davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
A Visit to Robinson Crusoe's Island, uan
Fernandez.


While on board the ship Golden Rocket, ly-
ing at Greenwich dock, we were permitted by
Captain @. N. Pendleton to examine his log book,
in which he gives an account of his visit to the
Island of Juan Fernandez (Robinson Orusoes
Island) The ship was on her last passage to
this port from Boston, and had on board fifty
five passengers, twenty-five OF whom were
ladies,) who intend to make California their fu-
turc place Of residence.
Getting short of water, Captain Pendleton
decided to stop at Juan Fernandez for further
supply, and therefore shaped his course thither
the island being nearly in his track. At o +.
NJ, on the evening Of March Oath, they doubled
the eastern end of the island, and at seven
rounded to, off the Bay of st. Joseph, at the
head of which the few inhabitants now remain.
ing on the island are located. The facilities for
loading water at the island, Captain Pendleton
represented to be not very good. The casks
must be taken on shore and filled, rolled back
into the water and parbuckled into the boat
While the crew were at this work, the passen-
gers rambled off in different directions to make
discoveries.
The island is about twenty-five miles long by
about four in breadth. The land is very high,
rising in rugged, preciptous peaks-one ofthem
called Yunkque, $500 feet above the level of
the sea. The peaks are generally overhung
with clouds. The valleys are excessively fer
tile, the grass growing to the height of six or
eight feet. Figs, strawberries, peaches and
cherries abound in their season. The Golden
Rocket was there in the season OF peaches, and
the valleys and hill sides were full of trees loaded
down with delicious fruit. Captain Pendleton
bought four barrels of the inhabitants, and the
passengers about as many more. Strawberries
best flourish in December and January.
There are three remarkable caves in the side
of the hill facing the harbor about thirty feet in
length, twenty-five in width, and about the
same in height The inhabitants number bnt
fourteen, of whom Messrs Day and Kirkaldie,
from Valparaiso, are the chief persons, they
having been appointed cverseers of the island
by the Chilean government. Formerly penal
colony; numbering FIVE hundred, was located
here and the caves above mentioned were used
by them-but the project was found to be i'm
practicable. and the cOnvicts were taken back to
the main land.
The Golden Rocket anchored upon the oppo-
site side from that upon which Selkirk lived, and
there being mountain to cross to reach the
Robinson Orusoe abode, no one ventured to
make the journey. The best landing is on the
eastern side, but the water is twenty fathoms
deep at the head of the bay, and in some places
so bold is the shore, a boat tied by her painter,
and drifting to the limits, will be in seventy five
fathoms. An immense number Of goats are
running wild over the island, and an abundance
of fish are taken on every coast. The water is
obtained from number Of never-failing rivulets
trickling down over the rocks from the cloud
capped mountains Francisco Times, May
40
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

CURIOSITY GRATIFIED AND SATISFIED.
Newsporters are renowned for their curiosity
Their regularity is pointedly hit by the follow
ing, which, says the Newport Daily Ne'os, is
aimed at somebody
Duncan Pell, Esq, has commenced the erec-
ton of new fence in front of his mansion, on
Mary street, in this city. On one of the posts
is the following, in manuscript:
The proposed fence is to be 60 feet long,
1-2 feet rails over coping, to be finished tins TIM
week. Mr.. Easton is the carpenter, and Mr.
Fludder the mason. The work is TO be done by
the day.
Terms cash. DUNCAN PELL.
sMessrs. Finch & Engs, furnish the lumber.
Il hope this will be satisfactory to the public.
April 25, 1852
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
The ZOuayes.

