davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02
The Southern Women OF Yore.

The one person on Southern plan
tation whose life was no sinecure, was
the genial, stately and supplemented
mistress. Hard working New Eng
land housewives and energetic Middle
States women used to fancy their
Southern sisters languid, elegant and
inefficient: Lying off in a rocking
chair, with servant to fan her."
came about as near the usual descrip-
ton of Southern lady as anything
that occurs to me. No mistake could
be greater. With numerous house,
hold to supervise and control, it was
necessary that the mistress should pos
sess some executive ability to keep
everything going smoothly. There
was the store room and the giving
Out" of provisions. Living on plan
tations remote from towns, as many
did, and purchasing supplies in large
quantities, the key-basket was ne
cessity. Who ever saw a Southern
house keeper without that badge of
authority? 1t stood by her OF the
breakfast table, or was at hand on the
sidebOard. 1t went with her on her
daily rounds, and its bunch of keys
locked up many a thing besides food.
That had to be apportioned to the
mouths that were to eat it-so much
meal and bacon weekly to the people
who lived in the quarters and worked
in the field; so much to the house SER
wants, and so mush daily measuring
for the table of the family. The hot
bread which smokes on the Southern
breakfast board was measured into the
cooks kneading-bow the night before.
The coffee was given out, not the un-
certain variety, half chickory or two
thirds rye and molasses, which we
drink who buy it already ground, but
the best Java, bought green, Drowned
over the fire in spider, and ground
as it was wanted. The eggs were coun-
ted for the batter cakes or the pone,
and to the minutie of salt and spice,
every condiment was distributed un-
der the mistress's eye. This was the
only way under that system of affairs,
for with the easy-going shiftlessness of
Chloe and Dinah, had they been as
honest as pane Of glass, things would
have melted away like snow in a March
sun. All the clothing, for winter, and
summer, for men, women and children,
had to be cut out and made under the
direction Of the ladies of the family.
And at any hour of day or night, if
anybody was sick, the mistress was the
person to be called upon. The med
icine chest was always well supplied
with potent remedies, especially with
calomel and quinine, which frighten
Northerners, but which seem to have
blessed affinity for those who live
south of Mason and Dixon's line
Hearth and Home.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02

chus, King of Egypt, was brought a
prisoner; and the tribute Of Manasseh,
the cruel King of Judah, was sent here.
The city saw those strangers, the en-
yoys of Gyges, King of Lydia, so well
known from the pages of Heradotus. Z"
They came the bearers of submission
and tribute to the great King, and
brought in chains with them two
prisoners of the Oimmerians as pres
ent to Assur-bani-pal. Again, after
the desperate struggle with the Elam-
ties, Assur-bani-pal entered Its gates
in triumph with music and shouting,
his soldiers loaded with spoil, and
bearing aloft the CHASTITY remnants of
the fight, including the head of Teum-
man, the yanquished Monarch, which
subsequently adorned its principal gate.
As new nations were conquered or re-
volt, crushed, similar scenes were wit
messed, and it seemed as if thecity was
to enjoy perpetual time of triumph.
The end, however, was near. The
Babylonians having again revolted,
Nabopolassar, an Assyrian general,
was sent out against them, and reduced
them to submission. As the Ninevites
witnessed his departure for the seat of
war, probably not one dreamed that
this man would return to destroy their
city, then in the height of its power.
Nabopolassar, however, having con-
quered, was rewarded by the crown of
Babyl0nia, and when he had solidifed
his power In that country, he sent Sc
cretly and made alliance with the Kings
of Media and Egypt, and these powers
all marched on Assyria. The Egypt
lans took Carchemesh, and held the
Euphrates the Medes advanced to
Nineveh from the east, and joined the
Babylonians coming from the south
Nlneyeh was beseiged, and part of the
wall being carried away by great in
of the Tigris, the enemy
marched in. The King of Assyria in
despair set fire to his palace and per-
lshed in the flames, and the Medes and |
Babylonians completed the ruin of the |
devoted city. The conquerors revenged
on Nineveh all the blood that had
been shed In their own countries, and |
so spoiled the city that it never rose |
again. Since then it has had no his
tory.
On the 18th / paid a second visit to
the Kasr, and also viewed some minor
portion of the ruins of Babylon
Looking upon those which represent
he ancient cities of Babylon and Bor-
'ippa, must confess myself unable to
make out the positions of the various
buildings mentionedby ancientauthors.
IN modern times learned speculation
las spent its strength in determining
he sites, but how / have seen the
uins themselves, I am convinced that
ome-and perhaps most-of these
peculations are wide of the mark
Nothing can be said on these points
lntil the ground is properly excavated,
nd the excavation of the site of Bah
lon | consider the most important ar
theological work in the Euphrates
Talley.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND GENE.
RAJ SHIELDS.
How They Nearly Fought q Duel.

