davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21
Malice OufMitte d.

The owner of saw-mill in the coun-
try, having bitter enmity against d
neighbonng farmer laid no less plan of
revenge than to get him arraigned as q
thief, convicted, and sent to the peniten-
tiary But as the honesty of his neigh
Dor afforded him no fair grounds of accu-
sation, he resorted to the foul expedient
of secretly conveying some of his own
property upon the others premises; SO
that, it being found there, it might be
proof of lis guilt. For this purpose he
took thousand of boards, having his own
mark on, and at dead of night dumped
them into the field near his neighbor's
house. But the farmer did not happen
to be as fast asleep as his enemy supposed.
He heard a noise, or thought he heard
one ; and getting up pretty soon after to
satisfy himself on the subject, by the help
Of lantern he found load of boards,
with his neighbor's mark thereon. How
they came there and why they came there,
flashed upon him at once. His course
was promptly taken. Allowing his enc
my just time to get fairly home and into
bed. so that the light of the burning pile
might not be detected, be set fire to the
boards, which being well seasoned, were
in a few minutes entirely consumed.
Early in the morning, as the farmer
had anticipated, the sawyer came with
constable and search warrant, to look for
his property.
" You are suspected" said the oficer
"of having taken thousand of boards
from this man, and by virtue of this war;
rant, hold in my hand, l must search
your premises"
Very WE'LL" said the farmer, "you
are at liberty to search as much as you
please. But if you fnd the boards, I'll
engage to eat them for my breakfast"
You'll have something harder to di.
gest than that, fancy" said the sawyer
with sneer He then triumphantly led
the way to where he had dumped the
boards, and where he confidently expect
ed to find them, and 10 there was rotha
ing but heap of ashes His disap-
pointment, chagrin and modification may
be judged of. He sneaked away home
and the secret of his foul plot getting
wind in the neighborhood, the ghost from
the ashes of the load of boards never
ceased TO annoy him; until taking advan-
tage of the darkness of another night, he
packed up his all and left the country.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21
A Japanese Hotel.

A chair was brought for me to sit in,
in European style; and the japanese
landlady, a middle-aged, black,toothed
parsonage, of comely looks and polite
manners, made her appearance. Her
husband soon rejoined our party, and
both combined their endeayors to ascer-
tain our wants and meet our requirements.
She was soon followed by three young
waiting damsels, wearing their natural
sets of glittering white teeth, with their
native ruddy complexion enhanced by a
little artificial addition of pearl-dust and
rouge, and their lips stained with dark
purple crimson. These young waiting
girls are always selected as the most beau
tiful and prepossessing of their sex, con-
Quoted themselves with simple, artless
modesty. In all parts these public hotels
are served by the most handsome girls ;
and | was informed that they were we'll
conducted class, and that japanese law
rigidly protects them, while filing such
capacity in these houses of refreshment.
On this occasion, the landlady and her
native damsels overburdened NE with
their attentions, placing my chair in the
most convenient spot, re-arranging my
travelling coverlets, wiping my shoes,
placing cushion on my seat, and antici-
pating every want. Cakes, soup, rice
and sweetmeats were brought in success
sion. One laughing, bright-eyed damsel
approached me kneeling. with cup Of
tea in her hand another held some sugar,
kneeling on the opposite side; while a
third, from her lowly posture on the
ground, held to my lips boiled egg, al
ready broken and peeled, with spoon
containing the inviting morsel, duly sea,
soned with salt. With garrulous vivac
| ity they anticipated every look, and when
my wants were supplied they remained
kneeling close to my side, and vieing in
their endeavor to be the first to bring me
their native dainties. They afterwards
examined my dress, and every portion of
my equipment formed the subject of ex
citing comment and humorous wonder
European shoes, stockings, woolen cloth
and umbrella were eagerly examined
and afforded matter for renewed curiosity
and mirth.-The Bishop Of Victoria.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21
Amusing.

