davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

WoRDLEss SoRRow.-We find in the Du
Page J,'trmGl, the particulars Of calamity
that has brought cloud Of grief over tile
family Of one of the most influential and res.
pected Of the citizens OF Napory.l.c-C. II. p.
LYMAN Esp.
On " eGncSray evening last, his son. a
bright sunny little fcllo'y of some six sum
mcrS, was put to rest at an early hour and
left to sleep.
In the room. upon the drum of stove,
stood lighted lamp. Having been in the
habit Of taking pasiilcs for the Group, and
feeling oppressei, he got up for the purpose
of procuring some of the psstllcs, which
were upon the top Of bureau Placing a
chair beside the bureau, lie got upon it.
with the lamp in one hand, and stretched
forth the other to reach the desired articles.
la doing so, the hand containing the lamn
was drawn close to his chest, when the flame
ignitcd his night dress. Setting the lamp
down, he attempted to smother the fire
with his hanls His cries soon drew assis-
tancr A; but the injuries he received were IA
tai. He lingrcd unit! about 5 O'Clock T. NJ
the following day, when he expired, bidding
good bye" to his parents with a!mos. his
last breath.
There is no sorrow like unto this sorrow.
but our friend Mr.. lyman, has our dcenest
sympathy in his terrible bereavement. and
not ours only, but that o! all who have the
pleasure OF knowing him, and Of calling
him friend ChicTyo Journu
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

The FIVE great lakes Of North America
have recently been surveyed, and it is found
that they cover sn area of 5000 square
miles. The total length Of the five lakes is
1,53i miles. Lake Superior at its greatest
leng h, is 355 miles; its greatest breadth is
100 miles me n depth is 96S feet; eIeva-
tion above the sea 627 feet; area $4,000
square miles.-Lske Michigan is $50 miles
long its greatest breadth is los miles; its
mean depth is 900 feet; elevation 6s7 feet;
area 30, 900 miles. Lake Huron in its great
est length is 200 miles its greatest breadth
is 100 miles; mean depth 800 feet; eleva-
lions 57i feet; area 10000 square miles,
Lake Erie is ESQ miles long; greatest breadth
80 miles; mean depth 300 feet; elevation
555 feet; area 5000 square miles. Lake
Ontario has length Of $50 miles; and io
mean breadth is 60 miles; mean depth 300
feet; elevation above the ocean 9s2 feet;
area 5000 square miles.-Eational Mselli-
geHcer.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

tai now unknown, and which has somew ha
the appearance of livery. 1t has been >ub
mittcd to the experiments of an intelligent
metallurgist, and its qualities will soon bt
| ascertained.
Some very curious photographs. taken by
the expedition, completed their lahors, one
of which was of the ruins of the palace OF
the famous Queen Semiramis. The an lent
monument, situated on the height Of a
mountain raised by the hands of men, over
looks the awful soltudes which surround
Lake Van-a body Of water six or seven
times larger than Lake Geneva.
Is it not strange that a gentleman who
had seen and handled some of the articles
brought from the Tower Of Babel by Mr.
Place, should be excited as he says he was
I'm relation to archaeological news take
the liberty to inform you that l have just
seen the oldest thing of the old world. In
deed, do not know that should be more
surprised by seeing the fragments Of the
ark itself. Fancy to yourself that have
Just touched and held in my hand, and
turned and turned again in every way, a lit
to morceau Of the zosoer Of Babel. This
trinket of moulded clay illustrated and
baked by the sons of n .ah, has passed from
the plain of Shinar to the chapel of St.
Mesrnin, and is the fruit of the strokes Of
the hammer in the hands of Mr.. Place, our
learned and enterprising Consul, to whom
am indebted far sight of this precious lit
tie relic, about which clusters SO many grand
souvenirs.
will only add, that if your readers wish
to to obtain a distinct and accurate idea OF
the region referred to, in which lies the bat
tle-fieId of Arbela, and the plain Of Shinar,
they should open their atlas and survey the
country between Mosul on the Tigris, and
Lake Van, southeast Of Mount Ararat. 1t
was very natural that the sons Of Noah, de-
scendng from Ararat, should commence
their agricultural abors in the fertile and
well watcred plain Of Shinar, lying in the
East, where in terrible remembrance Of the
Hood, they vaiuy and iinpiously attempted
work which should protect them from
recurrence Of The disaster. Recently, l met
an English gentleman, Major Frazer, who
be onged 10 the staff of General Williams,
the hero Of Kars, who, with three OF four
other Englishmen, had gained the summit
of Mount Ararat-the first feat Of the kind
since the chiidlen OF Noah descended from
II. Thus, by a singular coincidence, about
the same time, the sacred summit was reach
ed where the ark rested, and the tower dis
covered which was erected on tne plain at
its base.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

