smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

There was always a mystery
hanging about a certain way that
Morgan had, and in which lie was
always joined honestly with his
wife-my own cousin-Mary Ste
ycns that had been-a. way that
troubled my curiosity much, until
the one ovcntful evening that /
was satisfied by hearing the reason
why. ... ,.., .r


Itwas simply this; that every
time word was spoken that led to
the period when Charley Morgan
first met my cousin May, they
both laugh heartily, but would al
ways refuse to tell at what they
laughed. This was certainly very
provoking, and 1 had little hesita-
ton in telling them so-not once,
but many times-at which they
laughed more heartily than ever.


| determined to have q solution
of the matter, if for no other reason
than that it worried me. I am but
a woman, aud having pleaded to
the possession of curiosity, 1 see no
reason why sometimes it should
not be INDUCED. With this rcso-
lutien, / set forth, one evening,
when we three, Morgan, Nav and
myself were drawn up before the
fire and fairly settled for a talk
There was no use mincing matters,
was my first idea, with this thought
[ dashed boldly in with


"NIr. Morgan'-I usually called
him Charley, but I was dcsirous of
showing that / was really in car
nest-"Mr. Morgan, why do you al
ways laugh and look at May when
the subject of your first meeting
with her is spoken OFF,


This, | was sure, was q simple
question; and yet, instead of an
swering it in a simple way, they
went back, both of them, on the
old plan, and laugh as though the
words / had just spoken were the
very best joke in the world. l could
do nothing, of course, but look
grave and solemn, which in few
moments brought them both to
looking the same way, and then
May spoke to me seriously, and
said:


"Cousin Jane you take our laugh
ing much more earnestly than I
thought you would. 1t is only a
little memory between Charley and
me that brings the laugh to us it
is a droll remembrance, but per-
haps in telling it there would be
nothing to amusc any one"


The explanation brought back
my good humor in an instant, and,
with a smile, 1 said:


"Now, May, this is really un-
kind, in you; for so long have you
excited my curiosity, that even were
the story not worth telling, you
should tell it."


"Well, cousin Jane shall have
that story, May; I will tell it to her
myself"


At the declaration I was surpris-
ed to see May flush up to bright
red, and break out rather vehe-
mently with


."No Charley, this is really too
bad! You shall not do it, sir. If
cousin Jane is to have the story, 1 !
will tell her myself and then af-
ter q pause she 3aid-'when we are
alone" . r.... ...


''You shall do no such thing
Madam May was Charlcy's laugh !
Year: 1861

nar The following is an exact
copy of a printed notice which is at
present posted in Jersay stage -
Lost-a calf rod. lie had white
spot on one of his behind legs. He
was a she calf. 1 will give three
dollars to everybody what will
bring him home
Year: 1861

A great Union demonstration was had in San
Francisco on the llth inst, at which Senators
Latham and McDougal spoke. Both sustained
the administration with much eloquence. Gen.
McDOugal made use Of the following language
in his speech:


The supposed want Of power in our system
has been the hope Of traitors and their opinions
seemed justified BY the treachery Of the late
Chief Magistrate, James Buchanan. May his
name be forever execratedl TCries and groans
for the old renegade Our system was framed
expressly to guard against the consequences oi
such evils A traitor cannot succeed Q traitor.
Presidential traitors have no power Of genera.
ton.


The present President Of the United States is no
traitor. know him well. He is not he never
was Of my political faith, but know him to be
IN upright true man; lover Of his country, \
sincere patriot, with too much manly firmness to
shrink from any duty imposed upon him by the
Constitution and the laws Since the commence
ment Of his Administration, he has not had
either the time or opportunity by his direct act
to test the sufficiency Of the Government for
this crisis But what the President as the head
Of the Government, has not beeh able to do, the
people, Who are the Government, have done.
Money In argOsies have been placed at his dis
posal, uncalled ior fglons OF armed men nave
been placed subject to his command. He has
in his hands to-day the power to crush out II he
has not already crushed out rebellion.


