davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
NO. 9.
The Empty Cradle.

Every fold counts missing lamb, and thep
are few homes where there has been no mourning
over vacant chair. 1t is hard 60 part with
the darlings Of the nursery. Affection clings
to them fondly, and is reluctant TO loose its hold
but an allwise Father deals tenderly with His
children, and removes some of their treasures
to Heaven, that their affections may follow
Many weeping parents win recognize their own
experience in the following paragraphs from an
exchange:
'.The death of little child is to the mothers
heart Ike the dew on plant from which bud
has Just pcrished. The plant lifts up its head
in frcshcned greenness TO the morning light; SO
the mothers soul gathers, from the dark sorrow
which has passed, fresh Frightening Of her
heavenly hopes"
'.As she bends over the empty cradle and,
fancy brings her sweet infant before her, ray
of divine light is on her cheTub face. 1t is her
son still, but with the seal of Immortality upon
his brow. She feels that Heaven was the on
" atmosphere where her precious flower could
unfold without spot or blemish, and she would
not recall the lost But the anniversary OF his
departure seems to bring his spiritual presence
near her. She indulges in the tender grief
which soothes, ike an opiate in pain, all hard
passages and'carc in life. The world to her Is
no longer filled with human love and hope in
the future, so glorious with heavenly love and
ioy; she has treasures Of happiness which the
worldly. unchastened heart never conceived
The bright, fresh flowers with which she has de-
corated her room, the apartment where her IN
fant died. are members Of the far brighter hopes
now drawing ON her day-dream. She thinks
of the glory and beauty of the New Jerusalem,
where the little foot will never find thorn a.
mong the flowers to render shoe necessary
Nor will pillow be wanted for the dear head
reposing on the breast Of a Saviour And she
knows that her infant is there in that world OF
eternal bliss.
"She has marked one passage in that book,
to her cmphatically the world of life, now lying
closed on the toilet table, which she daily reads
"Suffcr little children to come unto me, for such
is the kingdom Of Heaven"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
Ancient Luxury.

The excavations at Pompeii arc going on
with an activity stimulated by the important
discoveries made, almost at every step, and the
quantity of gold and silver found much more
than suffices 10 cover the cost of the works.
Near the temple of Sumo, of which an account
was recently given, has just been brought to
light house, 10 doubt belonging to some mil
lonaire of the time, as the furniture of it Is OF
ivory. bronze and marble. The couches of the
triclinium, OF dining-room, are especially ofcx-
treme richness. The flooring consists Of an i'm
mense mosaic, well preserved in parts, and Of
which the centre represents table laid out Tor
a grand dinner In the middle ON large dish,
may be seen large peacock, withit tail spread
out and placed back to back with another bird,
also of elegant plumage. Around them arc ar
ranged Holsters. one of which holds blue egg
in its claws. second an oyster, which appears
to be frcasscd, as it Is open and covered with
herbs third, rat farci and fourth, a small
vase filled with fried grasshoppers. Next
comes q circle OF dishes OF nsn, mtersPciSeu
with others Of partridges, hares and squirrels;
which all have their heads placed between
their fore feet. Then comes row OF sausagcs
of all forms, supported by one of eggs, oysters
and olives, which in its turn is surrounded by
double circle of peaches, cherries, melons and
other fruits and vegetables. The walls OF the
tricIinium are covered with frcsco paintings Of
birds, fruits, flowers, game and fish Of all kinds,
the whole interspersed with drawings which
lend charm to the whole not easy to describe.
On table of rare wood, carved and inlaid
with gold, marble, agate, and lapis lazuli, were
nd.amphQre still containing wine, and some
goblets Of onyx.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
The Man with the Iron Mask.

