davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

aged, and their fire was slackened, but
they stood by their guns as we'll as
could be expected under the circum-
stances. 1t soon became evident as
the engagement progressed that every
gun in the forts would be dismounted
and every man killed who remained at
his post. About noon firing from the
enemy entirely ceased, and they began
to retreat in such hasty manner that
they did not take time to say "good-
by" So rapidly did they go that they
seemed to have important business
elsewhere and were in hurry to get
beyond range of our shells. We were
then distant about six hundred yards.
and signal was made to "cease firing"
Commander Rodgers was sent on shore
at Fort Walker, and raised the Union
flag. The same interesting ceremony
took place at Fort Beauregard, and
Port Royal was ours. Eight men were
killed and twenty-three wounded on
board the vessels of our fleet.
The capture Of Port Royal was an
event of unusual importance, ably
planned and skillfully executed. It
was exclusively naval victory from
its conception until its final consum-
nation. 1t was ray of sunshine
bursting through the dark clouds that
enveloped the Union horizon. 1t plant
ed again the starry banner on the soil
of South Carolina. It increased the
value of our securities, stimulated en-
istments, and was a notice to domes-
tic traitors and their foreign allies that
the United States navy had lost none
of its former prestige.
The escape of the garrison was an
unfortunate event which could not be
guarded against, as our vessels were
not intended for service on shore duty.
Some of the enemy's dead were found
in Fort Walker, but their actual loss
could not be definitely learned.
In grateful recognition of DuPont's
services Congress, on recommended
ton of the President, passed the fol-
lowing resolution of thanks:
IL resolution rendering the thanks of Con-
gress to Captain Samuel +. DUPONT and Off
GERS, petty officers, seamen, and marines
under his command for the victory at Pc rt
Royal.
That the thanks of Congress be and are
hereby rendered to Captain Samuel f. Du-
Pont, and through him to the officers. pet
ny OIlcerS, Soamen. ana marines attached
to the squadron under his command for the
decisive and splendid victory achieved at
Port Royal on the seventh day Of Novem-
Der last.
| Approved Feb. 90, 1862.
By an actof Congress approved July
is, 1862, the grade of Rear Admiral in
the navy was created, and the Presi-
dent appointed Captain DUPONT, A. 81,
Foote, and D. G.. Farragut to that po-
sition. These we're duly confirmed by
the Senate, and DUPONT was made
Rear Admiral of the South Atlantic
Squadron. On July 4, 1868, he was
relieved at his own request, his sue
cessor in command being Captain J. A.
Daghlgren.
DUPONT died in the service June %,
1865, and is buried near Wilmington,
Del.
We. too, soon will sail DER the river of rest,
AS the strong and the brave before us
| have gone;
And our sun will go down in the beautiful
| West;
May it rise in the glory that circles the
| throne
VIM, Simmons, IN american Trib
aL71e.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

bound for headquarters" says the
General, with its team of mules, was
stuck fast in the mud some few miles
south of Springfield. The driver,
who was big burly man, standing
over six feet in height and built in
proportion, finding that his team was
unable to move the heavily laden
wagon, began to belabor numerically
the poor beasts.
Seated on stout, shaggy, black
horse, which was pursuing its way to
the left of the road, was broad-shoul-
dered, low-sized man, clad in the ia
tigue uniform of the regulation army
blue, but without any insignia of rank
or staff buttons, and wearing on his
head an old, much battered cap. Pull
ing up his horse at the stalled wagon
the horseman demanded authorita-
lively of the teamster why he was whip
ping the animals so severely.
"The only reply that he received to
his question was string of oaths, and
to make matters worse the fellow struck
the near mule violent blow with the
heavy butt of his black jack as the
wagons whip is called.
"In answer to shout from the rider,
the surly teamster said that if he did
not take care and mind his own bust
ness similar blow would be dealt to
him. The threat was scarcely uttered
when Little Phil, for such it was, shot
from the saddle and had the rufian by
the throat.
although it was evident that the
assailant was much the smaller man of
the two, still in few seconds he had
his opponent on his knees and rained
upon his head, neck and chest volley
Of savage blows, ending in twisting
the whip out Of the mans hand and
applying it vigorously over arms and
shoulders until the fellow fairly
howled for mercy. When at last the
wagner was permitted to arise from
the ground, he received as a parting
warning severe kick from the irate
Captain.
"'Who the devil are your" was the
question of the astonished and thor
oughly frightened bully, as soon as he
recovered sufficient breath.
"'Captain Sheridan, Quartermaster
of this army; and if you don't get to
work - quick to get this wagon out
of the way, I'll thrash you again."
ut is needless to say that Sheridan's
orders were executed with alacrity.
The mules by this time had regained
their strength and wind, and in few
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

