davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
THE GULLOTINE.

Louis Blanc, in the recently issued eleventh
volume of his History of The French RtrolufioR,
tells the following interesting story ofthe insen-
ton of the gullotinc To-
Under the old regime it had been one OF the
privileges of the noblesse, when condemned to
death, TO have their heads cut oil instead Of
being hung, as was the case with the common
atty From desire to render the punishments
OF all classes equal and similar, as well ny from
an inclination to nbidgc the suferings of the
patient arose the uuillotine. The problem sub
mitted on the 10Th OF October 1885, to the con
stituent assembly, by Dr 0uillotin, one of its
members, which he fattered himself he had re.
solved and was, show to nflict capital punish.
ment in n uniform manner by means of simple
machine" The discussion Of the subject was
adjourned until the LIST of December, when it
was first of all objected by Able Maury that the
act Of decapitaton might have the effect of de-
PRAYING the people by familiarizing them with
the sight of blood; upon which Guiolin ex-
claimed; "With my machine, could cut of
your head in the twinkling OF an eye, and with
out giving you the east pain" a loud burst OF
laughter followed this remark-tragic laughter
when one reflects that the guillOline, that hor-
rlble machine, which, Us yet, had neither shape
nor name, was destined to destroy the greater
number of those whom it caused to laugh. Aud
what is not less tragic is, that the joke, spread
ing beyond the walls Of the assembly, caused
Dr.. Guilotin's remark to become the source q
inumerable pleasantries The idea ofiakiug Of
mans head in the twinklipg Of an eye out OIL
pure philanthropy was 60 irresisiiby comic
&. Couplets were written on the doctoi
and his machine, which was thought ri hi t.
baptze with feminine form Of his Own usne
Guillotne aud the result was, that while IN,
instrument owed its origin to q sent meat o
humanity it derived its name from a song
In a novel Of Dumas, NJ Guiliotiu is made
luminous amateur in the art Of execution. "
Louis Blanc, setting aside the old romantic ma
terials, shows that the popular notion OF NJ. oil
lOtin perishing by the knife he was supposed t.
have brought into fashion arose from the circum
stances of his having been imprisoned duriul
the Reign Of Terror, the fact being that b
survived the Revolution, and died 10 his bed i
1874 He not only deprives NJ. Guiotin Of hi
glory as martyr to the new engine of death
but of the honor which appertains to an inventor
He did sketch q suggestion Of such an instru
ment, but the first machine was actually fahIl
Gated by NJ. Louis, Secretary to the College
Surgeons; and the society in the midst of whic
arose this ghastly symbol was scarcely less ligh
hearted outside the prisons than inside OF then
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

1t seems to be pretty generally conceded on
all hands that the present incumbent, VINCENT
c. GiLriS, should be renominated for the tllicc
If Mayor of this city He bias administered the
,iiairs of the city in manner eminently satis-
factory to the people, and with marked tact
prudence and unostcntatiou.
No gentleman has ever occupied the office #
Mayor of Wilmington whose duties were besel
with more perplexities and anxieiies than have
bees those Of Mayor Gillini yet he has over
come them all, and by the exercise Of forecast
aud caution has rendered his administration
complete success II is due, therefore, to him,
that be should be continued in office another
term not only as an acknowledgment of his
seryices rendered the public, hut also that the
city may have the benefit of his administrative
experience and ability.
Although Mayor Glpiu, in party sense, en-
tertains political sentiments with which, as a
purity man, we cannot entirely agree, yet in the
present crisis of our country's affairs, he has,
like true patriot thrown party to the winds,
aud stands forth under the banner of the Union
firm, incorporating, unconditional Union
mau, determined Mt every hazard to do what he
can towards maintaining the integrity Of the
government and the supremacy of the Federal
Constitution; therefore, we feel bound to sup
port him for recollection to the office he has 81
worthiy and satisfactorily illed during the tern
now about to close. We trust that every uu
friend of the Union will do the same.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