Many have inquind who this celebrated his
torical parsonage, to whom so many illusions
have been made, really was. Voltaire, in his
Gage of Louis XIV" gives the following ac-
count of the mysterious prisoner of State.
"In 1861 there happened an event Of which
there is no similar example in the history OF the
world, andwith which the historians Of that time
seem to have been totally unacquainted. There
was sent to the castle in the Island Of St. Mar
guerite, in the sea of Provence, an unknown
prisoner. rather above the middle size, young,
and ola graceful figure. On the road he wore
a mask with steel springs, which enabled him
to eat without taking it off. Heremained here
closely confined, till 1890, when q. Mars, the
new governor of the Bastile, had him conveyed
to that prison. During the journey, he remain
ALWAYS covered with the mask, and the COVER
nor never sat down in his presence. lie was
lodged at the Bastile with all the attention pos
sible in that dungeon. Nothing was refused
him that he desired. His chief taste was for
lace and linen, remarkably fine. During his
two journeys. the soldiers who escorted him had
orders 70 shoot him if he made any attempt to
discover himself.
"This unknown individual died in l70S, and
was buried in the night. What increases our
surprise is, that when he was sent to the Island
of st. Marguerite, no person Of consequence in
Europe was missing Yet the prisoner was
certainly one of the great ones Of the world
Every circumstance connected with him prove
this. The governor put the dishes on his table
himself then retired locked the door. One day
the prisoner wrote something with his knife on
a silver plate and threw it out Of the window.
A fisherman picked it up, and brought it to the
governor. who. with evident establishment, ask
ed the man il he had read what was written on
the plate or if anybody else had seen 1t. lie
was not allowed to 60 till he had proven these
points, ,decisively. The governor then dismissed
him saying, His lucky for you that you can
not read" One Of the prisoners shirts, written
upon in very fine hand, was one day iiscov-
cred in the water by young barber. Two
days after the boy was found dead in his bed.
Another authority adds; Son the death Of
the Iron Mask, his apparel, linen, clothes, mat
tresses, in short, everything that had been used
by him, were burnt; the walls were scraped,
and the floors were taken up, al evidently
from tha apprehension that he might have
found means ofwriting something which would
have discovered who he was. The glass was
taken out Of the windows Of his room, and
pounded to dust, the windew-frames and doors
were burnt, and the plaster of the inside Of the
chimney wastaken down. 1t was even affirmed
that the body was buried without head; it
was currently reported that gentleman having
bribed the sexton, had the body taken up in
the night, and found stone instead Of the
head"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
The Fight Hour Movement.

This movement is acquiring wonderful I'M
petus in the prominent cities, and may be con-
sidered as accomplished. AT late meeting IN
Washington all mechanical trades were repre-
sented, and very cogent address promulgated.
They declare that "at last have been Inaugural
ted the preliminary steps towards the accom-
plishnient of that great birthright OF man
eight hours for work, eight hours for sleep, and
eight hours for social and moral recreation
the text of the philosopher, the theme OF the
philanthropist, and the hope of the lowly iaOo-
rer since civilization began to lift the heavy
burden of abuse through which prejudice strug-
gled vainly to impede the march of meliora-
ton"
"Under our present system of labor, the
workingman's time is so completely absorbed
that but littleof his attention can be devoted to
his family. That holy institution, the Sabbath,
is the only time permitted him to instruct his
children, warm their affections, and participate
in their pleasures. v
Duly 10 COUNTY ulluOl N"A - iiNiAO --
of government--whichd devolves onevery citizen
above twenty-one years of age great and pccu-
liar responsibilities-requires an intelligence
incompatible with ten hours of toll.
Duty to family, in the present state of socie-
ty, requires attentions and amenities which are
precluded by ten hours absence from home.
Duty to self requires man to protect himself
from physical ills, preserve his health, andpro-
long and enjoy life, by all the means in his
power, without injury to his fellowmah.
Can you drudge through the heat of summer,
exhausting the physical and depressingthe men
tai powers, qualify yourselves to render to that
country who entrusts to you her welfare and
perpetuity fair return of intelligent Judgment?
No, you cannot There is no relish for the
dry figures of trade, the research of science, nor
historical chronicles.
We do not claim this time for idleness. We
claim that we require it to look after our indi-
vidual interests and happiness. We do not
wish for luxury and Incidence; but We are am
bilious to turn our time and talents TO greater
account in the productive industry, in the social
relation, and in the political system Of the
country of which we are citizens; in word,
our aim is to make ourselves better friends bet
ter citizens, and better Christians"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
POETICAL.
If We Knew.

