davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
Terrific Adventure with q Boa Con-
strictor.

One OF the most thrilling incidents which
has come to our knowledge occurred o few
days since in "side show" with Van Am.
burgh & Co.'S menageric, where two enor-
nous snakes-an anaconda and boa con.
strictor-arc on exhibition. Both Of the
huge reptiles are kept in one case with u glass
top, opening at tho side, and the keeper was
in the act of feeding them when the event
occurred. The boa constructor, which Is some
thirty feet long, and as largo around the mid
die as mans thigh. had just swallowed two
rabbits, when the keeper introduced bis arm
and body into the cage. to give third to the
anaconda, Mt the opposite corner.
While In this position, the boa, not salts
fed with his share Of the rations, made a
spring. probably with the intention of secur-
ing the remaining rabbit, but, instead, fas.
tened his jaws upon the keepers hand, and
with the rapidity Of lightning, threw three
coils around tho poor fellow, thus rendering
him entirely helpless. His shouts Of distress
at once brought several men to his assistance
and among them well known Snowman
named Townsend, a man of much muscular
power. and who had been familiar with the
habits of these monsters all his life, having
owned some OF the largest ones ever brought
to this country.
The situation Of the keeper was now per.
ilous in the extreme. The first thing to be
done was to uncoll the snake from around
him. but if in attempting this the reptile
should become in the least degree angered,
he would in a second contract his coils with
n power sufficient to crush the life of nm OK.
This Townsend fully understood, so, without
attempting to disturb the boa's hold upon
the keepers hand, he managed, by powerful,
yet extremely cautious movements, to uncoil
the snake without exciting him, after which,
by the united cxertions Of two strong men,
the jaws were pried open and the man releas.
ed in completely exhausted condition. The
bite Of the boa constructor is not poisonous,
and though the hand was immensely swollen
the next day. no serious results were appre.
hended. a more narrow escape from most
horrible death II would be difficult to imag.
inc.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
Mopowell's Letter to the President.
WASHINGTON, Srrr. 6.


To his Eroelieney The President:
I have been informed by Senator that he
has seen note in pencil, written by a Col.
Of cavalry, mortally wounded in the recent
battles, stating among other causes that he
was dying victim to Mcdowell & treachery,
and that his last request was that this note
might be shown to you. That the Colonel
believed this charge and felt that his last act
on earth was great public service, there can
be, think, no question. This solemn accn.
sition from the grave OF a gallant officer who
died for his country is entitled to great con-
sideration, and | feel called upon to endeay.
or to meet it, rs we'll as 40 general charge
from one now no longer able to support 1t,
can be met. therefore beg you to please
cause court to be instituted for its investi.
cation, and in the absence Of any knowledge
whatever as to the particular act or acts.
time or place or general conduct the deceased
may have had in view. have to ask that the
inquiries be without Limitation, and be upon
any point-every subject which may in any
way be supposed to have led to his belief, that
It may be directed to my whole conduct as q
General officer either under another or whilst
In q separate command, whether on matters
of administration or command, to my CORES
pondence with any of the enemy's command
cr., or with any one within the enemy's lines,
to my conduct and the policy pursued by me
towards the inhabitants of the country occu.
pied by our troops with reference to them.
selves or their property, and further to any
imputations Of indirect treachery or disloy-
atty towards the nation or any individual,
,layiag, like myself, an important trust,
whether have or have not been faithful as
subordinate to those placed over me, giving
them heartily, and to the best Of my capaci-
ty, all the support in my power. and whcth-
er have or have not failed, through unwor.
thy personal motives to 60 to the aid Of, or
sent reinforcements to my brother command.
ers. That this subject of my alleged treach-
cry or disloyalty may be fully inquired into,
beg that all officers. soldiers or citizens, who
know or think they know OF any net Of mine
liable to tho charge in question to be allowed
and invited to make 1t known to the court.
also beg that the proceedings Of the court
may be open and free to the press from day
to day. have the honor to be very respect:
fully your most obedient servant,
(Signed) IRWIN McDowELL.
Com'dg Sd Army Corps, Army OF Va.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19

woRps FOR WIVES. II believe the in
luence of q vile to be always, for good or
for evil, very decided. There Is not woman
living, unless she has forfeited all claim to
her husbands respect. but is making her
mark day by day upon his character. We
men are foolishly proud, and do not like to
lot women zee how they influence us, but
we know that outside OF our business-and
sometimes even in it-all our doings arc
more or less controlled by our wives, and he
is o knayo who will not honestly own it.
Is II disgrace to a man that he is kept
ut home, away from had company,
away from doubtful pleasures and foolish
expense. through his wifs's inaence? Some
poor, cowardly souls think so. and utter
senseless cries against her who, as guardian
angel, stands between these and their victim.
-Erehdnge.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
sonouo.-The manufacture Of sorgho ayr.

