National Intelligencer. (Washington [D.C.]), Vol. 48, No. 6932, Ed. 1 Tuesday, June 1, 1847 Page: 1 of 4
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Vol. XLVIO
WASHINGTON: TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1847.
No. 6932.
PUBLISHED BY GALES & SEATON.
THRICE A WEEK.
SIX DOLLARS A TEAR-DATABLE IN ADVANCE.
fi3B3tt&S»SS»?«J5PS
MONDAY, MAY 31, 1847.
THE AMERICAN MAIL LINE TO EUROPE.
The departure from this city, on Thursday last,
of our townsman, Selah R. Hobbie, Esq., First
Assistant Postmaster General, gives us occasion to
speak of the great public enterprise with which his
visit to Southampton, Bremen, and other places in
Europe is connected. He goes out as the Agent of
the Postmaster General to make the needful ar-
rangements for the Foreign Mail Service of this
country to be performed by the New York and
Bremen line of steamships. This line goes into
operation on the 1st of June, with the sailing of the
steamer Washington.
The success of our countrymen in river steam-
boat navigation is well established and recognised.
But their enterprise now seeks a broader and more
arduous theatre. They have become impatient to
display that skill upon the Ocean, where their well
established and powerful competitor has hitherto
wielded the trident of superiority in steam naviga-
tion. The spirit of the people has manifested
itself through the action of Congress. Three great
lines of Ocean Steamers have been authorized by
law, and the noble ship Washington now leads off
in this high career of American enterprise. It is
the enterprise of our citizens, our individual citi-
zens, their skill and capital, that create these lines—
the Government giving countenance and aid by in-
specting the construction of the ships through one
of its naval officers, and bestowing its patronage by
means of the mail contract which the Postmaster
General has made.
With the starting of this line the effort will be
made by our Post Office Department to relieve our
foreign mail intercourse of certain perplexities and
embarrassments with which it is now trammelled.
Each country through which the letter has to pass
has its separate post office system, its separate
charge of postage, and that has to be paid before
the letter can go on to its destination. This amounts,
unless agents are resorted to, to a total obstruction.
A reciprocal arrangement that will reduce these dif-
ferent charges into one postage rate, through for the
entire distance, with liberty to pay either where
mailed or delivered, and with a system of accoun-
tability that will give to each Government its share
of the postage, is one of the leading objects for which
Mr. Hobbie is dispatched in the Washington. This
is so just to all, so manifestly promotive of uni-
versal convenience and advantage, that we trust our
First Assistant Postmaster General will succeed in
obtaining the hearty co-operation of the proper au-
thorities in England, Germany, and France in its
adoption.
Gen. Jefferson Davis has been appointed by
Governor Brown, of Mississippi, a Senator of the
United States during the unexpired term of the late
Hon. Jesse Speight. It is said that Gov. Brown
has made this appointment at the present moment
in the anticipation of an extra session of Congress.
Wre do not perceive any probability of this antici-
pation being realized, the scarcity of food in Europe
having saved our Administration from the necessity
of calling Congress together before the time fixed
by the Constitution for its annual meeting.
Indiana Debt.—Acting for the bondholders, Mr.
Charles Butler on Thursday surrendered to the
Agent of the State of Indiana in New York six mil-
lions three hundred and fifty-three thousand dollars
of the State bonds for conversion into the new State
and Canal stocks. This amount exceeds by nearly
one million the requirements of the law, and will be
largely increased by the 1st of July, as the holders
are coming in daily.—Corn. Advertiser.
The influence of the Press over the unholy de-
signs of ambitious rulers (says the Philadelphia
Sun) has been most signally manifested by the re-
cent recantations of the Government of its intention
to conquer, dismember, and partition the Republic
of Mexico. History presents few examples of the
power exercised over Governments by the liberty
of the press, equal to this revocation of its long-
cherished scheme ol the national subjugation of the
domain of our sister Republic.
We agree with our contemporary that it is the
proudest achievement of the Press for this many a
day. Father Ritchie in vain attempts to stem the
torrent of popular will, as expressed through the
independent press. It is irresistible.
[Philadelphia Chronicle.
INDIANA.
Nicholas McCarty has been nominated by the
Whigs of the Indianapolis district for Congress.
The district is now represented by Mr. Wick.
John S. Davis is the Whig candidate in the second
district; his opponent is Thomas J. Henley7. In
the third district P. A. Hackleman is the Whig and
J. L. Robinson the Democratic candidate. In the
fourth district Caleb B. Smith, Whig, is again a
candidate, and has no opponent. In the sixth dis-
trict George G. Dunn is the Whig and George
W. Carr the Democratic candidate. In the ninth
district Daniel D. Pratt, Whig, is running against
C. W. Cathcart, Democrat.
The War.—If ever the people of this country
were sick and tired of a war, they may be justly
said to be so of the present war with Mexico—a
war which must be acknowledged to have been one
most unfortunate in its origin and its progress, from
its immense loss in life and its vast cost in money.
