smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

C. County, town of -, SIS.


To the Sheriff or Constable Of said
County, greeting"


The above were the ominous words at
the head of a document put into the hands
of the sheriff, in the fourishing village of
k, in the State of Wisconsin, one
dreary evening in the winter of 1859,
against the body of William Foster. The
officer, in a calm and business-like manner,
commenced reading tie same for the pur-
pose of learning his duties in the case,
when in a moment or two after, his quickly
compressed lips and his eyes dilating in as
tonishment, as they rested upon the terri
BILE words-''did, felonously, wilfully, and
of malice, afore-thought, kill and murder,
one John Dennison. told that something
more than common was there. The whole
body of the Sheriff was in tremor in a
moment, as if fear and terror had taken
possession of Linn. For full minute not
a word was spoken by either the Sheriff,
Justice, Lawyer or Complainant; these
four were all that composed the company
in the Office of the Justice. The counte
nance of the sheriff had again changed to
calm but decided positiveness, that show
ed that courage and daring were not want
ing in that well built and manly officer
"This is terrible, but gentlemen, duty de-
mands and l must &c" were the words
that broke the silence, and as the sheriff
thus spoke, he left the room and walked
down the street, his head bowed forward in
deep thought, uttering occasionally, to him
self, the dreadful word ' terrible with a
subdued emphasis, that showed that be was
no stranger to strong and conflicting emo
tions. He stepped into his own comfort
able dwelling, and met the pleasant prattle
of the loved little ones, with their ever
ready Papa has come, and the affection
ate smile of a graceful and happy wife !;
but that smile changed in moment, as the
keen intuition of the wife and woman de-
tected the unusal expression of her hus-
bands countenance, as be stepped to the
side-closet and took down his we'll cleaned
and well loaded revolver, and put into his
pocket pair of handouts. In an anxious
and tremulous tone she said: Dear
husband, what is the matter what has
been done; and where ere you going


Terrible work has been done at some
time, and justice is on the alert to bring
the guilty ones to condign punishment, .
said the sheriff


oh, my dear husband how wish
you had been content to let Office alone,
and continued in your cabinet shop; fol
how happy We were then, but low my sou
aches with fear for you; for some day,
some desperate and wicked man may xii
yo4; and then, my blessed husband, wha
wouli become of us?''


The sheriff fels that in that sentence
was contained more than the words seemed
to express. They chided him. by calling
to mind the pleadings of that loved wife
when he strove for his election to bis pres
ent Office, at time when he was doing
successful and lucrative business ambition
Year: 1861

NOTICE is hereby given that on the


second Tuesday of May next and the next
at the Office Of the Treasurer of the County
of Jefferson, in the State of Wisconsin, so much
of each tract or parcel of land described in the
following statement as shall be necessary for
the payment of the taxes, interest and charges
thereon, Said sale to be open between the
hours of nine O'Clock in the forenoon and four
o'clock in the afternoon.


Jefferson, April 18th, 1861.
Year: 1861

INDIGNANr.-S Some dishonest dealer lately
sold TO the editor of the Oregon Union a roll
of butter which had a nice, fresh appearance,
but was so strong that it walked off with the
pancakes upon which it was spread.
Year: 1861

While the great North West is pouring
forth its brave men, organized and armed,
there is strong evidence either Of incompe-
tency or neglect, on the part Of company,
regiment and brigade commanders. There Is
too much lettering away of precious time
among those who, from the moment they en-
ter service, should devote all their time and
energies in drilling and disciplining their COM
mands. After entering camp, officers and
men have no more right to be absent from
their duties than they would have when in
presence of the enemy. When in camp, or
quarters. company and battalion drills shouo
be regular, and every man required to pa'tiel-
pate. There is no use trying to disguise the
fact that our enemies are better schooled IN
military evoluticns than ourselves. We
want something more than d"ess parades TOR
show and ostentation. Our battaons should
be able to maneuvre skihful!y on the field,
whether it bs for depoy as skirmlshers-to
resist cavalry, or change the front OF battle or
any other movement, either OF which, we
venture to say, most of our troops now in
service cannot perform. There are too many
French gentlemen in service, fond of exhibit
ing gold lace, buff trimmings and bright but
tons. If they are really in earnest let them
work-first, to school themselves, and then
their men. The day is too far spent to longer
triAe. Too many lives have already been
sacrificed They can only be avenged by
perfected drills, thorough discipline, backed
by indomitable wills. More lives have been
lost and more blunders committed from a
want of military instruction and skill than
from any other cause. These are no militia
parade days, but days that demand all the
of the people. Let US mend our
ways.
Year: 1861

n@-Speaking Of the Indiana Rail Road
regiment the Cincinnati Gazette says: In
diana will be the first state to have in the
field thousand men who understand how
to lay a track, repair bridge or set loco
motive on ITS pins. We regard the Hoosier
Railroad Regiment a. one calculated to re-
fleet moro substa tial credit upon the State
than any heretofore organized; and predict
that it will be made ready for the field with
all the promptness and expedition for which
railroad men are SO justly celebrated.
Year: 1861