If we knew the cares and crosses
Crowding round our neighbor's way;
If we knew the little losses
Sorely grievous day BY day;
Would we then so often chide him
For the lack of thrift and gain
Leaving on his heart shadow,
Leaving on his heart stain?
If we knew the clouds above us,
Held by gentle blessings there,
Would we turn away all trembling,
In our blind and week despair!
Would we shrink from little shadows,
Living on the dewy grass,
While It's only birds of Eden,
Just in mercy flying pastl
If we knew the silent story,
Quivering through the heart of pain,
Would our womanhood dare doom them
Back to haunts of guilt again?
Life hath many tangled crossing,
JOY hath many break Of wo,
And the cheeks, tear-washed, are whiteSt-
This the blessed angels know.
Let us reach into our bosoms
For the KEY TO other lives,
And with love toward erring nature,
Cherish good that still survives;
So that when our disrobed spirits
Soar TO realms oflight again,
We may say, dear Father, judge Us
As we Judged our fellow men.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
Radnction off the Army.


Lieutenant General Grant has returned to
this city, his headquarters, and it is understood
that he is now prepared to carry out the plan,
already agreed upon, for the reduction of the
army to standard required only for the ordi-
nary condition of the country in times of tran
guilty at home and peace abroad. 1t is to be
presumed that large reduction will take place
in the QuartermaSter Generals Department
which is one Of the most expensive branches Of
the military service. But, of course, this re-
duction must be preceded by the discharge Of
troops still retained in the South.
The number Of troops to be retained for a
permanent peace establishment is not yet fixed
by law, and will of course be left for the pres
ent to the discretion of the Executive. 1t has
been supposed, however, thatthe number could
not be wisely diminished below one hundred
thousand National fntelligencer
The Secretary of War, we understand, has
already sent a Circular to the different Bureaus
of his Department, asking their views as to the
arrangement of a personnel for each, upon the
basis of an army of 100000 troops.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

BALTIMORE AND LIVERPOOL LISE OF STEAM
ERs-SAILISG OF THE SoMERsET.-The sailing
of the steamship Somerset, the pioneer ship OF
the Baltimore and Liverpool Line, took place
promptly at noon on Saturday week, and was
made the occasion Of an impromptu demonsta-
ton, very pleasing and animated in character,
and showing how earnest and general is the
popular interest in this great enterprise, in the
success Of which the commercial and marine
interests Of Baltimore are 50 largely involved.
The event was celebrated by great rejoicings,
speech-making and fcasting. The principal
speakers were John w. Garrett, President Of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, VIM. Prescott
Smith, Hon. Edwin Webster and Gen. Thigh
man.
The vessel sailed with five passengers, and
her cargo consisted Of 5000 bushels Of corn,
300 bales Of cotton, 100 hogsheads Of tobacco,
800 sacks Of oil cake, 40 tons Of bark, largo
quantity Of dye stuff, in addition to a consider
able quantity of canned fruit, oysters, &c.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
VIRGINIA FREE PRESS.
TETRNIs.

.zS-The FREE PREss is published weekly at Tee
.BoUars aad Fifiy Cents per 0nRWH ca adraHes.
rs Oas Dollar and Fyty Cents for s's H0aih''
ss-The terms Of advertising are, for square,
ten lines or less, One DaHar aad Fgty Cents for
three insertions-larger ones in the same proper
Hon Each continuance TAirty5fcs Cents.
szs-No advertisement to be considered by the
month or year unless specified on the Manuscript
or previously agreed upon between the parties.
An advertisement not marked on the copy
for specified number Of insertions viii be continued
untl ordered out and payment exacted accordingly.
5s8-REGULAR ADvERrIsENESrS.-Io avoid any
Misunderstanding on the part Of the Annual Adver-
tuers it is proper TO state dstney that their Pri-
viege only extends to their immediate business
Real Estate, Legal and an other advertisements sent
bv them TO be an additional charge, and no varia
non
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

The price of printing paper, printing mate
rial, &c, &C., is now increasing. In the mean
time the publisher of newspapers are not in
creasing their rates of subscription or of adver-
tising. They remain as they have been since
the war So that the publishers bear all the
burthens. and reap none of the profits.
The Democracy have had a split The State
Rights men, at a recent meeting in New York
city, denounced the State Democratic nominal
tons and platform.
The Fredericksburg and Gordonsyille Rail-
road was organized on Wednesday by the al
most unanimous election of G. H. c. Rowe
Esq, President. Montgomery Slaughter and
Peter Goolrick were appointed Directors on
the part Of the private stockholders.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
PROFESSIONALCARD.