The following description Of the Zouaves-the
most efficient portion of the French army
taken from the report of Captain George b. Nc
Clelan, who was one of the United State militia
ry officers sent to the seat OF war IN Europe In
1866, to collect information on military subjects:
The dress of the Zouave is Of the Arab pat
tern; the cap is long fig, or skull cap, of scar
let felt with tsssel turbau 10 worn over this
| in full dress; a cloth vest and q loose jacket,
which leave the neck unencumbered by collar,
stock, or cravat, cover the upper portion OF his
| body, and allow free movement OF the arms the
scarlet pants are of the loose oriental pattern,
and are tucked under garters like those OF the
foot rifles of the guard; the oyercoat is loose
cloak, with hood The chasseurs wear sim
liar one. The men say that this is the most con-
venient dress possible, and prefer it to any other
The Zouaves are all French. They are select
ed from among the old campsigners for their tne
physique and tried courage, and have certainly
proved that they are what their appearance
would indicate, the most reckless, self reliantand
complete infantry that Europe can produce
With this graceful dress, soldierly bearing, and
vigisut attitude, the Zouave at On outpost is the
beau ideal of soldier. They neglect no oppor-
tunity of aiding to their personal comforts. II
there is a stream in the vicinity, the party
marching on picket is sure to be amply supplied
with fishing rods, &c; if anything is to be had,
the Zouaves are quite sure to obtain it. Their
movements are the most light and graceful
have ever seen; the stride is long, but the foot
seems scarcely to touch the ground, ard the
march is apparently made without effort or IA
tigue. The step of the foot rifles is shorter and
quicker, and not so easy and graceful.
The impression produced by the appearance
of these two corps is very different. The rifles
look like active energetic little fellows, who
would find their best field as skirmishers; but
Zouaves have, combined with oil the activity
and energy of the others, that solid ensemble
and reckless daredevil individuality which
would render them alike formidable when at
taoking in mass, or defending position in the
most desperate hand-to- hand encounter. or al
the troops that have ever seen, should esteem
it the greatest honor to assist in defeating the
Zouaves The grenaders Of the guard are
large men, and fine looking, soldierly set. The
voltigeurs are small, active men, but larger thar
the rifles. They are light infantry.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
The Truth Doth Never Die.

Though Kingdoms, States and Empires fall,
And dynasties decay;
Though cities crumble into dust,
And nations die away;
Though gorgeous towers and palaces
In heaps of ruin lie,
Which once were proudest of the proud
The Truth doth never die.
Well mourn not o'er the silent past,
Its glories are not fed,
Although Its men of high renown
Be numbered with the dead.
Well grieve not oer what earth has lost,
1t cannot claim sigh;
For the wrong alone hath perished,
The Truth doth never die.
All of the past is living still
All that is good and true;
The rest hath perished, and it did
Deserve to perish too!
The world rolls ever round and round,
And time rolls ever by,
And the wrong is ever rooted up,
But the Truth doth never diel
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

A HAPPY F1REsIDE.-Home is the residence
not merely of the body, but of the heart it is
q place for the affections to unfold and develope
themselves for children to love, and learn, and
play ir. for husband and wife to toll smilingly
together, and make lite blessing. The object
of all ambition should be to be happy at home !;
if we are not happy there, we cannot be happy
elsewhere. 1t is the best proof of the virtues
of family circle to see happy fre-side.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
POETRY Y

Religion.
The proudest monuments ofart
Must crumble to decay;
The wreath that decks the poets brow
Will droop and fade away.
The mind-the gem of cray serene"
May yield sickly glare.
And every hope that cheers the heart,
May sink in black despair.
But that, which DER the humblest cot,
A hallowed radiance throws.
And round the gorgeous palaces
In peerless beauty glows-
Religion never shall decay;
1t claims heavenly birth;
IT'S written on the stars, and they
Reflect it down to earth.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

WASHING THE HEAD.-Dr. Bissell, one of the
Quarantine Physicians at Staten Island, is of the
opinion that ''if PERSONS hair be washed and
combed every day, he is not liable to disease. y
The Norfolk Herald supports the opinion with
an instance:
$50 important a result" says that paper,
''from so simple cause may seem incredible
to many but not to us. There is not more
etfectual preventative of disease than the im-
merson of the head in cold water the year
round We know an old gentleman, now rising
of seventy, who says that until be was thirty
years old he was of weakly constitution, and
particularly liable to attacks of bilious fever,
violent colds and headache; but having heard
that the best preventive of headache was to
wash the head in cold water every morning, i'm.
medately after rising, he then commenced the
practice, and has continued it to the present
time, and during the interval of forty years has
never had the bilious fever, hardly knows what
the headache is, and though sometimes taking
cold, has never had cold that hindered him
from attending to his ordinary affairs; add to
this, that he passed unscathed through the ter
rible epidemic of 1866"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

"Oh, dearl" blubbered an urchin, who had
been suffering from the application of birch.
"Oh, my they tell me about forty rods make
furlong, but / can tell bigger story than that.
Let um get such plaguy lickin' as I've had
and they'll find out that one rod makes an o.
oher!"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

Worldly prosperity is much greater drain
upon our energies than the most severe adversi-
ty; there is no spring, no elasticity; it is like
walking through life upon Turkey carpet
Mise Jesosbury.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
TaIIeyrand and Arnold.