as ~ emn as two graveslones 81 heard they
got nigh about sixty bar'ls OF ile."
The ways observed that Caleb was getting
exceedingly uneasy, and "piled 1t on"
swell Joseph how long was the reptile p
SWELL Silas the insect was about eighty-two
feet long, and twenty eight feet odd inches broad
thick in proportion"
81 thought, Joe, that there was two on EN-"
"Thats fact there was pair on 'em but
they only caught the he one"
A, this poiut OF the dialogue, Caleb became so
desperately excited that he could contain himself
no longer and suappishly demanded to know
"what'n the thunder they were talking about ?"
"Why," said Joe with wel-feigned aslonisb-
ment, 'don't you know about their catching that
are"
"That are what peevishly snarled Caleb.
"why that are whale l' seriously answered
JJe Stubbine.
"a whale !" exclaimed the bewildered Caleb,
have they caught that whale up the creek ?"
"They haven't caught anything else" said
the imperturbable joe
"And how much did they getY" inquired
Caleb as he rec .vered his wits.
"Ninety-two bar'ls' forgetting the amount he
had previously mentioned.
"Wen," said Caleb with slow deliberation
and satisfied look PPM glad they caught tina
whale, for heard they were arter him"
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
A TALE OF A SHIRT.

One Of the traitors or spies arrested in Harris
burg, q day or two ago, on bis way from Virginia
to New York, was man named W. j. Kelly.
lie and his two comrades were all thoroughly
searched, and evidence was found on each suf
ieient to prove that they were properly arrested
MIR. Kelly's turn was the last one, and his case
was much the most interesting lie had taken
of all his clothes but his Shirt and nothing con-
traband or reasonable had been found GU him
He stood thus before the Mayor and an examin-
ing officer, and under the circumstances the po-
siton was very embarrassing one; for, to say
nothing of ordinary modesty, which may even
exist among the rebels. the owner of that shirt
knew that It was lined with treason. The rails
ing of that garment would reveal his treason,
aud probably make his life forfeit
The moment of suspense, during which Mr..
Kelly stood thus before his curious captors, must
have been rather an agoni2ing one. But fancy
his feelings when the officer remarked something
peculiar in the hang of the shirt, aud fancy them
when he was ordered to take it off. lie iremhed
and turned pale, and his bare knees shook and
knocked together. lie could not endure the
shock to his modesly he called for water; he
was on the point of fanting. But the officers
were memorable. The shirt came off and the
treason as well as the person of Mr.. Kelly was
laid bare. The shirt was marvel of ingenious
needle work, having various well concealed
pockets, in which were found numerous letters
from tha South some from men ia the rebel mr.
my to their friends in Baltimore others to mtr
in New York, and number for Europe. 10 nd
dition to this, there were various bills of sale
dated at Richmond, for pork and other articles
and large packages of money, principally il
notes on banks in the Confederate States. AL
of these articles says the reporter, we're done "
in neat packages, and looked as II they had beer
subjected to the pressure OF an hydraulic press.
The ingenuity that contrived this new mode o
carrying letters was commendable but it wa
bailled by the perseverance and patience of Ih
officers ct Harrisburg MIR. Kelly was provided
with another shirt and accommodations, with hi
comrades, in the county prison. The none,
was placed for safe keeping in one of the banks
and the letters and other documents were de.
liyered to the Attorney General. There ough
to 10 valuable revelations in these documents
concerning spies and traitors in New York, a
well US in other places. kelly's shirt is valu
abled acquisition for the government.-Baiietbi
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
G. KLEINBERGER, Optician,
Office corner Of Third and Market streets.
ECCENTRIC nospIrALIrY.