The "Guardian as well as the "In
dependent should carefully peruse The
"Star & Chronicle" when copying good
poetry. It's crediting President Lincolr
with writing that thoughtful article
commencing
40 why should the spirit of mortal be proud?'
was joke exposed by US weeks ago. Il
is not "in the vein" of "Old Abe" We
put it in type nearly thirty years ago
when it was an old piece; it has not i'm.
proved by age, but has rather suffered
from the ravages of time, the following
(7th) stanza being wholly omitted in the
Guardians" copy:
''The saint who enjoyed the communion ot
heaven,
The sinner who dared to remain unforgivel
The wise and the foolish, the guilty and just
Have quietly mingled their bones in the dust.
We have seen its authorship ascribed to
Rev. Vicessimus Knox, "an English au-
thor who fourished half a century ago.
The inditing Of
40 bury me in the morning."
is by other newspaper wags attributed to
the late Senator Douglas. I'VE expect to
hear, next, that Gen. M'Oellen wrote
"When marshaled on the nightly plain"
and that Beauregard is responsible for
9Th Assyrian came down like the wolf on the
fold"
Also that General Scott composed the
Sambo Psalm
"Clare de Kitchen-Ole Virginny nebber tirer'
Moreover, that Cobb and Toombs are the
joint progonitors Of
''Goosey Goosey Gander, where shall wan
der? 2"
Exc, that John B. Floyd is entitled to
the copyright OF
~ love to eal-awhiIe-away
while jeff Davis "writ" that national
spread-eagle hymn, "The Star-Spanged
Banner" and "set it, to the Chivalry' S
favorite, "Yankee Doodle !'-tStar &
Chronicle.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

A JAPANESE EMBASSY TO EUROPE
Il letter from Kanagawa, Japan, dated
May 26, says:
"The projected embassy to Europe
from the court of the Tycoon assumes
definite shape by the appointment of the
principal personages who are to take part
therein. There are four envoys, all of
whom are Of the Hatomato rank. They
will 60 out in such vessels as the Eng
lish government may place at their dis
posal; but in the large retinue that is to
accompany them will be officers, engi-
neers, and a crew of their own country
men, to man their own vessel on their re-
turn voyage-it being their purpose to
purchase large steamer while in Europe.
The absolute date of their departure is
not fixed, though il will not be before
the close of the summer.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21
The story of Brave Woman.

1t was warm and sultry morning in
the last of June. The inhabitants of
Monmouth were all astir with the know
ledge that the two armies were in their
midst, and by their motions sustaining
the probability that a general action was
about to be hazarded. The British army,
now commanded by Sir Henry Clinton,
had assumed one of the strongest situa-
tions Upon the high grounds about
Monmouth Court House they laid their
flank on the border of small wood, the
last guarded by deeper one, and the rear
running toward a morass
The army was disposed in such an ad-
jacent position as to be able to harass the
enemy in the rear and take advantage of
their first movement. The other generals
Lafayette, Greene, Wayne, Stewart, and
Scott, were directed to hold their troops
In readiness to support the front.
Early in the morning notice was given
that the van of the enemy was in motion
General Lee Immediately prepared to make
an attack upon them, and he was soon
Joined by Generals Dickinson and Nor
gan, with their spirited troops. In full
view of the house of Hollis and Molly,
this action commenced. Hollis put on his
military suit at once. The spirit which
animated every true American was newly
aroused at this spectacle, and he was i'm
patient to ningle in the strife.
"Will you go, Hollis p asked Molly,
anxiously.
eyes, dearest. Can I remain here
tamely, and not offer my assistance in the
defence of my country? I shall be only
a private but there will be work enough
for me tie do"
"Remember the fate of your father"
faltered Molly.
s'I thought you were brave, my own
WIFE" said Hollis, with a smile of affec-
tlouate pride.
"Battlescenes have not lost their charms
for me yet, though confess to unusual
mlsgiyings this morning." replied Molly
81 shall return at night, darling, it may
Q with new glory attached to the honor
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

Dg- Money is a good thing, especially
in hard times, but there is something a
thousand fold more valuable. 1t is char
acter-the consciousness of a pure and
honorable life. This it should be man S
first aim to preserve at any cost. In such
times of commercial distress, while some
are proved and found wanting, others
come forth tried as by FIRE. Here and
there comes one out Of the furnace far
more of man than before. Amid the
wreck of his fortune he stands erect-a
noble specimen of his true manhood. We
have occasionally witnessed an example
of courage in such crisis of moral intre-
pidity, that deserved all honor. Let it
be the aim of every business man, above
all things else, to keep this purity un-
stained. This is the best possesslon--
this capital which can never be taken
from him-this is the richest inheritance
which he can leave to his children.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21
VOLUME XIII NUMBER 35.
THE COUNTERSEGN.

