davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
Great Loss of Life.
Fire Hundred Persons Dro,oned.


SAVANNAH, Sept. 1Sth.-Five passen
gers belonging to the Steamer Contra
America have arrived here bringing tn,
intelligence that the Steamer ''Centra
| America" from Aspinwall to New Yorl
was lost in the late gale. Out of 600 pas
sengers only 100 are supposed to be saved
The Central America was formerly
known as the George Law, and was one Of
the most magnificent as well as the staunch-
est steamers sailing out of New York. She
has been running between the Isthmus and
New York for some time past on the Cali
fornia line.
She sailed from Havana on Tuesday, the
9th, few hours in advance of the Empire
City. which made the port of Norfolk in dis
tress, on Tuesday last. One account repre-
sents that the Central America had seven
hundred passengers, another that she had
five hundred--in either event, the loss of life
has been terrific, as only sixty of the unfor-
tunate passengers are known to be saved.
The Central America had also all the Cal
ifornia mails, and ONE MILLION FIVE HUN
DRIED THOUSAND DOLLARS in specie, which
of course must have gone down with the
ship when she foundered.
NORFOLK, Sept. 1sth.-The Norwegian
barque Eloise, has arrived in Hampton
Roads, with fifty of the unfortunate passen-
gers rescued from the ill-fated steamship
Central America.
Twenty-six females were rescued by a
brig.
The officers of the Central America are
all lost except Capt. Frazier, I'd officer.
Chief Engineer Ashby acted in the most
treacherous manner, Selling boat, and de-
serting the ship.
Two millions of specie are known to be
The scenes on board are described as
having been appalling in the extreme.
The Central America went down about
two hundred and fifty miles of Cape Hat
teras, on Saturday the 18th instant.
The vessel, mail and treasure are certain
ly total loss.
The Central America was commanded
by Capt w. L. Herndon, of the U. States
Navy, whose explorations OF the Amazon
have made his name familiar 10 the scien-
titic world Of Europe and America. He
was native of Fredericksburg, Va, and
was regarded as one of the bravest and most
accomplished officers of our Navy. His
loss will be widely and deeply deplored.
The number of passengers stated to have
been lost we believe to be undG estimated,
as the Empire City reported flat the Cen
trail America had on board 700 passengers.
Her crew could not have been less than
100, and, if the number of survivors is Civ
en- correctly, there is too mueh reason to
believe that nearly 700 were lost by this
frightful disaster.
The money market of New York, already
depressed beyond precedent, will be serious
ly affected by the loss of specie.
70 The yellow fever is raging at Key
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
DESTRUCTIVE STORM.

A heavy and terrific gale of wind swept
day the 18th inst. At Wilmington, fences
and trees were blown down, and large
quantity of rain fell. A warehouse con-
tanning about S2,4O0 worth of lime was
burnt by the rain beating in and causing il
to ignite the building. A small portion OF
the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad
was washed up.
The steamer Spray, plying between
Wilmington and Smithville, came near
being wrecked, so furious was the storm.
The steamer Norfolk, plying between
Philadelphia and Richmond, was wrecked.
Crew and passengers saved.
The damage to shipping was consider
able.
The Petersburg Express of the 10Th
says:
1--WE learn from a passenger by the
Southern train yesterday, that the storm
of Sunday last far exceeded IN violence the
severe squall which occurred here. I'm
mense quantities of corn were uprooted and
torn down, fences blown away, roads and
rivers flooded, and considerable damage
done to fruiteries.
The tempest attained such terrific vio-
lence, that many instances of its force
would appear incredible to those who have
never realized the perils or the power of
Southern equinoctial gale. In field
bordering on the Cape Fear river, heavy
draft horse was caught by the storm and
forced into the river and drowned. On
the coast the gale ragged dreadfully, and
it is presumed that many wrecks will ap-
pear along the beach to tell the story of its
fury"
The report that the Wilmington and We'll
don Railroad was injured and bridge car
red off, was mistake.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