ILLINOIS RIVER RAILRoAD.-Thc Illinois
RiAer Railroad has been put under contract
between this city and Peoria, including the
bridge across the Illinois River at this place.
This part Of the road is to be completed by
the Ist Of December Messrs. Warner, of
Rock Island, and Decker, of Indiana, are
the contractors. We understand that
they contemplate commencing at an early
day.
The citizens OF Pckin have been very lib
era towards subscribing to the Stock OF
this Road. Nearly sufficient means have
been raised to complete the road to the Ma
son county line. If the citizens of of the
countes'below will be equally as liberal. the
road will be built at once. We understand
that the citizens Of Mason and Cass are up
and doing.-Peain Eegisler.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

The RIGHr WAY TO REAp.-When the late
jeremiah Evarts was in the sixth year Of his
age, he came 10 his father and asked him for
a new book His father asked him if the
last book he had given him was worn out.
40 no, sir" said jeremiah, but have read
all the sense out of it," lie meant to say he
had read it thoroughly, and made himself
master Of all the ideas it contained.
This is the way to read, in crder to profit
by reading. BY reading in that way, Jere-
miah Evaris made great Improvement, and
became one of the wiscst and most useful
men our country has produced. He never
took up book and allowed his eye to rest
on the page, while his thoughts were wander
ing from one thing to another, so as only
now and then to get an idea of what was
written. He never took upa book for the
sake of passing away time. He took the ad-
vice os those who were wiser than he, and
read only good books, asd he read 'all ths
sense out of them
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

SLEIGHRIDE OF EiCHr HUNDRED MTLEs.-
We have had excellent sleiehng for over
two months, which time has been well en-
ployed 10y our citizens. S. snd II. /. NO.
bic, with their ladies' hsye just returned
from "short drive" Of nesrly eight hun
dred miles-to ST. Paul and Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and back to Dixon. They wcro
absent three weeks, having Eood sle'ghing
all the while, with no Interruptions from
storms. Beat this, Mr.. Ls.:aaders. you
can, with your Ieindeers: We oene.s
bas become an established f'-t that for
sIpicbinp. dears minus the reins are prefera-
bic TO reindeers. rs.-Diroa 7slegrari., l7h.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

MERCANTILE IOYoR.-it might tempt one
to DC proud OF his species when he looks at
the faith that is pat in him by distant cor
respondent, who, without Oh. other hold Of
him than his honor, consigas to him the
wealth Of totilla, and slceps in the conf
dcncc that 1t is safe. 1t is, indeed, an ami
mating thought, amid the gloom Of this
world depravity, when We behold the credit
which one man puts in another, though sep
arated by oc ans and by continents; when
he fixes the anchor Of a sure and steady de-
pendance on the reported honesty of one
whom be never saw; when with ali his fears
for the tTeactcrv OF the varied elements
through which his property has TO pass, he
knows, that should 1t only arrive at tae door
OF its destined agent, a.! his fears and all his
suspicion may DC at an end. We know Of
nothing finer than such an act of homage
from one human being to another, when,
perhaps, the diameter Of the globe is be-
tween them; nor do { think that either
the renown Of her victories, or til. wis dom
OF hor councils, 50 si-u1!z- the country in
which We live, rs does the honorable deal
Ing OF her merchants: all the glorics Of
British policy and British va,gr are far
ec!ipsed by the moral s. Iendor which Brit
ish faith has thrown over the name and the
character Of our nu.iou; nor has she gath
cred so proud distinction from ali the trib.
u'aFies OF her Ppwer, as she has done from
the awkward confidence Of those men Of all
tioes, and colors and languages, who look
to our agency for the most faithful Of all
management, and to our keeping for the
most inviol~b.e Of al cus;ody.-ChalMels.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

Music not only irnprov q mans tastes,
but his morals. 1t gives him taste for
home that improves his habits wonderfully.
The man who spends his evenings with {.
piano is seldom seen in d'am-shefs and
never with night brawlera Wsbelisvs IN
music and candidly think that ONE duss viii
do as much toward driving rowdyism Gus 81
a neighborhosd as four policemen snS .
bulldog.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