NOR certain reasons deem it proper thus 90 say
20 the Public, that being relieved Of engage
ments and difficulties, which tor several years
have necessarily drawn largely upon my time
and attention. and more or less embarrassed
the diScharse of professional duty, / intend, il
my life be spared. 90 devote the next ten years
erclusirely TO a faithful pursuit Of my protes-
siou
viii give especial attention o that branch
Of practice. which LAS been my main study
from the commencement of my experience.
j'' The Diseases Of Females agd chldyeR,
and I'm order % q successful management will
avail myself Of the LATEST IMPROVEMENTS IN
MEDICINES AND APPLIANCES.
oct. l2tf JOHN Il. II. STRAITH.
Shep Register copy / times aud send bill to
advertiser
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19


MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF Dr.
RECToRs OF THE BALTIMORE AND ONO RAIL-
wAY.-At the usual monthly meeting of the
Directors of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway,
which was held yesterday, a semi-annual divi-
dend of four per cent. on the main stem was de-
clared, and dividend of five per cent. ON the
Washington branch of the same road. In re-
gard to the affairs of the Company, President
Garrett stated that the force of employees now
numbers seven thousand seven hundred and
five men. The aggregate of the pay rolls for
the month of September, was nearly three hum
dred and fifty thousand dollars. A double
track is in process of construction to Piedmont;
thirty new engines have been added to the
equipment of the company, and twenty others
are beingconstructed. Inregard to coal freight;
it was shown that the charges were consider
ably less on the Baltimore and Ohio road than
on any other, and, that with the large increase
ofmotive power the facilities for the transpor-
tation of coal to this market viii be greatly en-
hanced.-BGltimore Gazette.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

Talleyrand once took the conceit out Of a
young coxcomb at some table in Paris, where
he Glanced to be dining, Ny mother" said
the dandy, was renowned for her beauty
She was certainly the handsomest woman ev-
er saw" "Ahp taking bis measure at once,
" it was your father, then, who was not good
loobing,'
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

We often formed the wish-and afterwards
made picture of it--that We could be present
at all the rcconciliations in the world, because
no love Is so beautiful6r moyesus 50 deeply as
returning love.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

A BIusH.-The mind communicating with
the central gangIion by reflex action 70 the orr
..anic nerves with which it inosculatcs.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
Or. W. F. ALEXANDER

OFFERS his professional services 10 the citizen
\ , Of the neighborbosd Of Duteld's Depot, JET
fe-Bon County.
Gs-OFrlcE At Nh. HuLERT's H0rsE. TsE
August "a lS65
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
JoHS YELLorr,


OFFERS TO the Public for the practice Of Nedi-
Z J cine and Surgery. OEce Hours from n A. NJ.
g. i. NJ O1icc Residence same with Dr. J. j.
H. Straith.
Aug %. 1868.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
JOHN y. OT.IN EI&,
ATTORNEY At LAW,
AND
Agent for Claims Against
Nh IND~~r,-.,,, ~, -,,,f

Il 4ANT NAA \ N'A AAAAAN' IA u
WASHING TON. %. g.,
OFFICE: Corner of Louisiana ard Sixth Street.
u. %. Bon No. G3f.
nROMPT attention win be given to applications
for ARREARSof PAY. BOJNTiES. WtF
aTa NAVY PENSIONS. oud BOUNTY LAND
WARRANTS. and Claims for Quartermaster and
Commissary Stores taken for the OF ard used by
the L. :. Army and an other Claims before the
E1gCCrIyE DlrAEMESr5, and in the C0URr OF
CLAIMS.
JOHN n. STRIDER. ESQ. of Charleslowu JEFF
srson County, will fll up and forward an claims
entrusted % me, who, as well as myself, can be
consulted bv letter.
Ofiecrs, Csrtfcqtss Of noa-inds5isdness obtained.
August 81 IS6j.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