DD War is as much better than tame
acquiescence in permanent separation of the
Union, as the struggles Of suffering life are
better than the qniet nothingness of oca,h.-
Louisville Journal
Year: 1861

TRYING THE REPREssIBLE.-Several Fre-
mont q orshippers among cur patrons have
discontinued their subscriptions to the
Journal because of our steadfast mainten-
ance of the Government. Well, this is q
privilege they have. and We shall continue
to exercise our privilege of saying and DO
ing what We think to be right, if it costs Us
all ye possess. We are charged with acting
from mercenary mo'ives-with having re-
ceived our cue, as Postmaster, from Wash
inston, &c.-bnt we think those who have
known us so long in this community will
believe us when we say there is not one
word of truth in these charges. We would
sacrifice our official position if it were q
thousand times more profitable than it is,
rather than sanction wrong, Or be party
to an act of injustice to aay man.
Year: 1861

Bosroy, Jan 3, 1861.


Gov, Andrew was inausarated shortly after to-
day. and delivered his message to the Legislature The
Governor reviews the financial condition OF the State re-
ers the late report Of the Valuation Committee and 10
the efficient condition of the militia but suggests the
wisdom Of organizing portion of the dormant militia
Agriculture has prospered Caution should be exercised
in legislation as to the banks but the issue of small notes
may useully be restricted modification of the usury
laws as we'll the laws Of divorce, s advised Defects
suggested the laws to insurance The abolition OF
capital punishment and repeal of the two years amend
ment restricting the right Of suffrage are reoommensd
and caution is advised to changes in the laws lately
revised The Governor submits the entire subject Of tho
Personal Liberty laws 10 the Legislature, with clear
statement of the grounds which, by good citizens,
they arc deemed CONSTITUTIONAL but he does Indicate
his course of their repeal Full confidence
pressed in tho Judiciary, who will secure 20 all their
constitutional rights and If any cnbarrassments exist
raising and rcscrvng questions of law for the appropriate
tribunals, the Legislature viii repair the error.
But must not repeal provisions of law found necessary
to the liberty of white and black alike. The right Of
secession vigorously denied and the Legislature adj
vsed to give expression TO the views of
The evil effects Of it at the South lamentsd. II
do nyhng to them should certainly do It.
Massachusetts, always has been loyal to the Unor. Tho
present troubles not at her door, She has been
shamefnly misrercsened by persons whose pretended
friendship for the South meant really hatred OF their o
ponents Whatever rights pertain to any persons under
the constitution always shall be secure in this State Tho
same rights must be maintained in every other State
There but issue before the country now-shal
government organized under constitutional forms be
subverted? The people will permit IL, Massa
chusets in the future in the past win be true to the
Union
Year: 1861

10 the Legislature OF that nte gives 9neourag ng
view OF the material growth and prosperity o the
He recommends Cancellation and orbearance and tokens
of good will towards the SOUTH which ordinations
should be allowed 10 interrupt, and the setting OF
selves right in whatsoever respects may haze been
wrong, the offerings which, good and patriots,
should lay upon the altar OF country and doing
this need consent the abatement OF not enc jot
or little of the principles affirmed by the people at tho
recent election We will stand by the constitution of
faihers-the constitution as it is-and make no com
promises that would involve in the guilt OF moral rea
son and justly render the scorn of mankind. The
Governor devotes paragraph TO the subject of Personal
Liberty bills, recommending the repeal Of any statutes
which may be found be either unconstitutional just
ly regarded offensive, but quite plainly implying his
conviction that Maine is really transgressor IN this
respect
Year: 1861

There win be meeting this evening to enrol voun-
in tho regiment OF Chester county, 70 offer their
services to the government to maintain the constitution
and enforce the laws The meeting is called BY men,
rVorc nr all
Year: 1861

IN the 9th instant a small SPANIEL DOG ;
~ had on rough leather collar, with owners
name written in ink. The finder will be suitably
rewarded by leaving it at the corner OF Virginia
avenue and Tenth street, Island, Immediately in
the rear Of the Smithsonian Institution. l5
Year: 1861

There's a game l remember playing
when I was a youngster; it is called the
"Lead Merchant "One tries in every
mode to dispose Of his lead to the com
pany, asking question after question, to
which you must answer without intro
ducing the words lead, /, yss, or no. He
tries to trip you in every way, and as
soon as you say one Of the forbidden
words, you are out of the game. The
Questiouer begins:


Will you buy any lead?


Not any at present.


But pray, why noR


Because none is desired at my house


Shall call next week?