Alas the weary hours pass slow,
The night is very dark and still,
And in the marshes far below
hear the bearded whip -poor-will.
[ scarce can see yard ahead,
Ny ears are strained to catch each sound !;
hear the leaves about me shed,
And the springs bubbling thro' the ground
Along the beaten path pace.
Where white rags mark my sentry's track,
In fermless shrubs seem to trace
The foeman's form with bending back.
think | see him crouching low,
stop and list-I stoop and peer
Until the neighboring hillocks grow
To groups of soldiers far and near.
With ready peace wait and watch,
Until mine eyes, familiar grown,
Detect each harmless earthen notch,
And turn guerrillas into stone.
And then amid the lonely gloom,
Beneath the weird old tulip trees,
Ny silent marches / resume,
And think on other times than thee.
Sweet visions through the silent night!
The deep day-windows fringed with vine !;
The room within, in softened light,
The tender, milk white hand in mine,
The timid pressure, and the pause
That ofttimes overcame our speech
Tho++ rbo,, 1,,-,, 10,
We each felt all in all to each,
And then, that bitter, bitter day,
When came the final hour to part,
When clad in soldiers honest gray,
pressed her weeping to my heart.
Too proud OF me to bid me stay,
Too fond Of me to let me go,
| had to tear myself away,
And left her stolid in her woe.
So rose the dream so passed the night
When distant in the darksome glen,
Approaching up the sombre height
heard the solid m lrch OF men;
Till over stubble over sward,
And fields where lay the golden sheaf
saw the lantern of the guard
Advancing with the night relief
"Halt who goes there ~ my challenge cry
trings along the watchful line.
"Reliefr' hear voice reply.
"Advance and give the countersignp'
With bayonet at the charge, I wait
The corporal gives the mystic spell;
With arms at port, charge my mate.
And onward pass, and all is well.
But in the tent that night awake,
think, if in the fray fall
Can the mystic answer make
Whene'er the angelic sentres call?
And pray that Heaven may so ordain,
That when l near the camp divine,
Whether in travail or in pain,
too may have the countersign.
Camp Cameron July, 1861.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

A Zouave, his hair cropped close ID
his skin, had just taken his seat and
thrown off his hat, showing a skull sug-
gestive of whitewood scrubbing brush
with most of the bristles worn of. "Sup-
pose you wanted to bother that Zouave
completely" said lady to her compan-
ion, would you know how TO do it,"
Not especially" answered her escort.
"Well, I'll tell you," said the bright-eyea
vixen, task him for lock of his hair"
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

a gentleman crossing very narrow
bridge, said to countryman whom he
met: 81 think this narrow causeway must
be very dangerous, my honest friend
pray are not people sometimes lost here?"
'lost no, sir, | never knew anybody lost
here in my life there were several drown
ed, bat they were found again"
A firm faith is the best theology; &
good life the best philosophy a clear con-
science the pest policy; and temperance
the best physic.
The height of politeness is, in passing
around on the opposite side of a lady te
avoid stepping on her shadow,
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

Father Quinn, chaplain of the First
Rhode Island Regiment, is wit as we'll
as priest. At recent visit to the gal
liant Goth at Fort Corcoran, while exam
lining the evidences of the hand labor with
the pick and shovel of these true soldiers,
he said: "Why they talk of Southern
chivalry, but it can't hold a candle to
Northern Shoyelru."
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

The Bill for the punishment of treason
which has passed both Houses of Con-
gress, fines and imprisons all persons who
enlist others, whether white or black, to
aid in the rebellion. Slave owners who
employ their slaves against the Govern
ment are forever deprived Of all claim to
their services.
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

One of the writer's schoolmates was
always behind with his lessons. Upon
one occasion, his teacher, in an academy
in which he had managed to obtain an
entrance, was erdeavoring to explain a
question in arithmetic to him. He
was asked:
"Supposey you had one hundred pounds,
and were to give away eighty pounds, how
would you ascertain how much you had
remaining?"
His reply set the the teacher and schol-
ars in roar; for, with his own peculiar
drawing tone, he exclaimed
Why, I'd count it"
The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21

Why is retired carpenter like lec-
turer? Because he's an ex-planer.
The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-10
Important from Eastern virginia.