During the American war Of 1872, a soldier
who had been woundedand honorably discharged,
being destitute and benightcd, knocked Mt the
door Of an Irish farmer, when the following
dialogue ensued:
Patrick And who the devil are you, now?
Soldier-My name is John Wilson.
Patrick-And where IRE you going from,
John Wilson,
sOldier-From the American army at Erie,
sir
Patrck-and what do you want here?
Soldier-Wil you permit INC to spread my
blanket on your floor and sleep Tonight?
Pairick--DlVil take me if do, John Wilson.
Solder-On your kitchen floor, sir?
Patrick-Not |, by the Hill o. lloWth.
Sodier-In your stable then?
Patriek-I'll be hanged il do that, either.
Soldier-fm dying with hunger, give me but
bone and crust ask no more.
Patrick-Divil blOw-me ii do sir.
SOldier-0ive me some water to quench my
thirst, beg of you.
patrick-Beg and be hanged, I'll do no such
thing.
sOder-sir, have been fighting to secure
the blessing you enjoy-can you so lnhosptably
reject me from your home
Patrick-Rejeet you who the diyil talked a
word about rejecting you. May be am not the
ssuryy spalpeen you take me to be John Wilson,
lou uskeu me 10 let you lie on the Moor, my
kitchen floor, or my stable now by the powers,
dye think I'D let perfect stranger do that,
when have dozen soft beds all empty No,
By the Hill o. llOwth, John, that won't In
the second place, you told me you were dying
with hunger, and wanted bone and crust to
eat Low, honey, dye think ia feed hungry
man on bones aud crusts, when my yard is full
of fat pullsts, and turkeys, and pigs? No, by
the powers, not |, that's fat In the third
place. you ask me for some simple water to
quench you thirst; now as my water is none Of
the best, never give it to poor traveller with
out mixing II with plenty Of wine or something
else wholesome and cooling. Come into my
house, my honey; di1i blow me but you shall
sleep in the best feather bed have you shall
have the best supper and breakfast that my
farm can supply, which, thank Heaven is none
of the worst you shall drink as much rs you
choose, provided you mix it with plenty of good
wine, and provided also you prefer it, Come
in, my hearty, come in, aud feel yourself al
home. 1t shall never be said that Patrick o..
Flah, rty treated man scurvily who has been
fighting for the dear country which gave him a
Tree room.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
THE MAN WHO KNOWS EVERY THING.

mighty knowing man was Caleb Pnge, who
kept the grocery at tho fork of the road, near
Woodchuck Creek, Sprag Hollow, in the village
Of flornvle. No occurrence had taken place,
Of all the particulars Of which Caleb did not
posstss thorough knowledge In the minutest
detail. An matters in the prospective were
anticipated, discussed, arranged. and satisfac-
torily disposed of by Caleb, long before they
took place. II a neighbor rushed into the store
to communicate what he believed to be a very
recent piece of news, he would have the conceit
taken out Of him by being told by Caleb that he
chad heard 1t week ago." Events of the past,
present, and future were all the same to him
his ubiquitous knowledge grasped and covered
them alto him they were all estate news"
A small bet was made one evening between
81 Stephens and Joe Stubbins. 81 bet Joe
couldn't nonplus Caleb with any piece of nteli-
geuce-real or imaginary. Joe took all such
bets as that.
The following evening 81 and Joe. accompanied
by to or three more of the "boys" Of the village,
who were TO "help the :hing along" and ''fll
in" proceeded to Caleb's store. After being
comfortably seated here and there. On barrels,
boxes, etc, 81 opened the evenings amusement
by asking, in manner that indicated he was
continuing conversation commenced before
they had entered the store;
$50 you say, Joe, that thsy caught him at
last :"
"ies, sir, about seventeen minutes past eight"
"well, Joe, how far up the creek was ?"
son a careful consideration, should say it
was about three miles, or three miles and n
quarter, or perhaps half up the creek"
Caleb, who had not lost a word of the CONVEX
sation, dropped his su gar-scOop with astonisll-
ment, and opened his ears, for the boys were
talking about a matter in which he was not
"posted up" The conversation continued:
"Well" says 81, that couldn't "a been far from
Deacon Hunts"
"Jest SO" answered joe s'it was about eighty
rods from Deacon Hunts hog-pen, in n slanch-
wise direction
"Did you hear Joe." with face as solid as
gravestone, show much lie they got?"
"Yes, did" replied Joe, with another face
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
AN EXTRAORDINARY sToRY-LovE AND
MURDER.