an Als Nc: BARTEN1EFF, the young Rus
sm, oi,lcer Of hussars who was con-
ght eo a few weeks ago to term of
S ino years penal servitude in the
b~ sIs OF Saghalien for the murder of a
ess sly y ana INC popular young Polish act
@nca ~ warsaw, has just had his SEN
10 = committed into detention of
car IN the Monastery of Solorets-
ayin neaf Archangel. The murder
be @ ax been peculiarly cowardly one,
a eciIa.raordinary and altogether unus-
e nrci1nency Of the Gear has given rise
I I;ra' establishment throughout the
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
command Of flag oft

Ger, Samuel F. DUPONT. His flag
ship was the splendid frigate, Wabash,
OF 5000 tons, carrying forty guns and
a crew of about 400 men.
For the proper maintenance and a
ade, it was deemed essentially requisite
to secure if possible, harbor on the
Atlantic Coast, as a coaling, supply
and repair station. For this purpose
the seizure of several places was con-
templated. Port Royal, however, in
the opinion of the Navy Department
presented advantages not possessed by
any other locality on account of its
magnificent harbor. It was also desira-
bic to again plant the Union colors on
the soil of rebellious South Carolina,
and establish base of operations for
aggressive hostilities against the en-
envy.
It was therefore with these facts in
view that the Port Royal expedition
was fitted out and placed under COM
mand of Commodore DUPONT, naval
officer of unquestioned loyalty, popular
among his associates and possessing all
the qualities of a great commander.
He entered the naval services as mid
shipman, Dec. 10, 1915, and reached
the grade of captain, Sept. IA, 1856,
which rank he held at the time of his
appointment to command the Port
Royal expedition. It's destination was
kept secret as long as possible, but
when the enemy learned of our inten-
tions, they made preparation to give
us warm reception on our arrival.
The following are the vessels and
number of guns carried by each, and
name Of their respective commanders
which constituted the expedition, and
whose brilliant achievement won the
grateful plaudits of the loyal North:
VESSELS OF THE PORT ROYAL EXPEDITE On, NUM-
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

AAS~AS
Than ever he went to dance.
Jest as he warm his shirt sleeves.
For the weather war warm an bright
An no hat-but should rim his musket,
Gret Gran fther went to the fight.
An thar on Bunker hillside,
Whar the smoke hung thick an gray,
He went a-gunnin' for redcoats
As you'd go for sparrers to-day.
Hey! but the balls were whistlin'
An the flashes KEN thick and fast,
But whos'ever musket had fust word.
Gret Gran'f'ther's had the last.
Then a gunner was shot beside him.
That handled a six-pound gun;
An they called for q man to tend her,
An Gran'f'ther said he war one.
III amt never fred gum" says he,
aBut I'll do my proudful best!
An II all you want is a man. colonel,
I'm mebbe as good as the rest"
An reckon he war! fer he stood thar,
An fred that six-pound gun,
Until every redcoat within his range
Had either dropped or run.
Then, all of student, there come flash,
A crack, an twinge, an thrill,
An Gran f. TIERS right arm dropped by his
side,
An hung thar limp an still
Jes' for minute, I've heard him say,
The hull world seemed to reel
An q hummin' sound war In his ears,
Like Gran'm theirs sptnnin' wheel.
But he hadn't no time fer faintin',
Nor he had no time fer pain.
ats we'll I'm left-handed!" says Gran
f'ther,
An he fred the gun again.
Bimeby, when the colonel found him.
AFTER the fight war doner
He war lynn all black like Niger
An senseless, along by the gun.
Then the boys made kind o. stretchers;
An Jest as they laid him atop,
He whispered, .Thar warn't no ball, colonel
So was obliged to STOP"
Yes, that war the way Gret Gran 'f'ther fit,
An the way he lost his arm;
pnt he shot with his left till the land war
An, then he come back to the farm.
An, he laid his musket across them hooks,
An thar it's laid to this day,
An spite O. you an the sparrers' Ian Il
Thar's whar it's goin' to stay.
The school bell! run, now, Sonny boy!
An, thank We fer standin' still.
what,s that! ay! "Hurrah for Gret Gran
f'ther."
Al, uHurrah for Bunker Hill"
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