SoRouo. The manufacture Of sorgho .yr.
up In the wcst. is carried on quite eIten.
sively, and Louisiana will thus lose much Of
the trade which she once had with the West
States. II is said that Ohio alone, will pro-
duce this year fifteen millions Of gallons OF
sorgho syrup. This Is enormous Thus the
slave States by their rebcllious course will
find that the free States are not 80 dependent
upon them as they were wont to think their
very course has melted the loyal people to
new enterprises and to raising within their
own territory products which they have hcre-
tofore procured from other localities.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
BY DAVID BARKER.

ny the moons pale light, to gazing throng.
lie, me tell one tale, let me sing one songl
IT'S tale devoid Of an ain or plan,
'Tis simple song Of q one arm man.
TIL this very hour could ne'er believe
What 9 tsll-tale thing Is an empty sleeve
What weird, queer thing IA an empty sleeve.
IL tells IN silent tone TO all
or eountry's need and q eOuntry's call,
or kiss and tear for q child and wife,
And a hurried march for q nations liiei
TIN this very hour VINO could e'er believe
What q telLtale thing Is an empty sleeve
What a weird, queer thing Is an empty sleeve.
IL tells Of battlefield OF gore
or the sAbre's olssh-Of the eannOn's rOar-
or the deadly eharge-Oi the bu sles note
or Q gurgliRg sound In fOemans throat
or the xhlrIing srspo-of the asry she'll
or q scene which mimies the scenes Of hell.
TIN thus very hour would you e'er believe
What q tell-tale thing Is an empty sleeve
What weird. queer thins is an empty sleeve.
Though Il points to a myriad wounds and stars,
Yet II tells that asg with the stripes and stars,
In Gods own chosen time, will take
Each place Of the rag with the rattlssnake,
And Il points TO time when that nag shall wave
Ger land where there brssthes no covering slave
To the top Of the skies let Us all then heaVe
one proud hurIa for the empty sleeve
FOR the one arm man with the empty sleeve.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
Gbs storp Grller.
HOPEFUL TACKETT
HIS MA II X.
ny RICHARD woLcorr, 'TrSru ILLINOIS"

r..... :, ,,,,nn, ,,,u
" wave
" the Is ,.n aO' 'n' i''S' ~ III Wv "' "''' wv
r,,. .,o, uor,e,, Tockst, n. hs sat on
r.., - :, A.. u,,,, H. =, u.,-
u'' :" "'"o - 80" ~. ~. - -. T,n.
h'''"'"O'' "s n 80, -, e.
no 'ans' "0' ay' 's' ,, WV" - - -
'or anu u"'''O"' , F'"o ''',. -. ~. :" Al
'n',' N :. 80, - -, ,,,,
Us n' ""s' ,"' fNf fs.s .1.,.--,., =
'"' '' ,,,.-..I @ -, 49,, -, ~.
0os' " w" .m - ~. -, or r,.,,J
"'nao~' anu 70" s,vu,
urehlns WIN u" a'u'u' " m..,
"Wonid you 'ose u 'es 'O' ~ ~
asked, bringing 70 pear uP'a "O,' M
OF crossed eyes 'u'' eo"P.',"en' y, - 80
teeth. and a lace spotted VIII" ~ A"
dust. u.,.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
Gen. Lees Proclamation.
LEE's HEADQUARTERS,
Army of Northern Virginia,
Near Fredericktown, Sept. 8.

