smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

This Board met last evening, President H. W. Genet
the chair


Alderman CORNELL begged leave to resign his member
shpof The several committees TO which he belonged
he would he absent in his military capacity for few
months. The resignation accepted. Alderman Cor
nell is ouartermaster Of the Eighth regiment.


petition Of the Metropolitan Home Guard for supply
presented by the President of the Board
rherrcd TO the Committee on National Affairs.


Alderman TARfFN offered resolution directing the
croton Aqueduct Board TO continue the advertisement
inviting proposals. for the work OF laying the Croon wa
ter mains through the Central Park His alderman H. -
object was TO continue employment for the poor aborers
who were the heads OF families and 10 prevent the
cossty or their going TO the while there are 80
many young men, without dependents, anxious and qua
hAed 10 take up arms la defence Of the flag OF the unon
resolution 10 present stand OF colors TO the First
regiment, National Guard was presented by Alderman
DAYTON and referred TO the Committee National Affairs
Alderman BoorE presented an ordinance making add
tona appropriations for the support Of the government
Of the city Of New York for the year 18olFor the re-
nov OF street membranes and obstructons for the
pay OF seven persons at the rate OF 50 day. for ser
vices in causing the removal Of street encumbrances
&c $6613 for the pay OF twenty-five persons, at the
rate Of ~ per day for services under the City Inspector
nciences, &c fite The ordinance was laid over under
the rule


resolution presented by Alderman DAYTON asking
the opinion OF the Corporation Counsel to the liability Of
the Common Council TO pay for compiling aud printing
laws ana undcr the second section Of the Tax
law Of 1861. Adopted


The PRESIDENT offered resolution directing the Finance
Committee 70 report at the next meeting how much OF
The prospective revenue Of the city for the present year
can be relied upon for further appropriation Adopted
pears that the balance in the city treasury, April "a,
Year: 1861

Lot My ., l5bIs
The vote Of louisville in favor Of the Union candidates
to the Border State Convention ID from six TO eight hou
sand The secession ticket some time since with
drawn. The Union vote s supposed to be larger than
any aggregate vote ever poDcd here.
Year: 1861

L have noticed that a married man falling
into misfortune is more apt to retrieve his
situation in the world than single one, chief
ly because his spirits are smoothed and re-
heved by domestic endearments, and self
respect kept alive by finding that although
abroad may be darkness and humiliation, yet
there is still little world of love at home Of
which he is the monarch. Whereas, a single
man is apt to run to waste and self-negect,
to fall to ruin like some deserted mansion,
for want of inhabitants. l have often had
occasion to remark the fortitude with which
women sustain the most overwhelming re-
verses of fortune. Those disasters which
break down the spirit of man, aud PROSTATE
him in the dust, seem to call forth all the
energies of the softer sex, and give such in
trepidity and elevation to their character,
that at times it approaches to sublimity.
Nothing can be more touching than to be-
hold soft and tender female, who had been
all weakness and dependence, and alive tc
trivial roughness, while treading prosperous
path, suddenly rising in mental force to bt
the comforter and supporter of her HUSBAND
under misfortunes, abiding with unshrink


ing firmness the bitterest blast of adversely
As the vine which has long twined its grace
fdl foliage about the oak, and has been liftet
by its sunshine, will, when the hardy plan


is shattered by the thunderbolt, cling arount
it with its carressing tendrils, and bind W
its shattered brow SO, it is beautifully or
dained by Providence, that woman, who j


the ornament and dependent of man in hi


happier hours, should be his stay and solac


when smitten with dire and sudden calamity
winding herself into the rugged recesses Of
his nature, tenderly supporting his droopin,
head, and binding up the broken heart


Washington Irving. .l- r8i y.
Year: 1861

are to be reviewed by the Governor.
They are good looking body of young
men, and are finely drilled. If we have
war, they are anxious to be in the
fray"


The Bdymen.-We learn that the
Mobile Baymen are moving with view
to forming themselves into military
company. Alabama, if she elects to be
an Independent republic, or if she join
the Southern Confedaracy, will be com
pelled to have n navy, and the Baymen
of Mobile possess all the material to
officer and man and fight II ship of war
~ The Gulf City Blues is the name
of another new volunteer company form
ed in the western part of the city.


