whom he gathered
by n signal; and as night had fallen, they
took their stations where they could re-
main unperceived. For the space of an
hour all was still, when the distant tramp
Of horses was heard on the road. ..
"Here they come," said Van Dyke
Each choose his man, but leave Classen
to me. You will know him by the coat
he wears. I will give the word when to
fire." ~. - 90. r..
In short time the party Of horsemen
rode up TO the willows and true enough
they were red coats, headed by leuten.
ant, with Classen. =. .... ...a.
Sire !" shouted Van Dyke. '.,.. ..s.,
So suddenly and deadly was the aim
that not more than half dozen remain.
ed in their saddles, and they wheeled
their horses and fled as quick as possible.
Van Dyke had intentionally aimed at the
horse of Classen, and he fell with his ri.
der. To secure Classen was the work of
moment.
"Now, lads, bring out the rope and
throw it over that willow branch; we have
alarmed the enemy, and ewill be down
upon us" ,... -
"Mercy mercy !" cried Classen.
All was in vain. The moose was slip
ped over his head; they strung him up,
and there he was Jeff a corpse. The burn
ing Of the willows bad been avenged
NodNs Messenger, r2s
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-11-21
In ADVANCE
N UMBER Al z
her friends'to pl;ty. The result was as

n sa III
her friendsitd pity. The result was as
has been seen. =. .r.rs ......s .....
Hamilton, my boy, no hciress for your
Now, father, what an abominabl cor
spiracJP -"
mo rcigning belle for your wife, eh9'
and the whole company joined in the
laugh, even his bride sided with them.
Never mimi said Hamilton, with the
best grace he could assume. 4 have you
there. Louise Howard was the belle Of
the season, and married Fanny Went
WORTH ..
80 you diiP exclaimed his father, 'and
may YOU never regre. it,
And he never did.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-11-21
Jack and the Widows

Jack Spriggins was a fast young man,
and like most ofthat class, was not unfre-
quently hard up Several times he had
been able TO ;extricate himself from his
temporary embarrasments by au appli-
cation to the governor But that wor-
thy gentleman at length grew obdurate,
and cut off the supplies. What was Jack
to do! lie could not dig; to beg or bor-
row, which is about the same thing, he
was not ashamed, but unfortunately he
could find no ole TO trust him.
In this emergency, he thought of the
widow Rand. Who though some fifteen
wears older than himself, had some twen-
ty-tive thousand dollars in the fnnds, or
one thousand for every years difference
in age, and q balance of ten thousand be-
sides. This was enough to determine
Jack. lie fell violently in love with the
money, We beg pardon, the lady, and af-
ter mature consideration of one hour,
five minutes and seventeen seconds, re-
solved to make her Mrs Spriggins. Not
doubling of success, he wrote as follows
to a ftiend, to whom he was indebted for
certain amount of money lent TO get
MI E&s Gas q qoaMf link shall be able to
let you have that little amount before
long. No doubt you will ask whether
the GOV ernor has refented. Not bit of
IL. Alasl that he is made ofsterner stuff!
But to DC frank with you, l am thinking
Of being married, Not to keep youiu
suspense, design the honor of my hand
for the widow Rmd, who though ugly as,
a Gorgon, and tor aught know, very
virago, hassgot@ ihc .tin.' Twenty-Five
thousand dollars, with economy, will last
me some time. shall propose this eve
ming, and endeavor to be married in
three weeks. The fact is, my creditors
wont have to wait much longer.
Yours faithfully, T'. JACK.
By the same mail he posted a letter to
The widow Rand, Offering her his heart
and hand. The same evening he called
at her home, 10 ascertain his fate. ..
The widow received him with polite
ness, ... s.t .~r q. s .ay4is- .-. -
In aEew minutes Jack broached the OBJ
ject Of his visit, informing his hostess.
that he loved her as his own soul, and va
rlous other extrayagances, which the Q
der may be LEFT TO i'm ,gine. -
Your proposal somewhat surprises
me- said the widow with a quiet smile.
slow SOP !..sf 2-'A,.. s- s..
4 can't imagine why You should be
willing tosmarry one, ugly as a Gorgon,
and who, for aught you know, may bee
very yirago.. 60, 81 sss,a., = d.
Jack. started from his knees in conster-
nation. The .trath flashed upon hhn.-
The letter intended for his friend Tom, Y
had, by mistake, been directed to the
widow, while lom1woull undoubtediyre-
ceise BY the same mail, an offer of mar
riage. ,.-..... "a,
Without stopping TO make an apology
which lie might have found matter OF
difficulty, he plunged down stairs, and
never made disappearance in the house
OF the Gorson, ~ --s. ~ evss. =
The joke got out. Tom thought it too
good to he lost, anl Jack Spriggins, una.
be 10 Strhd the rilicuie Of his compan-
ions, and stiIl hard up,' shipped Cor Cali
[ornia, fioIn whence, sin time he may re-
turn smiIhopaire.s irG zgsa,- - s.,..
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-11-21
: Young Generals.