There was day when Talleyrand arrived in
Havre, hot foot from Paris. 1t was the dark.
est hour of the French Revolution. Pursued
by the blood hounds of this reign of terror,
stripped of every wreck of property and power,
Talleyland secured passage to America IN q
ship about to sail. He was to be beggar and
wanderer in strapge-land, compelled to earn
his daily bread by his daily labor.
SIS there an American staying at your houses"
he asked the landlord of the hotel, II am bound
to cross the water, and would like letter to
person of influence in the New World"
The landlord hesitated moment and then re.
piled:
"There is gentleman up stairs either from
America or Britain, and whether an American
or Englishman cannot tell"
He pointed the way, aud Tslleyrand who, in
his life, was bishop, prince and prime minister
ascended the stairs. A miserable supplant, he
stood before the strangers door, knocked and
entered.
In the far corner of dimly-lghted room sat
a man of some fifty years, his arms folded and
his head bowed on his breast. From window
directly opposite food of light poured upon his
forehead. His eyes looked from beneath his
downcast brows and gazed upon Talleyrand's
face with peculiar and searching expression
His face was striking in outline; the mouth and
chin indicative of an iron will. His form
vigorous, even with the SHOWS of fifty, was
clad in dark but rich and distinguished cos
tune.
Talleyrand advanced-stated that he was a
fugitive-and under the impression that the
gentleman before him was an American, solicited
his kind and friendly offices.
He poured out his history in eloquent French
and broken English:
81 am wanderer, an exile. l am forced to
fly to the New World, without friend or home.
You are an American. Give me, then, beseech
YOU. letter from you so that | may be able to
earn nv bread. | am willing to toll in any
manner: the scenes of Paris have seized me
with horror, so that life of labor would be
paradise to a career of luxury in France.-You
will give me letter to your friendsf A:gen-
temau like you has doubtless many friends"
The strange gentleman rose. With look that
Talleyrand never forgot, he retreated towards
the door of the next chamber, his eye looking
still from his darkened brow.
He spoke as he retreated backward; his voice
was full of meaning. =,
81 am the only man born in the New World
who can raise his hand to God and say, have
not a friend, not one, in all America"
Talleyrand never forgot the overwhelming
sadness of the look that accompanied these few
words.
"Who are you9" he cried as the strange man
retreated toward the next room "what is your
name2"
"My nsme," he replied, with Q smile that
had more of mockery than joy in it's convnlsive
expression: "my name is Benedict Arnold"
He was gone. Tslleyrand sank into chair
gasping the words: "Arnold the traitor2"
Thus he wandered over the earth, another
Gain, with the wanderers mark upon his brow.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

"THr Nervous MAN-MAN OF NERvR"-Dr.
Windship, the strong man who illustrated the
first lecture on physical strength by fainting a.
way twice before Boston audience, has at last
succeeded in delivering bis sentiments and il
lustrating his position in less sntithetical man
ner. Byles, Boston correspondent of the Trib-
une, thus speaks of his second appearance:
"Last night, however, he made another and
most successful attempt, at the Music Hall,
where there was air enough for all our occasions.
His lecture was very sensible one, on the i'm.
portance of obedience to the physical laws OF
our nature, especially as to ventilation and mus
cular development. He believed that no ade-
quate notion is yet had as to the degree to
which the bodily strength may be increased
He had his attention first attracted to the subject
when in college, eight or nine years ago, being
at that time not more than an average lad OF
sixteen or seventeen. By degrees he has in
creased his muscular powers up to their present
extraordinary force. He is about five feet seven
inches tall, and weighs, when in good condition
only l43 pounds. By way of showing US what
he could do, he first lifted with his hands only,
without straps or other apparatus, q weight OF
929 pounds, including the chain which sustained
the weights! This he affirmed was more than
any man had ever lifted before, in the same
way, of whom there is any authentic record
A famous strong Englishman, in the last century
could lift between 700 and 800 pounds, and M.
Bihio, the Belgian giant, 300 pounds. Both of
these were older men, he being but %, and be
announced his intention of lifting 1000 pounds
by the time he is 30 Afterwards he lifted him.
self by his little finger so as to bring his chin
higher than the laboring point, and afterwards
by graspiDg the rope, without any other pur-
chase. Next he manipulated his dumb bells,
weighing hundred pounds each, and concluded
with taking up barrel of flour in his hands,
and putting it on his shoulder, and walking a.
bout the stage with it. He stated apologetcally,
that he WAS not in as high condition as usual,
and weighed seven pounds less than his average
in consequence of his indisposition, occasioned
by his last lecture; but we thought he did pretty
well, and all be had promised, and we appauded
him roundly. trust he will soon give another
lecture, describing the particular exercises by
which he has produced such results"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
MISCELLANEOUS.