Enlistment Of college ,Boys.-Some
thirty of the students of Spring Hill
College have left with view of joining
the volunteer services of the States to
which they belong. Tho fraternal dis
cipline and well ordered regulations of
this college are unable to restrain the
headlong fighting pluck of Young
America.
Year: 1861

REJECTED ADDREssEs.-Every day we re-
ceive communications which we are obliged
to decline; not always because they do not
possess sufficient merit, but for many other
reasons which the authors would fully aP-
preciate, if they could know them. We are
always glad to receive articles, but no one
should feel hurt should they fail to appear
in print.
Year: 1861

"oh, am so happy" little girl said,
As she spraag, like a lark, from allow t-undle bed
"Tis morning-bright morning Good morning


papa!


O, give me one kiss for coed morning, mamma!
Only just look at my pretty canary,
Chirping his sweet 'Gocd morning to Mary;
The sun is peeping straight into m eyes
Good morning to you, Mr.. Sun, for you rise
Early to wake my birdie and me,
And make us happy as happy can bo
Happy you may be my dear little girl"
As the ms ther struck softly clustering culr-
.'IIappy you can be-but think of the One
Who wax ned this morning, both you and the sun.
The girl turned her bright eyes with nod;
"Ma, may l say, then, good morning to God"
ayes, little darling one, surely you may;
Knee as you kneel every mo ming to pray"
Mary knelt solsmnly down, with her eyes
Looking up-eanestly- the skies
And two little hands, that were folded together,
Softly she laid on the lap of her mother,
"Good morning, dear Father in Heaven, she said
al thank thee for watching my snug little bed
For taking good care of me all the dark night
And waking me up with the beautiful light;
0, keep me from naughtines. all the long day,
Dear father, who taught children to pray"
An angel looked down in the sunshine and smiled
But she saw not the angel, that beautiful child !
Year: 1861

would have saved it, if they had been
braYely and wisely led. For under fair
and true craftsmanship, the chances are
more than equal, in the first place, to rally
the immense masses of the nine slave
States whose people are now pondering
their course, TO such an action as will
make their position secure in the Union,


and satisfy them: n the second place, to
secure such treatment Of the subject OF
secession by the Federal Administration,
as will at once give efficacy to the laws,
and avoid armed collision, except in re-
pelling force by force: in the third place,
to seek and rely upon, such a reaction
among the masses Of the people il the
free Stetes,-as will, by common consent,
or If 1t becomes necessary, by hurlng
from power those who stand in the way,
make manifest the determination of those
masses to put IN end 10 the reign of that
athelstlcal and relently tanaticism, which
Is the original cause Of the ruin that stares
us all IN the face: md in the fourth place
TO expect and await with confidence, the
inevitable counter-revolution in theStateS
which have already seeded, which will
disabuse the minds of men of the deu-
oi''' N'pb hlIt ltNOlutlOn llItIc has DecU
as to The popular masses, either sponta.
neous or cordial, and rest ore those States
to their true position in the contederAcy
IL Is In this manner that results, equally
indispensable and glorious, are attaina5le,
results capable also. no doubt, Of being
defeated ; and that ways to varions to be
traced here But when defeated, let us
never forget that they who defeat them
will share in full measure with us, all
present evils, and will bear alone the ex>
ccrations of poSterity. And when de-
teated, what will remain for this genera"
ton. will be to realize the calamities of
that frightful condition we have traced
In the commencement of this paper or,
as we have attempted to show on form.
occasion, to construct even upon the line
between the free and the slave States, a
new and central power-competcnt at
once to preserve all cur Institutions, to
develope our national progress, and to di-
rect the destinies of this continent
Year: 1861

Halls Jouii,ai of Hulh has the following
hints upon this subject, which are worthy Of
consideration