What though Abraham Lincoln was the can
didate Of the republican party; he Is the con:
stitutional President Of the United States Of
North America He is the head Of my Govern.
ment. He is my President and am loyal cit
izen. believe he will do his duty to you and
to me, to the American people, to himself and
to his high office and I say Il is the duty Of
all true patriots to sustain him, and, through
him, the constitution and the Union, in this day
Of 6ercest trial.
Year: 1861

THREATENED CRoP FAnURE-According to q
Sacramento paper, the prospects Of harvest this
year, in the Sacramento valley, are gloomy In
deed. The recent dry weather, accompanied BY
q cou inuance Of nOrtherly winds, is said to have
changed the face Of the country from q healthy
verdure to a dry and sickly appearance. The
crops, which two weeks ago promised bOunti-
full yield, are now literally dried up; and unless
they were soon visited BY rain, the yield would
not amount to half crop. In fact the wheat
and all late grain could not possibly mature to
few days Agreat quantity Of grain on the river
bottoms has been killed out BY the overflow from
the recent rising Of the Sacramento river, and
the crops on the arabic lands are now being cut
short for want Of moisture.
Year: 1861

RIDIcULoUs.-The Sacramento Union is
endeavoring to create the impression that the
Valley Rail Road Company is responsible
for the nundatiou of that city, because the
Company extended an embankment beyond
the r street levee toward the high ground
back of the city, instead of leaving trestle
work as required 10y ordinance. This is sim
ply ridiculous The entertainments of Sacra-
mento could not resist the Il oods poured into
the valley, and had not the water broken
over the east levee near r street, it would
have forced the levee at some point on the
American. Nothing could have prevented
it. The Union may dislike the Valley Rail
Road Company, but it carries its enmity
rather far in making it responsible for a ca
tastrophe that no human foresight, in all
probability, could have prevented.
Year: 1861

GARRISON AT William Llovd
Garrison delivered an address before the os,b
Congregational Society at Music Hall YES.
terday morning. His subject was, The
State Of the Country. He extended the
right hand of Abolition fellowship to the
Hon, Charles Sumner for his emancipation
speeches endorsed General FremontS pro-
clamaton, which, he said, the President had
no power to revoke said he didn't believe
the charges against Fremonts character
said that those opposed to the abolition of
slavery at the present time were traitors
and in conclusion urged his hearers to sign
the petition which is being circulated, ask.
ing Congress to abolish slavery under the
war power.
Year: 1861

The deep r loan the prares is cultivated with such


facility that the farmers Of the Eastern and Middle Etaes
ETe moving Illinois great numbers Tie OF Illinois
equal that Of England, and the so ID rich that
Year: 1861

We would call the attention Of Planters to our PRE-
MUM BRoGAN, which is most superior articles
Also, Kip and thick Brogans Dutch Boots for women
heavy double sole thick Boots Our stock Of Boy
Boots and Shoes for fall and winter large and good


We have taken unusual pains IN getting up our stsck
this an and we are satifed that we viii give satiszac-
customers who shall give US call


oct3-tf BUG ~
Year: 1861

The commander has lost no time in putting
the fort in good condition for defense and
otiense, though it could probably make little
resistance to an attack by heavy batteries Its
walls are faced only with brick, are not of
great strength, and it has no casemates,
though it has formidable show of barbette
guns, some being very heavy oalibre. 1t has
no Roat, but has an outside battery on the
water side and demi-lune" to protect the
gate. The passages between these works, and
the fort itself are now protected by stockades
OF hard pine timber, pierced with loopholes
for musketry, The stOckade nearest to the
gate observed was protected also by howit-
zer, standing on the angle of the fort just
behind This piece found to be ready loaded
with canlster,-a sufficient indication of the
thorough preparation made against sudden
attack.


With these defenses the fort can be held
against almost any assaults. Even in this
bloodless war hundreds and perhaps thousa nds
of lives would be the price Of any determined
attempt to take the fort by storm. AS for an
attack in any other manner, its protection is
to be found in the row Of mortars, now planted
on the bastiOns and along the wall next to the
city and commanding it at easy range. Sew
eral OF them are carefully covered with OIL
cloth to protect them from dampness,-a pre-
caution not usually taken with mortars that
are empty. hasty glance into ore that was
uncovered showed me the shell lying in readi-
ness for its fatal mission. Thirty seconds is
all the time that the fort would ask for prepa-


ration in case of an outbreak, or that il would


have asked on the night when General Butler
made his bold march to Federal Hill with the
Sixth. As further assurs nee that Baltimore


will be quiet, you may see just outside the fort,
but under its guns, brick wall which encloses
the government property here, IA field pieces,


which have been taken from Maryland State


troops or other depositares of btful 10y yalty.
Six of the pieces are of iron and very old-fash-
ioned; of them are of brass, of recent pat.
terms provided with esissons and everything
needed for service.