Indeed, in looking back upon its commencement, it
is a matter ot wonder how the country could have
ever become involved in such a contest with so little
reason for it.—Georgetown Advocate.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes.—By an arrival at Boston
from the Cape Verd Islands we learn that the volcano on the
Island of Fogo commenced burning on the evening of the 9th
ultimo, and continued eight days, during which the blaze was
distinctly seen at Porto Praya, and the earth was felt to trem-
ble violently at intervals during the remaining six days. The
smoke was still rising from the crater on the 2d instant.
North Carolina Volunteers.—The Wilmington Chro
nicle states that information has been derived from some of the
officers of the North Carolina volunteers who had returned to
their homes, that extensive suffering and sickness had been
experienced by them, and a good many have died.
Mr. WEBSTER
Had recovered from his indisposition sufficiently to
leave Augusta on Monday last. The “ Chronicle
and Sentinel” of that morning remarks :
“It has been a source of mutual regret with Mr. Webster
and our citizens that the state of his health while here has
prevented as extensive an interchange of civilities as otherwise
would have taken place.
The impression made by Mr. Webster upon our com-
munity has been of the most agreeable and favorable chaiac-
ter, and he leaves our city with their kindest wishes, their
sincere respect and admiration.
The hospitality of the South is cordially extended to Mr.
W. as one who has rendered pre-eminent services to the
Union. The Union includes us all under its broad and ex-
pansive protection. We of the South have a right to claim
Mr. Webster, as we do, as one of the bright stars of our
common country. Even political prejudices vanish at his
coming among us, and all unite in extending a cordial wel-
come, and doing honor to him as a great American statesman.”
The Savannah Republican of the 26th contains
the following notice of Mr. Webster’s arrival in
that city :
Mr. Webster arrived in town yesterday afternoon at six
o’clock, in a special train, accompanied by his family and by
Dr. Ford, Mayor of Augusta, and several other gentlemen,
and was escorted by the committee and a large procession of
citizens to the Pulaski House. The health of Mr. Webster,
we are happy to say, is improving fast, though he is obvious-
ly not a little reduced and enfeebled by the attack from which
he suffered in Augusta.
The committee have made the following arrangements :
He will be escorted by the. committee, and such citizens
as may please to join them, to the Greene and Pulaski Monu-
ment, from which he will be addressed at 11 o’clock precisely.
Seats will be provided inside the enclosure. Carriages will
be arranged on the exterior, and as near to it as they can be
placed, under the direction of the City Marshal.
After the address and Mr. Webster’s reply, the com-
mittee will retire with Mr. Webster to the drawing-room of
(he Pulaski House, where he will receive, until two o’clock,
the Corporation, such societies as may call upon him, and the
citizens generally.
On Thursday, at half past four o’clock, the dinner to be
given to Mr. Webster by the citizens will take place.”
THE LATE VICTORY.
Gen. Scott has certainly exhibited, in the pre-
sent campaign, (says the Raleigh Register,) all that
his very numerous and admiring friends have ever
claimed for him. His military attainments are of
the highest order, and his gallantry is only equalled
by his generosity, humanity, and chivalry. The
following paragraph from the “ Savannah Republi-
can” so much the better expresses our thoughts
than we can ourselves, that we right willingly
adopt them :
“The Stege and Battle.—General Scott’s great admin-
istrative powers have been much commented on by his friends,
and scouted at by his enemies and other impartial judges.
The people of the United States have now had a chance ot
seeing his generalship. From the time that he landed near
Vera Cruz (in itself a strategetical operation, for his demon-
stration was on Anton Lizardo) to the last advices, he has
exhibited a rare combination of military attainments, reducing
the art of war, even with his most scanty means of transpor-
tation, to an almost exact science. This marching of our
troops through the entrenchments of Cerro Gordo, and not
stopping to survey the defences so gallantly won, is prompt
manoeuvring. We suspect Gen. Scott, and most of those with
him, have taken their soup in double quick time.”
The Norfolk Beacon states that Com. Kearny
is ordered to the command of the Gosport Navy
Yard, in place of Com. Skinner, appointed the
Chief of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment,
and Repairs.
Agreeably to previous annunciation, President
Polk and Secretary Mason, accompanied by the
lady of the former and the daughter of the latter,
reached Richmond, Virginia, in the Northern cars
yesterday afternoon, about 5 o’clock, and left in the
Southern train about half past 6.
They were received by the Mayor and Commit-
tee of Arrangements, and escorted, in carriages pro-
vided for the purpose, to the Capitol, attended by a
handsome military procession, and a large concourse
of citizens who had assembled at the railroad depot
to greet them on their arrival.