Strangely enough the murder of
Mansfield L. Walworth by his son re-
calls the story of Abraham Lincoln s
duel. The mother of Frank Walworth
is the daughter of Col. John j. Har-
din, who saved Mr.. Lincoln from the
remorse which would have overshad-
owed his life if he had killed General
Shields. Col. Hardin was prominent
Whig politician, and was esteemed
the bravest man in Illinois" He was
killed at the battle of Buena Vista,
and in his death fairly earned the dis
tinction which his admiring friends
had given him while living. Mr.. Lin
coin was his intimate friend, and both
men were gifted with large sense of
humor which they turned to good ac-
count.
The hostile meeting between Mr..
Lincoln and Gen. Shield was brought
about in this way: A witty young lady
wrote communication for one of the
Springfield papers, in which there were
several passages which the General
was pleased to consider as personally
offensive. He forthwith went to the
newspaper Office and demanded the
name of the correspondent, and this
being refused, he gave the editor three
days in which to make up his mind,
either to refer him to the writer or
take whipping himself. The poor
man was greatly distressed. He did
not like to be guilty of the ungallant
act of betraying his lady correspond
ent, and he did not care to have fight
with Gen. Shields. In this predica-
ment he went to Mr.. Lincoln for his
advice. After thinking the matter
over, Lincoln told the editor to refer
Shields to him when he called. Gen.
Shields was considerably taken aback
when he found that Lincoln assumed
the responsibility; and as he knew it
would be imprudent to attempt to
h0rsewhip as strong man as Mr.. Lin
coin, his only course without being
the laughing stock of the town. was to
challenge him, which he, accordingly
did. Mr.. Lincoln, although not an ad-
vocate of duelling, did not see how he
could consistently refuse the challenge,
and so accepted it-naming broad
swords as the weapons. He had no
scientific knowledge of the use of the
sword, but trusted to the length of his
arm and great muscular strength.
The duel was to take place at sunrise
the succeeding day. Mr.. Lincoln and
his second were first on the ground Sc
lected and finding some bushes in the
way, Mr.. L. commenced cutting them
away with hatchet. While so engag-
ed, Gen. Shields came up with Col.
Hardin. The latter was so struck with
the energy with which Mr.. Lincoln
was engaged that he could not repress
his mirth. Mr.. L. looking up, at once
perceived the righteousness of his po-
sition, and joined heartily in the laugh.
Explanations ensued, and they return
ed to town together without fighting,
and were ever afterwards firm friends.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02
The First American Flag.

Trenton N. J.) Gazette, says
Miss Sarah Smith Stafford, of this
city, has now in her possession the
first star -spangled banner ever made.
Old, faded and torn. it is still in good
state of preservation, differing from
those of the day only in having twelve
instead of thirteen stars upon the
blue field, there being but twelve Con-
federate States at the time it was put
together.
1t was made by the ladies of the old
Swedish Church of Philadelphia, as
sisted by John Brown, Esq, Secretary
of the United States Marine Commit
tee. The presentation of the flag was
to John Paul Jones, by Miss Mary
and Sarah Austin, the latter of whom
afterward became the wife of Com
modore Barry.
Paul Jones hoisted it on the Bon
Homme Richard, and on the 23rd day
of September, 1779, the engagement
took place between her and the Sera-
pis and Countress of Scarborough.
During the fight, one Of the fercest
ever known, when the Bon Homme
Richard and Scraps were lashed to-
gether, the flag was cut down by
British officer. James B. Stafford
(the father of Miss Staford) caught
it up and nailed it to mast. The Of
fcer made tremendous sweep with
his sabre, cutting in two the left shoul-
der of Stafford telling him to the deck.
This wound, owing to unskillful treat
ment, reOpened many years afterward,
causing Lieutenant Stafford the most
intense suffering during the latter
part of his life. When the Bon HON.
me Richard was sinking, the flag was
seized by one of the sailors, and trans
ferred by Paul Jones to the American
ship of war Alliance, where itremain-
ed until the close of the war. The
vessel was then sold to Robert Morris,
the fnancier, and the Alliance was re-
fitted as merchant-man for the East
India trade. The Secretary of the
United States Marine Committee wrote
to Lieutenant James B. Stafford that
the committee with the adyiceof Com
John Barry had decided to
pECcCut ullu Win TIC nag, mculCluc
chest and tower musket" belonging
to the Alliance, id consideration Of
his bravery in mailing up the flag when
it had been cut down by a British Of
6cer, during the action between the
Bon Homme, Richard and Scraps.
Lieutenant Stafford kept the relies
by him until his death, some thirty
odd years ago, and they are now in the
possession of his only daughter, Miss
Sarah Stafford. The musket alluded
to, weighs ten and half pounds, has
the word "Tower" engraved thereon,
and the letters 'G. R.-Georgius Rex.
But, of course, the most valuable
relic is the banner. Miss Stafford has
received many offers for its purchase
but she uniformly declines them all.
But she is growing old now, and says
that she is more disposed to listen TO
a proposition for selling than hereto
fore, but no trifing, sum will induce
her to let it pass from her hands.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02