Not solitary subscriber owes Us a dol
lar; on the contrary, We owe them for more
journals; but We are urging plea for our
exchanges, some of whom have stopped. 9TH
ers are in a deadly drag, and many more
must fall into the same condemnation, some
Of ;s4em losing the products of the labor Of a
lifetime: and all this because the men whom
they done So much to amuse, and instruct
and CRAFTY, withhold the pittance of dollar
or two or three, which they could certainly
pay, If they had but the will Shame,
burning shame, to ali such. The order of
payment Is great practical Importance. 1t
Is tentcld economy of happiness and health
10 pay ten debts averaging II each, than TO
pay one OF Slo: for 10 persons are gratifed.
10 holes are stopped, 10 chances of being
dunned are removed instead OF for what
IS q greater annoyance, a greater Jar on a
s.nsltivc mind than to be dunned for a dol
lar VIXEN there is not Il penny in the pocket?
lou feel mean because YOU are SO poor, and
meaner still from the consciousness that your
neishbor has found out that YOU cannot pay
a contemplate dollar, while If You know
that he leally needs it, modification and re-
sret are added to the catalogue. The small
est debts should be paid first. on the pre-
sumption that the smaller the debt, the poor
er is YOUR creditor. the less his ability 10
borrow in case he IS disappointed in getting
what YOU owe him. and the less can he afford
the time required in calling on YOU.
Year: 1861

About daybreak Saturday morning A..
Williamson, doing business as coachmaker
at No. 50 German street, was arrested charg-
ed with treason against the Government
A few days previous it was ascertaned that
he ha been engaged by certain parties to
make wagon with false top and bottom
to facilitate the transmission of contraband
articles south of the Potomac.


The accused, after being closely watched,
was arrested, in the said wagon, with pair
of excellent horses, just as he was about
leaving his shop. AT first, he protested his
innocence, and invited an investigation
The police soon demonstrated that they were
better acquainted with the secrets of his
Year: 1861

the sudden explosion of fire arms.


have endeavored to be as brief as possi-
BILE, because am aware that your columns
are crowded; but l earnestly hope that the
few hints above will be of service to those
who are desirous Of learning how to use the
gun. 1t is a trite but nevertheless true say
ing, that sit is hard to cure old dogs of their
tricks" Old sportsmen piU follow their old
habits but to young sportsmen would say,
adopt the following short rules, and l will
insure you as much safety as can be expected
from the use of an instrument at all times
dangerous.


1. When the gun is not charged, always
put the hammer down upon the nipple. 1t
relieves the handspring, and preserves its
strength.


2. When you load bring the hammer to
ha!fcock, charge the gun; and let the put
ting on Of the cap be the last operation
Press it down lightly with your fingers, and
not by carrying the hammer down upon it.


3. Never cock the gun until the moment
before firing.


4. In all cases, whether alone or in compa-
ny, while hunting keep the gun at half-cock,
and never on any account put the hammer
down upon the cap.


). 1t is better, on setting the gun aside.
first to discharge it; but if you will or must
leave it loaded, be sure to leave it at half-cock,
and with the cap plainly to be seen. If then
it should be accidentally thrown down by
taking coat" from before it, or in any way,
it cannot be discharged.


An OLD SPORTSMAN.
Year: 1861

We cannot refrain from publishing the fol-
lowing simple yet touching letter found in
possession of post office clerk recently ar
rested and now confined in prison, for an ex-
tensive embezzlement of money letters, in
the post office in which he was employed, in
one of our princial cities. 1t was written
but few weeks previous to his detection
How prophetic are its words, and how pure
the love Of a mother. Had the timely admo-
milton here rendered been heeded in seassn,
the unfortunate son might now have been adj
mlnisterins to the comfort and happiness of
this dearest of earthly friends, instead of con-
signing her to the chamber of sorrow, and
perhaps to premature grave


Although these solemn words of mothers
warning proved insufficient to arrest the
downward course Of her wayward son, we
trust they may have the effect to deter others
who may be placed under circumstances of
responsibility and temptation, from ventur-
ing upon similar course Of dissipation and
ruin.


Upon the envelope of the letter were the
following words: "Not to be opened nor
read until you are in your ROOM"


D., Aug. 4, 1861.