1t is scarcely worth while: we do moi
wish any.
will stop tomorrow, your little boys
want lead to make some bullets.


They would only burn their sweet lit
tic fingers in melting it: they must no
have any.


Then you will not buy my lead?


Positively not


I noticed that the lead upon you
roof wanted repairing: the rain viii
beat in, and you'll all be taken i'll, un
less you buy my lead. 'Tis only on
cent a pound.


If you give it to me as present,
wouldn't take you lead.


You're caught You said both ant
lead.


Notwithstanding all their care, th
persevering lead merchant will ontra
every one in some moment Of weakness
Year: 1861

MILLERIsM CROPPING Our IN CANADA
Through many parts of Canada the excitement
in reference to the second coming of Christ, is
being again revived, and new prophets Of the
Miller school are springing up, who assume to
have discovered that the Saviours second
coming on earth will positively take place in
1868 Quite a remarkable lecture upon the
subject has recently been delivered by Rev.
Mr.. Baxter, the Episcopal clergyman from
Owanda, Canada West. The reverend gentle
man brought up quite a series Of data to de-
fend his theory, and mentioned no less than
thirteen different chronological periods, whose
termini, according to the revelation, would be
brought to an end in 1868 Mr. Baxter also
advanced the idea that Christ would come in
1868, and remain in his Judgment seat between
heaven and earth, while the one hundred and
forty thousand were sealed, when be would
again descend, and the seventh seal of the re-
velation would be opened, and the millennium
begin He said we were at the last period of
time allotted to the sixth seal, and described
Louis Napoleon as the anti Christ referred to
in the Revelations, as setting up himself in
dominion over the whole earth.
Year: 1861

PROMISING Boy" Tommy, my son, what
are you going to do with that club p Send
it to the editor, of course" But what are
you going to give it to the editor for? Be
cause he says if any one will get him club,
he will send them copy of bis paper The
mother came near fainting, but retained con-
sciousness to ask But, Tommy, my dear,
what do you suppose he wants with club :"
Well, don't know, unless it's TO knock down
the subscribers that don't pay for their pa
pers," replied the hopeful urchin.
Year: 1861

To CLEAR ROOM OF MosQUIros-Takc Of
gum camphor piece about one-third the size
of an egg, and evaporate it by placing it in
tin vessel and holding it over lamp or candle,
taking care that it does not ignite The smoke
will soon fill the room and expel the mosqui-
toes. One night not long since | was terribly
annoyed by them, when l thought of and tried
the above, after which | neither saw nor heard
them that night, and next morning there was
not one to be found in the room, though the
window had been left open all night
Year: 1861

How sweet the summer gales of night,
That blow when all is peaceful round,
As if some spirits downy flight


Swept silent through the blue profoundl
How sweet at midnight to recline


Where flows the cool and fragrant stream
There half repeat some glowing line,
There court each wild and fairy dream;
Or idly mark the volumed clouds


Their broad deep mass of darkness throw,
When, as the moon her radiance sh-ouds,
Their changing sides with silver glow;
Or see where, from that depth of shade,
The ceaseless lightning, family bright,
In silence plays, as if afraid


To break the deep repose of night;
Or gaze on heavens unnumbered fires,
While dimly-imaged thoughts arise,
And Fancy, loosed from earth, aspires
To search the secrets of the skies,
What various beings there reside;


What forms of life TO man unknown,
Drink the rich flow of bliss, whose tide
Wells from beneath the eternal throne;
Or life's uncertain scenes revolve,


And musing how to act or speak,
Feel some high wish, some proud resolve
Throb in the heart, or flush the cheek
Meanwhile may reasons light, whose beam
Dimmed by the worlds oppressive gloom,
Sheds but a dull unsteady CLEAN,
In this still hour its rays relume.
Thus oft in this still hour be mine
The light all meaner passions fear,
The wandering thought the high design,
And soaring dreams to virtue dear.


I Andre,cs Norton.
Year: 1861

ever to get out. The French population how
ever, have erected some very handsome and
commodious houses in the lower part of the
city, and the change from one quarter to an
other is as marked as the change from Africa
to France
Year: 1861

How TO SLEEP WELL.-It is said that per
sons sleep better and sounder with their heads
pointing to the North Pole than in any other
position. The reason is given as thus The
earth has a magnetic current constantly play
ing around it; the human body is also mag
net, and when the body is placed in certain
relations to the earth these currents harmonic
when one position is to be maintained for
some time, a position should be chosen in
which the currents Of the earth and the body
will not conflict. This position as indicated,
by theory and known by experiment, is to lie
with the head to the n North Pole
Year: 1861

