davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

A gentleman from Mono'ony tells a rather
interesting story about pair Of swapping tur.
ties. He Is an old plainsRan, and few days
ago took his shotgun and went over to Eagle
Tan for the purpose Of getting a few ducks.
Arrived AZ the creek he found no ducks, but
saw two OF those great fresh.water turtles, met
with more frequently IN eastern ponds than
in Colorado. and apparently weighing about
forty pounds each. They are very shy bird
their heads popping into the shell upon the
slightest alarm, but being q good sho, the
hunter succeeded in blindAg both of them,
and bO,hering them so that the were easily
caught and dragged out. Snappers are very
active and unlike sea turtle, being provided
with long and strong legs, can turn themselves
after being placed upon their backs. Their
captnr has no way of securing them, and
would get only few steps away in the search
for q piece Of wood out 81 which to make
steaks when his captives would be going at a
turtle 2:4O gait toward the creek. The con.
test between instinct and reason was kent up
more than an hour aud a half, much TO the
disadvantage Of reason, at the end 81 which
time a ranchman living near by came along
and assisted the hunter in taking the turtle s
to his home. Here they were kept in a sheep
pen, having fence about three feet high, and
the men went 20 the house. A QUAKER Of an
hour afterward the hunter went TO the pen for
his gun, and found that the turtles were gone.
As there was no hole in the fence, and they
had not dug out the conclusion WAS irresis.
ube that they had climbed over. Their trail
was found, and about a half mile away they
were caught making bee line tor the creek.
Firing off his gun, the ranchman again came
TO his assistance, and the turtles were again
pu, in the pen, and tied 10 steak They
were worth watching, however, and few
minutes aiierward it was found tina, they had
gnaved of the rope, and again started for the
creek. They were only few rods away this
time, however, and were then tied so short
that they could not reach the cord, and ulti.
ma'elv arrived AZ their cap,or's kitchen al
Mnnn,ony -Nsnrer lCol.l Times.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

The L. S. garrison at Sitka, Alaska, has
been Withdrawn and the troops ordered to
San Francisco. The white inhabitants feel
somewhat uneasy in their unprotected posi-
ton, as they have only rude stockade to bar
the approach of the Indians, about 1000 in
number, living around Stka. These Indians
are great robbers and not to be relied on.
While the troops were stationed at the place
the savages managed TO subsist almost entire
ly on the garrison by performing mental
work :or the officers and trading fish and
game for money and clothing, and it is feared
now that they will resort to their old preda.
tory habits and cause trouble.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

The New York Tribune publishes tables
showing the earnings of nearly all the rail
roads IN this country and also tables showing
dividends made by the railroad corpora
tions. From these it appears that stock
amounting 10 $l,4O0UO0,OO0 paid no divi-
dends the last year; that stock amounting 10
SS2G6il, ZOE paid an average dividend Of
per cent. The dividends made averages about
90 per cent. on all the stock outstanding
The roads paying dividends have about $780,.
100000 of bonds outstanding, which practi-
cally represent the capital invested-the
roads being constructed by the sale of bonds
and but a small proportion of cash being in.
vested IN stock.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

The death OF the famous cavalryman pro.
duced deep, a painful sensation, in some
degree akin 10 that produced by the death
of jackson. The southern people, indeed,
had become accustomed 10 couple together
the three great names, Lee, Jackson and Stu
art, vauing each for his peculiar qualities
No comparison is intended TO be made he
tween these three distinguished soldiers, but
it is interesting to notice how sharply con.
ras'ed they were in character, and how pc.
cuiarly each was fitted tor the sphere IN
which he moved anu his special functions
Lee, the head and front OF the struggle, was
the born commander.in.chief, fitted for the
conception OF great campaigns, ever wide
awake, man of august dignity by nature,
calm, suave, grave, taking good and evil for
tune with the same imposing serenity; in
person one Of the most noble and graceful
men of his epoch, and the finest rider in the
southern army; character, simple, pure, pa
tent, binding to himself both the love and
respect of men. Jackson was the infantry
leader, the right arm" 10 execute what Lee
conceived In person not graceful, in manner
silent, reserved and often abrupt; cautious in
council, but rapid and terrible in execution,
going to battle with muttered prayers on his
lips leaving all to Providence, but striking
with all the power of his arm to do his own
part, and in many ways resembling the iron
sides of Cromwell. Stuart, on the contrary,
was the cavalier, essentially belonging TO the
class of men who followed the fortunes of
Charles I, ardent, impetuors, trimming over
with the wine of life and youth, with the
headlong courage OF high.minded boy, fond
of bright colors, Of ripping flags, of music,
and the clash of sabres-in all the warp and
wool of his character an embodiment Of the
best traits. Although his utter carelessness
as to the impression he produced subjected
him to many calumnies, it is here placed on
record, by one who knew his private life
thoroughly and was with him day and night
for years, that he was in morals among the
purest of men-a faithful husband, absolute
ly without vices OF any description, ana 1t
not demonstratve in his religious views, an
earnest and exemplary christian. His love
for his wife was deep and devoted and on
the death of his little daughter, Flora, he
said 10 me- with tears in his eyes, 81 shall
never get over it,. Esten Cooke
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07
EIllin.sgain.