The best thing to give your enemy
is forgiveness; to your opponent, toler-
ance; TO friend, your heart; TO your
child, good example; to your father,
Difference; to your mother, conduct
that will make her proud of you; to
yourself respect; 10 all men, charity.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02

unless you give me aid" said a
beggar to a benevolent lady, Il am
afraid l shall have to resort to some
thing which / greatly dislike to do. /"
The lady handed him a dollar, and
eompassionately asked, What is it
poor man, that / have saved you
from?" Work" was the mournful
answer.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02

A YOUTH and a maiden were dan
cling the lapeers- Inthe course Of the
inane conversation which the dance
necessitates, be took to questioning
her as to her accomplishments. "Do
you paint?" he asked. lie now woR-
ders what on earth she got mad about.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02
VIRTUE.

The creation Of the sculptor may
moulder in the dust-the wreath OF
the bard may wither-the throne Of
the conquerer may be shivered by
an opposing power into atoms-the
fame Of the warrior may be no longer
hymned by the recording minstrel:
but virtue, that which hallows the
cottage and sheds q glory around the
palace, shall never decay. 1t is cele-
ebrated by the angels Of God-it is
written on the pillars Of heaven and
repeated down to earth. The rock
breaker who possesses it is more noble
than the intriguing statesman.
Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-08-02

IT is most mortifying reflection for
. man to consider what he has done
compared with what he might have
done.
Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-02-01
4 Coup d'ctat i'm Honolulu.

Since writin" on the 18th inst. some
new and interesting political movements
have taken place. ~ You were informed,
the late king of theS" islands. diving with
out naming Il successor, according 10 the
constitution, it GcyOlycS upon our l"gi>li
turc. composed of mobiles and rcpr, scnta-
tivcS. To elect 3 successor from the native
chiefs of highest rank. OF these. four
only are eligible Is candidates; Prince
William &. Lunali'o; tho Chirf David
ka'akaua; Queen Emma, the vile OF IA
mchameha ", and the ChictCSS Ruth
kclikolani, half-SiSterS 10 the late King.
\ great majority OF the native people.
and perhaps of the Foreigners, prefer the
Prince Lunalilo; but there is an iniluen-
tial moneyed interest among foreigners
the ring that has so far controlled public
affairs in this country--whiCh l. Diet, r
mined to put the Chiricss Ruth upon the
throne, and in order To do 80 is prepared
10 buy up our legislature, Whatever the
cost may be. A. there are only about II
native legislators To buy up, 10 whom
81 600 piece would be Il very large sum
it is rot considered Il difficult matter for Il
party wcrlh perhaps S2OO,G90 at com
mand and stirling for the control Of 4
crown WhoSccmoiumcnt Is cqGal 10 SlUo,-
riotic legislators over to their way oi
thinking.
Now the popular prince, although pos
scsScd of fine landed estate. has no LOBBY
fund at his command worth mentioning.
and he and his friends, thinking Justly ht
would not have fair showing in the leg
islaturc, have just made an interesting
conp a etat. by issuing proclamation OF
appeal to the Hawaiian people, to express
their preferences by Il plebiscitum. This
is to take places few days before the meet.
ing of the legislature. There is no doubt
that the people of these islands will pro
nounce for Prince LunalilO by an over
whelming majority; and in the face o
this popular call TO the throne it will be
rather dangerous for the legislature Il
sustain any other candidate against Thu
choice OF the people. They will no doub
surround the legislative hall in immcns'
force. and the prince, who will probabl,
be styled KaHlehamcha W.. will be pro
l.imed king in spite of all opposi5on.--
| HOno!uiu Cor. h. \. Iri5'Hs.
Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-02-01
4 Tragical Story.
About four miles from Kashan are Il