.DARSEsTowN, Nd Oct. AT noon
to-day all was reportpd quiet on the river
line from the Point of Rocks TO the Great
Falls. The enemy has not made their
appearance in any force since leaving their
iutrenchments opposite Muddy Branch
yesterday morning. There has been con
siderable movemept among the Union
troops in this. vicinity to-day, but nothing
to indicste any immediate advance or
hostilities.
The enemy's recent movement toward
Leesburg and the Point of Rocks is con-
strued into a strategic movement only,
and one not requiring the strengthening
of any particular point along this line. -
Besides the present high stage Of water ID
the Potomac, which will. for some days.
prevent the passage Of the river. Our
positions have been selected with so great
care, that no experienced officer wDald re.
commend crossing even if practicable.
~ II private intelhgsuceis Is to be relied
upon, the eneny's strongest position is
about oneand quarter miles ia the rear
Of Manassas JunGtioh where it is repre-.
seuted the entire available reserves Of the
rebels is concentrated. 30 81 h1'''h .r
udThe bearer Of the Information has re.
Gently visited all the principal points
from Richmond to Leesburg, and has
given many important details asto the
numbers, position and resources of the
rebels, which are not requisite to be pub.
lished at this time. All fOrmcr stateme nts
as to the oriva!ions, disconiebt and de.
moraliEalion cf the rebel troops are fully
confirmed, The officers still attempt to
initiate the hopes of the soldiers that the
City Of Washington will fall an easy prey
to the cbivslry ofthe South, but the re,
cent successful expedition to Hatterss In.
let and the progress Of Gen. Rosencrans
in Western Virginia, together with the
scarcity Of food and money are rapidly
inducing the dupes Of political aspirants
that the days of the reign Of Southern
Tyranny are numbered The solGisrs aud
suballerns, and in many cases Ihe the Of
ficers of high grade utter loud complaints
against Virginia, for not furnishing the
materials and sinews Of war as promised
through the partisan leaders. .auaaar
The gentleman who furnishes this in.
formation sincerely believes that delay il
The surest weapon 10 reduce the South tc
loyalty. ',ty q. w, van,. .to,l .,ql.
The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-10
Important from n ew Orleans.

LOUISVILLE, Oct. GA reliable in.
fornant from New Orleans says the Fed.
e+al forces occupy Ship Island aud the
Chandpleurs. and that tIey have lumber
on Ship Island sufficient to huild accom-,
mOdatiOns for from 10000 to 12. 900
troops. Our informant thinks the an
nouDcement of the capture Of New Or.
leans premature. but says the Federal for
ces can take New Orleans IN the rear snd
silence their batteries, thus rendering it
easy for the feet to come up the river.
Advices from New Orleans to the 3Oth
ult,, say that the Governor Of Louisiana
ordered all stores 10 the city closed at two
o'clock each afternoon. and that all persons
capable Of carrying arms had been order
ed TO drill the remainder of the d'y, an
attack from the Federal forces being i'm
minent. The Confederates had planted
Columbiads at Crrolltou, nine miles
above New Orleans, aRd at English Turn
below the city.
The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-10

JEFFERSON CRY. Oct. 3.-GsnIlemen
who have arrived this evening from soda.
liza confirm the reports Of the evacuation
of Lexington by the rebels, and also bring
intelligence Of the probable occupation Uf
that place by Gen. Siurgis command.
Major Baker of the Home Guards. " no
was among the prisoners taken at Lexiog.
ton, and who refused TO give his parole,
escaped from the rebsls on Monday night
and arrived at Sedslia this morning. he
says all tie Confederatss Isfi Lexington
Monday afternoon. aud that their rear
guard as it left The boat was 6r-d with
shells BY Ssurgis, who just then appeared
on the opposite side Of the river.
Sever'l were wounded by the shell.
When they FIRST LIFT Lexington, Major
Baksi thinks it was the intention Of Price
to march direct on Georgetown, but in.
formation having been brought to hin
that Gen. Sigel was advancing with 4,O0C
men. he moved westward toward lnde
psndence Whether the msiu body o.
lle rebel. pursued this route any distanct
Major Baker is unaware. as during the
confusion among the rebels upon rcccp
II m OF the news Of the large force OF ST.
gel and The reported pursuit of Sturgis in
the rear, be escaped
Baker thinks Prices effective force
numbers 95, 900 men. in addition TO whi:h
be has some 1000 irregular troops whose
occupation is foraging, but this portion of
the army hal pretty much left the main
body before Major Baker escaped. Gen.
Sigel. who is 10 command OF our advance
guard. had all his preparations made for
an attack last night; and had the enemy
made his appearance, he would have met
with warm reception. Our forces west
Of here are stationed at Ouervllle. Seda-
liza and Georgetown.
The distance from Ot'ervilIe to Ssdalis
is twelve miles, and from Sedaia TO
Georgetown four miles. We have also
something Of force under Gen. Pope at
Bonneville, only twenty Ave miles north
east of Sedalia.
The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-10
From Missouri,