Alexander the Great died at thenearly.
agSof 32os IIaunibaL gained the battle6f
CapR@ at, about the same age. Scipio
fought at Iaina when not much over so.
Julius Cesar had conquered uadi waieh
hewas as. getinahius was poisoned 10
hs'84th years At the 'battle Plsssey,
Gives age was Dotso advanced as that.
Napoleon gained his mighty victory at.
Austerlilz when he bad scarcely completed
his SSH year; and at The time Wellington
finished his campaigns N the plains OF
Waterlcoyhe@as fortg'si yeaSs old. -,
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-11-21
A I asrnesas sep, who. .Aas.sssn bred at

"A fsrmerss son who haapbesn bred at
collegrs comiue home te sjsh his parents,
they being at supper OF, q couple Of fowls
lie told them tat by logic and arithme-
tic he could prove those Two fowls TO DO
tltee ~ ss,t fsfsf et9's - xs.
Z .wsa, lss as hsas' saiss sbeola usst. J
{. Why, this sssiaotlse lsehel!ar, rs one,
and thlisslwa; tsoassa ems, SEQ keew,
/ tSincs YOU iave xadsit cdt % vsll,' 'ak-.
sFefed N = Old n A. your snosilef sliall
bhye the first fowl, I will'base lsskesoad.
and the third you may keep for your great
learning
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-11-14
ARRIVAL OF THE ASIA.

The steamship Asia, from Liverpool, ar
rived here this forenoon, and reports the
North Star steamer from N. Y, off South
ampton, on the afternoon of the 26th.
News unimportant.
The report that the Russians have blown
up Fort Nicholas and other Notifications was
confirmed.
Advices from Sevastopol state that the al
hes are advancing, and the Russians falling
back on their fortified positions.
The allies are close on the Russians at Bel
bee, where it is thought they must make a
stand, in which case battle is inevitable.
The Russians ON the north side are keeping
up constant fire on Sevastopol, under cover
OF which they are Withdrawing troops and
coneent rating them in Perekop.
A Russian dispatch, of the 22d, says, the
allies had marched 1000 troops from Eupa-
toria towards Soulatz.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-11-14

STATE OF MICHIGAN, County of Ottawa, SIS -:
At session of the Probate Court for the County
Of Ottawa holden at the Probate Office, in Grand
Haven, on Monday, the fifth day of November, A.
d.. 1855: Preslnt William Hathaway Jr., Judge Of
Probrte In the matter of the Estate of Nelson
Bond deceased:
A paper purporting to be the last will and tesla
"A ment of said deceased, having been reposited
in this Office for Probate: Thereupon it is ordered
that Monday the third day of December next at
two o'clock, in the afternoon, be assigned for the
reading and proof of said will and the appointment
of an Executor on said deceased estate, and that
the heirs at law of said deceased and all other per-
sons interest in said estate, required 80 appear
at session of said Court then to be holden at the
Probate Office, in Grand Haven, and show cause.
any there be- why the Probate of said will should
not be grand: And it is further ordered, that no.
tce be given to the persons interested in said estate
of the pendency of the Probate OF said will and the
hearing thereof by causing copy OF this order to
be published in the Grand River Times, q newspa-
per printed and circulating in said county of Otta-
wa three successive weeks previous to said day of
nearing. A true copyJ I3w pit
WILLIAM HATHAWAY, Jr, Judge of Probate.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-11-14
RopprnY OF THE NEW Mexico MAIL.

ROBBERY OF THE NEW MEXICO MAIL
THE RoGuE ARREsTED.-A letter from the
Postmaster of Jefferson City, Mo-, published
in the st. Louis Republican, of October 80,
contains further information in reference to
the robbery of the Santa Fe mail, on the
oath Of October, between Jefferson City and
st. Louis.
The deed was perpetrated by one of the
passengers, who styles himself Charles Lea
man Gilbert and says he is from New York.
The mailbag and a part Of its contents
were discovered by some Germans on the
edge of creek near Lisletown, where the
stage had stopped over night A knife was
also discovered among the letters, which
turned out to be the same which Gilbert had
borrowed at Lisletown the previous evening.
This circumstance led to his detection. He
was overtaken and conducted back TO Jeffer-
son City, where, after an examination, he
was committed for trial in default of $1,000
bail. ...
The robber made complete sweep of the
most valuable packages. The directions up
on the letters found are mostly illegible.-
Among them there are many official letters
from the army and other departments in New
Mexico, the loss of which will be serious in
convenience to the officers forwarding them
N. Y Ev. Post.