The Asheville Spectator contains an ar
tiele favoring a pretty extensive internal
improvement scheme. 1t advocates the
completion of the Western Extension by
the way of the Swannanoa Gap-the build
ing of the French Broad Road from Morris
town to Ashevllle, and its extension to
Spartanburg or Greenville, S. C.-the ex-
tension of the Will, Char. & r. Road west
the building of a McAdamized turnpike
road from Morganton to Jonesboro or Eli
zabethtown, Tenn, via Linville Falls and
Childsville-the Matchmaking of the turn
pike now running from Marion to Jonesboro
and the building of good turnpike from
Asheville to huntsville, and from thence to
connect with the road from Marion to
Jonesboro. To these works the Spectator
thinks the State ought to lend material aid.
We think the scheme too extensive to be
entered into by the State at present. How
ever much we may desire to see the people
of the West accommodated, yet we think
prudence and caution should be exercised
in the matter of loaning the States credit to
new works. Let such further aid be ex-
tended sin the completion of the works al
ready undertaken ''as a just regard for
the interest of the people may require, and
the means and resources Of the State a0iU
prudenHy dlLoa0," and then, if it can be
done without increasing the burdens of the
people, let the State enter into new schemes.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

VILLAINS AT WORK.-We learn from
the Standard that an attempt was made by
some villain or villains to destroy passen-
ger train on the n. c.. Road on Thursday
night last The latches were changed a
short distance above Stalling's Depot, and
logs laid across the track. The train was
thrown off, but little damage done. Both
trains, going east and west that night, met
with the same kind of distractions. What
better can we expect, when two negroes,
who were short time since convicted of a
like offence, were allowed to escape without
punishment! As we then said, we say
now, that the passengers would be j1sti-
fable in hanging any one caught in the act
to the nearest tree. We feel interested in
the matter, for we have to travel over the
N. C. Road great deal, and we are not
prepared to be the victim of such diabolical
fiends.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
TRIBUTE OLE RESPECT.

WHEREAS, 1t has pleased the Supreme Archi
tect OF the Universe to remove to that borne from
whence no traveller returns, our late companion
and brother, James Brian, therefore,
Resolved, That while we deeply deplore the los:
of our late friend and brother, we mourn not a.
those without hope, believing that he has beef
called from labor on earth to reireshment and res
in that Temple not made with hands, eternal in TIE
heavens.
Resolved, That our sympathies and heartfelt
sorrow are with all those who deplore the loss o
our cherished brother.
Resolved, That tender our deepest sympathy
ito the family of our departed brother in this the
great affection.
Resolved, That the brethren wear the usua
badge Oh mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions b.
sent to the family of the deceased, and that they
be published in the town papers
JOHN NJ. SPRINGS, Sec'y.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.

The new Presbyterian Church is fast ap-
,roaching completion and will be ready for
nse by the meeting of Synod. The building
:. 80 by 80 feet, surmounted by a steeple
~ feet high from the base. 1t is hand
comely ornamented inside, but we are not
efficiently acquainted with the TECHNICAL
.aos TO describe it. The cost will be about
$4,000.
The erection of new Episcopalian
Church is rapidly progressing, and when
completed will greatly add to the beauty of
Trvon street on which it is situated. Its
size is ~ by 64-to be surmounted by a
tower. Cost, $4,000.
These two Churches, together with the
spIendid Female College building just COM
rleted. are ornaments to the town and show
the Tberality of our citizens.
In addition to the public buildings, we
notice several fine private residences re-
Gently finished or in course of construction.
The residences of VIM. r. Myers, Esq,
on Trade street, is a fine piece of archi-
lecture, and is, we think, one of the hand
s,mest buildings in the place. VIM. F.
Phifcr, A. c. Steele, Esq'rs., and DR.. Ross,
are building commodious residences on
Trvon street, which will improve the ap-
pcarance of that part of the town.
We notice that the corporation has cree
ted a Town Hall in the rear of the Court
House. We regret that it was not made
large enough to accommodate large public
gatherings. But little more cost would
have paid for building of the kind needed
and useful to every community.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
FOE TnE wEsrERN pENocRAr.
To the Honorable the Intenddnt and Com
missaoners Of the Toacn of Charlotte