The President and Secretary must be highly
gratified with the reception given them in this Whig-
city ; for, although his official acts are strongly dis-
approved by a large majority of our fellow-citizens,
he might well have fancied himself surrounded ex-
clusively by a band of ardent political friends, in-
stead of by a crowd two-thirds of whom probably
were the decided and uncompromising opponents
of his Administration.—Richmond Whig.
We understand that Seth Barton, Esq., the
new Charge d’Affaires to Chili, will probably go
out in the ship of the line Ohio, vtfhich, after under-
going some repairs at New York, is expected to sail
for the Pacific ocean about the middle of June.
David Tod, Esq., the new Minister to Brazil,
will probably take passage in the same vessel.
The Union states that in all his arrangements Mr.
Tod has “ consulted the accommodation and wishes
of the distinguished and accomplished gentleman
whom he is to succeed as Minister.” Mr. Wise will
not return to the United States before Col. Tod ar-
rives at Rio Janeiro.
GEN. TAYLOR AND THE ADMINISTRATION.
The New York Tribune has a letter from a New
Orleans correspondent, under date of the 18th in-
stant, which runs thus :
“ The volunteers who were with Taylor are returning, full
of the warmest admiration of his character as a soldier, and
a humane and good man, but overflowing with wrath against
the Administration, that they believe did its best to sacrifice
them. They cannot be convinced of the contrary, I am in-
formed of this by an officer who is among them on the Rio
Grande. The people of this country will be astonished and
indignant when they know fully the manner in which the
concern at Washington has treated Gen. Taylor. I know
from unquestionable authority that for five months not a single
despatch of his has been answered, (unless within the last
few weeks,) and nothing sent him except an insulting letter,
enclosing the letter written by him to Gen. Gaines, and de-
manding to know whether he wrote it. I am glad to say
that Gen. Taylor’s reply was in every way worthy the spirit
of a high-toned tree American citizen, who has never learned
to fawn that thrift may follow. He replied that he did write
it, and, as he did not intend it for publication, had not be-
fore examined it very carefully ; but, now, on a re-examina-
tion, he found not a word or expression that he wished to alter.
He asked no favors; they might make the most of it. They
took away all his regulars, save a handful!, and left him none
but raw volunteers. Had he retreated on Monterey, as directed
by the War Department, the whole country, from Saltillo to
Matamoros, in the opinion of all military men there, would
have been lost. There is much more yet to be told on this
subject at another time.”
RAILROADS, &c.
Railroad Company
their capital stock
BATTLE SCENES.
A friend has handed to us the graphic account
which we publish below ol the battle of Cerro
Gordo, by a young Lieutenant of the Mounted
Rifles, a graduate of West Point, written to a rela-
tive. It is just such bright and brave fellows as
the writer of this letter who set the world agog at
fighting:
“ I proceed to tell you of the part I played in the battle of
Cerro Gordo. God deliver me from ever being in such another
fight ! In my last letter from Vera Cruz I stated that I had
been left behind my division (2d of Gen. Twiggs’s) sick, but
that I was about to rejoin it at Jalapa. Who can calculate on
the future ? The next news from the army was that Santa
Anna, with an army of sixteen thousand men, was strongly
entrenched in a mountain pass between us and Jalapa, at
Cerro Gordo, the name of the principal height and key-point
of his position—a perfect Mexican Gibraltar, a mountain
height of eight hundred feet or more—surmounted by eight
pieces of cannon, (eighteen and six-pounders,) which com-
pletely commanded the neighboring ground and approaches ;
and, furthermore, strengthened by two breastworks of stone,
wood, and brush, which completely girt about the summit upon
which stood a small town, from which waved proudly the flag
of Mexico. By hastening on, and travelling by night as well
a> day, I arrived just as the ball opened. The peak of Ori-
zaba in the distance looked down upon the battle like some
huge presiding and avenging Indian deity. The Mexicans,
drawn up in columns to the amount of six thousand on the
summit, with colors displayed, wild and martial music sound-
ing, and Santa Anna, upon a milk-white steed and surround-
ed by a brilliant staff, riding along the lines encouraging his
men, presented a sight at once imposing and beautitul. It
The Utica and Schenectady
have determined to increase
$780,000.
The Concord (Mass.) Railroad Company’s divi-
dend for the year, out of its nett profits, is ten per
cent. on the capital of one million of dollars, leav-
ing besides a surplus of nearly $14,000.
The Philadelphia United States Gazette says
that there are thirty-eight thousand railroad wheels
in continual operation on the Reading and other
railroads connecting the coal mines with the city of
Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Bulletin has the following :
“Reading Railroad Company.—It is known to our
readers that, for a few days past, an arrangement has been in
progress for funding the floating debt of this company so as to
enable it to pursue its regular business without embarrass-
ment. We are authorized to announce the fact that the loan
for that purpose has all been taken at par. We are gratified
at being able to make this statement, as it leaves freer for pub-
lic usefulness, as well as for the benefit of private enterprise,
a very important channel of the trade and commerce of our
city and State.”