LONDON and Paris have been placed
in communication by telephone. Be-
fore the close of the century all the
capitals of Europe will be thus con-
nected. Our world space seems des-
tined to humiliation by the telegraph
and telephone.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

strength for an amputation. I knelt
by his side and said: will you answer
me one question:" "Yes sir" was his
reply. Suppose, then, you were we'll,
at home, in good health, and knew all
this would come to you, if you enlisted,
would you enlist?" Eyes SIR" he an
swered in a whisper; II would in
minute! What is my arm or my life
compared with the safety of the coun-
try?"
That was patriotism of the genuine
brand.
Heroes of the Civil War.
The heroes of the civil war have
disappeared much sooner after it's close
than did those of the revolution. It
was half century after the declara-
ton of independence before Adams
and Jefferson died, and the year be-
fore their death the White House had
been vacated by President who had
joined the army in 1776. It is but
thirty years now since the firing on
Fort Sumpter, and the great leaders
of that period in both civil and mill,
tary life are all gone.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
Der OF GUNS AND NAME OF COMMANDERS.

Inc eApeult1On, DIS alreaOy SGaJed,
sailed from Hampton Roads on Oct.
20, and about Nov. I, on reach
ing the vicinity of Cape Hatteras, en-
countered stor-- of great severity, in
which some of the vessels were severe
ly handled. One of them, the trans
port steamer Governor, was wreck
ed. This vessel carried battalion of
about seven hundred marines, COM
manded by Colonel J. G.. Reynolds,
and were detached from the marine
barracks at Washington to accompany
the expedition and occupy the forts
whose capture was contemplated.
Fortunately for the marines, the
United States frigate Sabine bore in
sight in time to save great many of
them from watery grave. Their res
cue at sea and during the prevalence
of fearful gale was indeed perilous
undertaking, for which Captain Ring
gold, of the Sabine, his officers and
crew received from Congress resolu-
ton of thanks, on recommendation of
the President of the United States.
The expedition reached it's destina-
ton on Nov. 5, and made preparations
for action. Port Royal is situated on
the coast of South Carolina. and about
midway between Charleston and Sa-
vannah. Its defences consisted of two
well-armed and rapidly constructed
forts commanding the entrance to the
harbor and situated about three miles
apart. Fort Walker, situated on Hill
ton Head, mounted % guns; Fort
Beauregard, on Bay Point, 18 guns !;
and a garrison Of about 5000 men,
under command of General Thomas
F. Drayton.
This constituted the land forces of
the enemy, in addition to which Com
modore Josiah Tatnall, of the rebel
navy, was ordered from Savannah to
assist General Drayton. His force
consisted of the following armed
steamers, viz:
Lady Davis, commander, J. Rut-
ledge; Sampson, commander, J. Ken
nard; Resolute. commander, J. p.
Jones; Savannah, commander, j. n.
Mofitt.
This fotilla in the early stage of the
action took quite a prominent part but
as the engagement progressed and the
result became apparent, they inglori-
ously retreated, seeking safety in Skull
Creek, small stream in the rear of
Hilton Head, leaving General Drayton
and his troops to the mercy of our
shells. Some of these vessels were
captured shortly afterward by Du-
Points feet.
The Importance of Port Royal was
fully recognized by the enemy and
they made preparations to resist the
contemplated attack. Several circum-
stances prevented DUPONT from COM
the attack Immediately on his
arrival, but on the morning of the 18th
signal was made to get under way and
form line of battle. About 9 a. m.
firing commenced, each vessel pushing
up about midway between the forts,
firing from port and starboard battery,
while the movements of the fleet was
reduced to speed just sufficient to
maintain the line of battle as previous
~ agreed upon.
On nearing the forts and at q dis
lance of about 800 yards our shells
burst with great regularity inside the
works. The enemy for time fired
quite briskly, but as we moved in
closer they evidently became discour-
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
Gallant Phil Sheridan.
MONG the
haak sll--L