To the Honorable the Iatenddnt and Com
missioners Of the ToWn Of Charlotte !:
The petition of Polygynia Neuralgia
against Ceberus CAMS, humbly complain
ing, showeth unto your Honorable body
that she is the representative of large
class of human sufferers in the town of
Charlotte, who pay high taxes for the pur-
pose, among other things, of being able at
night to enjoy the blessing, after their
multifarious tolls of the day, of exhausted
natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep: but
who are prevented, and have their nervous
systems, night after night. utterly racked
and ruined, by the incessant and hideous
bowling and barking of the hundred mouth
ed defendant, who, because he is unable to
sleep himself, maliciously delights in dis
turbing and keeping awake every body in
the town.
Your petitioner, therefore, prays in be-
half of herself, and AZ the representative of
her class, that your Honorable body will
forthwith institute such proceedings as the
nature, circumstances and exigences of the
case demands; and such as the Charter
and town ordinances authorize; making it
a death penalty for the defendant to ply
more than one mouth in each citizens
yard.
Your petitioner also prays that your
Honorable body will continue, from time to
time, to make and establish such other and
further rules and regulations as may be
necessary to accomplish and continue in
force the object of this petition. And
your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever
pray, &c. THEMIS,
For Petitioner.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
LOST or MISLAID.

The subscriber lost or mislaid, about the LIST
of September, Note on +. Il. Frazier for 8 $1,000,
dated July 3, 1857, which was given in place of
one lost dated Jan. ], 1856. Also, one on i. f.
Glenn, for 1920, dated Jan. ], 1857. All per-
sons are cautioned against trading for said Notes,
as l am the only person authorized to transfer
them. Il. w. ALLISON, Jr.
Charlotte, Sept. 10, 1857. 74-3t-pd
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
DEATH OF HON. VIM. DAVIDSON

It becomes our painful duty to have to
announce the death of one of our oldest and
most respected citizens, Hon. VIM. David
son. of this town. He died on last We'd
ncSlay, the 10th inst, from injuries received
4 few days previous by his horse taking
fright and running off with the vehicle in
which he was riding; the driver being
unable to manage the horse, Mr. d. was
thrown from the vehicle and received in
.juries which could not prove otherwise than
fatal to one so advanced in life. He was
~ years of age; had represented this Dis
trict two terms in Congress, and had also
been chosen member of our State Legis-
latare for several sessions; which posts of
honor he filled creditably to himself and
satisfactorily to his constituents.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
5000 Reward.

Runaway from my Railroad Shantees, in
Liberty county, Ga. about the LIST August, 1856,
my negro man EPHRAIM. He is black aud
of medium size, % or "a years old. was raised by
Mr. Shipp, of Lincoln county, and sold to me by
W. p. Bynum, of the same county, in February,
1856. ! think said boy is lying about Charlotte
or w. p. Bynum'S in Lincoln county, or VIM.
Ships of CASTOR county, as the boy has rcla-
tons at all those points. / will pay
Two Hundred Dollars
for his apprehension and delivery in Charlotte
Jail SO that can get him.
ID. w. ORR.
Sept. 10, 1857. 74-tf
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
DIED,

In this county, on the 18th inst, Mr. Jonathan
Lewis, aged so years.
In York District, on the 18th inst Franklin
Davidson, infant son of Dr. A. c. and Margaret
R. McRee. Also, on the 9TH inst, Mrs. Marga
ret Whitesides, aged AZ years
In Sampson county, on the 9TH inst, Mr. VIM
Faison, aged &c years.
In Lancaster District, on the 18th inst, Capt
III. J. Gregory.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
TRIBUTE OF RESPECT.
PHALANX LODGE, No. 81,
Sent. IL. IS57

HALANA IIODGE, NO. 81,
Sept. IL, 1857.
Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to re-
venerated brother, William Davidson, the father
OF our Lodge; therefore it is proper and becoming
that we should express the sense OF our loss and
bereavement in an appropriate manner
Resolved, therefore, that we do sympathize with
the family and friends OF our deceased Brother Tor
so sad dispensation of divine Providence
Resolved, That we wear the usual badge OF
mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That copy OF these resolutions be
same be published in the town papers.
JOHN M. SPRINGS, Sec'y
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
KANSAS AFFAIRS.