HosprrAL FOR INEBEIATEs.-The plan of
hospital for inebriates is to be seriously tried
in New York. petition, signed by sever
al hundred physicians, including many who
have themselves contributed to the OBJECT,
has been presented to the Legislature for
the aid Of the State.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

THE NEWLY INVENTED WAR ENGINE.-A
correspondent of the New York Journal Of
Commerce., ailuding to the ''lnfernal Ma
chine" which Gen.. Walkers friends have
recently purchased for his army in Nicara-
qua, thus explains its efficiency and deadly
instrumentality
In form it resembles small grndstone
turned by crank, and will discharge 800
onc-ounce balls every minute, attended by
only two men. Every machine is calculated
to destroy three reg incnts of soldiers In the
same space of time. 1t can be directed with
the same case as common rifle is handled.
The Inventor, a Yankee, is now in Eng
land experimenting before the Admiralty,
and great many old Generals, Of all coun-
tries, who evince much interest, and have
written him letters expressive of their
wonder and astonishmcnt. One distin-
guished Polish General expresses himself TO
the inventor, ''that as soon as this deadly
weapon becomes in use, wars and rumors OF
wars must cease" The gun, or machine,
discharges without report, and sends the
bail three times the distance of the ordinary
rifle or cannon, as the case may be. The
British Government has offered the inventor
.f200, 900 sterling, if he can enlarge his ma
chine to discharge Ga pound shot This he
Is now DONG, and informs ms agent that ne
shall accomplish it. The Russian Minister
at London is anxious for the patent, and has
offered him his price; but he says to his
friends, 81 mean no other nation shsll have
it, but England and my own country"
Previous to his going to Europe, he or
fered the r ght to the American Government
at Washington. Experiments were made
with one ounce and seven pound cannon
IL Il 81 hw
order of the Secretary of State, which proved
all l have related above and to the entire
satisfaction Of those present One Of these
internal machines" placed upon the deck
of vessel, one Of the COmmodOres re-
mark ed, would sink friga,e in three min
utes." Such a constant discharge of balls,
just as fast as they can be handled and rolled
in, with the accuracy they can be directed.
must inevitably destroy all before it, besides
the great distance and out of danger OF the
enemy's guns.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

An Atbenian. who lame in one foot join
ing the army, was laughed at by the .oldisry
On account OF his lameness. II Am mere %
ficht" said the hero, mot to run-
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07


\ igaIn
"Iou can't do it,
"What'il you BET:
How many such phrases arc uttered daily.
Wha,'l you bet: Want to bet on it: Bet
YOU five dollars. Bet you bottle o wine.
Bet YOU a hat \ ''oet' is the re ;ular pro-
ceeding at horse-races, and I'm the sweet cir
c,es OF the fancy" and sporting men; il
is very common practice IN politics and
business. But that's not all. Win large
number Of silly OF mistaken people, bet
is final argument even in ordinary conver-
sation or discussion. They have more
money than brainS and so they took to
their money TO do their reasoning. They
think that if they are only ready to back
their OPINION, they are pretty sure to be
right We have IN mind wealthy gentle
man who used to discuss horticultural ques-
tons, and clinch his argument by offering
to deposit five hundred or thousand dol
lars, if his opponents would do as inuch, the
total stakes TO 20 10 the one dcci!ed 10 be
right. This was usually unanswerable If
not conclusive; for few writers on gardening
have such "IIi.le amount by them 10 risk
on the name OF pear or the sex OF u straw
berry.
How idotic, As if a mans money made
does, however, by the betting argument.
for that takes it Tor granted that no man
will decline to gamble On nis opinion uuess
he is conscious of being wrong. Or the
only alternative is confeSsion-supposed
to be huldiliating--of poverty.
aside from the ridiculous folly Of pretend
ing to prove a point by such all appeal to
the lar; there Is a broader and more i'm
portant principle involved. You bet, and
win. You did not earn the money. Ii viii
do you no good. You lose-you feel that
the amount is to be taken from you without
an equivalent, and you are instinctively rri-
tatcd by the Unfairness of the transaction.
In either event you are gambler; you have
SO far enrolled yourself in the ranks of per
haps the most pernicious army OF scolndrels
that was ever let loose on earth. 1t is q
small amount, doubtless, but the principle
is involved. Riskng money on pure chances
is ditcoys wreng and foolish; it is Arrays
gambling; Arrays contrary to expediency
and social truth, and the universal law Of
Right.
Argue, if you please. If you don't know
enough to argue, hold your tongue. If you
are wrong, confess it like man. But don't
bet like q fool.-Lye illustrated.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

