davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
Old Folks Quilting

One of these interesting gatherings, pecu-
liar to the old times, took place in South
Sutton, one day last week The quilting
was done at the house Of widow Joshua
Lackey, and was attended by sixteen ladies,
whose united ages amounted to ten hundred
aud fifty four years. The Oldest, Mrs.
Joshua HEX, is elghty-three years Of age,
and the youngest, Mrs. Amos Burden, is
nifty. Three are upwards "i eighty; ioer
between seventy and eighty; SIX between
sixty aud seventy; three between nifty and
sixty. They quilted IL quilt Of nearly two
thousand pieces, the largest not less than
four inches square, put together ny Mrs.
Lack-y, who IL upwards ol eighty years oi
nge. The quilting" commenced with al
appropriat. prayer by Mrs. Burden, aud
concluded with the singing Of the hymn
commencing
When shall We meet again,
Meet nc'eI To sever,
When shall peace wreathe her chain
Round Ia forever
Our hearts will ne'er rep"-e,
Sat. from each blast that blOws,
la th,s lark vale oi woes,
Never, oh, never,
With single exception, the ladies have
lived neighbnrs from their youth, within u
radius of IL mi lie and n halt, containing thir
ty years ago, less than 200 souls Forces
Ter Spy.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
Letter from Orkney Springs.

Correspondence ot tie 4ierand,id Gazefte.
ORKNEY SPRINGS, July 29.-After quite u
long wandering, here We are back again at
Orkney, and among a pleasant company OF
ladies and gentlemen. Since We left, there
have been numerous additions to the crowd,
from various parts of our Southern and West
ern country We have families from Texas,
Alabama, Missouri, and other distant States,
minghng freely among our own Virginia
tamilieS-all ENJOYING each Others society
with zest and full -heartedness that you can
never find among the starched aud plastered
would be's of the Northern resorts. We
here have the grave and the gay, the plea
sure.seeker and the invalid-tor the one, all
kinds of amlIsements are offered and for the
other. good plain home comforts, with m"uu-
tain mir and the best Of medicinal waters, IN
great proiusiun. And then, If you want Va.
rely, We will permit You Ia lnln us IN tnp
t. the mountain side, at IL place where St"ncy
Creek lthe stream that runs down tins valley
and emptrS into the Shruandnal below the
village Of Elinhurg, aud over which Manassa
has thrown one Of her Ing hest bridges, Comes
bursting out from Caves mouth and tum-
hlrs away over its rocky bed, rs if alarmed
ut the sight of day aud the laurel tutted
banks that contain its waters. There are
some trout here. but | never could he still
enough t. catch Them besides, much patience
is required qualification | am not greatly
favored with. Well if y"u want something
else to do, let us look il there he any signs
Of game ut the Crossings. You must get the
confidence of some of these old mountain
men, if ynu want to know anything about
these mysteries and unless you can let
Yourself down II peg or two, there will br M
Use to try tu draw them out. These honest
mountalmeerS are men OF simple habits, but
by he,yfs Go to their lonely cabins, minglc
among their families, partake of their frugal
fare, set aside your requirements and Ell
uuette. and here learn IL series at lessons
from these children of nature. Well, if We
can he one among them, all reserve will be-
thrown aside. and everything they know
about the signs ut the crossings, or the lirks,
will be freely talked about; and if there is
time, they will gladly call up old hunts and
dangers, and amuse you Ia your hearts con
tent Had the tune, and you the space I"
spare, we could tell you many thrilling
story, given us FROM the lips of the very ne
tors Themselves Perhaps you would like II
Rattesnake expedition. You need not take
"A long Journey fnrit. Some of our company
captured two here the other day. They were
fine looking fellows, Of beautiful velvet
color, III variegated forms. ! enclose You
set of ratIles taken from one of the captiyes.
Thus you have some "f the pleasures of Ork
ney, outside. the grounds. during the week
But Orkney, on the Sabbath, il 10 me one Of
the uuirtest places on earth. You have the
morning light ushered in amid the singing nl
the forest wnrlrrs, who appear to me more
vocal than ON any other morning Of the
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
The Wheat and Corn Crops.

