davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

copper and fastened with the sea- of the
great Solomon. it was bound with red
tape and bore the waXcn seal of some de-
ceased Secretary Of the Treasury When
opened il emitted an odor Of dead roses.
The arst article lifted from the box was
heavy square bottle, which contained
the altar of roses. A considerable guam
tity of the precious fluid had made its
escape but quite enough remained to
perfume the city, II this shall be con-
Stdered necessary. AFTER the carnival has
passed away There was no paper TO
indicate to whom this altar of roses be-
longed. but tradition says that some
East Indian prince sent it TO Martin
Van Buren,: that 1t has once been de-
posted at the Patent Office and after
ward sent to the Treasury in the year
IS4S The next bottle lifted from the pa
per wrappings contained pearls. These
were remarkably fine on account OF
shape, size, and purity OF color. Two OF
the pearls were the largest the writer
has ever seen. They were obiong in
shape. and these two must have given
color to the fancy pearls as large as
pigeon eggs" AS there was no way of
counting these jewels, it was judged
there might have been $50 altogether
The next article was small vial, con-
tanning diamonds. None OF these
were large, but they were very clear
and perfect In shape. 1t seemed as
II they must have once been a part OF
some royal necklace which had been
stolen. As is usually the case in calam-
tiles of this kind, the detectives only re-
cover the smaller stones. There might
have been a thimbleful OF diamonds.
Thieves evidently had been at work
with the treasure, for the next article
brought forth was the golden lining of
a snuff box. but the jewel cover and
fragrant snuff were missing. Next came
a gold ornament which had once held
together a pearl necklace. The silken
string and tassel attached to II showed
its East Indian origin. This. II appears.
was the article left TO show that some
President or officer OF the Government
had been presented with a pearl neck
lace. 1t had been placed on exhibition
somewhere, and thieves made away with
it: but in order to secure what was re-
covered beyond III chances OF future
escape, the string and gold fastening
were laid in this box.
The next article brought forth was a
tin box. There was no way to ascertain
whether the box was originally intended
for pills OF matches. There was every
reason to believe that the original Pan
dora's box had been found. But on
opening II there was discovered a sealed
paper containing gems, thirteen small
diamonds Of the finest water and four
large pearls. A small piece of paper
in a box had written upon it this inter
estlng bit of information: These jewels
had originally been presented TO Martin
Van Buren,, but had been stolen from a
case in the Patent Office on the night OF
November s. IS4S.' These unfortunate
gems convey the most useful lesson: IL
Mistress Van Buren had worn her jew
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

gether. il has an admirable harbOr, and
il early became an object of frequent
attacks from the French. who. although
generally repulsed. met with occasional
success. and caused Henry II to fortify
the entire coast. In Queen Elizabeth
reign we read in connection with Ply
mouth of such doughty BritOns as Sir
Humphrey Gilbert, Sir Francis Drake.
Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Thomas Caven-
dish. Sir John Hawkins. Sir Martin
Frobisher. and Lord Howard, together
with countless other heroes OF the sea.
Among the noteworthy events in which
Plymouth has taken part probably the
most famous was the gathering of her
sailor sons on the famous Hoe on thas
glorious july afternoon In 1883 when the
invincible Armada hove in sight and
Sir Francis Drake made his memorable
remark to his fellow bOwlers, Let US
finish the rub and we Will then beat the
Spaniards.
Gathering of Great Fleets.
Eight years later there was another
assembling of $50 ships at Plymouth.
which sailed hence after the successful
attack on Cadiz. led by the Earl OF Es-
sex Again in 1929 the Pilgrim fathers.
after a long stay in Plymouth. during
which they gave up one of their ships.
the SpeedweI. set sail in the Mayfiower
to find in the New World the homes they
had lost in the old and 20 become the
founders of the greatest republic Wit
messed by the twentieth century. Hence.
too. Cook and Vancouver started forth
on their ocean voyages; and to Ply
mouth in 1915 came the Bellerophon,
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