Ka,s are atfeciionste; they luz young chick.
ems, sweet cream and the best place in front
OF the FIRE place.
Dogs are faithful; they will stick to bone
after everybody else has deserted it.
Parrots are easily eduka,ed, but they will
learn 10 swear well in hat the time they will
learn emmy thing else.
The birds eat bugs and worms for plain Wit.
ties, bu; their dessert konsisis Ov the best cher
ries and gooseberries in the garden
The owl IL only picture ov wisdum by
daliie, when he kant see amy thug. When
Il comes mite his wisdom wholly konsisls IN
keichlng field mouse, If he kan.
The donkey is an emblem oy pachunce, but
ii WI study them kloser yu wall find that
lazyness IL what's the matter ov them.
The eagle Is the monark ov the skies, bni
the little Singbird will chase him TO h;z hid
ing place.
The OK knoweih hiz masters krib, that IL
all he dsz know or care about mis- master.
Munkeys are imitatif, but If :hey kant i'm
i,sie some develtry they Amt happy.
The goose liz Ike all other tools-allwus
seems anxious TO prove it.-Jod Billings.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

Richard Fielding, ten.year old son of a
well,o-do English gentleman, LETT home as a
stowaway IN Messlna fruit vessel and was
thrashed and abused by the officers; then he
shipped as a cabin boy for Rio and broke
his leg and became crippled for life; then he
tried cooking Oh West India schooner; next
In a fishing smack, on the banks, and at last
fetched up in Baltimore, where his father
agent found him last week, and sent him
home in an ocean steamer.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07
ARITHMETIC MADE EASY.
ROPP'S
EASY CALCULATOR

pumlcauon that must prove OF lncslcalable 6ennt
10 Farmers Mechanics and Business Men. Il Is so 'pi
and original sta-ie the most scholarly and yet 50
sps and pcticul that the mvst NteiGs In figures can
iHsfanfarei,ig become his own accountant. IL enables
Thousand. to accomplish In minute what they could not
lenya TO calculate In many months. -.
The rrst mart contains entirely system Of Ts0es
which chow at Qlapcs the exact yaus of all kinds OF
Crsn stock Hay Coal. Lumber. Merchandise etc. nom
me pound up i0ii, and tor any price ina the M
likely 10 reach the Interest any sum tor any time
& ard 70 per cent correct measurement or all sinds
Of Lumber Saw Logs. Cierns, Tanks, GranarieS, BINS
wagon Beds Corn cribs, Tine Wages and many other
valuable tables. - - ~.
The second rsrt IL pracoi, Arithmetic ard embodies
snnle mathem aiics principle which enables any one
familiar with the fundamental rules TO become ighnag
griiqoT and by which fnO Ars OF the ngures snd
Abor reg uirsd by the Ordinary methods and Fractions Win
their Int scies entirely arOifef =,
The work nicely printed me tinted paper IL wen
ard eeg antly bound IN pocketboos shade and accom-
pAnlsd by silcste slate. memorandum snd ?ocset loi
nsners It's by far themost complete comprehensNe and
con vepent rocket N anual ever published. - -
PRICES: Eound Ia Rlssis Leather. Gilrei saeV; no
rocco ti ~; Zine English Cloth. ti.co.
9S-' " ny OsMAS a HAPENAS,
Mach 81 50 Ottawa. rs.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