Correspondence Of tie -Aie.candra Gase's.
King GEORGE Co, Va, July 29.-Six
weeks ago, 9th Of June We had the last
rain, which was 80 heavy rs to flood all
of our lands; in some instances, washing the
corn out of the ground, and at the same time
burying it deep in meadows. This was
succeeded by, as you knew, all unusually cool
summer, with the exception OF II few hot
days, during and since harvest. Several very
high winds prevailed whilst securing our
wheat, Frustrating hundreds of shocks, more
than once. All this has combined To render
it one Of the most uniavorable seasons for
corn almost ever known, aud the cOnse
auence In, the crops around me- where have
visited, or heard FROM are even worse than
those of last year. For my own part, will
cheerfuly exchange my growing crop for rs
much rs will sustain my farm the coming
wear. Nor am | alone in this. One OF my
neighbors. II plain old corn grower" one
who has followed it for nearly fifty years,
declares this has been the worst year he ever
knew upon corn, for, SAYS he, 1t rained 50
much in the spring We couldn't pillow; SINCE
work" Literally true. As regards the
wheat crop. would state that those who
have A,mmenced getting their grain out,
begin to discover that pennies, and not dol
lars, will find their way into their packets,
should there be even those lett, after paying
current expenses The gram is plump, but
very small, hesllrs finding but iew in IL head.
The crop, it is true, will exceed that of last
year, having ESCAPED the rust, but will fall
lar short Of that of 81, the grain OF that
year, being nearly double the size Of the
present. Then, why the attempt is So often
made (ior it ~ constantly stated To IN
duge Us to believe that our farms must Ger
tainly burst this time with plenty. cant
tell. Should It originate with the farmer.
he must like II drowning man catching ut
IL straw hope 10y this means t. pr"l NJ "A
credit already threadbare, but who should
like Jonah, be sought out and east overheard,
else he ~W soon huce n big cr"rd 10 20 ""H
him. Should it be the old story Of the spec
ulutor, making hi. annual attempt u throw
dust in our eyes, tone Il" often successfully
It's high time for the producer Ia take some
action, and if possible prevent such high
handed robbery. JUSTICE.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

A PARIS FORTUNE TELLRR.-Last week,
says Paris paper of July IA, Edmond, the
great fortune teller. gave away his sister
with dowry Of flo,0oo, to II rich railway
contractor at Notre Dame de Lorette. Those
who love To descant upon the confusion Of
the times could have en- oyrd a rich treat in
the contemplation of the gay equipages the
splendid dresses, the magnificent appliances
IF the bridal party, at this first class we'd
ding; which IN Paris means tapers seven feet
high, carpet from the door to the pulpit. aud
solid gold cups and saucers. All this had
Edmond, the fortune teller, besides the
best music from the opera, aud the velvet
chairs used on the very greatest occasions.-
And well he might If report speaks true.
he has made above l,jO0,0 900 francs by his
forbidden trade, and while ostensbly COZ
cealing himself FROM the police, is their best
friend and agent.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
Paris Fashions for July

From Salignanis Messenger, July l4.l
Light summer toilets engross all the atten-
ton, and there is a great run of white, by
far the prettiest wear for this melting period
of the year. What, for instance, is cooler or
more harmonious than white robe?
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
pUBIIsHEp DAILY AND TRI WEEKLY BY
EDGAR SN0WDEN.
ALEXANDRIA,:
WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 3, 1859

1t is thought that great cutlery will be
raised at the next meeting Of Congress, ut
the removal Of the desks from the seat. of the
members of the House Of Representatives.
and that thousand objections will be start
ed, in order to get them hack. Very likely.
The reason is obvious, as far as the mere
personal accommodation of the members IS
concerned But We have no doubt the pub
lie will be better served, if the writing desks
are kept out. We have an idea that their re-
moval will help to curtail long winded poilt'-
cal speeches
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