MONG the
best illustra-
tions of the
character of
S h 9 rid a n
: is one relat-
ed of him by
NGen. Bussey,
when in the
early days of
the war he
was dol n g
duty as quar-
termaster in
Sout b W . 8 t
Missouri.
+" A pro-
vision wagon
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
Sentiments Of . Dying Soldier,

T q public meet
ing in Boston, Mr..
g 0 ugh said:
SHOT long ago I
was in a hospital,
and saw a young
man, twenty-six
years of age. pale
q n d emaciated,
with his shattered
arm resting upon
an oil-silk pillow,
and there he had
been many long
" 9 ks, waiting
for su fl cient
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
A TIME IN Possum RIDGE.
HEY celebrated the
glorious Eoprth nm

HEY celebrated the
glorious Fourth up
in the Postum Ridge
settlement last year
for the first time,
ard among the en-
refining features
V as an address By
HnIrr Tooter. In
8 o curse OF his
- .. ON he said:
49, come here to-
- ., celebrate the
- III y! American
al telmna nee au'
~ good time,
ali That's what
We C 'inc hero for,
"a '" DrODUSn tn.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

minutes the team and wagon were on
firm ground again. With a parting
admonition Little Phil mounted his
patient horse, which had watched the
encounter with seeming approval. and
rode toward headquarters as uncon-
cerned as if nothing had happened.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
Her Coming Meant q Fight.

ANY veterans
W no followed
the feathers of
s t o n 9 W all
jackson and
|Ewell in the
cele br a t ed
B anks cam
paign in the
Valley of vir-
ginia remem-
Der Belle Boyd
the Confeder-
H.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
OLD SOLDIERS TALK OVER EXPERT
ENCES AND SPIN YARNS.
Tho Bino and tho Gray Revive Incidents
OF tho Late War, and in a Graphic and
Interesting Manner Tell of Camp, March.
and Battle
Tho Port Royal Expedition.

he vessels of war
W hic h constituted
this important expe-
ditlon, we're concen-
trated at Hampton
Roads, Virginia, in
the month of Octo-
Der, 1861, and went
South on the Goth
of that month under
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03

GENERAL LAWRENCE PIKE GRAHAM,
U. S. A., now residing in Washington,
is the son of DR.. William Graham, of
the revolutionary army. He and David
Blackjack, Of Decatur, ILL.,, are be-
lieved to be the only living sons of
revolutionary sires
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
GRET GRAN'F'THER.s.
BY MRS, LAURA E. RICHARDS.

l,
:. An git down from tibet air stool.
I gu We Jest TINE enough to hold this warn
Afore we go Off 10 school.
Thar! don't We wriggle and twist. SONNY,
The yarns for yer own new socks.
It's safer to hold than muskets.
with their triggers and rigscrs and locks
musket. to shoot at sparrers!
Well. boys is up to sech tricks.
ana that old one.t too. that amt been touched
sence Seventeen Scventy-six.
But set more store by its rusty stock
IMAM the finest money can buy;
And II you'll stan stiddy. DanI
III tell We the reason why.
We never see Gret Gran'f'ther,
But you've seed his pictur. boy.
With the smilin' mouth an the big brown
eyes
Jes' brimmin' with life an low
Well, he warn't like that when seed him,
But his sperrt war lively still,
For all his white hair an empty sleeve,
AS it war at Bunker Hill.
An many's the time he told me,
Settin' here in this very cheer,
OF the fust time he shouldercd that mus
ket,
In the Continental Year
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
lnoculation for Cholera.

