davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
Needle and Thread.

Now and then one meets with the lady
who hates sewing" Such an exceptional
sample of the sex is much to be pitied. She
must necessarily be shut out from a good deal of
wholesome enjoyment. Darning stockings
and hemming handkerchiefs may not be as in
t~ellectual an employment as stitching togeth-
or new social theories. but possibly it is quito
as useful; and the qualification a dexterous
needle-woman feels in fitting a beloved hus
band or dear brother with "a shirt bosom
without a wrinkle" is perhaps equal in in.
tensity, as it is certainly superior in moral
quality, to that experienced by the strong
minded female who seeks to introduce a new
wrinkle on the marriage tic intothe bosom
ofdomesticlif No lady who has "a soul above
buttons should ever marry. Let the needle
haters Of the sex, whose genius tends exclu.
siEely to ethics, metaphysics, anatomy, polem-
ics, or the exact sciences, keep a single eve
to these speciaiities, and let the men alope.-
Bat even the Marcias who tower above the
general level of the sex in their masculine as
pirations, should have some acquaintance
with thread and needle. If they insist on
wearing mems neither garments, they should
~ least know how to make them.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
How to Propose.

A few nights back a small party of ladies
and gentlemen were laughing over the sup
posed awkardness attending a declaration Of
1--we, when a gentleman remarked that if he
ever offered himself, he would do il in a col.
lected and business-like manner.
For instance" he continued, addressing
himself to a lady present, 81 would saw. Miss
s., have been two years looking for a wife.
ain in receipt of a thousand pounds a wear
from my business, which is daily ON the in.
crease. or all the ladies of my acquaintance
admire you the most-indeed | love Won
and would gladly make you my wife"
"You ilatter me by your preference pood
humoredly replied Miss as to the snr1r;Sa
: Of all present. 81 refer you to my father !"
Bravo y exclaimed the gentleman.
"Well, | declare ~ said the ladiesin chorus
The lady and gentleman, good reader, were
married soon after. Wasn't that a modest wav
Of Z" coming to the point and a ladylike
method of taking a man aehis word?
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30


s Senator Bragg delivered a sPcech III
the Capitol on Friday afternoon last at tne
request of many members of our State Leg
~islature, on the subject Of our federal rela-
tons. We had not the pleasure of hearing
his remarks, but understand that they were
digni6ed and dispassionate, and that ne coun-
seled cool and calm, but firm action on the
part of North Calolina. We learn that he
gave it as his well-settled opinion, that no
adjustment of the difficulties @6gitating the
country can OF will be settled by Congress
that the only chance for reconciliation IS IN
the plan proposed By Virginia OF sending
commissioner to Washington. He said ne
was in favor of making every effort to re
store the Union-but If we would not pro
cure from the north . recognition of anc
guarantees for our just rights, it would b
the duty and the interest If North Carolin;
to inin her southern sister States in a south
ern confederacy. He thought that mea sure
would be passed by tho present Congress OF
the subject Of ports Of entry, that would III
eyitably bring on civil war, ifthe two section
should be finally separated.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

Wherever there are great collections of
people, there are bad and foolish people among
them. 1t was so at Bridgeport, where the
State Fair was held recently. Outside the
grounds, behind OF within tents or booths,
were many who gambled and led others to
do so. Now it is o very simple thing to
gamble so simple, and often it appears SO
fair, that many a boy is led to take the first
step before he knows it.
There was behind one of the oyster stands
a circle of men and boys on the ground sat
a poor, degraded, dissipated man, poorly
clothed, and looking sick and weak. He
held in his hand several iron nails driven in
it, which stood upright. A clear-faced
bright-eyed, handsome little fellow stepped up
to h i'm. He is just such a 10y as is prompt
at day-school, and always has his lesson at
Sunday School. He showed this in his face
as he stepped up to the man and said,
Whats that for?
Give me q cent and you may pitch one of
these rings, and if it catches over a nail, I'll
give you six cents.
That seemed fair enough; so the boy ham
ded him a cent and took the ring. He step
ped back to the stake, tossed the ling, and
it caught on one of the nails.
will you take six rings to pitch again. or
S2A CoLlIS
Six cents was the answer and two-three
cent pieces were put into his hand, and he
stepped off, well satisfied with what he had
done, and probably not having an idea that
! he. had done wrong.
a gentleman standing near had watched
i him, and now, before lie had time to look
about and rejoin his companions, laid his
hand on his shoulder.
My lad, that is your first lesson in gam
bling"
Gambling, sir p
"You staked your penny and won six, did
you not?
Yes, I did,
You did not earn them, and they were
not given you: you won them just as gam.
blers win money. You have taken the first
step in the path that man las gone through
it, and you can see the end. Now I advise
you to go and give him the six cents back, and
ask him for your penny, and then stane
square with the world, an honest boy again. ;
He had hung his head down, but raised i
quickly, and his bright, open look ashe sale
'T1l do it" viii not be forgotten. He rar
back, and soon emerged FROM the ring, look
t ing happier than ever. He touched his cal
and bowed pleasantly, as he ran away t
join his comrades.
That was an honest boy. Sketch Book
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
Books Versus Wniskeu

