davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

THE New York Isdspssdsns of last week, an- nouncss the withdrawal of the Rev. Messrs ba- cen, Thompson and storrs, from the editorial chair which they have held from the commence ment of it's career, and the accession of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, as Edaor-in-Chief.
 The Indspendsnt has, we learn, passed from the ownership of Mir. Henry c. Bowen, into the hands of MT. Lewis Tappan, who hereafter as- sumes its financial control.
 . Mir Beecher in his salutatory indulges in the following opposite reflections on the editorial profession: ..- .s J The Editorial profession, with the progress of popular intelligence, has assumed an importance second to no other. It may unite in it the ele- ments of power hitherto distributed in the sev- eral professions, and add, besides, many that have belonged to no other calling. He who knows the scope and power of the press need de- sire no higher office than the editorial
 In that silent realm of influences out of which proceed the actions of men and the events of his- tory, the Editor is the invisible Leader. Votes cannot raise him higher. His pen is more than scepter. Profoundly impressed with such a responsibility, desiring to honor God in the wei fare of men, we ask the sympathy of good men, and the remembrance of all who pray.
 HENRY WARD BsEcHEn
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
| CHRISTMAS CAROL.
B1 cHAnnrs xrsaslsr.

It ehanced upon merry, merry Christmas eve went signing past the church, across the
 moorland drssry :-- "Oh never sin and antand woe this earth will
 leave,
 And the belle but mock the wailing sesad
 they sing 50 cheery. Hew long, o Lord! how long before thou come
 agains
 Stin in cellar, and in garret, and on moorland
 dFeasy The orphsas moan. and widows weep, and poor
 hen soil in vain, 9iH the earth is sick of hope deferred, though
 Christmas bells be cheery." Then arose joyous clamor from the wild fowl , on the mere, Beneath the stars, across the snow, like clear bells ringing, And . voice cried: Listen! Christmas carols
 even here!
 Though thou be dumb, yet Der their work the stars and snows are singing. -DIm6r Hive, love, reign; and all the nations
 through
 With the thunder of my judgments even now
 are singing; Do thou fulfill thy work but as you wild fowl do, Thou wilt heed nc less the wailing, yet hear
 through it angels singing"
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
GOSHEN.

Last Saturday, the Goshen schools, at the re- quest of the Acting Visitor, Mir. Henry Norton met for spelling. A lesson of l74s words had been previously given out, and l03 scholars took part in the exercises. The children took their seats as fast as they missed, and at the close there remained standing, from the Newcomb district, 3 from the Ludington school, 5 from the Center, 4 from Hart Hollow, 5 from East street, 5 from the Oviatt district and 8 from the West Goshen school. The schools meet again in January. Many of these schools are small and in the Oviatt school more remained standing in proportion to the whole number of scholars than any other.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
A Card.

We publish, with pleasure, the following con- munication, without however knowing anything of the charges" to which it refers, or the per- sons to whom it alludes." Certainly, if injustice has been done Mr. Swift by any one, we are very happy to be the means of help ing its refu- tation,-[Ep. ENe.
 Mn. ED1ron:-You have doubtless been .ur- prised to learn that I am not now acting with the Conn. Vols in our own Federal Army, kno w. ing what have done in that behalf. True de sired to serve in the Army and intended so to do, had not been grossly misrepresented and falsely accused, and that too at the eleventh hour. Struck without being heard, by blow unforeseen, and even now not fully realized, by one whose relations te me were such as to ena- ble him to do me great service as also great in- jury, l was consequently unable to refute the charges or explain my position in time, as I could and most certainly should have done had known the nature of them. have at the pro- per time and place asked the precise nature of the charges and offered to rcfute and clear them up, but have been uniformly refused. It there fore remains for me to do it now, and asking no other reward for the past than the sympathy and approval of my friends and the satisfaction of silencing the aspersions of enemies, here, as should have done earlier had I been allowed a hearing, positively deny each and every charge brought against me, so far as am cognizant of the same and will prove it whenever called up- on.
 What I have done has been purely with pat riotic intent, with no desire for self enrolment, and no thought or deed but what an unselish generosity suggested as the means of accomplish ing the greatest good; and to personal hatred or Red tape favoritism alone can be attributed the desire to deal thus summarily with me. am ready, as ever have been, to answer any call of my Country, but shall pause on the threshold before again obey the behests of its would be servitors. Yours Respectfully,
 F. B. SWIFT.
 16s Broadway, \. Y.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
2neal and County News.
LITCHFIELD.