Ny Dear Son: After returned home yes
terday from B., l felt sad and had
sleepless night, and l decided this morning
to write you, and earnestly request you to
read it calmly, and think seriously upon it.
You wonder why feel sad. 1t is because
think, George, that you are going too fast,
and am fearful that unless you pause, and
follow my advice, you will be ruined. Now
don't start, nor condemn your poor mother,
for love you, and it is my earnest desire
and prayer that you may be happy. In the
first place, Mr. - has opposed your going
there on the Sabbath day, and unless YOU re-
linquish your going there every day or even
ing, he will oppose you. Now, it is your du-
ty to keep away at least three evenings in
the week. Stay at home, retire early, in or
der to give you strength for your duties at
the pest Office, and besides appearances will
be for your benefit, and you will perform
your duties better. If you will reflect but
for moment, you will see that am right,
Year: 1861

whelming majority Of her people would shout
for the tnion. We want Kentucky, who
fought with US side by side, at New Orleans,
TO come and DO so again and under the same
tas for the same cause-Liberty. If you
give US your help, the Stars and Stripes will
float over every Court House in the State in
a very brief period. tCries of we will, We
will 4"
Year: 1861

SAco, Me-, Sept. E, 1861.


10 the Editor Of The Boston Joarnal.


Having just read the account of the dread
ful accident by which Ex-Governor Briggs
was so fearfully injured, am induced to say
few words in regard to the use of the pcrcus-
sion lock. 1t is well known to YOU and the
readers Of your journal, that since the COM
meneement Of the war there have been almost
numberless instances of accidental shootn.
of soldiers and others, but it does no: seem
to be generally known, or even suspected.
how these accidents occur and how they may
be-with almost certainty


Having used the percussion gur constant
ly ever since it was first introduced, my ex-
perience has led me to adopt an invariable
rule. 1t this: IFhea the gun is charged
ncrer allow tie lock to be IN any other state
tran half cock, except at the moment before
firing. The reasons why this rule should be
adopted and religiously observed are briefly
these: The lock is so constructed that when
at half cock provided it is good for anything
and no other should ever be used) it cannot
be moved from that point toward the cap to
explode it, in any possible way. You may
strike it violently and it will not Weld until
the lock itself breaks in pieces. Ifby any ac-
cident it is moved in the opposite direction,
it must 80 back until it is fully cooked, and
must remain there until the trigger is touch
er. 1fit does not 90 back to that point it
cannot possibly, in returning, pass the point
Of its first position-that of half cock-unless
the trigger is touched at the moment, which
would seldom if ever happen.


Many sportsmen are in the habit of carry
ing the gun "at the COCK" even when in COM
pany with others, as we'll as when alone
Should twig accidentally touch the trigger,
should the sportsman stumble and fall, or
strike heavy blow with the breech against
a tree, the gun explodes; it may be HARM
lessly, or perhaps at the expense of life or
limb. Nerer cock the gun until the moment
before firing. Again, others are under the
erroneous impression that the safest wayis to
carry the hammer down upon the cap. The
truth is, that is the most dangerous Of aN.-
When the hammer is pressed upon the cap,
the jarring caused by the various movements
in handling the gun is constantly bringing
the percussion powder to such state that a
very slight tar upon the hammer will explode
it. Now this is precisely the way in which
almost all the accidents happen by which so
many wounds are inflicted and lives lost by
Year: 1861

for have experience and can understand
properly better than you can in this case, be-
cause YOU are carried hastily away by the i'm
pulse of the moment.


Depend upon it am right, and you will
say SO. Again, am sad because you are
spending too much money. You must be
more prudent, or you will get into debt and
lose your lace. Think of it.