When the United States army started for
Utah, there was a scarcity of transportation
or, in other words, there were too few baggage
wagons. Now every soldier knows how like
the apple of ones eye are these same bar-
gage wagons, drawn, as they are. by six
mules, on the long marches across the plains
A colonel of dragons, who had command
of one of the columns, restricted the officers
very much in their allowance of baggage. and
was most bitter if any one t, led to exceed
the just amount.
Ono morning the colonel met one of his
1I7talns "a dragon, of course when he
burst out as follows:
*Gaptain, now do you know what these
artillery officers want to take across the
plainsy"
mo, colonel, | do not" said the captain
with an inquiring look.
swell" said he, "if you'll believe me
there's one of 'em wants to taxi across a box
of books
"Booksr exclaimed the captain; what
next, | wonder? Now, colonel, I have bat
little to take across myself-nothing. in fac:
but a barrel of whiskey."
"0f course, captain, of course; anything
in reason, anything in REASON but the idra
of carrying a parcel of books across that
stretch, is u listie more than can stand"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

We have been concerned recently to learn
that this able and efficient organ of the G.
Division of Virginia was threatened with de-
molition, for want Of adequate support. A
called session of the Grand Division was re-
Gently held, to take the matter into consid-
Grafton, and we are glad to learn that it was
resolved that the paper should be continued
under the auspices of the present indefatign-
able editor, Bro. J.R .-Lewellen. The Conduc-
tor is one Of the best Temperance papers in
the country, and it would be burning shame
to the ten thousand Sons of Temperance in the
down for want Of adequate support. 1t must
not be.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
Eeedlework.

There is something pleasant, and even
touching-at least, of very sweet, soft, and
winning effect, in the popularity of needle
werk, distinguishing women from men. The
otper sex is not capable of any such by-play
ahde from the main business of life; but wo.
men-be they OF what earthly rank they may.
However gifted with 1uteTrecU or gcurus, or-
endowed with awful beauty-have always
some little handiwork ready to fill the tiny
gap of every vacant moment. A needle is
familiar to the fingers ofthem all. A queen,
no dOubs, plies it on occasion the woman
poet can use it as adroitly as her pen; the
woman,s eye that has discovered a new star,
turns from its glory to send the polished lit
tie instrument cleaning along the hem Of
handkerchief, or to darn a casual fray in her
dress. And they have greatly the advantage
Of the men in this respect. The slender
thread of silk or cotton keeps them united
with the small, familiar, gentle interests of
life, the continually operating influences of
which do so much for the health of the char
acter, and carry off what would otherwise be
a dangerous accumulation Of morbid sensi-
bility. A vast deal ofhuman sympathy runs
along this electric line, stretching from the
throne to the wicker chair of the humblest
seamstress, and keeping high and low in a
species Of communion with their kindred be-
ings. Methinks it is a token of healthy and
gentle characteristics, when women of high
thoughts and accomplishments love to sew,
especially as they are never more at home
with their OWE hearts than while so occupied.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
Courtship.