LITCHFIELD.
 At last tho "glad season changes" Sunday night gave us a snow-storm, which early Mon day morning turned into cold rain, and covered the trees with ice, reminding one. fearfully, o1 the terrible ice storm of last winter. However the atmosphere grew milder, and it ceased rain. sng, and we have no further damage to report te our already sadly dilapidated elms.
 - Monday night we were visited in town by , regular fashioned snow-sterm, and Tuesday and Christmas Che snow lay six inches deep on $ level, furnishing excellent sleighing.
 Never rose the bright winter Sun on Q Christmas morn more bright and cheerily thar just the least taste in the world of crude Boreas," who, however, abstained on this ecca sion from hls usual role of the clustering rail er"; the snow was amply trodden for the best o sleigh-riding, and beside, every twig, ant bough md shoot was covered with icy spray and shone and glittered in the Sunlight lik. myraids of pearls and amethysts and rubies, anc emsgenerally. Ifperfect weather could nspir, eheerfulness on the 'merriest day of the year, our readers of Litchfeld enjoyed it as they can but rarely.
 We would advise all of our Litchfeld read CTS again, who have not already purchased thei, holiday presents, for their "lit.le ones," to pa, ! Riverius Marsh's large collection of toys ant gim cracks visit, and a purchase. And be sides the little trinkets, he has also on hand large assortment of really handsome engraving of the largest sizes, and all subjects, which h, sells very cheap, or gives aeay.
 The Festival of St. John the Evangelist vii be celebrated, as usual, by the "St. Paul. Lodge" of Free Masons in this village at th' Mansion House on Friday evening the 27sh. 1 "good time" is always expected, and alway: had, at this annual fraternal supper.
 Christmas was celebrated at St. Michael! Church in this village, with appropriate exerci scs. The church was very elegantly and taste fully draped, distinguishing feature being { beautiful symbol of "the star in the east"
 The Children of the Church hold their Christ mas festival this (Thursday) evening.
 The Christmas Ball at "Adams' Hotel' wal largely attended by ladies and gentlemen iron the rural districts. "A Big Thing
 The thermometer on Christmas morning stood degrees above zero only at Sunrise.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
The War with Englaud,

By the latest news we have, the war fever seems almost unabated in England and yet the popular demand seems, as yet, to be largely in advance of any instructions which the British government has yet made upon our own. If we may believe what little has transpired, as to the nature of Lord Lyons despatches, the way is open to adjust our dispute amicably and wisely, and without resort to those extreme measures which all the satellites of Jeff Davis would hail in this country with howls of satisfaction and delight.
 Oonfesscdly we do not want war with Eng land just at this time, not because we are afraid of her, or are terrified at her insolent threats, backed by her mighty armaments. Two previ ous wars, in which the proud mistress of the seas has come off decidedly second best, in contact with our land and naval forces, would give the lie to any mean.spoken rebel, who would doubt our courage, or our ability to cope with all Eng lands lordly hosts. And besides the huge slice of British Provinces now laid down uron the map as Canada would most easily and naturally
  in case of war. Nothing could withstand that fate and We could take it and hold it three times over while England was marshalling her forces for contest moro than thousand miles distant
 But we have other things on our hands just new, other matters to attend to, formidable re- bellion within our own borders to crush, @ few rebel hordes to disperse, and few rebels to hang. We might carry on war with both, but l we prefer to do what we have in hand thorough ly,-and therefore, undertake the one without one hard tied by the other. It is thus we hope and confidently expect, that the paltry pretext upon which the people of England seem mad to go to war, may be amicably explained; that they may believe that we are not inclined to fight though we are equally disinclined to give up g plain right, by which we may seize our own fts sitipes from justice, wherever We may find them And this, we believe, they will see all in good time
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
THE PURITAN CHRISTMAS.
BY WALTER rHonxBuRY.