yxTHRN ARE GOOD TIMES COMING 3
w When the people of Virginia turn their at
tentiou to Home Industry. HENRY HUGHES taxes
this opportunity of returning his thanks to the sn,
public for their liberal patronage, and would $M{
inform them that he has just received hneas; ~
sortmeut of Material for the manufacture OF
ladies' Misses and Childrens BOOTS and SHOES,
aud Gentlemen's Boots, Caters and Shoes OF every
variety with neatness and dispatch, and hopes, by in
dustry and readiness to please, to merit the public
patronage.
Staunton, April 81. 1858.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

r.. L. DOYLE,
Attorney at Law, StauatOn, Va,
JNTILL practice in the Courts OF Augusta, Rock
w bridge, Bath and Highland.
July 80, 1857.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

JAs. n. ycyRIGa sDGAa 2. NcVnIGH.
JAS. III. MoVEIGH & SON.,
Successors to McYeigh Chamberlain
WHOLESALE GROCERS,
AND DEALERS IN
LIQUORS. Wines, Tobacco, Segars, &C.,
PRINCE STREET WHARF,
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
March 90, 1S59.-ly.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12
DIR. HENRY ANDERSON,

OF BALTIMORE,
TTAS permanently located in Staunton, Va, for the
i'll prosecution of his profession.
Office at the AMERICAN HOTEL.
Stauuton, April 5, lS59-6m.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

KIRKWOOD HOUSE,
Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, ID. c.,
JOHN II. Il A. w. KIRKW00D,
PRoPRIEfoRs.
Washington March "a, lS5S-ly
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

rTEAS.-We have in store and for sale very su-
Il periOr lot of Teas, just received from the Pekin
Tea Company. Call and examine,
P. n. POWELL & CO.,
Stauntou Sept. Z, '5S. Union Hall Building
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

SAWS--We have, of the best brands, an S.ssort
- ment of MILL Cross-Cut, and Circular Sar "a Also
Paunel and Combination Saws, all of y. bicb will
be sold cheap. WOODS Gi LKESON,
Stauuton, April, l2, '59.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-12

j. TURNER, PROF. MUSIC, WES-
A. LEYAN FEMALE INSTiTUTE-Teaches Pi
ano Guitar, Flute, Viotn &C., &c; sso Ballad Sing
ing Instructs Private Glasses Tuesday and Thurs
day evenings. Pianos Tuned in the most accurate
manner. Persons wishing to buy Pianos are respect
fully invited to call at my house, opposite the real
deuce of Col Geo. Baylor, and examine the specimen
of Messrs VIM. Kn2be Il Co.. celebrated Instruments
Staunton, Jan. 25, 1889.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21
Particulars of the Late sam Patch
TRAGEDY.