London has had two horrible sensations to
occupy its attention during the past month
one the Vidil case and now we have the cOnclu
sion Of another affair us strange and full OF pas
sion as any that has been recorded in the annals
of crime.
On tue 18th of July, Major Murray, until
recently an officer of the Hlussars, and now a
Director in wealthy Stock Company, was
accosted in the public streets by a man who was
an entire stranger to him. The new conner in.
troduced himself under the name of Grey; said
he wanted to loan money Tor client to the
company of which Murray wss director ;
offered eco, 600 and requested the Major to walk
into his fGrey's) office, ii was up one pair of
stairs. aud in a back room. in public and re-
spectable street, but Murray had never before
been in the house. lie followed, however, into
the Office and seated himself, when some unim-
portant business conversation took place, occu-
plying not more than a minute or two. Roberts
1.-THE real name of the stIanger) rose to get his
card of address, which the other had asked for
The doors we're closed. Murray sat with his
back to Roberts, who pretended to be looking
for a card Presently Murray felt slight touch
in the back Of his neck, there was report Of o
pistol and he dropped of his chair on the
ground, perfectly paralyzed; in moment Ro-
berts came up and seeing that his victim siill
lived, fired pistol into Muriay's right temple !
this did not KILL Dut ne presehuee " W oeeui
aud when Roberts walked away, seized pair
of tongs lying near sprang TO his feet, and
struck at the wretch. He raised his arm and a
terrible struggle ensue1 Roberts fell under,
and Murray hit him several times in the face
and on the head with the tongs, getting his
own knees on Roberts chest Then Roberts
got away the tongs, and Murray seized black
bottle, but it was smashed to pieces In one blow.
The two wounded men, both streaming with
blood, contrived both to get to their feet, and
another struggle took place; finally Murray got
possession Of the tongs, by succession of hea-
Wy blows thought that he bad killed his adver-
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

Marshal NIillward, of Philadelphia, has sliced
the copies of the NeO York Journal Commerce,
and the Day Book, which have been sent to that
city for circulation. When these auxillares OF
treason shall have been finally suppressed, we
suppose the editor of the Gazette of this city
will feel lost for proper exchanges from which to
CLEAN his secession extracts. When will the
Marshal of Delaware suppress the copious flow
of vile treason that is constantly vomited forth
in this State under the euise Of liberty Of this
pressY
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

Ma. EDlTOR;--
Can you inform us why, when
the government needs men and guns, lot are
ed away in Engine House in this city p
Why are two cannOns lying idle in the Friend
ship House, not a single man learning to drill
with themg
If the company claiming them are dslOya
let them be disbanded, if too lazy to drill or if
there are no names on the muster roll, lot true
men have them.
Let us have the cannon. We have submitted
too long to these dogs in the manger. The writer
believes that one member of one of the compa-
mics has already left to join the Rebels.
LAW AND ORDER.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
CAUGHT A TARTAR.

From the Brooklyn Times
Among the prisoners taken 10y the Re-
bells al Bull Run, was Mrs. Curtis, of this
State. She seems to have been a match for any
OF the valiant chiyalry at least in the use of her
tongue. She has been released, and relates her
troubles in a most amusing manner When
questioned rs to her motive for coming outside
of the Union lines, she stated that she had
come to see if there was any sec sh about" An
impudent Provost Marshal asked her what the
thirty thousand handouts taken from our troops
were for. She replied that was one of the
thirty thousand lies which she had heard since
she had been arrested" lie told her that she
had the most bitter tongue he had ever heard
and that il she didn't keep quiet he would nut
her in ironR. She replied - that there were not
men enough in the Rebel Army to do that" She
was then conveyed to Richmond and told TINT
she was a spy, and that spies had to he hung -
She replied that she had never been within
their lines, except on the morning of her arrest,
aud then unconsc'ously, as their pickCts we're
concealed and if she was to he hung, innocent
of any crime, they might begin MS soon as they
pleased. As for being spy, the United States
officers we're not compelled to endnnger the lives
Of patriotic ladies to undertake such a service,
especially as secessiOnists were abundant who
gladly gave Information of the rebel troops for
money"
This last remark was too much for the now
indignant officers, and she was cast into jail -
After remaining in Richmond some time and
completely non pussing everybody who spoke
TO her by her cute replies, Gen. Winder conclud-
cd to rcleAse her. She wrote "procamation
setting forth her i'll treatment, demanding to
know whether she was to be released or sentenc.
ed; in either case she desired to have the iudg-
ment Of the Court Martial carried out, because
''sbe was tired of staying among set of peo-
pie whom she hated and despised." This being
shown to Gen. Winder he sent word back that
they would iherate her if she would only keep
her tongue still long enough to enable them to
do 1t that he wouldn't have her incendiary
tongue remain in Virginia three weeks for any
consideration. And so they let her go, II evel
woman's tongue served its owner to an advantag,
| il was in this case. What terror to j. D.
would regiment of such women be! The Fire
ZouaVes would be nowhere.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