ly increased his daily cares. In spite
Of all these things. however. possibly
the more because 1 was a girl. alone
and unfriended in London. he took time
TO read my manuscript To my great
qualification and surprise he accepted Il,
paid me literally for it. and asked me
to go on contributing to his magazine.
First Meeting.
Not long after this incident in my
life. Mr.. Dickens sent me note. invit-
ing me to call upon him at his house.
on such a day and hour Punctuality
was one Of the gods he worshiped.
Not being much acquainted with tho
map OF London. I went around about
way. arriving at his residence half an
hour late. The butler informed me.
much TO my chagrin that Mr.. Dickens
had waited for me half an hour. but
had been obliged TO go to his office and
that he would expect me on the same
day and hour the following week. once
more a monstrous fog prevented him
from reaching home in time 10 meet me.
which brought a note Of explanation and
a renewed appointment The third at
tempt was successful. and ] found my
self face to face with the man who OF
all others 1 most desired to meet.
Charles Dickens. at last
Asked Questions About America.
Ten minutes later exclaimed the
apostle OF punctuality. laughingly. I be-
gan to fear that you had eloped with
Mokana, Tom Moore's yelled prophet.
He must have been your friend of the
fog said Mr.. Dickens. as he placed me
In chair from the Old Curiosity Shop
and began to ply me with questions
about the great country out OF which
had come. l answered him as best l
could. and after a pleasant interview we
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

life / got hold of the works Of Dickens
and fell in love with them. particularly
Sketches by Boz" David Copperfield'
and Nicholas Nickleby." They made
such an impression upon my young
mind that though still a girl in my
teens. l resolved to cross the water
ana know for myself personally the man
whose works had so delighted me. I
had already written several magazine
articles. some of which had been ac-
cepted, and must confess that L had a
desire to present in person an article
Of my own 70 the great author for pub
LEGATION in his magazine Supplied by
an indulgent father with plenty Of
money, 1 went with my maid to Lon
don. and there procured for myself com
Portable apartments not far from old
Bow Square Church.
Awaited Mr. Dickens Return.
1T was autumn. The people were as
yet largely out Of town Mr. Dickens
was on the continent The days wore
on and Thanksgiving came. with its
winter cheer, and then Christmas. and
/ began TO be homesick and to long
once more for my old New England
home. But all such fashion as that was
only for dilettanti and had TO be put
by So / turned my back on myself and
worked out this inconsistencies into a
story Of New England life. which I sent
70 Mr.. Dickens as soon as he returned
Rumors of Domestic Infelicity.
About this time unhappy rumors Of
domestic infelicity in "Tavistock House
crept out into the air. started BY liter
airy men who snarled enviously at the
heels Of the great writer Added to such
sorrows. which told upon him very
perceptibly. were multiplied the inces-
SAINT toll and social stress which great
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

by shipping and small manufacturing
He discovers modern CITY with fine
free public library and several other IL
braries that are connected with liter
airy and scientific institutions; a munich
pal museum and 1ourishing art and
technical schools. There are. too. plen-
y OF theaters and music halls. one of
which. the Theater Royal holes a prom
inent position among the great theaters
OF the world During the entire season
the city Is fun of visitors coming and
going. departing on coaching trips TO
Dartmoor or on sea and river excursions
ND and down the Devon and Cornish
coasts and up the many tide rivers
which run into the English channel
There is abundant bathing close to the
toxin, and the open air concerts are
among the best in England Those who
had thought Of Brighton as the only
great English watering place find the
magnitude of Plymouth rather stagger-
ing
Historical Associations.
That the American tourist learns a
great deal Of ancient history in Ply
mouth goes without saying. He discov-
ers. tnat although the town is one of
the oldest places along the coast, being
known as la,- as the reign of Henry II
as "a mere thing as a habitation for
fishers" its favored situation caused it
TO be built up rapidly during the years
when the English naval and merchant
marines were first being developed tn
great proportions. Situated where the
Plym and four other rivers come to-
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