The Boston Post says :
“ A fancy to invest freely in dividend-paying railroad and
manufacturing corporation stocks is rapidly advancing rates
for nearly all such reliable investments. Maine railroad stock
has been run up to 15| a 16, with right of subscription, and
is now scarce in the market. Some of the incomplete rail-
roads have also started wonderfully. Central was sold on
Saturday at ninety-two, and the certainty of requisite sub-
scription to the Ogdensburgh road is expected to carry the
Central to par very shortly. About seven hundred thousand
of new subscriptions have been added recently to former stock
in the Ogdensburgh, which is now deemed a fixed fact, its
great importance to this city and vicinity having effectually
roused capitalists and business men. Mr. Abbott Law-
rence gave an impetus to new exertions by his influence and
personal subscription of $>40,000 in the stock. The stock-
holders and promoters of Western railroad interests are not
unfriendly to the Ogdensburgh, and their own stock has risen,
instead of declining, with this prospect of competition.”
The Union has retracted, with laughable eager-
ness, its proposition for the sequestration of the
church property in Mexico, and the application of
it to the support of the war. There are a great
many Catholic voters in the country; yet, as few
of them are found in Virginia, and nothing is said
of them in “ the resolutions of ’98,” the Editor of
the Union could not be supposed to know any thing
about them. But, the fact having been brought to
his attention, he at once exonerates the Administra-
tion from the responsibility of having said any thing
to offend so many “free and independent” voters.
Mr. Polk had nothing to do with it, the “ Union ”
assures us, nor Mr. Buchanan, nor Mr. Marcy,
nor any other member of the Administration. It
was an independent suggestion of the Government
paper, and was intended, somehow—the Union
does not exactly understand how—for the benefit
rather than the injury of the church !
[.Providence Journal.
Blood Money.—A letter fiom Mexico, in the Journal of
Commerce, says that General Scott has taken the guerrilla
business in hand, “ and by his order every murder that the
Mexicans may commit takes $300 out of the nearest alcalde’s
pocket. Although this may he rather hard on the alcaldes, it
will induce them to exeit their influence, of which they pos-
sess ‘ some,’ as a preventive of the evil.”
Killed by Bad Dentistry.—A short time since we no-
ticed the death of Mr. N. P. Ames, the celebrated manufac-
turer of cutlery at Springfield, Massachusetts. His death is
attributed to poison, imbibed by swallowing, in the night, the
material with which a European dentist filled one of his teeth
a couple of years since, and which had not been properly se-
cured. He had not seen a well day since.
THE NEW YORK FLOUR MARKET.
FROM THE SHIFTING AND COMMERCIAL LIST OF SATURDAY.
From the departure of the last steamer from Boston, (the
Caledonia, May 16,) the market for Western flour gradually
advanced from the pricss then current, ($7.81;} a $7.87§,)
until Monday, 24th instant, (with much excitement during
all that time,) when large sales were made at $8.75 a $8.S7j
for Genesee, and $8.68f a $8.75 for other Western. From
that period, the arrivals having been very large, the pressing
wants for consumption supplied, and a cessation of speculative
operations, the market became extremely unsettled, all being
anxious to realize, and prices rapidly receded, the sales of
Tuesday being eight to ten thousand barrels at $8.68§ a
$8.81^ ; Wednesday, as much more at $8.75 a $8.83f ;
Thursday, five to six thousand barrels at $8.25 a $8.50, and
in some instances at $8 a $8.12£ ; yesterday the market open-
ed heavily, and sales of Genesee were made at $8, and in bad
order at $7.87| ; but this decline having induced more inqui-
ry, the transactions were perhaps not less than fifteen thou-
sand barrels, prices gradually advancing, the sales of Genesee
ranging from $8.12^ to $8.25, chiefly at $8.12^ a $8.18f,
and Michigan and Ohio at $8 a $8.12^, closing with some
firmness.
Flour.—From the 1st to the 21st instant, 142,131 barrels
of Flour were received at Albany by the way of the Erie canal.
Stacy A. Paxon, Treasurer of New Jersey, died at Tren-
ton on Wednesday evening last.
A body of Marines, recruited in New York under the su-
pervision of Capt. Reynolds, of the United States Marine
service, and numbering four hundred, are to sail for Yera Cruz
in a few days, under the command of Col. Watson, a vete
ran of the last war. Dr. Edwards goes out with them ai
Surgeon. These men are a part of the brigade of Marines
spoken of as about to be organized for operations in the inte-
rior of Mexico.