The st. Louis Democrat publishes an
address to the people of the United States,
prepared by the committee at the Grass
hopper Falls Convention, in which his
tory of the troubles in Kansas is given.
The document contains a special clause to
the people of Missouri, setting forth the
relative position of Kansas to Missouri,
and imploring the citizens of the latter to
refrain from another invasion of the Terri
tory, or, if their previous course of aggres-
sion be persisted in, protracted and
bloody war must ensue. The address con-
cludes by exhorting the people of Kansas
to vote in the coming election, in pursuance
of the action of the convention.
Dispatches from Kansas, dated Lecomp-
ton, 9Th inst, announce the organization of
the convention to form State constitution.
1t is also stated that the President of the
Convention, Mr. Calhoun, in his address ia
vored the plan of submitting the constitu-
ton to the people of the Territory for rati-
fcation
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 17.-Despatches from
Lecompton say that the Constitutional Con-
vention has adjourned till the third Monday
in October. The free State delegates were
refused seats.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
Notice.

DIR. PINCKNEY CALDWELL having
placed his Books and Accounts in my hands for
settlement, those indebted to him will please call
on me and settle.
Also, those indebted to Drs. Samuel l.. & J.
w. Caldwell will call and settle with me by cash
or note, as l have been engaged to attend to this
business.
My Office is one door south of Springs corner.
S. A. HARRIS, Agt.
Charlotte, Sept. Is. at
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

COLUMBIA, Sept. l5.-The quantity
of Cotton offering at tho present is so light
that it is difficult to give correct quotations.
All that is offered freely commands IL to Is
cts. for old, and Is to l54 for new. .
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

NEW COTTON.-The first bale of new
Cotton received at this market was brought
in on Friday morning last by John Hart,
Esq, of Steele Creek. 1t was purchased by
r. N. Oates & CO., at Isl cents-good
article.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

GOOD IDEA.-Brownlow suggests that
an association be formed in the southern
States styled 1.-The Missionary Society of
the Southern States for the conversion of
the heather and fanatics of the Northern
and North western States.'' 1t is thought
that New York, Massachusetts, Connect
cut, &C., present more inviting field for
missionary labors than Hindostan or Africa.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

CHARLESTON, Sept. 18.-There is no
quotable change in the price of Cotton.
About 30 bales of the new crop sold at I54
to 15s cts.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
MARRIED ,

In this county. on the 18th inst, by G. L.
Campbell, Esq, Mr. S. Ii. Todd, to Miss Sarah
Cathcart.
In Orange county, on the 10Th inst, Mr Thos
Dollar, of Ohio, to Miss Sarah Barbee.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
A VIRGINIA LAWYER GOING TO LOOK
FOR PoTAToEs.-The Weston Herald con-


tains the following communication:
CLARKsBURG, August 90, 1857.
MEssRs. EDITORS: Being fully con-
WINGED that the practice of law is unprofta-
BILE in this State, l have determined to emil
CRATE to the West. My reason for making
the change is this: am passionately fond
of potatoes, great big roasters, and know
ing from recent trip that they grow larger
and mealier in the West, have determine
to go to that glorious land of ''tater vines -
I go-not that l love Virginia less, but
that love potatoes more and in the Ian
guage of the poet can truly sing:
There's not in this wide world country so
sweet
AS the West with its 'tater and buffalo meat,
The craving of appetite indeed must depart.
Ere the love of those good things shall
fade from my heart.
Col. BEN. WILSON,
Prosecuting Attorney for Harrison county.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
NORTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA AHEAl

NORTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA AHEAD.
Review, by Prof. Dickson, on the height
and weight of southern men, shows that
North Carolina and Georgia lead the van.
In n. C.. "a out of 100 were six feet and
upwards; in Georgia 80 out of 100; Ken
lucky and Tennessee, IL.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
Dissolution.

Nhe partnership of BARRETT & RAM
u SOUR was this day dissolved by mutual
consent. All persons indebted to the said Firm
are notified to make hmm ediate pay
ment to the subscriber
All persons having claims against said Firm
are requested to present them TO the undersigned
j. A. RAMSOUR.
Lincolnton, Sept 5, 1857. 75-4t
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

CALIFORNIA ITEMs.-The settlers con-
vention has nominated Stanly for Govern
or on a mixed ticket.
Stevens has oeen elected delegate from
Washington Territory by large majority.
Sullivan, the British Minister at Lima,
has been murdered by Peruvans. Some
say for political cause, and others from
an intrigue with which woman is con-
nected. A large reward is offered by
the President of Peru for the nnrderers.
Costa RIGA has decreed tn expected
Walker expedition piratical.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

