smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

CHRISTMAS EyE.-Ihe approach of the
most interesting festival Ct ehristendom has
been awaited with joyful impatience by the
little people on whom life is showering its rose
colors with profusion. They have already
heard the footsteps OF ST. Nicholas in the dis.
tanee, and will have grand frolics with him to-
night IN their baby dreams. And many
young hearts will thrill with new delight when
they see in the early dawn of Christmas
morning how generously the dear saint re.
membered them while they slept.
Year: 1861

1t cannot be that earth is mans only abb
ding place. 1t cannot be our life is q bubble
cast up by the ocean of eternity, to float a
moment on its waves and sink into nothing
ness. Else, why is it, the high and glorious
aspirators, which leap like angels from the
temple of our hearts are forever wandering
about unsatsfied Why is it that the rain
bow and the cloud come over us with a beau-
ty and then pass off and leave us to muse
upon their loveliness Why is it that the
stars (which hold their festival around the
midnight throne are set above the grasp of
our limited faculties mocking us with their
unapproachable glory? And finally why is
it that bright forms Of human beauty are
presented to our view and then taken from
us leaving the thousand streams Of life flow
back in Alpine torrents upon our hearts,
We are born Of higher destiny than that o
EARTH There is a realm where the rainbow
never fades--where the stars will be spread
out before us like the Islands that sumber
on the ocean, and where the beautiful things
which are before us like shadows, will
stay in our presence forever.
Year: 1861

Since the return of some of the regi
ments which took part in the Bull Run
engagement, our exchanges, particular
ly in New England. began to be rich in
interesting anecdotes of personal adv o.
ture and escape. 1t would be well en-
ough to avoid the following convention
al characters who turn up after every
noteworthy battle, viz: l. The conven-
tional pious soldier; whose little Bible
carried in his breast pocket, received
tho bullet and saved his heart. 2. The
wicked militia man, with gin flask in
one pocket d pack of cards in the
other, and lie with bad wound in the
groin between the two; for of course no
well direc- d bullet would consent to
act as special providence in such a
case. B The very old so Ter Of tales,
who cones out of action wi a bullet
in his watch. the fortunate interposition
of time having prevented the soldier
entrance upon eternity. One or two OF


these scock actors appear in New Ha-
ven paper of yesterday, and it is under,
stood that they are engaged for the sea-
son' in the rural districts. s.-Pcst.
Year: 1861

A day or two since, an nnsophlstca-
ted darkey waited upon certain militia
ry gentleman with bill of S1.15 for
washing done at the camp hospital, which
after undergoing the rigid scrutiny by
the officer, was returned with tho follow
ing explanation, which the astonishcd
son of Ethiopia listened to with an e.
quail amount of wonder and perplexity.


This bill. said the gentleman, will
first have to be sent to the Quartcrmas-
r-geueral at Washington, and he will
report to the Adjutant-General, who will
lay it before the Secretary of War for
his approval. The Adjutant being sat
isfed, it will be sent to the Auditor OF
State, who will approve of it and send
it to the Secretary of the Treasury, who
will send it to the United States Treas.
ury. who will at once despatch an order
to the the Collector of this port to pay
the bill


The darkey relieved himself of a long
drawn sigh. Then, massa,' he remark
ed, dat last gemen you spoke of pays
for de washin, does heT


NO continued the other, he will
hand it to the Quartcrmaster; but there
is no such officer here at present, some
proper person must be selected for the
purpose, who must be appointed by the
Secretary of War, under direction of the
President, and his appointment must be
approved by the Senate. Congress not
being in session now, the commission
cannot be issued until after it meets
When this commission is received, the
Quartermaster will show it to the Col,
lector, and demand the funds. You
will then call upon him-he will exam
inc your bill, and if correct, he will pay
it, and you give your receipt.