AoUARIAL GARDENs.-Among the numerous
specimens of natural history to be seen at the
Aquarial and Geological Gardens of this city,
are two of ordinary interest and rarity. We
refer to the living scorpion and living tarantu-
Ia, both of whose bites are of the most poison
Gus nature The former is characterized by
an elongated, taillke abdomen, armed at its
extremity with a sort of hooked claw, which.
when the creature is in motion, is carried over
the back in most threatening attitude. This
caw-hke member is the sting Of which such
extraordinary accounts are given by the ma
tives of countries to which this large and vora-
cious specimen belongs. The tarantula is an
unusually large specimen, and is also celebrated
for its venomous bite, which is supposed by
the natives of Italy to cause death, unless the
patient is relieved by music and violent dane
ing Perhaps more curious than either is the
nest of the tarantula, which may be seen in
the box by its side. 1t is made of a redish
clay, long and oval in form, having at one
door set on q hinge that would seem to rival
man in ingenuity of construction. At the
other are two rooms or cells, one of which is
the nest, and the other their burial place
The walls of the whole are lined with finely
woven texture like silk. These curiosities
alone are worth visit to any lover Of natural
history-Boston Post.


The DEAD MoTHER.-'Twas a dark and
lowering afternoon that we stood beside the
confined form of the poor dead mother, whose
lamp of life burned out so quickly, leaving a
widowed husband and two motherless babies
to mourn her early loss. Liies ftful gleam
was over with her now, and she slept the
sleep that knows no waking" Sorrowing
friends had robed her frail form in garbs of
spotless purity and garlanded her hands around
with Springs fresh flowers. The beautiful
trust and simplicity of childhoods years had
gone with her through early @omanhood, and
at its close her love for the flowers those silent
Messengers of the Great Eternals goodness,
was yet so strong and pure that among her
last requests was the one that they might be
with her still, " through the valley and shadow
of Death" even down into the graves dark
home of clay. Yes, lay her gently away to
rest, with all these sweet perfumes about her,
for she loved them in life, and percbance they
may help TO hallow her tomb.


And It's well to fold the waX-ke hands so
quietly over the still and pulseIess bosom that
so long has throbbed with all Consumption's
narrowing palms. for her sumbers are so sweet
that no childish prattle lisped by children dear,
or husbands words Of love can wake her now
Sleep on thou angel dreamer, and when the
curtains of the Great Hereafter shall be drawn
aside, for US TO go hence, we shall hope to meet
thee, robed in purer white, and garanded with
yet purer flowers than decked thy burial brow
Year: 1861

CoERcIoX ExEMPLIFIED The Mariposa
Gazette says that Doust, driver of the mail
stage from Hornifas to Stockton, has about
the best idea of coercion. A gentleman who
occasionally sends considerable money over the
line asked him if he carried arms in the stage
as defense in case of an attack by robbers
Doust solemnly said No, not now; did
two or three months ago have shotgun
and pistol, but left them at home, for if he
should shoot some robber or id thief, it
would be coercion to some folks" and he
wanted to remain neutral
Year: 1861

The Vancouver Chronicle says that an off
Ger of the Cortez sent a party Of sailors after
a couple of goats to supply his children with
milk on the voyage. After sailing, the ami
mails were discovered to be of the masculine
persuasion, and accordingly not on it"
Year: 1861

A COUPLE of Arizonians one a native born
Mexican, and the other boatman from the
Mississippi, who had lived in Arizona about
year, fought duel on horseback, short
time ago. each armed with lasso. The
American, who it was thought would stand no
chance in such novel encounter, except the
chance of being stranged, assoed his foe at
the first throw of the moose, and dragged him
over the plain until he was mangled and
bruised almost to jelly.
Year: 1861

Rich MEN OF New YoRK.-According to
the tax list there are one hundred and fifty
milionaires in New York City, each with IN
comes, say of nearly a hundred thousand
year while the property owned in the city
and suburbs is valued at some seven hundred
millions of dollars, and the population is emu
merated a million and half.
Year: 1861

FIGHT WITH INDIANs.-An Oregon paper
has been furnished with the following particu-
lars of the killing of Alfred Fry and man
named Floyd, by the Indians in the Colville
country:


"Alfred was keeping a store on one side of
the river, and man by the name of Green
Floyd had one on the other side Two Indians
stole pair of boots from the store owned by
Floyd. The night the boots were stolen the
Indians fired across the river at the store,
and the next morning Floyd came across the
river after help to protect his store. Mr.. Fry
and ten other men went across the river with
him. Floyd followed to the Indians to find
out what they meant, when they Immediately
came out with their bows and arrows drawn.
They shot Floyd dead on the ground, then
Fry shot the chief and as he did so, an Indian
shot him in the abdomen-he drew the arrow
with his left hand and ran and put his revolver
to the Indians ear and shot him dead. Frv
died the next day. The whites after firing off
all their arms retreated across the river -Four
were wounded after they were in the boat"