gold. $40 in silver. and cent nickel
This package was dated September "a
1889
Package NO. was an immense bun
die Of valuables no less than the sub
stantial inheritance of the Smithsonian
Institution. These riches consisted OF
bonds of the State of Arkansas. valued
at $53S, 900. Several days were occupied
IN the careful examination OF this ma
tional property
No. 10 was a modest looking pack
age. and contained 5000. and was left
for safe keeping by some ancient Sec
rotary of War
Package No. II contained samples OF
United States demand notes deposited
by the Treasurer of the United States.
Package No. L contained one coun-
tcrfeit plate. back OF a ten-dollar note,
deposited by a Solicitor of the Treasury
IL July. 1854
Package No. Is was an envelope, and
contained a check drawn by A. A
Cronchite. assistant quarter master OF
United States Army, on Assistant Treas
ury. United States. St. Louis. Amount,
1915. Date, December ?, 1863. Deposited
by Fourth Auditor.
Package No. IA contained $3.50, being
notes that were stolen from Lieut.
James Braunaugh. in the battle OF
Pittsburg Landing. and forwarded to
the Treasury for payment. Deposited
by the Treasury of the United States
October %, 1866.
Package No. Is contained $l4500 in
Virginia State bonds. Deposited by the
Secretary of the Treasury as captured
property from a person formerly act
ing as an officer of the late so-eafled
Confederacy. Dated February 16. 1867.
Package No. 16 contained $4,000 reg
istered bonds. deposited as collateral
security by the Commissioners of In
terpal Revenue.
Package No. II contained eighty-nine
counterfeit ten-dollar notes. manufac-
tured in Sheffield, England, and left on
special deposit by w. A Shannon. Au-
gust q. 1863 BY order of the Secretary
of the Treasury.
Package No. Is contained s61, 900 Texas
indemnity stock, per cent, deposited
by Secretary of the Treasury, through
w. II. Andrews, for safe keeping, sub
ject to his order.
Package No. 10 was an envelope, and
contained bond issued on account OF
Pacific Railroad by State Of Missouri.
Deposited by the Secretary OF the
Treasury, January 4. 1868.
Package No. 20 contained bonds is
sued on account OF Blue Ridge Railroad,
by State OF South Carolina. Deposited
by Secretary of the Treasury, January
6, 1858.
Package No. q contained an envelope.
deposited by Second Auditor May 6,
1868, and consisted OF a Munroe county
New Tork) certificate of $500. The
above bond to be used as a Voucher in
the settlement OF Capt J. d. O'Con-
nelTs accounts.
Package No p contained counterfeit
Treasury and bank notes passed by and
found in the possession of John B. Hen
derson and Cancelled by William B. Ran
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

TT HERE lies beyond the old Bush
wick meadows. on the brow of a
Il hill, the little struggling hamlet
of Fort Mar In this out-of-the-
way spot lives a woman Of advanced
years. Her name is Amelia Thurston.
lady. born and bred. The home in which
she lives is humble one, but. for all
Of that more than one author Of world
wide fame has paid his respects to that
lowly cot.
The singular interest that attaches to
this estimable woman IS due 10 the fact
that she was for many years init
mately associated with Charles Dickens.
and at one time his amanuensis. She
not only was a frequent visitor to Mr.
Dickens in his home. but was often
visited by him in her own residence in
London. In this way she gained an in
sight into the habits. methods. and man
ners Of the great English novelist. such
as few even Of his most privileged
friends have had the good fortune to
acquire
Native of Boston
The following interview with this ac-
complished woman is gwen TO the pub
lie just as the words fell from her own
lips. and is true statement OF a most
interesting story:
Il was born I'm Massachusetts, in the
suburbs Of Boston. Ny home was one
OF luxury. refinement and wealth.
Every advantage that fine education
could bestow upon an ambitious girl
was showered upon me. Very early in
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