! The unfortunate niger first scratched
his head, then shook it, and finally said
4 guess dis niger i'll hab to let di.
washin slide, but dis am dc last job
does for Uncle Sam, sah'-Cimcinnat'
! Enquirer
Year: 1861

Wellngton's plan would be n good one to
enforce against those whose curiosity to see
is stronger than their patriotism to fight
When importuncd at brussels by number
of amusement seekers among his own coun-
Lrymen to let them be spectators at the ap-
preaching battle at Waterloo, he at once con-
sentcd aud ordered them Immediately to be
armed, equipped and to take their place in
the ranks with the soldiers. General Scott
should issue an order that every civilian who
attempts to cross the lines on the eve of q
battle should be at once placed in the ranks,
where his curiosity can be satisfied and his
presence made useful.
Year: 1861

Good for Picking Peaches and Pears.
Pare the fruit, then add one-half lb.
of sugar to every pound of fruit. Put
them in jar layer Of fruit and then
a sprinkling ofsugar, and let them stand
all night. To the juice thus expressed,
add vinegar enough to cover them, cook
short time and they are done. Spice
as you please. l learn from a German
lady Can excellent housekeeper,) that
piece of horse radish root put into the
jar with any kind of pickles, will pre-
vent any scum from rising. We have
only to try it to prove it.


Watermelon Pickles. Ten pounds of
watermelon rinds boiled in pure water
until they are tender drain the water
off, then make syrup of two pounds of
sugar, one ounce of cloves, and ono
ounce of cinnamon. The syrup to be boil
ed and poured over the melon rinds
boiling hot. Drain the syrup off and let
it come to boil, and pour it over the
melon three days in succession. The
rinds prepared in this way far surpasses
any pickle l ever tasted. 1t will keep
from one year to another.


Tomato and Onion Pickles.-To one
quart of vinegar, add half pound Of
brown sugar, half an ounce of cloves,
and one ounce of cinnamon buds. Sc
lect small onions, boil in the vinegar
three minutes, skim them off when cool,
lay them down in a crock first layer
of onions, and then tomatoes, (the small
plum tomato is the best,) and when the
vinegar is cool pour it over them, and
set in a cool place


Picked CucumberS-Wash and cover
them with cloth turn them over a
weak brine, boiling hot cover closely.
Let them remain few days, then rinse
the brine from them, and remove to cold
vinegar, with horse radish and spices to
taste keep covered closely.


Ripe Tomatoes. Pick them before
ripe enough to be soft; wash and prick
them make brine so strong 1t will not
dissolve all of the salt; boil and skim,
and when cold pour it on the tomatoes.
Let them stand eight days, pour of, and
put on weak vinegar, which let remain
the same length of time, then remove.
put on strong vinegar, and whatever
spices suit your taste tie up aud put a
way. You will have nice pickles, and
those that will keep.


Green 7omatoes.-Take tomatoes after
they have grown to their full size, and
slice them thin seald them an instant
in salted water; then lay them in a jar
with vinegar, cloves and cinnamon.


Potato Custard. Ten potatoes boiled
soft, six or eight eggs. sugar to your
taste. one cup of milk. quarter of pound
of butter, essence of lemon, brandy aud
wine to your taste.
Year: 1861

Upon the hill he turned


To take the last fond look
OF the valley and the village church,
And the cottage by the brook
He listened to the sounds


So familiar to bis ear,
And the soldier leant upon his sword
And wiped away tear.
Beside the cottage porch


A girl was on her knee;
She held aloit snowy scarf


Which huttered in the breeze;
She ireathed a prayer for him
A prayer he could not hear
But he paused to bless her, as she kDslt
And wiped away tear.
He turned and left the spot


Oh, do not deem him weak,
For dauntless was the soldiers heart,
Though tears were on his cheek.
Go watch the foremost rank


In dangers dark career
BE sure the hand most daring there
Has wiped away a tear.
Year: 1861

A poetical editor addresses his delnquen
subscribers in the following musical az,
touching numbers:


How happy are they


Whom the editors pay,
And have squared up for one year or more.
Tongue cannot express


The great joy of the press,
Wien delinqucnts have paid the old score,


Printers all the day long


Labor hard for a song
A fate that is hard, all agree


They have worked night and day.


And OF course WANT THEIR PAY,
To buy sugar, and coffee, and tea.


One would hardly believe


What small sums they receive
For the paper addressed to each name;


But the price is so small,


That the good people all,
WILL PAY Up FOR FEAR or THE SHAME!
Year: 1861

six white stripes. The first seven stripes
(four red and three white) bound the
square of the blue field for the stars, the
stripes extending from the extremity of
the field to the end of the flag. The
eighth stripe is white, extending partly
at the base of the field. The number Of
the stars is thirty-four. THAT is to say,
will be after the coming Fourth of Ju-
IVY
Year: 1861

as young ones, the difference is only in
he price.