About four miles from Ksshan are the
villa and gardens of Feen, well known
throughout Persia, not only for their
beauty. but also as having been the scene
of one of the saddest tragedies in its re-
cent history.
Mira Taghi, the son of a court. cook,
had raised himself by his talents and
observation-disclosures from mental postin the
household of Mohammcd Shah to that OF
Persian consul at ErZerOum, and had
there entered into commercial relations
and gained much influence with the rich
est merchants of his own country. On
the death of that sovereign, in lS4S, he
fastened to TabreeZ, where the heir APP
parent was living almost in state of
penury. and rendered such service i'm pro-
curing money for the payment of his
troops and other pressing wants, that,
previous to his entry into the capital, the
new shah made him his grand viZer, with
kingdom was then i'm a most disordered
state; the treasury was empty, the army
undsciplined, the taxes unpaid, and re-
volt imminent in several of the provinces.
Nasreddeen Shah was an inexperienced
lad of eighteen, and it required all the
sagacty and energy of strong mind to
overcome these difficulties and seat him
firmly on has throne. The emir showed
himself equal to the occasion. and, after
disarming the dangerous tribes, re-estab-
fishing order. and replenishing the state
Golfers, received us his reward the hand of
the kings sister, a very pretty girl OF
fourteen, who, though at first averse to
this forced marriage, afterward became
much attached to her husband. He was
now at the zenith of his power, and, with
the return OF tranquility, devoted all his
attention to the regeneration OF his cOun-
try. which he foresaw could only be ac-
complished by complete reform of the
administration, and by ameliorating the
condition of the agricultural population.
The measures he took for carrying out
these projects resulted in his becoming
hated by the numerous and powerful class
OF courliers, khans and governors, who
lived on the proceeds of extOrtiOn and
abuses, and idoliZed by the still more
numerous but weaker class which found
protection under his Just rule. The for
mer determined on his ruin; the queen
mother was gained over TO their views. the
kings mind was poisoned with calunnies,
the emir was represented as aiming at the
throne. and his popularity was cited as
proof of his ambitious designs. For some
time the king wavered. but finally the
palace intrigue succeeded. and. in lSl5. the
cmir was banishei 10 Fecn. His yOnng
wife ACCOMPANIED him in his cXil5: she
let him neither day nor night. herself At
tended 10 ali his wants, and prepared all
his food, with sad, but Well-f0unded
preSentiment that her presence alone
Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-02-01
Transportation OF Trees and Shrubs,

Vegetable life depends as much OH vital
functions for its preservation as animal
life. But the way trees are treated Ordi-
narily, in their removals from one location
to another, indicates very limited knOwl-
edge of physiological laws.
Plants repOse at night like higher Or
CARNATIONS, waking in the sunlight OF
morning, invigorated and refreshed.
Through the long, tedious months of win
ter, they sleep profoundly. While the
leaves are green and vigorously perform
ing series of labors, preparations are
made for coming season OF cold, ice.
snow and other influences which reduce
the vital force to the lowest point without
destroying it. That is the best time in
the life of tree for transpanting it.
That business is admirably managed in
France. They don't think of waiting for
a mere stick to grow into large spread
ing tree. No, they select splendidly devel-
Oped trees, with waving ranches, and
place them where their grand appearance
will be admired.
In the squares of New York, the Park
Commissioners are now. pursuing the
proper and only promising plan of success
by bringing in from the country well
grown trees, dug up out of the f Oxen
ground, with all the roots covered with
two or three feet of earth in which they
grew. Being set out in their new posi-.
tons, the cardinal bearings being the
same, in the spring they will rouse ND
like refreshed labOrers, and bud ana bios.
som as they did before. That is the true
system. 1t may be accomplished at any
period if the roots are never injured or ex.
posed but clothed, thickly and securely
with their own attached soil. Never cut
off a limb or twig till they have secure
foothold. Leaves are the breathing Or
gaBs of trees. Most persons make fatal
mistake in trimming trees when trans.
planted. They die because they cannot
breath, oxygen being thrown off and car.
bon absorbed from the atmOsphere-Sci-
| eof;f,. 1,,,r;.oo
Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-02-01
shaken Constitutions.

General debility, and the despondency by which
1t Is invariably accompanied, are often regarded
as the symptoms Of incurabe physical decay. OF
persons thus afflicted 1t is often said that their con-
situations are undermined; that they have nothing
left fall back upon: that they are hopeless cases.
This in at least eight instances out OF ten is false
conclusion. A constitution may be shaken without
being undermined; and even If undermined may
be propped aud strengthened; and in many So
called hopeless cases there reserves OF vitality
and latent vigor in the system that only require
stimulating and developing to render them equal
to the work of repair. The best and su-est stimu-
liant and invigorant that can be given as remedy
for decay OF the vital powers, whether natural or
casual is Hostetter's Stomach Bitters. IF the fall
tering physique can be reused into healthy activity
by any human means. this regenersting vegetable
cordial will accomplisI that object. Its effect
upon the appetite, the digestion, the nervous sys-
TEN. the secretive organs and the bowels is most
salutary. II not only acts directly upon the solids
and nuIGs OF The body, but indirectly upon he
constitution Itself Persons left by fever In such
dcpOrabiy helpless condition that II would seem
as T. they could never recover, TlN be c"ihHiticy
built up-it might almost b. said, T--""''-hy 'hls
mighty els wtil-uish iniallib,e. vegetable rest"r-
alive. a; ths season % !nclcmcnt winds anu chill
ing damus the Bttcrs shQ.!t be ttscn as protect
i've medicine,