. stssdfas -in-the-Faith came in, Rubbing at his mouldy chin; Fellow satins rustled past, Stately dancers circled fast; Pages fretted with their feathers, Gsllsnts with their swordbclt feathers; White hands played with ribbons ross, With my silk scarf and it's bows; When the dragon tumbled in, With his green and crimson skin;- Souring up his bitter face, Said the man of special grace, Turning up his yellow eyes, ",Vanity of vanities."
 Crimson scarfs blew like 6ame. As the maskers singing came. Fingers dallied with the lute, Not g single voice was mute; Twenty pairs, 6 merry set, In the dance's windings met; How the baron, with his finger, Chode if any dared to finger; Eager faces pressed and strained At the windows, diamond paned: Eerewing up his vixen face, Cried the man of special grace. Turning up his yellow eyes,
 "vsDity of vanitiss." When the white-hot log was burned, And the wassail-bowl was churnsd, With the red and yellow skin Of the apples bobbing in; F., When the brandy fickered blue. And the maidens chased the shoe, With the jester's piebald kin; When the bagpipe's merry scream Shook . yesr's dust from the beam;-- Lengthening his shrivelled face, Said the man of special grace, Turning up his saintly eyes,
 Vanity of vanities."
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
Christmas i'm Germany.
LiseAfeld, Dec. A.

The Christmas tree, although only lately in- troduced into England, performs one of the most interesting and important parts in the Christmas ceremonies of Germany. Many years ago, while travelling through that country, had the good fortune to be present at the celebration of Christmas Eve in the family of physician ham, ed Elverdink, who lived at Drusenheim, near Strasburg. My host, though sensible and we'll informed man, was, like most Germans, inclined to mysticism, aud belief in the existence of su- pernatural beings. He knew as many wonderful stories of dwarfs, mixes, misses, elves and mer- maids as would have furnished the Brothers Grimm with fresh collection of tales and leg ends His family consisted of wife and eight boys and girls, by whom Christmas was celebrat- edina . spirit of pure and simple enjoyment per- foctiy delightful. For.three or four months pre- cscing the festival the girls and boys had been saving their pocket money to purchase or make little articles to present to their parents and each other, and the most profound secrecy was 0bser- ved by the givers until the moment had arrived for producing them. On the eve of Christmas the largest parlor was taken possession O. by the young people, who had invited as many of, their friends and companions as could be collected to witness the installation of the Christmas tree.- Mr. and Mrs Nyerdink were, at the comH ence- ment oi the proceedings, committed for safecus- tody ot the china closet, where they were en- joined to remain without attempting to get peep at what was going forward. Then. when the Christmas tree had been properly fixed in the center of the room, and the little tapers fast. aned to the boughs lighted. and the ,elitterinr toys and flags and streamers of colored paner with which it was decorated displayed to the best advantage, nothing more remained to be done the signal was gwen, and the parents came into the room from their place of durance, tread ing softly and reverently, and shading their eyes with their hands, as if dazzled with tie unex pected brilliancy of the scene, which they has heen surreptitiously watching through acreyic' in the door of the china closet for the last hal Kour Then the children clustered around thei father and mother, and each presented his litti gift with kisses and embraces. The mother overcome by her feelings, wept aloud for Joy an' tenderness, and tears ran down the good doctor face. who clasped the httie ones to his breastas trying to sti6a the emotions that struggled with in. ln the eoafss of the evening, while tn young folks were dancing the national Aileman ae, whriing and spinning with Q rapidity pel foctiy bewiidsring. expressed to the good doct or tne pleasure Experienced in witnessing fo 7 tae nrst time the scene have described.
 is r oneof the old customs of your country,
 bo old that we have no tradition of it's oriqn, ue replied bnt we have a legend which date as tar back as the seventh csntury,''
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
WARREN.