Torpedo balloons are proposed by CORES.
pOndent of the Scientific American. The idea
IS to float the balloons over the enemy, and
drop the torpedo by means of electricity sent
over wire. 1t is calculated that city could
be totally destroyed IN this way by dropping
a sufficient amount of nitro glycerine.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

Might happen" OF course they might
But better ;hisgs also might happen. He
migh; lose bis bead. II i always wise TO
hope i1s tie best-Word.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

White and colored splints for picture frames
and wall ornaments at Osman and Hapeman's
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

Ridges hand guide for pcnmcn at osman x
Hapemans.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

Chess, checkers, dominoes, etc, at Osman X
Hapeman's.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-07-07

~ Ottawa ILL., Offers his services to the friends OF the
Homeopathic system In Ottawa in all branches OF his pro-
fession. Particular attention given to the OF
men and children. Office in Glover Cooks Block teb.sy
The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1877-08-12

was for seventy hours steering without
relief, the weather being so frightful,
and on another he was eighteen hours
consecutively attending to the drogue.
Captain Crapo says he could not have
stood another fifteen days; indeed, he
had not slept for seventy hours when he
landed. His average sleep while coming
across was under four hours a day.
Among the many extraordinary things
connected with the voyage is that it
had to be run by dead reckoning, as the
New Bedford was not equal to a
chronometer. Only on two occasions
could they get their longitude. When
speaking the two vessels Captain Crapo
had intended to make for Falmouth,
but the wind was against it. Captain
and Mrs. Crapo seemed wonderfully
well after the hardships they had un-
dergone, though the Captain has bad
hand, and when he came on shore his
other hand was firmly clenched after
seventy hours, steering. The house
they stopped at was invaded by persons
eager to shake hands with so brave a
couple. The boat was also visited by
numbers. Captain Grape thinks of
going on to Falmouth, and afterward
to London and the Paris Exhibition"
The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1877-08-12
SEVEN WEEKS IN A SMALL BOAT.
The Voyage of Captain CrapO and His
Wife Across the Atlantic.

A correspondent of the London Daily
News at Penzance, speaking of the ar
rival at that place of Captain Crapo and
his wife, who left New Bedford on May
% in small boat, says: 'The voyage
was commenced on May %, when the
vessel left New Bedford, but by stress
of weather she had to put into Chat
ham, Mass, where she stayed until the
I'd of June, when the sails were again
hoisted, and the little pygmy left on
her perilous voyage with fair wind.
All went well for three days, the wind
being southwest and the sea calm. The
wind then changed to southeast, and 1t
came on foggy for four days, and con-
tinued foggy up to the time when they
reached the Grand Banks, seventeen
DAYS out. Here most fortunate thing
happened for the navagitors. The
drogue which they had brought with
them was found to be of little use,
because it was too light. While off the
banks they saw keg floating, which
luckily they were able to secure. Cap
tain Grape knocked off the iron hoops,
and with some new canvas made new
drogue which answered admirably.
When it is considered that at one part
of the voyage they were obliged to lie
10 IOT lltdTly GuIcc udyS III d SlCdO SoalC
of wind, it will need no effort to ina
gine what fortunate acquisition the
new drogue was. After leaving the
banks, where they lay in a gale for fifteen
hours, the weather improved, and they
sailed on till the 21st Of June, when an
other gale was encountered. While ly-
ing to, the New Bedford spoke the
steamer Batavia, from which assistance
was offered, and the offer was made to
take them on board, which was plucki-
ly declined. After this incident they
encountered succession of gales, the
only wonder being that they survived to
| tell the story. During the voyage,
which occupied forty-nine days, the
rudder broke, but happily there was a
spare oar on board, which was used
until the first could be repaired. The
seas were running mountains high, and
during that time, even when lying
down to rest, they had to lie on wet
clothes. On one occasion the Captain
The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1877-08-12