An Explosion.—Intelligence has been received from Port
au Prince that the Haytien sloop of war President was blown
up on the 23d of April, while preparing to fire minute guns
on occasion of a funeral celebration in honor of the late Pre-
sident Guerrier. The catastrophe is imputed to the careless-
ness of the commander. No one was killed ; but several
were wounded, two of them severely. — Com. Adv.
Melancholy Accident and Loss of Life.—We learn
from the Buffalo Advertiser that the schooner J. C. Dunn,
Capt. Lyman Winer, from Sackett’s Harbor, capsized during
a squall on Tuesday, 25th instant, at 10 o’clock P. M., off
Coneaut. Eight of the crew, which consisted of eleven per-
sons, were lost, and during the night the cook died from fa-
tigue. About 6 o’clock in the morning the schooner Uncle
Sam took the remaining three oft’ and landed them at Ash-
tabula.
The Penn Family.—The following notice appears m
the Obituary of the London Morning Chronicle of the 30th
ultimo :
“ On the 29th instant, at the house of her son-in-law, the
Earl of Ranfurley, No. 40 Berkley square, the Hon. Sophia
Margaret Stuart, grand-daughter of the celebrated Wil-
liam Penn, founder and proprietor of Pennsylvania, and widow
of the Hou. and Rev. W. Stuart, D.D., late Lord Primate of
all Ireland, in the 83d year of her age.”
A Shaker Case of interest has lately been tried at Cleve-
land, Ohio. It was a suit brought for wages for fifteen years’
service by a seceder from the brotherhood, a lady who had
joined them when a child. The case was ably argued on both
sides. The jury concluded, inasmuch as the plaintiff volun-
tarily joined the society, knowing its rules and regulations,
(which are that all proceeds of labor by any of the fraternity
go into a common fund, not to be withdrawn,) and had as
voluntarily left, she was not entitled to damages.
was destined shortly to be grand and terrific. On the right
of our position (2d division of regulars, to whom the whole
honor of this great and glorious victory is due) was a second
height, commanded almost entirely by that of Cerro Gordo,
and occupied by a large force of Mexicans. It was necessary
that this height should be taken, preparatory to the grand as-
sault. This work was gallantly executed by the rifles, 1st
artillery, and one company of the 7th infantry. Many of our
men, carried away by natural impetuosity, and many others
misunderstanding orders, after having driven the enemy from
the first hill, advanced even to the base of Cerro Gordo. That
night, when we rested upon the first hill, under comparative
cover of its crest, surrounded by dead and wounded Mexicans,
many a brave comrade was missed who was expiating the sin
of having been brave even to rashness.
“I was too late to join my regiment on the first day, but
attached myself to a company of the 7th infantry, which held
an exposed situation, and had the extreme felicity of being
fired at all day without the pleasure of returning it. That
night I rejoined my company, under Capt. Mason, and next
morning the ball re-opened with great eclat, the enemy hav-
ing wakened us during the night only twice by pleasant mes-
sengers in the shape of cannon balls. In the morning we
(the rifles) were obliged for two mortal hours to stand an ar-
tillery fire of ball, grape, and canister, under very imperfect
shelter, before the command forward to storm the height was
given. It was here that poor Mason, as fine a fellow as
ever lived, (and who, by the by, is doing well,) lost his leg.
Lieut. Davis was killed in the very spot where I had been
lying a few minutes before ; and afterwards, when I arose to
obey the order forward, a soldier was discovered about six
feet above me, on the side of the hill, who had been killed so
dead'Ly a grape-shot that had passed through his stomach that
he had not apparently moved from his recumbent posture, and
had died so suddenly that those around were ignorant of the
fact of his having been struek. The rifles were ordered to
take up a position in the ravine, and to hold in check a body
of Mexicans advancing to reinforce Cerro Gordo, and the
other three regiments of the brigade to storm the height. I
myself heard only the order forward, consequently went ahead
with the main column, and was fortunate enough to be among
the first over the breastworks of the enemy, whom 1 revenged
myself upon by turning upon him a six-pounder, one of his
own guns, and paying him back with interest in his own
leaden and iron coin.