NEW YORK, Sept. l9.-Flour is buoy
ant, and has advanced is cents; sales Of
Southern at S. rs to Sc 10. Wheat has
advanced. Corn is active.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

1t should be borne in mind that the fol
lowing are wholesale prices mostly. We
endeavor to keep the quotations correct,
but allowance must be made for the fact
that prices frequently change Immediately
after the publication of the paper.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

GOLD-We have been shown a speci-
men of gold quartz found at the Reid Mine
in Cabarrus county. The lump weighs
nine hundred penny weights, and is supposed
by miners to be two-thirds gold, being
worth about six hundred dollars.
We are Informed that q piece half a
pound heavier was found at the same
mine about year ago also, that this is
the same mine where a lump weighing %
pounds vas found many years ago. Such
specimens indicate an abundance of the
precious metal in that region, and will no
doubt greatly enhance the value of the
mime
One-fourth of this mine is owned by
our friend Emor Graham, Esq, of this
town; the other three-fourths are owned
by northern company.
MILITARY ELECTIoN.-Brig. Gen'l S. II.
Nalkup has been making efforts to re-
organize the Militia in this part of the State.
On the 18th, an election was held in Char
Iotte for field officers of the 66th Regiment.
Capt. J. y. Bryce was elected Colonel, and
Stephen w. Davis, Esq, Lieut.. Colonel.
Maj. b. f. Brown, still holding his COM
mission as Major, consented to continue to
act in that capacity
At Concord, on the 10Th, an election was
held for officers of the Old Regiment. Jas.
L. Cannon was elected Colonel, j. NJ. kes-
Ter, 1t. Col, and C. S. McCurdy, Major.
Gen. WaIkup will review the Regiment
IN Stanly county on the 18th of October,
and the Regiment in Union county ON the
Eth October at Steagalrs Store. Other
Regiments will be reviewed as soon as Or
.EduiZr1
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

~ The Seaboard Agricultural Society
of Virginia and North Carolina will hold
its third annual meeting and exhibition on
the fair grounds near Norfolk, commenc-
ing on Tuesday, the 10th of November
next.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

" On the I'd page we publish an inter
esting and curious letter from Gen. Pillow
giving a history of the Mexican war no
heretofore made known. We expect Gen
Scott will come out in reply.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
Dissolution of Copartnership.

The CoPartnership ofSUTTON & YOUNTS,
at Morrow's Turnout, was dissolved by mutual
consent of both parties in the month of July
last. All those indebted will come forward and
make payment Immediately; and those having
claims will present them, as the firm is closed
for settlement.
STEPHEN P. SUTTON.
Sept. 19. 1857. 3t-pd
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

REMARKS.-We have but little change
to make this week in our table of prices.
One bale of new Cotton was sold at I5i cts.
But very little produce has been brought
in during the past week, owing TO the busy
season with farmers.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22

IL The financial crisis in tie northern
cities still continues, and eaca day some
house goes by the board. 1t i, generally
believed, however. that all the toubles will
soon be surmounted and a wholesome calm
will succeed the present storm which has
grown altogether out of reckless specula-
ton.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-22
ROBERT GIBB0N, NJ. d.,
PRACTITIONER OF
MEDlUlMG L SURGERY,
Office No. 5, Granite Row,
CHARLOTTE, ". c.
TOWN PROPERTY
FOR SALE.
CHARLOTTE, ".

- The subscriber being DESTROYS Of
l5ssm improving his other Lots, offers for sale
~--his residence on the cOTnr al Church
and 1890 Streets. The situation is high and
healthy and one of the most desirable in the
town. The buildings are all good and have been
finished off lately in handsome style, and the
Dwelling House is covered with tim. The dom
este part of the building is arranged in style
the ward is a Well of excellent water.
This desirable residence is situated within
short distance of the Female College one of the
handsoInest buildings in the State. As do not
expect a person to purchase without examining
the premises, l will take great pleasure in show
ing the property to any one d'sirous of purchas-
ing. / will make the price correspond with the
hardness of the times, not expecting 10 raliZe
more than will pay for the cost OF the buildings.
GEORGE CROSS.
Charlotte. Sept. Is, 1851. 74-:in-pd.