I doiph. September %. 1898 Deposited by
the Treasurer. May 25. 1865
Package No. q. one envelope, in
which were found counterfeit legal ten
ders. fractional currency. and bank
notes Deposited by H Johnson. The
original deposit consisted Of S2eS In gold
and silver. which were forwarded 10 the
mint in Philadelphia 10 ascertain it's
value. Amount OF counterfeit currency.
S6lL01
Package No. "a, deposited August 6.
1870. by Secretary Of the Treasury. IN
trust for the Alaska Commercial Com
pany, containing $50 bonds. Whole
amount. S55.OCP.
One box deposited in June, 1865. by
the Secretary Of the Treasury. contained
the original Field medal. In case. struck
at United States Mint. under the reso-
luton of Congress. The paper which
accompanied the medal is copied YER
batlm:
A Letter From Director Linderman.
Mint OF the United States.
Philadelphia, June Is 1865
Sir: I have the honor to forward 10
your address today. per Adams Express
Company. the gold medal struck at the
mint per your instruction for Cyrus w.
Field. esq, under the resolution Of Con-
gress authorizing the same. The medal
is inclosed In a neat pearl case. with
gold mountings. all Of which were pre-
pared from dies made from our new en-
craving machine. The mountings on
the case are intended to harmonize with
the object of the medal inside. and
continued expression of the same ideas.
The fraternity of man. ocean divided. %
I M
trident of Neptune in the corners is
the form used for the points Of cleo
tricity. and expresses the real dominion
or mastery OF the man; while the gold
cable running around the globulay part
OF the pearl continues a metaphor The
center. with the shield and crest of c.
w. Field, with the arms of the United
States and England on either side, and
European arms right and left OF them.
expresses the binding of the nations by
the cable; the small shield Of Ame.nea
at the bottom of cable. and the private
arms OF c. W. Field in the center or
post OF honor, is asserting the claim OF
the first place in the enterprise for the
United States. 1 inclose bill for the
medal and case, amount Of which please
remit:
Gold .--.....-...-.-........ 1893. So
Currency ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 42SO
Very respectfully. your obedient serv-
ant, H r. LINDERMAN, Director.
Hon. Hugh McCullOch. Secretary of
Treasury, Washington. D. c.
1t will be remembered that Congress
appropriated 5000 for the construction
OF this medal, but II appears that less
than $1,000. exclusive OF the case. ac-
tually entered into its composition. Ii
Is true. it is large and clumsy enough
for a medal. but VIZ should Congress
decide that something In the ugliest and
most useless shape possible should be
given to one OF the most distinguished
OF living Americans? Only those gifted
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

the story tell itself. Simplicity is the
first and last trait Of style
Mr.. Dickens lived frugally, dressed
soberly, worked methodically. He wore
no jewelry save in a parsimonious way.
He despised the shams of ostentatious
vulgarity. He was a modest man. He
never talked either about himself or
his books. save when others introduced
the subject. and then very gingerly.
Honest praise pleased him. but indis-
criminate fiattery Disguised him
Appeals Never in Vain.
"The most beautiful part of Mr.
Dickens life has never been known TO
any extent, and. therefore. has never
had justice done it. l refer to his great I
noble heart and the sympathy he poured
out for the poor and the unfortunate
l have witnessed many of these acts
of his generosity and know, as prob
ably few others do how much he sac
rihced in order to relieve restitution and
rescue self-respect from the degradation
Of rags. On one occasion TWO young art
lists. far from home. became stranded.
Mr.. Dickens happened to hear OF their
embarrassment and. Without asking amy
questions. sent them a SO note. and
with it simply the words, Home is the
best place.
Appeals Never in Vain.
From all parts of the great city ap-
peals for help were constantly made to
him, and never in vain. He did not stop
to imagine whether the request came
from a saint or a sinner. He knew that
it came from a human being, and that
was enough In the crowd that gath
cred round him at last to look upon his
dead face, stood many a weeping re
cipient Of his generosity who could
have pronounced upon him a far more
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