“ The storming of Cerro Gordo was a magnificent spec-
tacle, as well as one of the most brilliant, if not most brilliant
feat ever accomplished by American arms. The mountain
was so steep, and the men so exhausted by previous efforts,
that it became a cool deliberate thing. There was no rush ;
our gallant soldiers advanced calmly and slowly, amidst leaden
hurricanes which unceasingly swept over them ; batteries in
the rear played upon them ; but there was no pause, no hesi-
tation—on they went. Their minds were made up to con-
quer or die. On they went, gradually converging to the
summit, which blazed forth like, a volcano, till finally our
deadly fire opened upon the foe, his breastwork became ours
also, and almost simultaneously the different regiments engaged
in the storm entered, and their standards triumphantly waved
in place of ‘La Bandera de Mexico.’ What a glorious feel-
ing of elation took possession of my soul at that moment. 1
cannot describe it. Of the wounded, dead, and dying we
will not speak. I have seen Death robed in all his ghastly
tenors, and feel that I am becoming indifferent to the suffer-
ings of my fellows ; my profession demands it. The dry
grass upon the hill took fUe at one time, and many dead and
some wounded were burnt up, or rather roasted. Our regi-
ment suffered terribly ; the proportion of killed and wounded
among the officers was more than one out of three, eight offi-
cers being killed and wounded where fourteen were unharmed ;
among the men the proportion was one out of five. Pretty
hot work ; such as I do not care about being engaged in again
in a hurry. At one time, I assure you, such was the noise
of balls passing over my head that I was unconscious of any
other sound, though regiments at the time were rolling forth
their fire. What a magnificent and terrible tune was played
in those mountains, which acted like some huge sounding-
board, and prolonged and rolled away into the distance the
noise of the battle !
“ I have only pretended to give you an account of that por-
tion of the battle in which I was engaged. We, however,
won the day.
“ I go with our division, so soon as it moves, to see Puebla,
Mexico, and other sights. If these cursed Mexicans did not
shoot at one so hard, Mexico would be a delightful country to
be in. What am I, who two weeks ago was sleeping upon
the hard rock without shelter, doing now ? Why, luxuriat-
ing in a real bed, with clean sheets and pillows with fringed
cases ! At present I board with a very pleasant family, with
whom I am on the very best of terms. Lately, when I had
a slight return of fever, they almost killed me with kindness
and attention. From my window I regard a perfect wilder-
ness of beauty—woods, mountains, meadows, and flowers ;
numbers of singing birds of beautiful plumage delight the ear
and sight. Ozala ! Ozala ! I exclaim with admiration. You
should see our family party at night. A jolly Spaniard plays
the harp for us—the girls, (three of them,) Don Santiago,
(another boarder,) and Don Diego, (that is to say myself.)
We dance every thing—Polkas, Spanish dances, Mexican
waltzes ; and the old padre, a Franciscan monk with shaven
crown, looks on and says : * Young people, enjoy yourselves
now ; when you are old confess your sins.’ How pleasant
this ! One of the girls (Solidad by name) sings well, and is
now writing off for me a Spanish song for C-.”
Delicate Compliments.—Mr. Chandler, of the United
States Gazette, notices the introduction of Mr. Jenks to the
public as editor of the Boston Star, in some very handsome
and kind remarks, and Mr. J. returns the compliment in terms
equally courteous. The latter says :
“To him, among the too few generous scribes of the olden
school still left to enlighten and reprove a sordid generation,
may be most aptly applied his own beautiful sentiment: * The
step may fail, the head whiten, and the countenance become
marked ; but there is a freshness of feeling that animates the
heart of some men that makes one think they have drunk of
the elixir of life !’ ”
ARMY INTELLIGENCE.
FROM THE NEW ORLEANS BULLETIN OB' MAY 22.
In conversing with officers recently from the army, we learn
that the general impression was that Puebla w’ould be the
extent of Gen. Scott’s advance until he was strongly rein-
forced. This the Government are now doing, even to the
extent of withdrawing troops from the Rio Grande, which
were originally intended for Gen. Taylor, as we learn that
Brig. Gen. Cadwallader has been ordered to proceed with
the larger portion of his command, now at the Camp of In-
struction at Palo Alto, to Vera Cruz.
It was originally intended that one-half of the ten new
regiments should join Gen. Taylor, but we recently learned
that only the 3d Dragoons and 16th Infantry would do so,
and since then an order has been received lor five companies
of the former to proceed to Vera Cruz, leaving only the other
five for Gen. Taylor.
We infer from the Government thus directing the new le-
vies, as well as the volunteers, to join Gen. Scott, that thp
main, and probably the only movement on the capital will be
by that route, and that the plan for Gen. Taylor to advance
at the same tithe, by San Luis Potosi, has been abandoned.
'There is, at any rate, no present indications that Gen. 1 ay-
lor will have at his disposal any thing like a sufficient force
to advance from his present position.
Though active measures are on foot to hurry torward rein-
forcements to Vera Cruz as rapidly as possible, a consider-
able time must necessarily elapse before they can reach the
headquarters of Gen. Scott’s army, and unless he concludes
to advance on the city with his present reduced force, it will
be some weeks yet before he will be able to do so, particular-
ly as his transportation means must also be greatly increased,
which is a work of time.
FROM THE NEW ORLEANS PICAYUNE OF MAY 22.
Return of Troops.—The ship Henry Pratt arrived
yesterday from Vera Cruz with Col. Campbell’s 1st Regi-
ment Tennessee volunteers. There are only three hundred
and fifty, rank and file, of this gallant regiment left.