If a man could have his wishes he
would double his trouble.


Christianity com mands us to nass by
injuries; policy to let them pass by us.


If you would keep your secret from an
enemy tell it not to friend.
Year: 1861

The DIE IS CAsT.-Harper's Weekly, in
a late number and leading editorial, dis
cussing the war, thus succinctly states the
case;


The die is now cast, and men must take
their sides and hold to them. No one who
knows any thing Of the Southern people
suppose for a moment that, having gone so
far as to lombard United States fort and
capture it, they will now succumb without
fight. No one who has seen the recent
manifestations Of popular sentiment in the
North can doubt that the Northern blood is
up. and that they will listen to no more
talk of compromise, truce, or treaty, until
they arc fairly beaten. Letus then forbear
pulling, and look the situation in the face.
There are some among us still who whine
about the evils Of civil war. There are
those who, with burglar in their house,
his hand upon the throat of their wife or
daughter, would quote texts on the lowell
ness of Christian iorbearance and charity.
Nobody-outside oflunatic asylums doubts
that civil war is an enormous calamity. On
this point all are agreed. But as it has ac-
tually begun, and exists, what is the use of
deprecating il? What should we think of
doctor who, summoned to visit half dy-
ing patient. should wiring his hands hope
lessly and bewail the malignancy of
disease?'
Year: 1861

ADVICE TO VoLUNTEERs.--An old soldier
gives the following advice to novices who
are about to make their first campaign:


l. Remember that in a campaign more
men die from sickness than by the bullet


2. Line your blanket with one thickness
OF brown drilling. This adds but four oun-
ces in weight and doubles the warmth.


8. Buy small Tndia.rubber blanket (onIy
81 50) 10 lay on the ground or 10 throw
over your shoulders when on guard duty
during a rain storm. Most of the Eastern
troops are provided with these. Straw to
lie upon is not always to be had


4. The best military hat in use IL the
llght-colored soft felt; the crown being suf-
hciently high to allow space for air over
the brain. You can fasien il up as a CONT.
mental in fair weather, or turn IL down
when 1t is wet or very sunny.


D. Let your beard grow, so as to protect
the throat and lungs.


6. Keep your entire person clean: this
prevents Ifevers and bowel complaints in
warm climates. Wash your body each day
il possible. Avoid strong coffee and oily
meat. General Scott said that the too free
use of these together with neglect in keep
ing the skin clean) cost many soldier his
life in Mexico.


z. A sudden check of perspiration by
chilly or night air often causes fever and
death. When thus exposed do not forget
your blanket
Year: 1861

Dr. Dixon, in his New York Monthly
Scalpel, states that gentleman of the 'high-
est veracity' related to him the fGllowing
snake story, which beats anything that we
have read lately; ''''


Going into a public house for dinner,
he was surprised to observe the extra care
with which the gentleman who took the
seat opposite to him took off his hat he
turned his hat as nearly upside down as
possible without breaking his neck then
placing his hand over the inside of his hat,
he again turned, and received its carefully
guarded contents, concealed in pocket
handkerchief in his hand then gently lay
ing the back Of his hand on the cushion,
he slid the hat and its contents off and com
menced his dinner. The attention of my
friend was irresistibly directed towards the
hat; and his surprise greatly increased, the
reader may imagine, on observing the head
ofa sizcable snake thrust out looking sharp
ly about him. The gentleman percciving
the discovery, said:


My dear sir, | was in hopes to have
dined alone and not annoyed any one with
my poor pet Allow me to explain; he Is
perfectly harmless only common black
snake | was advised to carry him on my
head for rheumatism; | have done SO for
a few weeks and | a;iI oared-po9itiyely Of
an agonisirg fhalady. I dare not yet part
with him ; all ny care is to avoid discovery
and treat my pet as we'll as possible in
his irksome confinement | feed him on
milk and eggs, and he does not seem to
suffer. Pardon me for the annoyance
you have my story it is true am thank
full to the informer for my cure, and to you
for your courtesy in MT leaving your din
ner disgusted'
Year: 1861