1t was stated few days ago that the nom
nation of MIR. Latham for Governor OF Calf
fornia, was a triumph over the Administers
ton. This was affirmed, oa the supposit'on
we suppose, that he is Douglas man.
However that may he, We zee that Ia h'.
speech accepting the nomination. he SAID he
would "stand by the Administration OF Nr'
Buchanan"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The Philadelphia Ledger calls the sudden
and unsatisfactory make nrbetween France
and Austria, "a Peace pregnant with War"
1t does really appear noe, that this peace
rests upon temporary expediency, and not
upon any sound political principle or the Just
rights of the people, and hence, that it can
last only so long as force can maintain 1t,
with warning elements continually at work
to cause its rupture at any moment.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

We are not surprised to see Mr. Pryor no
fercely assailed as he is by some OF the Ad-
ministration leaders in the Congressional
district in which he is candidate HIS
election would be unpalatable to them
This mau Pryor." they CURLY call him.
Well, probably, he may be 1.-THE man Fry
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The Earl of Carlisle, the Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland, recently made speech in Dub
lin, in which he referred to the improved
condition Of Ireland. lie said that the eye,
now, meets ON all sides, with fields teeming
with abundance, and that crime Is daily
diminishing throughout the country. The
tide of emigration is checked, and prosperity
is beginning to prevail. This must be graf
flying to the natives of Ireland ut home and
abroad.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

ARTISAN WELL.-The artesian well at
Charleston, 5. c.. il tubed to the depth Of
1890 feet, and supplies 100, 900 gallons every
twenty-four hours. Its temperature, when
it reaches the surface, is about s3 degree- Of
Fahrenheit, its taste slightly alkaline, and
it is thought to have medicinal qualities
Glass deposited in for few hours receives an
iridescent coating similar to that at the ar
tesian we'll of Grenellr, near Paris. A trough
near the well on one Of the great thorough
fares OF the city is supplied with this wa'er
for the use Of horses, which manifest sin
gular avidity for it, may of them refusing to
drink at their stables in the morning ia the
expectation OF receiving their supply at the
trough on their way to their stands.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The "Chiriqui gold diggings" loom up
largely. The discovery of these old Indian
graves, containing so much of the precious
metal, is quite romantic episode 10 the his
tory of the white mans search after what he
so much Graves We rather expect, howev-
er, that the most is made Of the discovery"
and that the graves" will give out long be-
fore the placers and gulches are despolled OF
their glittering depOsites.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
THE SELECT SCHOOL FOR BOYS,