To the people of Maryland lit is right
that you should know the purpose that has
brought the army under my command with
in the limits Of your State, so far us that pur
pose concerns yourselves. The people Of the
Confederate States haye long watched with
the deepest sympathies the wrongs and out
RACES that have been inflicted upon the citi.
zens of the commonwealth allied To the States
of the South by the strongest social, polite
al and commercial ties, aud reduced to the
condition of conquered province. Under
the pretence Of supporting the Constitution,
hut in violation of Its most valuable proyi-
sions. your citizens have been arrested and
imprisoned upon no charge, and contrary to
all forms Of law. A faithful and manly pro-
test against this outrage. made by q venera-
BILE and llustrious Marylander, to whom. in
better days no citizens appealed for right in
vain, was treated with scorn and contempt.
The government Of your chief city has been
usurped by armed strangers your legisla.
ture has been dissolved by the unlawful ar
rest of its members; freedom of the press
and of speech have been suppressed words
have been declared ofIenses by an arbitrary
uecrec Ol tue rtucru EAccutNc, anu Ciuhcus
ordered to be tried by military commissions
for what they may dare speak.
Believing the people Of Maryland possess n
spirit too lofty to submit to such govern
ment, the people Of the South have long
wished to aid you in throwing of this foreign
yoke. tn enable you again to enjoy the unal-
ienable right Of freemen. and to restore the
Independence and sovereignty Of your State.
In obedience to this wish our army has
come among you, and is prepared to assist
you with It's arms in regaining the rights OF
which you have been unjustly despoilcd.-
This. citizens OF Maryland. Is our mission so
far as you are concerned. No restraint upon
your free will is intended. No intimidation
will be allowed within the limits Of this ar
my, at least Marylanders shall once more en-
ioy their ancient freedom Of thought and
speech. We know no enemies among you,
and will protect all Of you in every opinion.
1t Is for you to decide your destiny, freely
and without constraint. This army will res.
pect your choice. whatever II may be, and
while the Southern people will rejoice to vel.
come you to your natural position among
them, they will only welcome you when you
come of your own free will.
(Sgned) r. E. LEE, Gen'l Com'dg.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
Death q Co.,
DEALERS IN WINE, SPIRITS AND LIQUORS,

Take the opportunity Of informing their
friends, that they continue the trade Of max
ing drunkards, bankrupts. beggars, and ma
MACS, on the most reasonable terms, and at
tho shortest notice. The subscribers return
their sincere thanks TO their numerous Gus
toners, and to all the tippling part OF tho
community, for the extensive patronage they
receive and they hope that the many proofs
to be found Of their success in the above line
of business, will secure to them tho support
of drunkards and occasional drinkers, as we'll
as forever silence the advocates Of temper
ance societies-those bitter enemies Of their
long established popular trade.
Death & Co., beg to assure the public that
the articles in which they deal, are the best
and most pleasant polsons In the
world and they will warrant them certain
death, in every case where the individual pei
seyeres In the use Of them. Death & Co.,
bind themselves under obligations to send
more persons to tho poor.house. tho prison,
the gallows, and the graveyard, than any
other firm, and they will also do II with tho
greatest possible dispatch. To accomplish
these desirable ends, Il Is only necessary for
q person to take glass occasionally ill ho
feels the quantity insufficient to gratify that
craving appetite which II will soon create.
and when this rum. gin, brandy. wine. ale
or porter appetite Is formed, the persons are
then prepared to brave temporal and
internal misery for the sake OF another glass.
In short, Death & Co., will spare no means
or expense to bring tho wives and children Of
their customers to misery temporal and
eternal. They are constantly receiving new
supplies Of the poisonous liquids, which they
will sell by the glass, bottle, barrel or hogs
head.
For tho accommodation of their numerous
customers. and for the dispatch Of their in.
creasing business, Death & Co., have ap-
pointed sufficient number OF active agents,
who are stationed at convenient distances, In
splendid saloons, bcer.shops, and public hous-
es. These saloons, beer.shops, and public
houses, may be known by the 6lth and OBJ
scurity of the customers who congregato
around them, as we'll as by tho odors Of tho
poison continually poluting tho air around.
Satisfactory references can be given to
county jails, houses Of correction, lunatic
asylums, hospitals, work.houses, criminal
courts, or tho wives and families of those
whom Death & Co.., had tho happiness to
make drunkards.
Death & Co.. beg leave to caution all tip
pliers and dram drinkers. from giving any
heed to their wives, children or friends or
any advocates ol temperance societies, as
these parties ore enemies to their soul and
body destroying business.
Gentlemen by calling on our agents, may
see specimens OF drunkards, at oil hours
OF the day or night. Sundays not excepted.
Clarion, Yonkers, ". Y.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
I,aceS.