The schooner Maria Thomas also arrived yesterday with
two companies of the 4th Regiment Illinois volunteers, num-
bering seventy-three men, under command of Capts. Pugh
and Hurt and Lieuts. Oglesby, Froman, Post and Brown.
FROM THE NEW ORLEANS PICAYUNE OF MAY 23.
Return of Volunteers.—Company G, first regiment
Tennesse cavalry, commanded by Captain Snead, arrived
yesterday from Vera Cruz on the pilot boat Selim. The Se-
lim was chartered by Capt. Snead and his company at their
own expense to bring them to this city.
The ship Pharsalia, with three hundred men of the first
regiment of Tennessee cavalry, also arrived yesterday from
Vera Cruz.
The brig R. Russell, from Vera Cruz, with three compa-
nies of the second regiment Tennessee volunteers and cne
company of Kentuckians attached to that regiment, all under
command of Capt. Williams, arrived last night.
The brig Billow, also from Vera Cruz, brought one hun-
dred and thirty rank and file of the third regiment Illinois
volunteers, under command of Lieut. Col. Wiley.
Latest from Vera Cruz.—The schooner Whig arrived
yesterday from Vera Cruz, having left there on the evening
of Saturday, the 15th instant. Lieut. A. J. Brock and thirty-
three privates, being company F ot the Tennessee cavalry,
came passengers on the Whig.
Verbally we learn that there had been no later arrival from
the army of Gen. Scott. We have a copy of the American
Eagle of the 15th instant, which has not a word of later news
from above.
The Eagle is of opinion that Gen. Scott will remain at
Puebla until the beginning of autumn, without marching
upon the capital.
The Eagle complains in good set terms of the dullness of
Vera Cruz and the excessive heat, which threatens to become
yet more intense. Nothing is said of the health of the city.
Later from the Brasos.—The United States steamship
Trumbull arrived last evening from the Brasos, whence she
sailed on the 19th instant. The following passengers came
over on the Trumbull: Capt. A.B. Lansing, Assistant Quar-
termaster, U. S. A. ; Captain E. Webster and servant, and
Captain Crowninshield, Massachusetts Volunteers ; Captain
Claiborne, of the U. S. steamer Col. Cross; Lieut. Fros.t, of
the Voldgeurs ; Father McElroy, Chaplain U. S. Army.
Quite the most important intelligence by this arrival con
cerns the safety of Col. Doniphan’s command. According to
the letter of our correspondent, dated the 3d instant, from
Monterey, the most grave apprehensions were entertained in
regard to that command. The rumor was, that Col. D. had
been defeated by the Mexicans, and lost all his artillery. We
are greatly in hopes that this will prove to be a mere Mexican
rumor, and we are encouraged in this hope by, the fact that
the Picket Guard, published at Saltillo on the 3d, makes no
mention of the rumor, and anticipates the speedy arrival ot
Col. Doniphan and his command at that place.
By this arrival we learn that Brig. Gen. Cadwallader is
forthwith to proceed with his command, (excepting the dra
goons,) now encamped at Palo Alto, to Vera Cruz to reinforce
Gen. Scott. The transports were being prepared at the Bra-
sos when the Trumbull left.
Col. Humphrey Marshall’s regiment of Kentucky cavalry
was at Camargo, at last accounts, on their way home. They
will not be disbanded until they reach this city.
The third Ohio regiment, under Col. Curtis, was expected
at Monterey during the second week in May, on its way home ;
and the first Ohio regiment, long stationed at Monterey, would
leave about the same time.
NEW YORK CORRESPONDENCE.
An III Wind.—Mr. Moses Gould, one of the sub-con
tractors on the Worcester and Nashua Railroad, a short time
since received $200 from the company in bills. These he
put loose into his hat. While at work on the road a sudden
frisk of wind whipped his hat from his head, and scattered his
bills rather “promiscuously.” Some of them, however, were
caught in the branches of a pine tree and secured, and the re
mainder, amounting to $60, were scattered to the four winds
of heaven. The wind “ blew nobody any good” except the
bank that issued the bills.
E
JLK HILL AND UALb' OF ELK. ISLAND FOR
SALE.—This estate is the former residence of the late
RANDOLPH HARRISON, jr , and is situated on James
river, about fifty miles above Richmond, in the county ol
Goochland.
It contains about 2,400 acres, of which nearly 560 acres are
low’ grounds of the very best quality. The highland in culti-
vation is divided into five fields, averaging over 100 acres each.
Naturally very fertile, it has been highly improved by heavy
manuring and the free use of clover and plaster.
The dwelling, recently built of brick ai d stucco, is large
and handsome. The farm buildings, barns, threshing ma-
chines, &c. are the best of their kind. There are also a grist,
plaster, and saw-mill ot the best construction, with an abun-
dant supply of water.