.,,hin Il the last brilliant scene in the
w. &c. &c woman 1t is, to her, a garden
-. No weeds mingle with the flowers, but
II :, lovely and beautiful to the senses. 1t
Itch of rightingalcs served up by moon
-. 1.-Two mingled music Of manly tender
nsss and gentle whispering-an eagerness
-, aoee not ouistcp the bounds Of dclicacy,
VI s,r;es Of hutterings, throbbings, high
,,sos burning checks, and dropping lashes.
", however delightful it may be, courtship
n.vcrthclcss, n serious business it is the
erst turning point in the life of a woman,
crowded with perils and temptations There
: .s much danger in the strength Of love as
- ~ weakness. The kindlcd hope requires
rotehing. The rose tints Of affection dazzle
and bcsilder the imagination, and while al
WAYS bearing in mind that life without love
e a barren wilderness, it should not be over
Looked hat true affection requires solid sup
polts. Discretion tempcrs passion, and it is
precisely that quality which, oftener than any
other, is found to be absent in courtship.-
Young ladies' in love, therefore, require wise
counsellorF. They should not trust to'
much to the impulses Of the heart, mol
Le too easily captivated by a winning extc
rior. In the selection Of a husband, charac
ter should DC considered more than appear
ances. Young men inclined TO intemperat
habits even but slightly so-rarely max
good husbands TO the end; they have nc
sufficient moral stamina % enable them to r.
sist temptation even in its incipicnt stages
and, being thus deficient in self-respect, the
cannot possess that pure, uncontaminate
feeling which alone capacitates a man it
rightly approaching the tender and loving nj
turs Of atruc woman. The irreligious ma
is like a ship without a rudder, and he new
can make a good husband; for a house dar
ened by cold skepticism or an indifference
IN me m~mosphefe-5r The rooms and 0 eve
object in them looks chill and chilling. T
indolent man, likewise, cannot be cxpect
to make a good husband, for he neglects |
time and wastes his estate, allowing It to
overrun with thistles and brambles, and su
sists on the industry Of others. Every pr
caution, then, is necessary in the selection
o husband.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
Signs of Peace.

The Crit n resolutions are now fairly be-
fore the I Senate; and notwithstanding
the passag the obnoxious amendment by
Mr.. Clarke living to the refusal Of six south
ern senat 20 vote against it, the resolutions
have beer seinstated. And while it is be-
lieved they will not probably be adopted, yet
hopes are entcrtained by sagacious Southern
men that ARies Of measures even better than
those brought forward by Mr.. Crittenden may
yet be devised. The prospect is now that a
series of measures will be perfected that will
incorporate the principal points Of the report
of the House Committee of Thirty-three and
the terfrorA4Qolicy proposed by the Border
State Caaeas, that viii be acceptable to con-
servatiyl1ISo both sections, and viii com
ms-~aSPaGS of at least all the border
t-s South. This result will
probably b. attained by amendments in the
House of Representatives to Corwin's report.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

SEcEssIoN.-We take the following cx-
tract, from an article which appeared in a re-
cent issue of the Spirit cf The Age, published
in Raleigh, n. G. We can assure our cotcm-
porary that there as ONE Division of Sons of
Temperance in old MASSACHUSETTS, where
solored men, are freely admitted to member
ship, and to hold office 100. ard we rejoice in
the fact. We fear our Southern brethren
are growing a little ~insolent without knowing
it. The spirit If dictation cvinccdin the fol
lowing paragraph, will not be submitted to
here. Massachusetts recognizes colored men
as citizens, to all intents and purposes, and it
would indeed be a singular position for any
portion of her people to take, to refuse such
citizens, the privilege of joining institutions,
where they may be guarded from the evils Of
lntemperance. We do not believe that there
is anything in the Constitution ofthe National
Division of Sons of Temperance, which ostra-
cises men, because they were not born with
Thite or coppercolared skins, and if there'is,
the sooner it is stricken out the better.
The above is taken from the Boston TEN
perance Visitor. All we nave to say in reply
is-that either we have been deceived by the
writers Of letters published last week, or the
Editor of the Boston Temperance Visitor has
published a falschosd. We believe The latter
to be the case. For any white man who can
rejoice" in the privilege OF associating with
negroes, is low down enough to tell what Is
not so. As to the exclusion Of negfoes GouL
the Order, by the Natural Division, It is so.
and if the Boston Visitor man is a member Of
the Order (Which we doubt he ought to know
it. If his statement is true about negroes be-
ing admitted into one Division in Massachu-
sets. the violation Of the laws of the Order on
the subject will be duly attended to, at the
annual meeting Of the National Division next
June.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

Who r RESPONSIBLE lis there not. a
good deal of truth in the remark, that the
politicians of the country-north and south
a set of irresponsible men, without substan-
tial stake-with nothing to lose by its disrup.
tion-without business and without property
mere advcnturers-or worse, with nothing
to venture--are the men who are endeavor-
ing to drag thirty million of people to the abyss
of ruin. We are no politician, but We have
no doubt if the politicians north and south
were disposed of, and the matters at issue re.
ferred 10 the people of both sections, an ami.
cable adjustment Of our difficulties could be
secured.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
THE AID VALoREu BASNER.-We have

ceived the first three Nos. Of the Daily Ad Va
loren Banner-Frank I. Wilson, Esq, Editor
and Proprietor. Price of daily So a year
weekly 81. The title of the paper explains
the position it will occupy on the question of
adyalorem taxation. 1t is democratic in poll
tics, opposed to secession except as a last and
only resort. 1t has hoisted the name Of Ste
phen A. Douglas as its candidate for President
in 1864.
Mr.. Wilson has long been known in Nortm
Carolina as an Editor. He wields a rary d
and is a bold, independent writer. s
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
corsc,n OF srAre.-The Council of Stat,