The collection of laces at the Information.
al Exhibition is very large. Certain point
sets have attracted much attention for their
excellent quality. which may be inferred from
the fact that each set is worth $1,000, and
occupied four years in Its construction.
Among the guipure laces there are specimens
worked in colors for Aounces and other dress
trimmings, which are novelties. Among the
point d'Alencon specimens Is 1ounce valued
at $4,000. Articles OF large size are exceed
ingly rare in this kind Of lace. and its man.
ufacture being very laborious probably &C.
counts for its high price In comparison with
the other laccs described.
Point d'Alencon is made in the following
manner The design, FIRST engraved on cop.
per, 10 afterward printed In divisions On small
pieces Of parchment. These are numbered
according to their order, and holes picked
along the outlines Of the flowers; q piece OF
coarse linen Is then laid on. and tracing.
thread is sown with 6nc stitches, which unite
thread, linen and parchment together. Two
Hat threads held beneath the thumb OF the
left hand, are then guided along the edges OF
the pattern, and fixed BY minute stitches pass
ing through the hole in the parchment. The
skeleton OF the lace thus completed. the Gen.
tres Of the flowers must be filed up. The
worker supplies herself with long needle
and very fne thread. and with these she
works a knotted stitch from leit to right.
successive rows of which at length fll up the
intenticcs. The plain ground connecting
different portions OF the pattern Is commenc-
ed by one thread being thrown across as q
pioneer, and Others interesting II and each
other form the delicate meshes. Then the
spaces reserved for fancy stitches are hlled
up; and finally the design Is enriched with
embroidery in relief. When tho work 70 10
far accomplished the various secsions arc
united 90 skilliully that the joints escape do.
lection. and the result Ia the most costly Of
modern laces.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19

~ I affirm two things for the edifcation
Of all that are beginning life, and have not
vet formed their own Judgments, rather than
for maturer minds. First. I affirm that all
the men whose names have been memorable
In this country, have, to q greater or lee: de-
gree, conformed to the Christian method
They have lived for higher cause than their
own self.intcrest and il Ia for that reason
that their names have been memorable. Tho
other thing which Affirm 10 this; that those
men who have been Temporarily great, and
lost their greatness after tho lapse oi short
period, have been men that sought their own
interests, and not the interests of tho cause
of God.-H w. BeecAer.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19

GoLp IN MAiNE.-Prof. Geo. L. Goodale,
Of the Scientific survey Of Maine, writes to
DR.. DeIaski that ho had the pleasure Of dis.
covering ION the 25th ult., in the town OF
Princeton. about Is or 20 miles west Of CAL
ais,) in ledge Of great extent, not only q
chance to find gold but gold Of much purity.
The gold is like that Of Tsngieu locality.
and promises well. The land, formerly
worth IS cents per acre. is to day worth $40
per foot. You would be amused to SEQ the
breeze this bona Jdde discovery has made in
this vicinity. t
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19

The LAST HouRs or Yorxo FnsExpu.-
Rev. Mr.. Ksnnard. Of Washington. who Viz
tied the battle Geld last week. reports thath'
was with tho son Of Senator Fcsend~
Centreville. In his dying hours. -
In making him - coufortsH
Tho brave young ofbc'-
tcntion rs u he 1'U M
surgeon an grrs
ants -
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19

To nrsIsor MorHs IN CARPrrs.-Rsmovs
tho furniture and whip the edges Of the car
pet repeatedly with strong whip. 10 good
rawhide.) A good hoosskeepcr writes that
she has tried this method with success.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19

VThe Masonic Ttowel. organ Of tho Ma.
sonic fraternity in illinois, has an able srti.
Gle proving that rebellion againssth tho
msnt u treason 70 The order.
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
THE EMPTY SLEEVE.

uhscribed TO Gen. Howard, Of Maine, who recently
lost his right arm in defence OF his eountry.l
The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-19
puetrp.
..rHUs SAITH THE LORD. OFFER
THEE THREE THINGS"
Br OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.