Besides the 200 regulars, this post is garri-
soned by Maj Devenss battalion of rifles They
are quartered outside Of the post but within the
wall of which l have spoken, and appear to be
in good cOndition.-COTres. Boston Adverti-
Year: 1861

Especially who have become the victims Of solitary Vice that
dreadful and destructive habit which annually to an unme-
thousands Young Of the exalted and
brilliant intellect vho might otherwise have eniranced listening
with the thundes eoquence vaked TO ecstscy the
living Tyre, may call with full confidence.
Year: 1861

THE GrNBoAr FoRBEs AND HER DRUNKEN Car
TAIN.-The gunboat R. B. Forbes. sailed from
Boston on the 23l ultimo, for the Potomac,
and on the same night, although the weather
was clear and pleasant, ran aground on a
shoal. The men who boarded the boat, report
that the captain and most Of the Off ,ers were
drunk and unfit for duty. The captain sup.
posed that hillock on the beach was ship
When he went below for the night he left
orders to be called at ten the next day. When
he awoke and found himself aground, he &C
ccptId the services Of the crew Of the first boat
which reached him, and wanted no more help
although he kept mp his firing, The magazine
was open while lights were all about and The
ship striking heavily on the sand. A slight ac
cidcnt might have caused the ship to be blowr
to atoms. We hope this man is not fair spe
cimen of the officers who are to command ou
gunboats.
Year: 1861

ARMY CuAPLAINS.--Dr. Tyrg is very iudg-
nant upol the late careless system of appoint
ing army chaplains, and remarked in late
speech that many OF them were not religious
men, and evinced great Indifference TO their
duties. He cited case where the Buffalo
newspaper editor could not find in regiment
from that city person to act as army cores
pOndcnt, and therefore procured in il chap
laincy for a dissolute literary individual, who
might write them letters. lie mentioned also
that an immoral reporter for the New York
press had for three months past been acting
chaplain of New York regiment, and was
pleased to announce that the Secretary Of War
decided that no one should be henceforth ap.
pointed who was not minister of the gospel


We are sorry to say that several chaplains
have already shown themselves to be very bad
Christians and that they are not proof against
temptation In this connection. we are re-
minded OF an incident which occurred a few
days ago. A chaplain belonging TO regi
ment in the vicinity Of Washington, and who
was also the postmaster of the regiment, was
known to have robbed the mail, and an officer
went to the encampment to arrest him. As be
approached the good mans tent. he thought he
heard the voice of praycr-ie stopped and lis.
tened and then csutiously looked in, when be
saw the guilty chaplain and a soldier on their
knees. The officer withdrew. and arrested him
the next day in the street.
Year: 1861

css- The firing across the river, heard at in
,crvals throughout yesterday, was enormously
supposed by many to be preliminary to an
other great battle. The truth appears to be
that the firing was by the rebels upon Mum
sons Hill, where their batteries command a
wide extent of country but none of our posi-
tons; whenever they see any Of our pckcts
within range of their guns they blaze away
which was the case yesterday. so that there
was no more firing than usual.
Year: 1861

From the Louisville journal, August 10.


We have not doubt that the plan Of the di.-
union party Of the state is to gather large
force at Frankfort us secretly rs p, siblc take
,la State Arsenal with all the cannon, arms,
and ammunition, tear up tho railroad, cut the
telegraph wires and force the Legislature TO
obey their will.
Year: 1861

CHARLESTON, Jan. 29.-The steamer Columbia
has got off the bar, and came up to the city this
morning. Her cargo had to be taken out, but
she is reloadng at the wharf to start again
The vessel is strained somewhat, but the damage is
slioht
Year: 1861

The Richmond Enquirer has taken ground
against the reference of the convention question
to the people.