From the Rochester Den3crat, Sept II.
For some time past a man calling himself Shields,
has been advertising that on Friday OF this week,
the l6'h inst. be would perform wonderful exploit
al Niagara Falis, by jumping from height Of 30
feet into the river below the catsrsct Fer this pur
pose he pr ipossd TO erect a scafId the American
side, not far from the place where B o1diDis rope
was suspended, aud make lesp from IFS summit.
But "man proposes and God dsposes " The fool
hardy adVsnturer has met with an uatimely death
Yesterday afternoon he, in compsny with young
man named Andrew Franek, went in a beat to the
scene Of The intended exploit, for the purpose of
Masking some explorations Shields Invested him
self of his co hing and swan from the shore 70 the
middle OF the river TO ascertain the strength and
direction of the currents that prevail aud had pro-
eeeded some distance when he was caught in q
whirlpool from which be could not extrieate him
self he called for Franck TO bring the boat, but
before he could be reached. the unfortunate man
was eagulphed, and bis late companion saw HIM n
more The body had not been found when our in
formant left Suspension Bridge lat evening
There appear to be several hictiog stories as to
the identity of Shields. The Uaion of last evening
asserts that his real name was O'Connor, ard that
he resided Vought street in this city but il is
said thst his name appears the Register of the
Franklin House at the Falls as O'CenueI Another
statement is that his name was Shehan, and that he
belonged in LoegpOrf, where he has brother re-
siding. The authorities at the Falls have taken
possession of the effects of the deceased ard hold
them subject 30 the call of his friends. They cor
sis. Of two suits Of clothes and forty cents 10 money
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21

ILLEGAL NoTISo IN OLD TIMEs.-The following
is An extract from the laws Of Massachusetts for
1648, showing how voting was managed in the
olden time:
It is ordered by this court and the authority
thereof, that for the yearly choosing Of sssistants
the freemen shall use Indian corn and beans the
Indian corn TO manifest election, the beans contra
y; and if any freeman shall put in more than one
Indian beam for the choice or refusal Of any
public officer he shall forfeit for every such ofense
ten pounds
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21

THE BUILDERS STRIKE IN LoNDoN-The conse-
quence Of the strike in London is beginning to be
severely felt The London AoraNg Star referring
to the subject, says:
1t is lamentabe TO see the evidences of the Build
ers Strike which meet the eye all the metropo-
lis. Great works are suspended-groups of opera
tors are going about with nothing to dO-and
masters have no outlet for their capital and no
OF fulfilling their contracts Here and there cor
tractor sppearstO give way, at all events TO effect
an accommodation with Workmen, but on both sides
the strike may be described general. with little
hope Of any side yielding in the struggle. Supplies
continue 20 be sent from the country the opera
tives; but these funds not much among go many,
and wives may be visiting the pawn shops while
their husbands are walking the streets.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21

THE DEMOCRACY CT MAssACHUsETTs.-The State
Convention of the Massachusetts, Democrats for the
nomination of candidates for State officers aud dele
gates at large to the Charleston Convention met at
Worcester on Thursday. The attendance was unu-
sualIy large. BENJAMIN F. Butler, of Lowell, was
nominated for Governor by reclamation, and SrE-
FHRE C. BRNIs, of Springfield, was in like manner
nominated for Lieutenant Governor.
The bsllOting for delegates to the Charleston Con-
tion resulted in the choice Of Messrs CALEB CUsH-
IH0, Isaac DAVIS, OLIVER STEVENS and JAMES s.
WaITSBT, sill of whom are claimed as popular sOVe-
FsiKniy men.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21

An exchange says: The number of slaves in the
South who are connected with churches, is four hum
dred and sixty eight thousand, or about seventh
Of the slave populEtion. Says the Boston Post;
When it is considered that the ancestors Of these
slaves were so recently most degraded hesthens in
the Wilds Of Africa, these figures appear very re-
nArkRhe, especially when, as q result Of all foreign
missionary efforts, the native heather church mem
bershiP in 1856 was only Que hundred and eighty
thousand"
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21

The Sons of Malta in Pittsburg have contributed
sleven thousand dollars for charitable purposes,
says an exchange The order in Philadelphia now
have under contemplation the erection of an i'm
msnse hospital provided with ell the necessary
parsphernalia attached to any institution of the
kind in America, and to be devoted to the assist
ance and accommodation Of INDECENT persons
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-09-21

TIE DEMOCRATIC JUBILBE-The subscribers TO
the Democratic Jubilee are requested to come for
ward without delay and pay over to Gen s. r. An
pERsoE the amounts they have subscribed, and those
who have not subscribed are respectfully invited to
do 50. Lei Us have grand Jubilee, and all should
contribute to it,