COUNCIL OF SrATE.-The Council of State
c%onvenened in this city on Wednesday the
23d inst, The following members were pres
ent: Messrs. Council Wooten, David Muir
ply, John w. Cunningham, w. A. Fergu-
son, J. f, Graves, and W. L.. billiard.
Council Wooten, Esq, was elected Presi-
dent and Graham Dawes appointed Clerk of
the Council.
Messrs. Archibald Henderson, of Rowan
CO., j. B. Gordon of Wilkes CO., and VIM. j.
Yates, of M~ecklenburg CO., were appointed
Directors of the Literary Fund, and Messrs.
Nicholas NJ. Long, of Halifax CO., and James
Fulton, of New Hanover CO., were appoin-
ted commissioners of the Board of Internal
Improvement for the two years next ensuing.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

ARTHUR's MAGAzINE.-This popular Maya
zine is steadily increasing its circulation in
this section. Its handsome illustrations, and
the heightened morality inculcated by its
talented Editors, united with its moderate
price, must make it a ~fayorite wherever its
merits are known. We are IN receipt of the
February No. and it is really a gem in artistic
embellishments and valuable reading matter.
We will furnish this interesting Magazine and
the Spirit Of the Age for one year for 50. rs.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30


a GRACEFUL COMPLIMENT To A WIFE-The
following neat and beautiful reply was made
by the late Daniel OConncll, inresponse tor
toast given in compliment to his wife,
was the object of his long and afectfS1ale
attachment. 1t was given at political
meeting Fhe English language could not
furnish anything more touchingly tender and
graceful There are some topics of so
sacred and sweet a nature, that they may
be comprehended by those who are happy,
but they cannot be possibly described by
any human being. All that / shall do is
to thank you in the name of her who was
the disinterested choice of my early youth /;
who was the ever cheerful companion of nv
manly years and who is the sweetest solacc
of that 'tsear and yellow leaf age at which
| have arrived. In her name | thank Won
and this you may readily believe for expe
%rience, | think, will show to US all. thai
man cannot battle and struggle with the ma
lisnant enemies Of his country, unless his
nest at home is warm and com~fortable-unles,
the honey of human life is commended b,
a hand that he loves"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

n. G. INSTITUTION FOR TIE DEAF, DuNB AND
THE BLlND.-Mr. w. J.. Young and Lady, |
have recently been appointed Assistants in
the Department for the Blind-Mr. y. in lit
~cratnre, and Mrs. Y. in Music. And Mr.. Cor
nelius H. Hill of Caswell, has received an APP
pointment as assistant in the Deaf-Mute De
partment. We understand that these are all
regarded as judicious, competent appoint
ments. We learn that the number of Pupils
in the Institution, already, thus carly in the
wear. is as large as at any session since it was
founded-a fact that gives the strongest en-
dorsement to the capacity and fitness of the
excellent Principal, W. j. Palmer, Esq, and
his admirable corps Of Assistants a city
contemporary very truthfully observes, that
every DeafMu:e, and every Blind person in
the State, who is under t~wenty-one year:
of age, ought to be sent to this lnstitu
ton. Facilities for their education are her
presented, which go very far toward supply
ing the want of the senses Of hearing speak
ing, and seeing. To them is opened tn
word Of God, and the fountain Of life an
truth is unsealed. Those who are educate
at this Institution, are rescued from darkness
placed in communication with humanity az
eternity, and qualified to he useful in tn
life, as well as presented With the means
!, obtaining the blessings of salvation.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
TllAgony Over.