In the published list of " Distinguished Grat-
yates reported at the examinations of the United
States Military Academy, at West Point, in May
and June" we find the name of Henry a.
DUPONT, of Delaware. 1t stands No. /, in the
first class, and hence heads the list. Mr.
dupont by his superior ability, not only thus
distinguishes himself, but also honors his native
State, in the eyes Of his oOuntrymen.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

The Trenton True American, the State organ
Of the democratic party in New Jersey, being una
Me to make a living in that loyal State, in consc-
quence Of its notorious sympathy with the
rebels, has hltupon the ingenious dodge of sus-
pending its publication, assigning as reasons,
the threats Of destruction by mobs, aud the
determination of the government to prevent the
issue of dsloyal newspapers.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
POLITICAL.


- In order to remove any misapprehension
which may obtain in reference TO my position in
the coming election. 1 hereby announce that
will be a candidate for reelection to the Office
of Mayor of the city, upon the Unconditional
Union platform irrespective of all party and
that in no event will consent to receive nom
ination mode upon party issues by any party as
such
VINCENT C. GILPIN
Wilmington, August 2G, 1861.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

Mrs. Greenhow, a widow lady we'll known in
Washington, was arrested by the provost guard
of Brigadier General Porter. Her secession
procliyIies have long been the subject of popular
conversation. Doubtless, the charge against her
is Of being in reasonable correspondence with
the country's enemies now in arms.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

McCullough's army has caused great distress
among the loyal population Of southwestern
Missouri, moi less than one thousand men having
been forced 10 leave their homes and property
About seven hundred Of them have Joined Col.
Doyds regiment. The baggage train brought
from Springfield By our army is said to be worth
Sl,5O0,000.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27
" y hOsENUKANZ,
Brlgndler- Genernl Cnmdn.

a.. FATAL AccInENr.-Joseph Convey, an appren.
u I 9oy OF Jonaihan T. Bettq, Of Cedar Creek
nunaled, Sussex county, vas accidentally killed
On the list inst, by the upsettiug Of horse cart
~ winch he was riding at the time. The mule
f mnluu nc was driving ran the cart npon the
fence, by which it was upset and tbe mule nlso
thrown, catching the boy beneath and crushipo
him to death.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

The extra Bangor Democrat, Il Secession paper,
was deposited in the Pot Office on Friday night,
hut the postmaster has notified the Department
and retnins the papers until he receives orders,
The Democrat was suppressed by the people a
week OF two sinee, and the office DESTROYED
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

The Frankfort (Ky.) Commonwealth says with
entire truth that "the New York News, the New
York Day Book, the Cincinnati Enquirer, and
few other northern papers of that stripe, are
doing more to foster and prolong this rebellion
than all the southern fanatics and dauniou
pnpers combined"
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

The undersigned hereby offers himself to the
Unconditional Union men of Wilmington as
candidate for City Treasurer. Nomination cleo
ton to be held nj the City Hall, on Thursday
next, August goth
JAS. f. WILSON
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

Connected with the New York Custom. House
is a clerk whose business it is to receive and
lest all money. lie is spaniard by birth, but
has been long while in the country. Into 4
scale he empiies a bug Of gold or silver coin, and
from the weight in moment announces the
amount in dollars and cents. He then runs his
fingers through the coin several times, and ar-
plies them to his nose after which he will i'm
mediately take out every counterfeit coin. IIis
iafalible faculty of detecting spurious metal is
heated in his oiaetory organs.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

The undersigned hereby oilers himself rs
candidate for nomination Ms City Treasurer by
the Unconditional Union Party at its nomna-
ton election to be held on Thursday, 10Th inst.
JOHN b. PORTER.
Anrnst 2G. 1861.
Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-08-27

A man named J. NJ. Green, Chaplain to the
Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment, (Resefve,) was
arrested by officers Allen and Bush, at the in.
stance Of Mr. CIephane, the Washington Post
muster, charged with opening letters and ab
stracting money belonging to said regiment, MS
well as others lie was committed to Jail for
further examination.