parted. Not long after l was surprised
to receive a note from him informing
me that he was coming TO see me. /
was living at that time near the West
End, in a rather antiquated stone cot
tage. The day came. and with it Mr.
Dickens. on time 10 the minute. Hardly
had ne entered the parlor and taken a
seat when Fancy my net canary, who
was flying about the room, perched on
his head and began to caress il. l was
in the act of driving away the bird
when Mr.. Dickens good-naturedly re-
marked, Let is stay When 1 am home
often go about with half an ayiary
around my head So. with the canary
perched lightly there upon the dome Of
that brain that had circled the world
with it's beautiful thoughts. we sat and
talked. as he outlined for me a series Of
researches into the different phases Of
London life.
The Study of Human Nature.
This was to be my study. the study Of
human nature. / accepted his sugges-
tons and spent years in following them
out reporting to him as 1 progressed
each new hnd. Sometimes he laughed
uproariously at me when ! made blum
der. but generally he accepted my arti-
cles and published them, with such
cancellations as the dictates of his ripper
exper lence might deem best In this way
came to know Mr.. Dickens very well
often acting at last as his amanuensis
and assistant He wrote carefully,
slaughtered mercilessIy and made many
changes. He once said to me and
never forgot it:
How to Tell a Story.
." There is quiet way Of writing a
story which is more powerful than the
opposition Of the most violent contrasts
The only way to tell a story is to let
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

a picturesque little place on the north
shore Of Devon, has OF late become dis
tinctly a fad of the London painters,
both British and American. and along
either coast, whether about Exeter or
Plymouth. to the south. or Hfracombe,
Bude, or Tintagel, on the north, you
will always see white umbrellas. The
whole region is fun Of the subjects
which the early English artists affected.
Here Sir Joshua Reynolds was born and
worked during portions of his life. and
here the greatest of all London land
scapists. Turner. painted many pictures
among them the famous "Devonport,
which has lately been acquired by the
Fogg Museum, at Harvard University.
The natural gateway henceforth for
Americans to the Devonshire country
side will be Plymouth AS an introduce
don to England u is like beginning
ones meal with dessert; but. perhaps.
there is an advantage in seeing the
best first.
Old and New Plymouth.
The similarity Of Old Plymouth to
the Massachusetts town which bears Its
name and to which so many thousands
Of American tourists go every year.
Will perhaps be one Of the entertain
ing features TO many travellers who ap-
proacn it from the sea. To be sure. the
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

New York. Jan. ?. 1904.
n EwLY brought into connection
N With the New world by the ser
vice which the American line Of
steamships has just established,
the old port of Plymouth. mother Of all
the other Plymouths in the world, bids
fair with the beginning OF this year 10
have a fresh interest TO Americans. As
the haven from which the Mayfiower set
SAN in 1920 on it's memorable voyage to
New England the English Plymouth has
always had claim upon this country
its advantage as a landing place and
the attractiveness OF the surrounding
country, rapidly becoming the most i'm
portant recreation ground in England.
win probably bring 10 It degree Of
prominence IN American thought scarce
~ second to that which Southampton
has attained.
Shortening the Distance.
Although the plan Of having steamers
stop at Plymouth on their way TO
southampton was probably devised by
The officials OF the International Mercan-
tile Marine Company primarily for the
purpose Of shortening the distance for
passengers and mails between New
York and Loadon-since the railway
connections with the metropolis are ad-
mirabIe-nevertheless the incoming of
tho American vessels to this ancient
The Washington times., 1904-01-03

port viii have the effect OF making the
whole enchanted region of Devonshire
and Cornwall more accessible to people
on our side OF the water than Il has
ever before been.
That the trend of English fashion
these past few years has been toward
the two southwest counties is generally
known. The diversified beauty Of the
long stretch Of seacoast from Southamp-
ton TO Lands End and back to Bristol
and the rugged interior. filled with
slightly tors" picturesque gullies. and
delightful "reminiscences Of the Arthurian
legends. Lorna Doone. and Conan Doyle.
has proved greater and greater at
traction 10 well-to-do Brltishers and 10
the members Of the American colony In
London.
Discovered by Artists.
AS a rule the fashion Of summering
both in England and in this country is
first set by artists. Just as the land
scape painters first discovered New
port. Bar Harhor. and the Berkshires.
to be followed later by the wealthy and
fashionable families ofNew York. Boston
and Chicago. so the district Of Devon
shire Is al present passing through a
stage Of popularity with the artists and
with the class Of people whom art most
easily influences. CIovelly. for instance,