The Convena oil has passed both branch
es of the Gera Assembly i'm the Senate
by a vote of SO 0. In the House, sc to q.
AS the bilhssed the Senate it restricts
the action of Convention to Federal affairs
solely, and poses to take the vote, as in the
case of the bfrom the House of Commons,
on the 21st february.
In the Hotthe bill leaves the Convention
open,,iexcept to the basis of representation,
and provides Hthe election of delegates at
the same TINT which the people shall vote
" Convention Or "no Convention I'll
vote to be taken the 2eth of February.
In these reets only do the bills differ,
and It is probe that the difference will Of
fer little obstrSon to the completion Of the
measure.
The fof5-r-s the vote in each branch OF
the General Ambly on the third reading Of
the Conventio1tll.
SENATE.-TIe who voted in the affirma-
tive were, Mes. Arendell, Avery, Burton
Brown, BledsoB arringer, Dickson, Dobson
Eure, Faison, 81, Harriss of F., Harriss o
c., H~umphaex1ane, Pitchford, Rogers, Shaw
Simmons, Spson, Spcight, Street, Stowe
Slaughter, St5bs, Taylor of n, Taylor Of e,
Taylor of BThomas of j., Thomas Of D
Walker, Wsson, Waugh, Whitaker, VIII
stead, Waikiki Whcdbee.-37.
Those wh9yoted in the negative, wer'
Messrs. Dochry, Dowd, Morehead, OUTLAY
Ramsay, shaH, Spencer, Turner, WORTH
Messrs. E,tin, Blount and Grist were a
sent. The to former would have voted f
the bill, it is aid.
ter. Blue, naas. 86zTnsh. planch. Bridge,
Bullock, Bun III, Bynum, Cannady, Chez
Clarke of c., dine, Crawford, Davis of I
Davis of H., DRis of NJ, Ewell, Fagg, False
Ferguson, Fleming, Folk, Foy, Gallowa
Green of F., IAN, Harrington. Harris, Hay,
Hill, Hoke, Jenkins, Jordan, Kallam, Latha.
Lemmonds, Lies, Logan. Love of H., Love
j., Mcmillan, Marsh, Merrimon, Mitchen
Mordecai, Netby, Padgett, Pearson, Peebl
Perkins, Per$n, Polk, Pope, Potts, Ranso
Rogers, Russ, Shaw, Siler, Slade, Small, ST.
ford, TapscottIYard, Waters, Watson, Waus
White, WThAkasrst, Wilkerson, Williams
Cumberland, williams of Nash, Williams,
Wishart, WiRers, Woodland, Wooten, Wrig
Yeates-86.
Negatiye-Messrs Barringer, Clarke
D., Cowles, Grumpler, Carson, Davis, of
Dickson Donnell, Farrow, Ferebce, Gaitf
Gorrell, Greqn of c., Green of S, Gnth
Hanes, lIeng, Kelly, McCleese, Mar
MnAalM s-1son, Poindexter, Sim
ton, Willas.k Of Pasquotank, Winslow.-
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

The NATIONAL CRIsIs The appointment
of Commissioners to Washington, and the
effort TO get similar Commissioners appointed
from many of the anti-slavery States. TO meet
these from Virginia, furnish a small raw Of
hope that our national difficulties may be adj
justed, without blooashed- That such o "a.
tastrophe may be avoided, is our sincere
hope No horrors can adequatel, compare
with those of civil war, and no effort should
be spared to avert so deplorable a calamity.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
REST IN HEAVEN.
BY HELEN NJ. C.

BY HELEN NJ. c..
Oh, glorious angels, tell me Of
A rest in heaven above;
Oh tell me of a happy land
Where all is peace and love.
Oh tell rae of the crystal stream
That flows forever there,
And tell me of the crowns of gold
The sons Of God shall wear.
Oh, tell mt OF those pearly gates,
The Throne. the Saviour's seat:
And tell me of the .ansomed there.
That worship ut His feet.
Oh guide me to that holy place,
As shining as the sun,
And when | pass the shades of death.
May all my work be done.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-01-30

fg The Washington Correspondent ofthe
Petersburg Express says the plan of adjust
mcnt proposed by Mr.. Pryor of Va, (the SUB
stance Of which we gave in last weeks Age
has been received with marked favor in po-
litical circles. 1t is now certain that all the
States that have not seeded will be represen-
ted here on the 4th ofFebruary, by their ablest
and purest men. They will be met by an
equal number from the most of the Northern
States, and after mutual consultation, they
-vIl raaornroend . nlan-nfa1asataAan.4ac@A-
gress satisfactory to the South, which if that
body adopts by a two-thirds vote, will save
the Union, and which if it rejects, will cause
all the fifteen Southern States to leave the
Union before the 4th of March, and thus ar.
rest bloodshed, for seventeen States will never
attempt to coerce fifteen.