ITNUER ia, instruction at the subscriber, nj Ia,
u residence in Alexandra, will resume IT. eSeI.
cl-es Thursday, September Stb. The subscrl-
her will only receive ~ many pupil NJ he eau
instruct faithfully, with du. regard 10 proper habit
Of study, aud an accurate comprehension OF what
eyor il taught Special attention is given L. the
English branches OF education, and Ia the Ancient
languages.
TsRss:-For Day Scholars, sI250 per quarter
aug a-2awlw GEORGE A. SMITH, A. NJ
DANAWAY from the subscriber, my n.gJo
IL man JEFF. SMITH, gu Tbur,iny, 2ist uIt
Ito H. very bright mula,t., about % year. VI age,
hair nearly straight, high check bones, short but
not Hat nose, wears u moustacho GENERALLY, quite
broad sh"uierei tor his hei sht-about hye feet
six inches high, generally pao, AMI oi quick
speech, aud would pass tor a white man ia tue
dusk Of the evening will give the usual reward
tor runsways, ilcaugh, III this county or elsewhere
He was last seen 10 WarrentoD, Va, Un the day lie
left He has wife at Mr.. McCUrml,hs, ~ A.
e1andria aud mother in Williamsburg Virgins.
I. LEWIS MARSHALL.
fauquer county, aug l-e"6t
UJANTED.--SITU WANTED ~
w TWO YOUNG LADIES, ~ TEACHES
either 10 an Institute faInily-the one 10 gi''
instruction ia Piano and Organ music, the "thef
in French, herman, higher English, Painting
Drawing, OrnaInentals, aud Latin To begluner'-
References given II required. Address j. =,
Salisbury, Litchiell county, Conn jy i-"""'
WANTED.-A SITUATION IN Dk,d
w STORE, ia Alexandria, Va, OF Wu.blhgton
d. c., by Young Mau who ha. some KNOWLEDGE
Of Medicine. Salary not much all object ., no
acquisition Of n thorough knowledge OF the H'''-
rid .U.dicd. Address J. ". o., The Plans 7. w
Fauquisr County, Va, stating conditions.
aug l-eo3ts
WANTED A SITUATION AZ TEAChth,
w by young man qualified 10 teach Lat'n an
the English branches. Reference gwen. Az
dress, stating full particulars c. X. f. faimou'D'
Virginia. Stafford county, jy 29-e"z"
WANTBD-A competent FARM HAND 70,
w the balance Of the year. Liberal "ass'
! will bs given. Apply at this Office " za-s0'@
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The Baltimore American states that with
in the last six years there has been more
real and permanent improvement in Mary
land, 10 agricultural matters than in any
nrevious half century.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03
was loug.

The New York Herald states that it knows
..that the black republicans desire such II
succession of defeats to the new Southern
opposition movements, from kentucky to
Texas, as will leave no choice to the Northern
opposition conservatives, but one side or the
other of sectional contest" Exactly. The
uitras at the North, who would "rule or
ruin" are only concerned in making sec
tionai issue, in which they know they will
have the strength.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The Washington Constitution ia very
much PIT oat at Gov. Wise's course with re-
gard to the Naturalization Laws-and com
plains that he should make the LeClerc letter
the text for his comments-calling that let
ter, "a four line communication" and affirm
ing that it was only intended as Var"ing to
foreigners. The LsClerc letter, we presume
is just US fair and proper text for Gov. Wise,
though it was short, as the dispatch to our
Minister to Prussia would be, though that
was loug.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

FAILURE or CoRDAGE MANUFACTURERS -
The New York journal OF Commerce says.
I'VE regret to notice the assignment Of
Messrs John Thursby & Sons, Of this city,
the largest manufacturers Of cordage III the
United States, and the largest but one in the
world Their chief establishment was IN
Williamsburg, and gave employment direct,
ly or indirectly to nearly one hundred aud
fifty people.
They suspended during the last financial
crisis, and were not able to carry through
the payment Of their extended paper, and
to meet the requirements Of their business.
Their liabilities are probably 5000
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

Those who attended the Convention Of the
Young Mems Christian Association, recently
held at Troy, New York. speak IN high terms
of the courtesy extended in that city Ia the
Delegates from all parts OF the country aud
especially to those from the south There
was an evident disposition and desire -
show that no sectional feeling existed. nni
that it was the general wish to know ~
North, no South. but IA regard all n, citizen
Of one common country, brethren OF one com
mon family
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

A new post office is established at baynes-
vile, Westmoreland County. Va. and Wash
iugton Bayne appointed postmaster. l'i-
rectly ON the route from Fredericksburg to
WarsaX
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The Richmond Enquirer declares that
"the two greatest humbugs of the day are
gas metreing and telegraphing." They are
both good things when properly conducted
but We suppose the Enquirer limits its
condemnation to telegraphic dispatches
which announce as facts things which are
entirely untrue, and gas metres which show
an expenditure Of gas never used 10y the
..cOnsumer"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