NJ l. l. \ +. II Y.
Corner Mar Il C0}5ihfus sfNs. Greggs old stG'd
MISS SARAH AVERY
OF I respectfully inform the ladies OF Ottawa and
va vicinity that have just returned from New York
with the styles OF MILLINERY, consist
ing in part Hats, Ribbons Flowers
PiHmc and Dress Caps. Also, splendid lot Of Bridal
Wrcatl- from six dollars. large assortment Of
Hosiery. Opera Hoods, &c, 2c-
siy object in going New York TO purchase Millinery
i this IN e first place pay cash down for my Goods
l ca:i buy cheaper than those WHO buy in Chicago can
get fashions and later styles can sell better
article Of Goods cheaper and consequently can offer n-
ducements to tile ladies o Ottawa equal to any eastern
City.
Ladies please c.. and NY stock, and faiier my
- SARAH AVERY.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

VYYOULD inform the public that she still continues
w give lessons the piano. guitar, and melodeon to
Also instruction thorough bass Lessons given at
her boarding place. Amasa Fosters west OF the sdo-
cut, and at the residenc Of pupils. Jan Ii
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
Mark Well.
New Tailoring Establishment

'IIE undersigned having located in Ottawa would
spectfuy inform its inhabitants and vicinity that he
has opened shop in the lately occupied Tee-
graph Office, in Reddicks block, for the purpose OF Gas
tom Tailoring in all its branches. Having had much
perence several of largest cities, both
and maker fatter myself that work shall not be
surpassed either for elegance of style neatncss Of
ship this side Of Chicago. All work entrusted to
my charge shall with prurnptness and despatch.
n. E.-Cu,ting done and fit warranted.
jul2s DAN. II. ASHTON.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
NEW ENGLAND BAKERY
4. ". sASEOE:a,.

BrcHU, Ci.NHs, ;tNH CffCNcTs,
on Nadisoa near Columbus Street OttrltG, WsEOis,
4 prepared 10 furnish the shortest notice,
- very superior article Of Sugar, Soda, Boston, Butter
Water Pic Mic, Wine, and Ginger Crackers Pilot and
Navy Bread
ry facility for Manufacturing, enabled 10 sell - low
any other House I'm the Vest
al kinds Of Fancy and Wedding Cake kep. constantly
hAld and inad. 20 order. LmlL2LI G. ". sANLnkD
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
Planning and Saving Mill,

1-IIE undersigned have this day entered to eo-par;
] nersl.ip in the above business under the firm Of
KNIGHT q EATHBCN.
They now prepared 70 furnish dressed flooring and
siding their establishment the hydraulic basin in
Ottawa, OF superior workmanship, their ''tru.uph
machine in quantities, and at prices to suit pGr
c!a>ers They sill do custom work Of V'aning and
saving short notice. Dressed aud unGrcsscd Lumber
constantly on hand al reduced cash prices Come and
II A. KNIGHT.
jul25-iyr 7. II. RATuBUE.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
ESssc.skIi3S.

FF1IIE subscriber bess call attention to hz BGcssn
4 Establishment Main 81. next house west o; Ma
giIs Office Tanned bucEskns, ali kinds of burkSEin
gloves. whip askes, &c always hand and sold at Tow
prices.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
CITY PAINT SHOP,
OTTAWA MARBLE YARD.

THE undersigned having purchased the shop and stock
of Gewell Finley, where he intends carry on the
business more extensive scale He has hand and
is always receipt OF the best quality Of American
ian and Egyptian Marble for Head Stones Tomb Stones,
Monuments, Nantes, Furniture, &c. As he has
workrnen in the western country, he
sured that get up anything in his line superb
STYLE together with low prices he feels that
he will give those who favor him with their support
entire satisfaction
n b. Orders from distance earnestly solicited and
promptly attended to. JAMES WILLS.
Marc 6. 1876.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
90. CO.L!CO..!co,L. ss.oo.

yHyE prepared ili al orders Of Coal for Ia
w IniIy use, 50 per ton, OF as good article
can be procured in La Sale Co. Bacsiths viii please
take notice that We are no working huge beds,
expressly for bagtsHitiing purposes, known St-awus
Coal. Please give u cal-we will sell you Fsne qua
li,y.
All persons wishing TO contract FOR their winter stock
q 10 by calling at Office tie
Basin or 1t our new ward opposite the Geic.r itus-.
arrsJ : WARNER HAEDIEG ( co.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
unapproaclied in northern Illinois, all kinds OF
AGRICULTURAL llnPIcmcNsS,
AUCTION! AUCTION,