You must change, become minded, and
lead different life, and then you will be
happy. o, my dear son, follow my advice,
and make your poor afflicted mother happy
by noble and yirtuous career. You are not
child, and should put away childish things,
and be man, man Of fixed principles. do
ing what is right, and stunning what is
wrong. and by 50 doing you will establish a
good name, which is precious. | again re-
quest you to save all the money you can, not
so much on my account as on your dear bro
theirs. We don't know but that he NAV
come home from the war SICK Or womded,
and he will have to depend on you, and for
every dollar you save for him, he will give
you two. | write this for your own vel
fare and happiness. Think Of it. Take my
advice and seek aid from your Heavenly Fa-
ther, by prayer, night and morning, and ere
long you will have cause to thank your


AfFECTIONATE NuTHER.
[. s. NaI.
Year: 1861

~ The many accidents from the careless
use Of firearms induces us to ask the partcu-
lar attention of our readers to the following
communication from "an Old Sportsman. y
Similar directions to insure safety have be-
fore been given in our columns, but they
cannot be too often repeated Boston Jour-
n0l
Year: 1861

! ~" - IeYuIel1e, anu On tne proper mixture
of the two kinds, the character of the gun
depends, and much skill and many expert
ments have been devoted to producing exact
ly the proper proportions.


CASTING A GUN.


The metal being melted in huge furnace
short distance off, is sometimes allowed to
run through little ditch in the earth direct
ly into the mold, but more commonly i,
caught in large iron pot, swung from a
heavy crane, and from that poured into the
tube by the side Of the mold 1t is beauti-
ful sight as the molten mass flows, bubbling
and sputt; ;ring, roaring in its new quarters,
and bursting out into flames at every oppor-
tunity. The iron gradually rises in the can
non mold until it reaches the top. The up
per part is apt to have air bubbles, dross,
etc, mixed in with it, which impairs its
strength. Therefore the cast is about foot
longer than the cannon should be. 1t is lef;
some time to cool, care being taken to pre-
vent the outside cooling much faster than the
inside as the unequal contraction of the met
al would mach diminish the strength.


After cooling, it is taken from the mold,
the sand, Of course, being scattered and de-
is hue e..
of iron, not shaped very much like the finish
ed gun. The mass on one side, formed by
the filled tube, has to be broken off, and the
gun is taken to lathe, where it is made
slowl ly to revolve, and steel cutter fastened
to stationary bar bores out the interior
The outside rough iron is then turned of,
leaving the surface bright and well finished.
1t then fastened on a wheel which turns
it end overs and in such man neras to allow
cutter to dress the trunions or axles. This
being done the touchhole is bored out, when
the gun is completed.


TESTING THE STRENGTH.


The next operation is to test its strength
This was formerly done by putting in very
heavy charge, much heavier than would ever
be used in action. If the gun stood this, it
was supposed to be able to stand an ordinary
charge. But it was finally ascertained tina,
the overcharge sometimes weakened the gun
without showing any immediate traces
Therefore they now usually take from the
barrel near the muzzle, or from the lower
end of the piece cut off small portion, which
they form into cylinder one inch in diane
ter and two inches long. The specific gravi-
ty and other qualities are carefully noted,and
the hardness Of the metal tested. BY max
ing the proper calculations on the strength of
this cylinder, the firmness of the gun is as
certained. SO accurate have these scientific
tests become, that sn inferior gun will at
once be detected. The cannon is now ready
for use.
Year: 1861

There is also being here manufactured a
new rlfled cannon, called the Parrot gun. 1t
has been in use for only few months, bu,
bids fair to be very superior Implement
Perhaps i: is best not to be too Minute in
describing its manufacture The gun is first
made considerably smaller than the Dahlgren
gun. Around the chamber, where the force
of the plosion occurs, band of wrought
from is fastened. This band is made by
twisting huge bar into spiral cylinder, some
ching like an old fashioned wirs-spring. |,
is then welded together securely. This for
nation greatly increases its strength 1t is
then "shrunk" on to the gun, which is done
by heating it, which expands it so as to allow
it to be slipped upon the gun. As it cools it
shrinks, and clasps the gun in a tremendous
grip. This is on the same principle as
shrinking on wheel-t;re. 1t is then bored
and finished off as the other guns.
Year: 1861

there are two requisites in the iron for
cannon. Hardness--so as to prevent the
'ouch-hoe blowing out, or the inside wear
'AS away by the ball. But, il too hard, it is
liable to be brittle and burst. Therefore soft
Year: 1861

iron is requisite, and on the proper mixture
Of the two kinds, the character of the gun
depends, and much skill and many expert
ments have been devoted to producing exact
ly the proper proportions.


CASTING A GUN