PASSAGE OF the FAIL, Ar LouI>IILLt-
On Thursday afternoon Il convict Of the lu-
diana penitentiary made daring attempt to
escape. lie hed 10 the river, pulled III his
boo ., and then proceeded t. swim Tor the
Kentucky shore amid the Roar aud strife Of
the Falls Reaching Corn Island he walked
across and then Jumped IN the river again,
arriving safely at the foot Of Sixth street,
Louisville. One Of the guard followed in
pursuit in Il skiH, and another crossed on horse
back. Hundreds al persons witnessed the
exciting spectacle, and although the gallant
exploit Of the rascal demanded their admira-
ton, justice required hls person. 80 they
apprehended him when he came out OF the
water, and detained him aud handed him
over 60 his pursucrs
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

An ELopEuENr IN ISDIANA.-The Lafa-
vette Journal has delighted the lovers ct
scandal with an elopement item, the clear
inv out, for parts unknown" Of John I.
Smith, son of once United States Senator
from CONNECTICUT, with woman not his
wife, and leaving wife and children behind;
who immediately packed up and returned
to their old house, somewhat disgusted with
the aforesaid John. The Journal says the
parties are about forty years Of age-thSS
woman homely and John good-looklns' wen
educated but was once member Of the Con-
necticut Legislature.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

Secretary Toucsy has returned to WASH
inpton from bis Northern trip.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

We have received the August number OF
tho American Farmer. Also, Of the African
Repository.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

A LITTLE FARCE AT Railway STATION
Lady II want One Ticket-First!"
Clerk. "Single.''
Lady. rsingle! What does it matter t"
ynp, sir, whether I'm single or not? I'm
pertipence!!'
Clerk explains that he means single or re-
turn, nott'other thing.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

A letter from Paris, published in the New
York Courier, says, "Garibaldi's name has
never yet been mentioned by the Emperor
of the French" What! Never whilst Ga
ribaldi was cutting and slashing the Austrl-
ans, and helping the Emperor to gam his
great victories! Very probable it is that 1T
will not be mentioned hereafter. lie has
been used-as Louis Napoleon has used
every body else, for his own purposes!
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

Flour WITH A M"cASSiN SNAHE The
Huntsville Ala.) independent tells IN the
following, how Mr. James L"rlne bore Oh
tliumphantly an enormous m"cassin snake:
lie was passing through Mr. Thomas ).
MrCalIey's farm, a mile or tw" from town.
and Immediately on getting over fence "A
LARGE land mocassin snake, fully five feet IN
length, sprang upon him from the bushes
and wrapped itself around one of his legs,
attempting at the same time to Str,Ke Nun
with its fangs. Mr. l.. knocked it ii with a
bit of wood he had in hi, hand, and hardly
expected another attack; but the vicious raS-
cal again sprang upon him from Il distance
Of four feet, and the second time tightly
coIed itself around his leg. BY great exer-
ton he at last succeeded in getting his foot
OH the monster, and at once dispatched HIM.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The President has returned to Washing
ton city.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

An Arkansas HuNT.-Two parties, OF ten
hunters each, recently closed six weeks
scalp hunt" in Arkansas, with the follow
ing result Such birds and animals rs are
destructive t. farmers alone were t" be count
ed such ~ hawks, owls, wild cats, wolves,
squirrels, &c. Small birds were not count
ed in. These twenty hunters produced tho
enormous number of fourteen thousand seal ps.
Two members of the company each killed
over four thousand If the ''varmlnts." The
HINT was continued for four or five weeks
Either game must have been plenty Or they
were matchless hunters.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-03

The American State Convention in Ohio,
recently held, passed resolutions denounc-
in, the present Administration for It's short
c,mngs; affirming that the question OF sla-
very should be left to the several Territories;
condemning the slave trade; declaring the
fugitive slave law to he constitutional; dis
approving of some Of the naturalization
laws, hut recognising the duty OF the State
to protect naturalized citizens; condemning
all religious tests; recommending economy
IN the public expenditures, protection to
American commerce, and the construction
OF a highway to the Pacific, and opposing
the acquisition Of territory Oh this Cont
nent by any foreign Power, and all breaches
Of the neutrality laws.