ThEE Eh1A14b 4hANSo.
BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.
In poisonous dens, where traitors hide
Like bat, that fear the day,
While all the land our charters claim
Issweating blood and breathing flame,
Dead TO their eOuntry's woe and shame,
The reereants whisper STAY
In peaceful homes, where patriot nres
On Loves own altars glow,
The mother hides her trembling fear,
The wife. the sister checks tear.
To breathe the parting word Of cheer,
Soldier Of Freedom, Col
In halls where luxury lies at ease,
And Mammon keeps his state,
where Gatterers fawn and menlals crouch,
The dreamer, startled from his couch.
wrings few counters from his pouch,
And murmurs falntly. WANT
In weary camps, on trampled plains
That ring with aie and drum,
The battling host, whose harness CLEANS
Along the erimsoa-nowins streams,
Calls, like warning voice In dreams,
We want you, Brother Cows!
Choose ye whose bidding ys will do,
To 20, TO wait, TO stay
sons Of the Freedom.loving town,
Heirs of the FATHERS old renown,
The ssryile yoke. the civic crown
Await your choice TODAY
The stake Is laid, o gallant youth
With yet unsllvered brow,
II Heaven should lose and Hell should win,
On whom shall Tic the mortal sin,
Whose record IL, q migAt Aavs bssEl
God calls you-answer NOW
Angus, -, ls62.
The New York herald., 1862-09-13

A CONFUSION or TEaMs-A republican jour
nal whose editor while on the peninsula with
Mcclellan wrote in the most eulogistic terms
Of h. slams, has an article yesterday in which
n speaks Of him as being supported only Sy .
ansstt+..o ion" II the conservailfs portion Of tho
Cabinet, Of the people, Of the press and the
entire body Of the army be faction, then
cannot be denied that he has its unqualified and
most enthusiastic support. We have yet 10
learn, however, that our contemporaries ter.
minology is correct, even in this age Of rapidly
shifting political definitions
The New York herald., 1862-09-13

ScLprERs Nsr Heard FRox.-Every day we
receive many LISTERS from the relatives Of
soldiers in the army, asking information in re-
gard to volunteers, from Vhom they have not
heard for months. We give sil the information
of that sort which we can collect In the columns
OF our paper. Some OF these poor fellows are
doubtless dead. others wounded and In the
hospitals, others prisoners among the rebels.
1t is impossible for US, or even for the govern
ment, TO keep books of reference in regard TO
every one Of SO many thousands Of soldiers,
scattered over such very large extent of terri
terry. Let soldiers relatives comfort themselves
with the fact that their friends will turn up
some day or other in the right place Whether
dead, wounded or prisoners, their names will
some day find their way into print. II still
well and in the army, the necessities Of the
sogvice or disinclinaten to write bad news,
or the lack Of stamps and writing materials,
may prevent some Of the soldiers from keeping
up correspondence with homo friends. A
good soldier has little time TO write with any
thing but his bayonet, just at present.
II is very painful not to be able to hear from
relatives and friends in the army; but it is a
kind Of suffering which must be cheerfully
borne in common with US ell; for who las
not relatives and friends now in the field. md
who has not some sacrifices to make r.cu, CO.
the country! The shortest way to .Iotain inteli;-
gence from soldiers in To army is to put
down the rebellion, Tken those who arc alive
and we'll will oome joyfully home. Then the
missing will be heard from and the prisoners
released. Then the wounded will be accessi-
bio at tho hospitals, or return to be nursed at
their own firesides. Then the patriot dead will
be known, and their names written brightly
upon the scroll of undyng fame. Let us all,
therefore, help to put the rebellion down. Let
mothers and sisters scrape lint and make band
ages. Let fathers and brothers contribute of
their means or secure recruits for the armies.
Even the children can do something, and
should be set to work. II we all labor heartily
together, we shall soon end the war and bring
the loved ones home.
The New York herald., 1862-09-13
IMPORTANT Faom TINE PENINSULA.

Defeat OF the Rebels st Williamsburg, W..
FonrRass MoSsns. sept. IL, 1859.
rebel force Of cavalry with three pieces Of artillery,
under Colonel Shingles, made an attack on wiIsmsbRs
on Tuesday morning about eight O'Clock After having
captured our psksts they marched Into the town. taking
oar troops by ssrpriss.
An sngagemcn; crsssd, which tasted about thirty
minutes
Our force consisted of the fifth Pennsylvania csvay
COlonci Campbell who was taken prisoner together vsA
ays captains. four fiestsnauss, and few privases
Ths rebel commander Col Shingles with eight sf hio
sfncsn aad men, were killed.
THE sebel loss thss oars, aas ws re-
maiusd in possession u the place.
We t0ok numbs1 OF prisoners