In 1884, when cholera, which made
such ravages in Spain in the following
year, first began to show itself. Cat
ITALIAN enthusiast, DR.. Ferran, began
system of treatment by incubation,
but was not allowed to practice upon
his theory very long before royal de-
cree was issued prohibiting the opera
ton. The disappointed practitioner
appealed, and scientific commission
was appointed, and the report has just
been issued. Presumably, after near
ly seven years, the matter has been
thoroughly studied. The report, which
is signed by five of the most eminent
physicians in Spain, recommends that
the system be not permitted. The re-
port was approved by the royal coNncil
of health.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-07-03
h |I:6 jz11|;|!||B}RAf{izfil[2 )

HE "Fathers of the
Republic" were not the
sexagenar;anS and sep.
tuagcnar ans Of their
era. On the contrary,
they were as a rule a
remarkably youthful
set OF men. 1t is the
"w g., queue and knee
brooches" VIII CHI have
caused the misappre-
henSion. The pictures
in the school h is tory
show white-haired men
who bear every appear
ancc OF being "well up
in years." and the child
in. t met vely thinks OF
them as old. AlMo.t
snperhuman wisdom
was REQUIRED to dis
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-06-11
Four Leaved Glover.

This plant derived its significance from
the fact that its four leaves are arranged
in the form of a cross. Moreover, its COM
parative rarity and its very abnormality Of
l may so express it, made it seem notewor-
thy or remarkable. If person shall wear
a Dit of this plant he can detect the pres
epce Of evil spirits. 1t also brings a good
fortune.
With four leaved clover, double leaved ash
and green topped seave lrushl,
You may 60 before the queens daughter with
out asking her leave.
y two leaved clover enables a maid to
see her future lover. The four leaved grass
(trIe love, one berry, herb paris, or Loop
ARDS bane) is another mystical cross leaved
plant concerning which much might be
said The quaint st. Andrews cross CAS-
cyrum crux-Andree) is a very interesting
plant of our own country, with crosslike
flowers. Strangely enough, it appears to
have no folk lore attached to it.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-06-11

Mother Goose was no myth, as is com
monty supposed, but an actual parsonage.
a Mrs. Goose, who resided in Boston at the
beginning of the eighteenth century. One
of her daughters was married to printer
named Thomas Fleet. The old lady had
an endless stock of old rhymes and jingles
IN her memory, with which she was wont
20 delight her grandchildren and all the
other little folks of the neighborhood.
Mr.. Fleet took mp the idea that it might
oe worth while to collect these ancient dit
ties and put them in permanent form for
The use of future generations. He there
lore brought out book, of which the earli-
est edition now known bears the following
title: Songs for the Nursery; or, Mother
Goose's Melodies for Children Printed by
7. Fleet, at his printing house, Pudding
lane, Boston, 1719. Price, ? coppers. ~
There is little doubt that this was the first
edition of the work, since the old records of
Boston give the date of the marriage of
Thomas Fleet ard Elizabeth Goose as I715,
says the lnter-Ocean.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-06-11
The Curfew Bell.

For many a century there has been rung
in the ancient city of Sandwich, the old
Cirque port of Kent, the curfew bell,
which marked at one period so distinctive
feature of English life. The Church of
st. Peter has maintained this custom up
to the present day, but adverse fortune
now threatens to extinguish this honored
relic of past ages. A Sandwich paper says
that relations are somewhat strained be
tween the rector and the sexton of st.
Peters, and as the fund from which the
latter was paid is now claimed by the
churchwardens the sexton is consequently
in the dilemma of having time honored
office without any salary. At the Easter
vestry his reelection was mooted, and he
thou yht it very hard, and naturally, too,
that ne should have to work for nothing.
He inquired if in the event of his giving
up the Office the rector would have power
to prevent him from carrying out his duties
as ringer of the curfew bell, but no one
could inform him.