Il lie subscriber most respectfully offers to the uhat
i ants Of Ottawa and surrounding country his ser
vices City Auc;oneer and Commission Mercb,n, for
the sale Real Estate, Horses, Carriages Dry (;oods
Furniture &C. &c, assuring those who may favor him
,r;, their commands that honorable effort viii H.
wanting to effect good sales and prices Cash
will be made f needed goods consigned for immed
ate sale Store north side Of Main street, nearly oppo
site the Post Once. 1Ac. Lancashire.
CH.r. w KEyr Snlesmda. 0ttaws, October i,ISj5.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07

| preached nearer, could see there was no.
! thing short Of two hundred pounds weight
| backing down leisurely but certainly upon
me. She was now only thirty feet above
Inc. What if she should slip or fall! |
shuddcrcd at the thought, and instInetvey
arched my back, hoping that, the two con-
vex surfaces meeting, she might bound over
like the avalanchcs over the Simpion Road.
Crack, crack, crack, crack, went the ladders
with the regularity of pendulum, as the
pondcrous mass descended. ia shape like an
inverted balloon, in weight Ike a mea-bag.
| tried to cry out, but my voice was abs1-
lutely thick from fright, and | cOald only
pray that she might have another pair Of
eyes granted her behind, or at least that she
might use her naturni eyes by giving a
glance downward in time 10 avert serious
consequences But no; she rolled on in al
the pride Of solidity and security, Ike the
boy in the drt-cart who goes to sleep on the
top Of his load, sure that every thing on the
road will turn out for him. | SAW it was
necessary that something should be done
promptly, and harry cast nay eyes on
good big bush s'oN.as out Of 4 little scanty
earth on the rocks side. To seize stout
twig and strip it was the work Of an instant;
to grasp the ladder firmly with my left hand
and the switch with the night Was the work
of another and by this time the enemy was
broadside on. | Immediately administered
a succession of blows, rs s'nartly and as
rapidly as could, on the most prominent
part Of her back; =; and, gentle reader if you
ever saw cat chased 10 tree Ly a dog.
you can imagine how that mass Of q 81 shot
up the side Of the cliff She never stopped,
and never looked back TIL clear out Of SIGHT,
but hand over hand and foot over toot she
padded away with an ascout;vc power far
beyond her weight, as if ali the imps and
monkeys Of the lower regions were after
her. Such is the effect Of fire in the rear,
The book is altogether one Of the most
agreeabl; ana dclisatfuI book: Of travel
note extant, and our readers will thank US
iOr calling their attention TO it,
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-02-07
BUSINESS CARDS.
EASTERN
Carriage Repository.

xz<.s 90 VIE Alvord Carriage Manufacturing
Il Company having located 4 branct
Cs1sL for the sale of their Carriages in the City
w = of Ottawa, H., beg to inform the citizens
Of La Sale and adjoining Counties, and the people OF the
West generally that they have hand and receiving
from their MANUFACTORY IN CONNECTICUT good
Of Carriages, consisting in part of Rocka
ways Sliding Seat, Top and Top Bugges of different
styles Concord Bugges, &C, made from the very best
material, and in a neat and workmanke manner, which
will be sold reasonable terms Dealers and all wishing
purchase will find to their advantage to call and
mine stock before purchasing elsewhere. From n
long experience the manufacture of Carriages feel
confident that give entire satisfaction. All work
warranted.
We have also connected Will, Repository shop for
doing gil kinds of repairing, which will be done at short
notceand in the best manner.
Store few doors West of the P. o.. on Main street.
For reference, enquire of Arthur LOCKWOOD, Esq.
jun 14-iy* ii. w. JONES, AgefH
stone! Stone! For Sale!
vYYE now offer at our quarry two miles north OF
w Joliet, and within three hundred feet of the Hi
nos and Michigan Canal all kinds of Bubble, Building,
Flagging, and Dimension Stone, from two inches IN
thickness up thirty inches and Of size, color, and
quality surpassed by none in the State.
All orders for Stone, either dressed in the rough TO
shipped by canal rail- will be promptly attended
and furnished a prices to please the purchaser.
ANDERSON, SPENCER co.
JAS. C. SPENCER, A BoUGHTELISG,
L. ALEX. ANDERSON
Joliet, November 90 1856.