The Warren Academy, which was discontinu ed few years since, has been revived this win ter, and a flourishing school has commenced the new term. The teacher is Mir. Rowishd H. Al len, of the Senior Glass in Amherst College. There are opiy three of the eight District Schools in session this winter.
 The patriotic ladies of Warren sent box last Thursday to the soldiers at Port Royal. It con tained 77 towels, A pillow-cases, P pillows, cushions; 4wrappers, 3 shirts, 3 pairs drawers 9 comfcrsables, blankets, 2s pairs stockings
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

II pairs mitteas, sheets, ss' handkerchiefs, a large package of lint, and various other articles for hospital use.
 Our little town of 700 inhabitants has sent 70 of her sons to1assist in putting down this in. famous rebellion and she is ready to send 50 more, as soon as Great Britain declares war against the United States.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

oua pen made m unfortunate slip last week which was not discovered in time until nearly an or our edition was worked of, by which VI mentioned the name of stJoseph P. Burrall ot eal'snury. as proper candidate for the office Of State Controller or Treasurer. WILLIAM P buaRALLwas theman ws meant, and our readers probably easily made the correction for them selves. On all sides since, we hear MT. Burralp, name spoken of with great respect and man, earnest wishes for his nomination.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

\ WE ARE INDEBTED to Messrs. Cook < Co. of the Waterbury American for . copy of their al. mauac for 1862. Itcontains, IS usual, all about the rising and setting of the Sun, Moon, stars' and w Waterbury. s
 For sale iu Litcifeld by Rivcrius Mauh.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

TIE death of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, and Prince Consort of England, is announced by the last British steamer. He died at Windsor Castle, on Sunday, the 18th inst, of gastric fever His death was sudden and unexpected, and he is widely lamented throughout the British nation.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

WOULDN'T it be we'll for certain beef.eating, un-naturalized Englishmen to keep quiet tongues in their head during the prevalent doubt as to whether their insane countrymen intend making war upon this government, and thus aiding the rebellion, lest they become the unlucky " first
 offerings" and be unexpectedly confsticated P
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26

People should never kiss those of their own sex, we never kissed boy in our lives-except occasionally pretty tomboy.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26
ToR THE ENouInER. A LITCHFIELD WINTER. f

Tyrant of earth ana main, Binding in icy chain. Gone are the scented flowers, The birds have left their bowers, Fled with the rosy hours. White spreads the spctless pail, Cold glittering over all,- Nature in speeches. thrall; While bough and twig on high Bright gleam against the sky, In dazzling jewelry. Hark to the merry bells, Now clear, now faint, by spells, Ger hills and echoing dells. Draw round the blazing hearth, Hallowed to cheerful mirth, The cherished spot of earth. High pile the cracking brands: Then talk of distant lands, Fringed by old Oceans sands; Talk of the days of yore, Live tAeir fond memories o'er Who shall return no more; Speak of our loved Country, Sacred to Liberty Where may all men be free! Implore cur fathers God, To spare the soil they trod His desolating rod. Speak of the happier cline Beyond the bounds of time, Its fellowship sublime. What though the storm-winds blow, Though, through the drifted snow, Tolls on the traveller slow;- In doors, we will not fear, With books and tasks to cheer, And friends and kindred dear.
 Rus eh6eld, Dec. A.
Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-26


 son and slidell, and of the captain of the Trent for receiving them on board his ship when he knew they were confederate ambassadors. When this violation of the Queens neutrality proclaim ation is satisfactorily settled, then. it is said MT. Seward will be ready to settle the points raised in reference to their capture by Captain Wilkes. Whatever may be the real state of tho case It IS certain that no official communication have passed between the Secretary of State and Lord Lyons.
 THE STEAMER TRENT ArrA1R.-The special correspondent of the Tribune, says, Lord Lyons held another conference on Monday with Score tary Seward at the State Department There is testimony of high authority that the conference was friendly and satisfactory; and it is known that Lord Lyons, who, when bidding guests to Christmas dinner last week, intimated that the necessities of his position" might constrain him to postpone the feast sine die, this after noon, several hours after his visit to the State Department, issued cards of invitation.
 Thus far, only the President and Secretary Seward have handled this delicate affair in the American interest. The last regular Cabinet meeting was adjourned by note from Mir, Lin. coin, to avoid the risk of general and prema- ture discussion, which might establish a policy. It is probable that the action of the State De- pertinent has already practically determined the conduct of the Govegnment. On Tuesday meet ing of the Cabinet will be held, at which our re- latioas with England will be thoroughly dis cussed. Public expectation here has anticipated from
Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-20
Good News