The smallpox is said to be prevailing to an
alarming extent in some parts of the city of Phila
delphia
Year: 1861

The State of Arkansas shows a remarkable in
crease in the number of her inhabitants during the
last ten years. Her population, it is said, is now
half million or thereabouts and if this estimate
be correct the increase has been about two hundred
per cent.
Year: 1861

D@5~ Dr. Franklin said There seems
to be but three ways for nation TO ac.
quire wealth. The first is by war. as the
Roman did, in plundenng their neighbors
this is robbery. The second by commerce
which is frequently cheating, The third
by agriculture, the Only honest way where
in man receives a real increase of seeds
thrown into the ground in a kind of con.
tinued miracle, wrought by the hand o.
God in his favor, as reward for his limo.
cent life and his virtuous industry.
Year: 1861

ReS"A man asleep on railroad track in
Alabama, was taken up by the COW catch
er, and thrown six feet up an embank-
ment without harming him. He took a
drink from bottle Immediately and
looked at his watch to see what time it
was,
Year: 1861

Thecapture of Sumter was the last ounce
that was to be added to the patient load
lhe hring of the first gun reused the DOR
mant energies of a great nation. That de-
claration of war has given life and vigor to
the national heart, and is daily developing
itself IN such a torrent of patriotism that
none but free people can comprehend. If
our Southern brethren are like the red spi-
ders of the field, and cannot see a Northerner
without conflict, the time is fast approach
ing when the bent of their inclinations will
be satisfied. There are none who deplore
this condition of matters more than ourself.
There are none who have acted with the pu-
rity and singleness of purpose of the Demo-
cratic party to avert this national catastro-
phe. Our aims. our objects, our principles,
all have been coneiliatory, national, and of
character TO promote the prosperity and
harmony of the whole country. The history
OF the Democratic party proves this, and the
experience of the past is a practical illustra-
ton of it. We have never thirsted for
Zama, a Lundy's Lane, Lodi OF Water
loo, nor do we now. The nation is angry.
and laboring under an intense epidemic of
feeling. We want no Caesars, no Crom-
wells passing over our devoted land with
train of blood and pestilence in their track
We have always favored obedience to the
laws and redress of grievances under the
Constitution, the supremacy of our Govern
ment,- the integrity of our territory. and the
guarantees of the Constitution faithfully ex-
| ecuted. and every interest fostered and pro-
tected, whether they are of domestic or
foreign character. That such is our creed
to-day none will deny. Our labors are to
build up our distracted country into fair
and living whole. That this can be accom-


plished at this time may appear problemati-
cal. We do not despair of the Republic. The
frenzied state of the public mind cannot long
remain at fever heat, and the inherent love
of our institutions will soon manifest itself
above the level of the passions and preiudices
of the hour. Partisan issues are dropped for
the present, and our country, . first, last and
all the time, " is for the future to receive our
devotion. Such is the voice of patriotism and
the language of humanity. All our bicker-
ing and strife is hushed in the recollections of
the past. Such is the decree of the Democ-
racy of the Union. and more especially of the
Democracy of California, as expressed bv
their accredited representatives in their re-
cent deliberations As Democrats we acoui-
esce in the fiat of the Sachems of our party.
Our organization will remain intact. We
yield to the pressure of the times and the
emergency that is pending over us. All good
and loyal citizens can cooperate with us,
and we cannot permit ourselves to doubt bnt
that they will. Our vote in this State will
be overwhelming, and somewhat like the in
fiuence of the sirocco in the desert. blighting
to the enemies of this Union.
Year: 1861

The practicability of navigating the Sac
so often demonstrated in the columns of the
COURIER, that mere reference to it now
would appear all that is necessary.