The Trappists of Gethsemane, KY,
have asked President and Mrs. Hayes
to extend their visit to their monaster.
les. The reason that Mrs. Hayes is in.
cluded in the invitation is because she
comes within the rules of the order
one of which gives proclamation that
no woman must enter the monastery
unless she can be ''the wife of the ruler
of an empire, kingdom or republic. -
The monastery at Gethsemane is one of
the two Trappist communities in this
country, the other being near Dubuque,
Iowa. The President has not signified
intention to accept the invitation as
yet.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01

| Too many cooks might have spoiled the
| Bennington broth if one of them hadn't taken
possession of the kitchen at the critical mo-
ment in very obstinate way. That Saving
| the hOmcy proycrb) was our stout hero of the
! Sixteenth, John Stark. When the Burgoyne
scare ran over New England, Stark held no
military position, having thrown up his com.
mission in disgust because Congress had pro
NOTED some junior officers over his head But
his patriotism was proof against diSloyaty to
the public welfare, and when the New Hamp
son to check the British advance, the veteran
promptly accepted their command from the
government of that state
Proceeding westward 10 Manchester. Vt
with his men he found Gen Lincoln there
with orders from Gen. Schuyler, at the head OF
the Northern department. to take the New
Hampshire troops and their commander under
his authority for the rest of the campaign. To
this order Stark squarely refused to submit
claiming his commission from the government
of New Hampshire as .justifying his act
This breach of discipline was communica
ted to Congress, which forthwith sent notice to
New Hamsphire that it was gravcly damaging
the public safety by appointing Stark to this
independent command; that If this kind of
outside thing was allowed to 90 on, the nation
al cirCumOCutiOn Office might rs well shut up,
and requiring. the Governor, who had given
Stark his papers, to fall in behind Lincoln and
Schuyler, according to the rule. But before
all this regulation tape could he tied up, Ben
nm@ton came and the red coats went. Stark
fought that battle in state of characterization
rs some othr" brilliant things have been done.
Perhaps this very condition of official con
tempt in which he had put himself, edged
his natural courage and force with its irresist-
iblg dash that afternoon. twas Il short cut to
victory in more senses than one In the JOY
which il sent through the colonies, the irregu.
larity of the successful leader was readily
passed over And Stark, from being Il private
citizen cXtcmporizcd for the nonce into a pro.
vincial general, was promoted at once by Con
"rcss into hrigadier of the army of the United
States, Maryland alone casting negative vote
-SpriHgfcld (Wdss) Union.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01
How She served Two Masters.

tCAicigo Time, Campaigning Letter.
The swcctes, oratory that have listened tC
on cliff or in forest was when awokc from Il
twilight dream which had ovcrtakcn me Is
sat leaning against the base of a monster tree
They were upon the opposite, and | could
not run. Said she: Since We were children
| have felt deep interest and friendlincSS in
your welfare, and since | came 10 know tn,
blessedncss of hope have longcd To share my
joy with You. viii you give your heart ID
your maler;"
lie said: 81 can't do that, Molly would
If Icould. because you wish it, / gave it "a
YOU last winter during our meetings of the
Jeg deprit,' and you really don't want to
keep it yourself If you don't in the least care
for il, you may give il to whoever you like. for
| shall never have any use for il. | would
like, you know. TO share Ee,sedncss of hope
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01

The best poem, Of half dozen read at In
Bennington celebration week before last, was thu
following, the shortest of all, by William Cutler
Bryant:
On this fair valleys ycrdant breast
The calm sweet rays Of summer rest,
And doyc-kc peace bcnignly brOOd-
On its smooth lawns and solemn woods
4 century since in flame and smoke,
The storm Of battle DER it broke,
And ere the invader turned and fled
These pleasant fields were strOwn with dead
Stark, quick to act and bold to dare,
And Warmers mountain band were there,
And Allen, who had flung the pen
Aside to lead the Berkshire men.
With fiery onset, blow for blow,
They rushed upon the cmbattcd foe
And swept his squadrons from the vale
Like leaves before the autumn gale.
Oh. never may the purple stain
OF combat blot these fields again,
Nor this fair valley ever cease
To wear the placid smile Of peace.
Yet here, beside that battlefield
We plight the vow that, ere We yield
The rights for which our fathers blcd
Our blood shall steep the ground we tread,
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01