ATTORNEY 4 COUNSELLOR AT LAW,
Hvpsr's Ferry Vest PirgiHiG,
WILL stteDd 10 business in al the Courts Of
w this State.
September Il, 1865.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

zpWaRD z. COOKE. ANDREW e. KESNEDT.
Cooke - IGcnnedys
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
CAarls5totsn, Je5svson CoUgty, Iirgi"ia,
HAVE resumed the practice Of their profession,
and viii attend The Courts Of this and the ad-
iacent counties
Office on Main Street.-The room formerly used
by the Directors Of the Valley Bank.
Sept 2S. lS65-E
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19
WNI. III. TRAVERS.

Clarlss,o,rn. Jefferson County, TirgiHid,
WILL. practice in the Courts Of this County
w and the adjoining Counties.
OrrIcE next door 90 the residence of Maj W. j
Hawks. and nearly opposite the Carter House
Oct ~, lS6j-5te
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-08
FOREIGN NEWS.

The Africa, from Liverpool May 81 and
Queenstown May 2s. arrived at Halifax yesterday,
bringing two days later news from Europe.
Lord Pamerston stated in the House OF Commons
Shat further correspondence had taken place be-
tween the Government of the United States and that
Of England concerning the depredatons committed by
she Alabama and that the Government of England had
not yet had time to reply to the last communications
Erom Washington. He assured the House. however
chat the relations between the two Governments were
Of friendly character.
Prince Napoleon had been severely censured by the
Emperor for his speech at Ajiccio and more particu
Early for what he said America In consequence Of
this letter the Prince had resigned his official positions
Our dates from Havana to June 3. There is no
later news of importance. The Captan-General Of
Cubs had given dinner in honor Of the American Ad
rnira and other officers Of the squadron, and grand
ball 20 follow.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-08

A meeting of welcome in this city TO some OF
the most distinguished Generals Of the war
could not be other than one Of unbOunded en-
thusiasm; it is unfortunate that this fact was
not accepted as unquestionable and the ovation
Of last evening given in place large enough to
hold the excited multitude sure to assemble to
do honor to our great Captains. 1t should have
been in the Academy of Music, though even
that would have been too small. But it would
not have been so much too small as the Cooper
institute, which was not only most densely
thronged, but its crowded condition provoked
that element of disorder so apt to arise where
people are uncomfortably damned together.
The desire to see and hear Grant and
Logan and Thomas might have been in
some degree controlled had the multitude been
seated in a comfortable and orderly way. AS
it was, the meeting was simply tumultuous, ard
the excitement, which, in another and larger
place wonld have been triumphant enthusiasm,
became almost raging uproar. The excite
ment, of course, was all in the right direction;
the circumstance of place and discomfort only
carried it beyond due bounds, and led men TO
forget some Of the prophecies Of such an occa-
sion. No military ohieftains were ever before,
perhaps, SO welcomed by grateful people, and
that there was a degree of roughness in that
welcome was rather an unfortunate accident
than q fault proving only that it was too heart
felt and sincere to be kept within bounds under
any provOcation TO disorder.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-08
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE, THURSDAY. JUNE g. 1866

federation; vet they planned secession from It, and
carried out the secession"
We trust it cannot be Mr.. George 7. Curtis
who insinuates this parity between the Conven-
ton which called our country out Of the i'm
potence and anarchy Of the old Confederation
and those Southern State Conventions which
pretended to dissolve the Union by taxing their
respective States out of it and putting them
back into Confederation. This is putting or
ganization and disorganization, life and DEATH
on a common footing.
If &C." holds that q citizen dsloyal to the
Union and its Government, and sympathizing
with q formidable Rebellion desperately striving
to overthrow them, has an indefeasible right to
vote nevertheless in tho elections Of bis Qoyal)
State, he should have plainly said so. We arc
quite sure that the position cannot be main
tanned. And as for the notion that an oath may
be falsely taken without blame, If those who
imposed it had no right to do so, we have heard
nothing 80 strocious for many q long day.