RoLLA. Mo-, Oct. 6.-Frcm ipforma.
ton received from scouts, there arc about
II 900 armed rebels scattered over the
Southwestern part Of this Safe, inclu.
ding between 5000 and 1000 men a,
Camp Walker. Arkansas. eight miles be.
low the Missouri line, under the com.
mand Of young Ben McCulloch.
Maj. Wright OF the Home Guards fur.
'nishes the following statement: A physr.
clan, we'll known 10 the Major, whose
nans am not permitted to use, arrived
from the Southwest on Tuesday evening
This physician waS formerly partner oi
Dr.. Smell, MoCullough's army surgeon
The former very recently had an inter.
view with his old partner, and was told
by him that in the battle Of Springfield
McCulloch was shot through the hips and
a glance ball also struck him in the fore.
head. '' 70 '"f - 'fi 1r.'s ,-sttt
Soon afier making his report of the
battle. McCulloch. with the Texas forces
was ordered back to Texas, but after
reaching Camp Chesapeake, near Mount
Vernon, he died from his wounds. Be
fore he expired he, spoke freely of the
manner Of his treatment By the Missouri.
ans, and declared that If he had known
the true position Of affairs, he never would
have ent-rsd the State.
His body was placed in metallic coffin
and conveyed 10 Texas. His death was
concealed even from his own men Tor a
time. it peing the policy OF the surviving
leaders to operate upon the prestige OF
his name His son. Ben. McCulloch. jr.
was therefore placed in nominal command
in order to kes? up the deception. Maj
Wright. who is All old acquaintance Of
McCullOch, having, as late as last win.
ter ranged with him one hundred miles up
the Colorado river, is convinced that the
latter is dead. 90 .''
Letters have been received by Mrs.
Crawford from her husband, Col. Crsw.
ford, Of Prices army, stating that the
latter was hemmed 10 and occupying q
critical position. aud urging her immedi'
ate removal Of His property to the South.
The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-10
Mr.. buchanan Robbed.

On Saturday night or sunday morn
ing the carriage houss of Ex'President
Buchanan at Wheatland was broken open
and q very valuable sett Of double harm
ess carried OF. The theisves effected an
entrance by pryiug open the door, and
found The harnessin in small closet or box
kept for the purpose. These harness
were purchased at Washington by Mr..
Buchanan shortly after his Inauguration
as President, at cost OF five hundred
and thirty dollars. They are heavily
mounted with silver, aud as the rogues
will hardly attempt to dispose Of them
through fear of detection, it is likely that
they wall cut off the mountings, melt them
down and sell it as old SILVER. The sill.
YER alone in this shape would ptoOably
weld them several hundred dollars. Al.
ter securing the haI mess the rogues visited
the ice house aud carried of all the mar.
keting that day purchased bV Mr. Bu-
chansn's houseke-prr. The Iascals we're
apparently well acquainted with the prem.
Iises.- Lancaster ( Pa Express.
The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-10
Meditated Attack on the Gulf Ports

Meditated Attack on the Gulf Ports.
In connection with he reported expe-
dilion against New Orleans, and Occups-
ton of Mississippi Cily. the predictions
of the following letter from an oiioer oI
the steamer Massachusetts, which has
been blOckading the mouth of the Mis-.
sssppi, will bs read with interest:
There is no doubt that all attack will
soon bo made on some of the principal
ports on the Gulf. The day fixed is a
bout the Goth instant. We expect more
vessels here every day, and this place is
to be used as a rendezvous for vessels
in this part Of the Gulf. Probably Chan
deleur Island will be fortified and held
until we can recapture Ship Island.
Last night for the FIRST time since July 8
the light ship on Chandaleur was ilumin-
ated. The lantern and fixtures were car
ried on shore and just after sunse! the
Secessionists were greeted with the sight
of the light. Our boilers have been
cleaned Of some Of the salt. and We ex-
psct to be all ready to start again by Fri
day night.