The case is that of Henry G. Ershman. re.
siding near the boundary of the county, near
SWcctwOod, who i large owner of iron-orc
lands, and the poSScSSOr of considerable prop
erty. Up To within several weeks ago he was
hale and hearty, and. notwithstanding his
abundance of this worlds goods. he generally
wore one suit Of clothes during the week and
on Sunday Several weeks ago he was startled
because he imagined that Il very foul smell
either came from his ears, or mouth or the
pores of the skin. He was greatly alarmed
and imagined he was sinking into the gallon
ing consumption, and waS gradually decaying
He was unable 10 sleep, became haggard and
cmaCiated, and even his friends began to i'm.
agine that his end WAS near at hand. He dress
cd himself regularly, and was determined Ia
keep on his feet. lie went into the fields and
in the woods determined 10 fight down the
disease. but wherever he went the same dread.
full stencil and feeling came Ger him. Finally
an old wood-chopper met him in the woods
one day. The wUodsman had long talk with
him, and he stood quite close to examine him
Then the woodsman asked the sick man for
MS coat. Ii was examined. The woOdsman
carried il away twenty yards and it was dis
covered that the stencil followed. The coat
was then thoroughly examined and dead
mouse WAS found in the lining. The mouse
had by some means gotten into the lining of
his coat and died there and its decaying IT.
mains caused the unpleasant effiuvia. When
this was made known the sufferer gained cour-
aye, and rs he slowly realized what imagina-
ton had done he rallied and was soon on a IA
vorabe road to the best of health again
Rsldiag pa Edgis.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01
DROPPING CORN.

Pretty Phoebe Lane and |,
In the soft May weather,
Barcfootcd down the furrow- went
Dropping corn together,
side hv side acros, the field
Back and forth We hurried;
All the golden grains We dropped
Soon the ploughsharc buried.
Blucbird- on the hedges sat
Chipping low and billing;
"Why," thought |, mot follow suit,
If the maid is willing"
50 I whispered, 'Phubc, dear,
Kiss mc'-"Kccp on dropping"
Called her father from his plough,
There's no time for stoppingW
The cord was looscd, the moment sped
The golden charm was broken.
Never more between u two
Word Of love was spoken,
What little slip, sometimes,
All our hopes releases.
How the mcrcst breath Of chance
Breaks our JOY to pieces,
Sorrows cup, though after drained
Never lacks for filling:
And We can't get Fortunes Kiss
When the maid is willing.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01
THE SMITH SISTERS.
Their Home Described--Ihe sisters ana thci
Cows,

Their Home Described---The sister, and then
Cows.
Loretta J. Post, writing to Uom""'& Warts
! thus describes the homes of Abby and Juiij
Smith:
Looking cast from my window ! can sec
the Connecticut river winding like blue rlD
bon among the trees and beyond the hills OF
East Hartford and Glastonbury. The latter
place is the home Of the Smith Sisters who
have made the town historic and famous by
their persistent resistance to taxation without
representation" Julia and Abby Smith and
their COWS are living monuments to the woman
suffrage cause. These two grand, cultured Ia
dies are about eighty years OF age. They live
alone and are inseparible, both writing for the
press and laboring for equal rights for aIl-tulI
of gcntcncss. strength and human kindness.
Miss Julia has finished translation of the
whole Bible from the original Hebrew, an
achievement no other woman has ever attained
and which few men have ever accomplished.
The vigor and vital power exhibited ut their
advanced age is wonderful; neither body nor
intellect seems impaired, and their resistance
of tax laws and endurance Of consequent per
sccution, added TO their vast literary and social
work, are truly astonishing.
Their house stands on the main road from
East Hartford to Mddlctown, is surrounded
by grand old clms and naples, and about half
In mile from the banks of the Connecticut.
The house is white frame and 139 years old.
In connection with it is Il large yard and a
garden with Il wealth Of flowers. Something
of historic interest cling to the place for here
it was that some Of the most important anti
slavery meetings were held in the days of the
struggle for the freedom Of the blacks. Would
not this be fit place for the women who are
now trying TO obtain for Themselves political
freedom to hold glorious old mass meeting?
We should be sure Of a hearty welcome and of
cooperation from these royal women, whose
wonderful inspiration has been so widely felt
And through these wide-rcaChing trees would
ring enthusiastic and earnest voices, as earn
est and enthusiastic as in the days when Ger,
rift Smith and other noble souls convened
here
The house is full of quaint old furniture and
pictures and crOckery that is 200 years old,
and silver yet older 4 picnic party from
Middletown held a feast under its spreading
trees recently, and drank from these old trea-
sure cups, rCConnoircd at will about the grand
old place, patronized the butter and cheese off
the now famous Alderncy cows, that have been
50 oftcU seized by the taX-gathercr, and as oft
en- brought home again by their loving mis-
tresscs. Personally these sisters are much re-
spccted and beloved politically they are like
ncttles to unjust lawmakers. May they live
10 enjoy their rights in peace.