A few of the Wilson Zouaves, tired Of
waiting orders, made their escape from the
camp on Sunday. They went in different
directions, and hid themselves in all man
aer of ways. A search was Immediately
instituted. One had crawled into the re-
mains of haystack, and having arranged
the hay with which he was covered so as
not to ,ez2ite suspicion, he lay entirely and
effectually concealed, awaiting his chances.
But he had been seen to do his work BY
some boys, who reported his whereabouts
to his pursuers, and one of them went to
the haystack to discover him. He stamp
ed on the soQae hay, calling loudly, but fail
ed to get an answer or to find any trace Of
the fugitive Thinking the boys were mis-
taken, the pursuin soldier left but taking
a second Thought he returned, and, after
due warning, drove his bayonct into the
hay in every direction After diligent
work noise was heard, and the Zoaaye
crawled out Though the bayonet had gra-
zed him three or four times, piercing his
clothing. yet he was uninjured. His coat,
directly under his arm, had bayonet stab,
and there were two through his loose pan
falcons. At Factoryville, whittier he was
taken, he was exceedingly jolly. If /
had thought said he, the fellow wouldn't
have punched at me more than thirty or
forty times more, would have stood it ];
but | thought be would never stop What
disposition was made Of him was not as
certained.
Year: 1861

Hhiskey Us. BuLiets.-An old soldier of
fers the following excellent advice to vol
unteers: My boys!"if any among you
have been in the habit of drinking much
whiskey, quit If you continue to drink
hard, you are dished-your more sober
companions viii bury you. In the service
you have to undergo, whiskey viii kill you
more certainly than either ball OR SHE'LL
If you are exhausted after long march, a
jorun of strong tea and chunk Of stale
bread will do you more good than all the
Bhiskey that was ever concocted. The
boatmen of Canada will tell you that COT
fee is not good; but jorum of strong tea
will check iysentery and bowel com,
plant. Soup is good Much meat is bad
in hot weather; the less meat the less blood,
the less blood the less load to carry-bone
and sinew make the soldier, not blood. +
light diet may go hard on men of strong
appetites; but he that lives soberly and
lightly will recover of his wounds quicker
Year: 1861

WASHINGTON, Feb IL, 1861.


The most positive assurances are received here by
Secretary Dix and others that Northern capitalists de-
cline taking any portion Of the twenty-five million loan
in the present distracted condition of the coun-
try They complain that the administration daily
permits extravagant violations of the most sa-
cred laws of the country, and manfests no
disposition whatever to bring the offenders to justice
II financial crisis is to follow such gross negligence
the part Of rulers the money holders would rather
have precpitated now during the existence of the
administration that produced it, than to throw upon
the new government which will be sufficiently embar
raised with its affairs, without having to incur
the responsibility of state of things which it
had no part in creating. The capitalists of
New York. Boston and Philadelphia express the belief
that Mr. Lncolns administration will restore the conf
dence Of the whole people, especially the financial por-
tion and they quote the highest authority in the in
coming administration for arriving at this conclusion.
II Is believed that If the capitalists decline much longer
TO take the loan that the loyal States will offer to ex
change their bonds for them and borrow on their
own credit.
Year: 1861

WASHINGTON, Feb II, IdbI.
The Collector at New Orleans after opening the Custom
House under the authority of the State of Louisiana,
began by refusing pass goods bond for ports Of de-
livery on the river unless the authority Of that State
recognized by the United States officers at those
ports He also refused to take transportation bonds
given in Kentucky and exacted the payment Of duties at
New Orleans.


These exactons produced so much excitement at the
principal cities on the Mississippi river that the goods
were abandoned The government have received official
intelligence to this effect from the Collector.


It now understood that goods may pass usual but
the duties collected at New orleans go into the treasury
of Louisiana instead of that of the United States
Year: 1861




Thurow Weed arrived here this morning His recent
course in urging and recommending the republican party
10 adopt conservative policy, and adjust the political
troubles now convulsg the country, has called down
upon his head the anathemas of the ultra
portion of his party, who follow 6reeley's
counsels. The ultras and conservatives here are
about equally divided, and the war bids fair TO
be most bitter The former are making tremen
dous effort to get Mr. Lincoln to throw Mr. Seward over
board. But in this they will fail Mr.. Seward has large
majority of the party in his State and other Nor
thern States with him. and who endorse his course He
is preparing another short speech and ready to make
further concessions If thereby he restore peace to
the country He is statesman, and ignores parties and
mon when his country is at stake.