The removal of the Instructions that are
dangerous to the passage of steamboats, on
the Sacramento. above Red Bluff. can be ac
eomplished with very little labor. time and
expense, and is matter of great practical
value to our citizens, and fraught with many
advantages in commercial point of view
That the work is practicable is undoubted ):
that it is easy of execution, and comparative
within our reach-our very grasp-does not
require the use of language to demonstrate
United, energetic and systematic action is all
that is necessary, in our view, to carry out an
enterprise that cannot fail to be of incalcula-
BILE importance TO this entire section. That
it will be done does not admit of peradven-
ture. Our prosperity demands it. The bu-
siness interests of the immense region north
of here expect and require it. The capital
is here and lying idle, and only needs con-
cert of action for its application. Why not
use it, promptly and literally? All difficult
| ties vanish when our interests are at stake.
Can a greater stimulus be presented to our
enterprise? We trow not. Arguments are
unnecessary-actiona alone is required. Why
remain supine and allow the golden opportu-
nifty to pass away unimproved? Why not
open direct communication by water to the
Bay now as at any other time? The matter
is an imperious necessity-is practicable
will not cost much to do it. Why defer ac-
| ton until more convenient season ~ The
season for accomplishing this work is rapidly
approaching, and we trust our monied men
will give the subject consideration COM
mensurate with its Importance


But why waste words upon what is already
a foregone conclusion We have assurances
of the most reliable character that the offer
made by a responsible party has been receiv-
ed and accepted by citizens, and the mo-
ney for the purpose will be ready when re-
quired.


In connection with this subject it may not
be out of place to say that the citizens of
Shasta are amply able, nay more, they are
determined to inaugurate this new enterprise
in all its details, even TO the extent of the
construction of a steamboat Time only is
necessary. The means are abundant, and we
await fall in the river only to carry out the
undertaking.
Year: 1861

United States Muskets for the South


Several days since, five hundred box
es Of muskots were brought down from
the United States Arsenal at Watorvliet
opposite Troy, and ono-half of them,
five thousand muskets, were put on
board the Florida and Savannah, and
the other five thousand were shipped by
the Nashville for Charleston The Flor
ida met with an accident when ten
hours out, and her freight was subse-
quently taken by the Alabama. We arc
informed that an additional FIVE thou
sand have been sent to Alabama from
the same place within a week past.


The muskots are stated to be the sup
ply allowed by the General Government
to the State Militia of Georgia and
South Carolina respectively, and that
the Governors of those States several
months since requested that these arms
should be forwarded.


Taken in connection with the fact
that the President refuses to reinforce
the garrison at Fort Moultrie, this pro-
ceoding, which puts arms into the hands
Of the disunionists, is at least very suspi-
cious. IF these were part of tho sup
ply voted to South Carolina, what be-
comes Of the 10000 stand of arms in
the arsenal at Charleston, from which
we have heretofore been told the quota
of South Carolina and the surrounding
States was to be drawu2 The more
probable supposition is that this is only
partlof the scheme cOncoctcd between our
model President and beautiful Secretary
of War, to put as many arms within
reach Of the secessionists as possible
IN. Y. Tribune, 9th.
Year: 1861

BucHANAN.--The Yreka Journal says: Two
months must yet elapse ere the term of his
office expires. Who can tell what two months
may bring forth Perhaps peace and quiet
to the country; it may be anarchy, ruin and
desolation. A firm. undaunted course, and
the name of James Buchanan may live in the
memories of, and be honored by yet happy
nation ; one false step, and it may be handed
down TO posterity, eXecrated by all ages as
the destroyer of one Of the best governments
the sun of Heaven ever shone on.


We have never been an ardent admirer of
the political policy of the President; but to
him, or TO any other man who can rescue the
nation from the impending ruin which threat
ems it, we will award our humble praise. In
the face of the existing state of affairs, the
party lines which have hitherto divided the
country, sink into insignifcance. There can
be but one issue; shall our national existence
be prolonged, or shall it not? To this ques-
tion, our answer is unequivocal-letH the Union
be pYsScyued at all hazards, and let the Presi-
dent see that the laws of the United States
are faithfully executed in euery State, north
or south. That some of the southern States
have had just and sufficient cause for com
plant, we fully believe; but with South
Carolina it is not the case. Her geographic
cal position is such that she cannot be affect
ed by the negro-stealing propensities of
northern fanatics. Why, then, is she the
first to sever the bonds of union2 Why is she
the first to resort to arms in order TO gain
possession of the property of the general gov
ernment? The answer may be read in her
past history. She never had very strong
affinity for the Union, but has ever displayed
a most extraordinary anxiety to set up for
herself; and now, taking advantage of the
times, when the country is unsettled, she at
tempts forci6ie withdrawal from the con-
federacy, in manner insulting to every
other State in the Union. We may admire
her courage, but we cannot applaud her dis
cretiou