The war news which publish this week is
highly interesting, and well calculated to carry
thrill of JOY to the breast of every true patriot
in the land. The importance of the victory of
our naval and land forces in South Carolina, can
not be easily overrated. We have gained foot
hold in the very hotbed Of secessionisu, ard if
our troops there are promptly reinforced, the
Stars and Stripes will soon be seen floating in
triumph over Fort Sumter and in Charleston
This is decidedly the most important movement
Of the army since the beginning of the war, and
it should be followed up promptly by bold and
decisive blow at the Capitol of the Palmetto
State. Having gained an important advantage,
let US make all out of it we can during tie pres
ent campaign. The news from Ken lucky is also
important and gratifying, and leads us to conf
IDENTIFY hope that the secession forces in that
State will soon be driven beyond her borders.
Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-20
w AHe NEWS

FORTRESS MONROE, Nov, Is. via Baltimore
The steamer 'Bieuville' has just arrived at
Old Point from the great expedition. She
left Port Royal on Sunday morning. and
brings cheering intelligence She proceeds
at once to New York, where she will be due
tomorrow evening.
Capt Stea Imam, however, left her at this
place, aud proceeded direct to Washington
with dispatches ahd trophies of victory-two
brass cannon and Rebel flags.
He reports the gale encountered by the
feet to have been very severe. The steam
ers Union aud Oceola went ashore aud were
lost. as previously reported.
The steamer GoUernOr foundered at sea,
but the Isaac T Smith succeeded in saving
all her crew with the exception of few ma
rines.
The feet arrived at Port Royal on Mon
day. the 4th inst. On Tuesday the smaller
gun boats sounded and buoyed out the chan
mel under fire from the forts. which did no
damage. On Wednesday the weather pre-
vented active operations, but on Thursday
morning, the 9TH inst the mcn-of- war and
the gun boats advanced to the attack.
The action commenced at 10 o'clock A. NJ
aud was hotly carried on upon both sides,
aud lasted four hours, at the end of which
time the Rebels were compelled by the show
er of shells to abandon their works and beat
hasty retreat
Our loss was only eight men, and only one
officer. the Chief Engineer of the Aohican,
About twenty men were wounded.
The Rebel loss is unknown. Fifty-two
bodies we're found by our men and buried.
All their wounded except two were carried
off
Two forts were cap.ured-Fort Walker on
Hilton Head, mounting twenty guns, and
Fort Beauregard on Bay Point. mounting
nineteen guds. The guns were of heavy
calIbre They were both new and splendid
earthworks. of great strength. constructed in
the highest style of military science. and pro-
nounced by our engineer as impregnable
against any assault by land forces.
Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-20
The Arrest of Mason s. s.Ideu.

The intelligence of the arrest of Mason and
Slidell, the Ministers from the called Conieder
ate States, to England and France, has been re-
ceived with JOY and surprise in every part OF the
Republic. 1t is certainly a matter CT Importance
to our Government, to have secured these two
arch and influential rebels, but the fact of their
being arrested on board British vessel, will we
fear draw us into difficulty with that power.
Our Government so far from recognizing, has al
ways protested against the right of search on any
pretext whatever. In this case can only JUS
tify the act, by repudiating our own doctrine -
We forbear any further comments, until we shall
learn what view England takes of the natter
Both Mason and Slidell are distinguished South
ern Statesmen. Mr.. Mason has represented Vir-
ginia sevela; years in the United States Senate.
Mr. SliGell also has been member of that body,
from Louisiana and was our Minister in Mexico.
at the time of the breaking out of the war with
that country. OF course now that they have
been secured, they will be kept close prisoners.
It seems they were permitted by General Wool
to write open letters to their friends. The news
of their capture, will doubtless create great con-
sternation in the South, 1t is very depressing
circumstance, following as it does, close on the
capture of Port Royal
Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-20

LAMps.-Lamps for the parlor, dining
room and kitchen Lamps for the centre ta-
BILE, work stand and mantel; Lamps for the
pulpit. Lamps to swing, Lamps for wall-sides
and Lamps to carry around-in short, Carbon
oil Lamps of every description and pattern,
and for every purpose, may be found in guam
titles at the Tiuware and Stove Depot of F.
W. Hay. Canal street. Also-Wicks and
Chimreys. He has just received large in
voice of the new style patent oval chimneys.
which together with lamps aud wicks, he is
prepared to furnish to retail dealers at Pitts
burgh prices. Those who try Carbon Oil
Lamp will never buy any other.-Johnstoon
Tribune.