There is almost much mystery attending the pro-
ceedngs Of Thurlow Weed those of the secret Peace
Conference and curiosity to ascertain what he is
about than what the Conference is doing lie is tonight
in earnest consultation with number Of Southern gen.
temen endeavorng with all his persuasive powers and
political strategy, to ascertain what can be done to
adjust the difficulties.
Year: 1861

OVER BATBrNe.-If fish is deprived OF ns
scales it will he chilled to DEATH and reason
ing analogically and knowing too that numan
skn-scales are destroyed by the alkai OF soap
man may wash himself too much, may ac-
tually wash the scales off his body, leaving
the pores so unprotected against neat ana
cold and obstructions, that death VIII 'neV'-
tahly ensue; indeed, physiological research I,
from the body by scalding or other means
fatal termination isunavoidable is Observant
persons know how soon the skin becomes
pale, shriveled and tender, even on the hard
er hands. if kept great deal in cold water
These are suggestive considerations for those
who believe that continual water sloshing'
are Indispensable TO health and longevity
Halls Journal of Health.
Year: 1861

We would call The attention ofJustices OF the Peace
to the assortment of Blanks for sale at the DEMOCRAT
Office. They are of the latest and most approved
FORMS and will be sold at liberal rates.
Year: 1861

Nor DEAD Tom Lafont, the negro min
strel, who was reported to have been crushed
to death between the steamer and the wharf
at Benicia, is, We are Informed by friend
alive and in the best Of health, and was in
Sacramento last week.
Year: 1861

FIaEMEN's ELECTION. The annual election
Of the Fire Department was held last even
ing. and although a great deal Of interest
was manifested by the friends Of the differ
ent candidates, there was no disturbance OF
any character whatever. The following is
the result of the vote:
Year: 1861

WELLER.-StraIge as 1t may seem, and
unaccountable as it is, nevertheless it is a


fact, that a man who was supposed to be
laid effectually on the political shelf, turns
up a candidate for the United States Senate
John B. Weller Was thought 10 be finally
disposed of two years ago when he came up
a candidate for Governor, and again when
Latham was chosen instead of him for the
Senate. He refuses to be down, but when
ever an office is to be disposed of, up he
comes, and sosieits all there is, and takes
what he can get. He had scarcely retired
to his brick-bought homestead in Alameda,
when His Imbecility at Washington, took
compassion on the cast-aside demagogue
and sent him off to Mexico to consume the
aguardiente of that country and pocket a
salary of twelve thousand five hundred doll
lars and the other loose change lying about
the mission. The whiskey -pickled politi-
cian has scarcely swallowed the first jug of
Mexican lightning when the Legislature of
California meets, and 10, the lucky old dog
comes up, like ghost that refuses to be
laid, and gets twenty-seven votes for the U.
s. Senate-all secessionists! Manifestly
we are never to see the old fellow in entire
obscurity like his intellect till his eoppers
are entirely burnt out, or till the race of
disunionists is extirpated, and another set
of men elected to the Legislature.


What John B. Weller has ever done for
his country, though he has occupied almost
every position, would puzzle the brsius, if
they have any, of his friends. As U. S.
Senator his record bears no comparison to
that of Gwin for efficiency, and why he
should receive the complimentary vote Of
his party in preference to his superior, is
unaccountable. Gwin may be odious, but
his capacity except for evil is greater than
that of Weller. Equally as trustworthy,
not less honest, and a thousand times more
able, Gwin should, in spite of all clamors
receive the complimentary vote of the
party whose real head he is. Weller ought
not to be thought Of when the king is about
and in good condition.
Year: 1861

SECESSION MADE EAsY.-The Springfield
Republican says that if the new theory that a
State may go out when she peases shall obtain,
its converse must also be correct, and a State
which has once seeded may also come back
when size pleases or threaten to spill 8 buckets
ful of blood " if denied the privilege. So that
by and by people will say, Well, how many
States are there in to-day?' Is South Caro-
lima in to-dayr' No, but she is coming in to-
morrow to get an appropriation for new rail-
road, and will go out again next week long
enough TO import stock of dry goods from
France free of duty" That would certainly
inaugurate new sensational era, when kl-
leidascopic government shall make as many
changes in year rs France has made in u
decade.