The highland and the island are connected by a handsome
and durable bridge.
The present fertility, with the resources for manuring—the
farm pens affording 2,000 wagon loads of manure annually—
constitute this the finest estate on upper James river, if not in
Virginia. The investment cost the late owner $100,000, and
was considered a judicious one. Since the purchase its fertili-
ty and productiveness have been greatly improved.
It will give me pleasure to show the plantation to any one
who may desire to examine it, or to answer inquiries by letter
addressed to me at Cartersville, Cumberland county, Va.
PEYTON HARRISON,
Agent for H. C. Harrison, administrator of
ap 27—tf Randolph Harrison.
P. S. Immediate possession will be given if desired.
E HAVE on hand a handsome stock of gentlemen’s
wear, which we will otter cheap to close, such as-
\Y ............................
White and colored Linen Drillings ) all wool and silk
Striped and plain black Drap d’Etej warp
Black and plum colored Cashmeret for coats and sacks
Twilled and plain black Summer Cloths, Vestings, &cc.
Also, a few pieces of those cheap plaid Muslins, with a great
variety of other goods, which we will take pleasure in showing.
We deem it unnecessary to advertise goods at half price,
therefore we hope purchasers may give us a call that the goods
may speak for themselves.
W. M. SHUSTER & CO.
Penn, avenue, north side, 4 doors west 4j street,
may 31—w3w
New York, May 29, 1847.
At the last session of the State Legislature an act was
passed authorizing the establishment of a free High School,
or Academy, in the cily of New Yark, provided the citizens,
to whom the question is to be submitted on the 7th of next
month, should give a majority of votes in favor of accepting
the act. The subject is one which directly concerns the
general welfare, and is attracting considerable attention.
There are in this metropolis two respectable and well endowed
colleges or universities, and the common public schools are
numerous and weil supported, and have been much improved
within a few years. But the importance of an intermediate
institution, where the children of the poor and middling
classes, who, whatever may be their talents or their merits, are
unable to obtain access to the universities, may acquire an
education to fit them for any sphere in life, has pressed itself
upon public attention till the important object is probably about
to be realized. The terms of the act authorize the expen-
diture of fifty thousand doliais for the erection of buildings
and twenty thousand dollars per annum for the support of the
school. This liberal expenditure, it is estimated, may afford
constant instruction to one thousand pupils. The institution .
will be under the general direction of the board of education,
and it has been suggested that the pupils should be selected
from the best scholars in the common schools, thus giving to
all these schools a powerful stimulus to improvement. Judg-
ing from the tone ot the press in this city, the plan of this
institution is popular, and will be adopted without much op-
position. I have noticed but one paper that has lifted a voice
against it, the Journal of Commerce, which seemed to think
the present common schools of the city place a good education
sufficiently within the reach of all, and that the proposed in-
stitution would be an unnecessary increase to the burden, of
taxation. It is a matter of encouragement, however, for the
permanency of our institutions and the welfare of the Republic,
that no taxes are borne more cheerfully by the people than
those required for the general purposes of education.
The City is brushing up, putting her streets in order, and
arraying herself in summer dress. The fountains, which
have been shut oft’ a week or two to allow of the annual ex-
amination of the aqueduct, are again in full play, and the
parks and squares are looking fresh and green and inviting.
The City Council has made war upon the awning-posts
which, in some degree, obstruct the sidewalks, and they are'
fast disappearing. Nassau street, which for some years past
has been about the hardest place in the eity to elbow through,
morning and evening, was doomed first to remove these im-
pediments to the tide ; and now the improvement has reached
Broadway, which looks somewhat like a road through a wood
that has suddenly been widened by cutting away the trees six
feet further on each side. The reform is still going on in other
streets, though it is said some of them have a reprieve till the
warm season shall be over. Suspension-awnings are to be
hereafter adopted.
The “New York Sun” denies, in the most positive and
emphatic terms, that its proprietor had any kind of mission
from President Polk in his late visit to Mexico. The pub
lisher say3, “ The Administration has no office in its gift
that we would accept, as our own business is of more
profit and importance than any Government diplomacy.”
The Macedonian is at last likely to obtain a cargo of pro-
visions for the relief of Ireland, and it is now said she will
sail, well freighted, next week. Mr. Henshaw and others,
ol the Boston relief committee, have been here and completed
the arrangement. Captain Forbes, of the Jamestown, which,
was sent out from Boston, had pledged himself to the Irish
committee that the Macedonian should soon follow him, and
hence the interest felt by the gentlemen in Boston that the
pledge should be redeemed. That committee, having some
fifty thousand dollars for the relief of Ireland yet unexpended,
have arranged that this vessel, whose departure has been so
long delayed and caused so much speculation, shall have im-
mediate dispatch. It is said the committee stipulated with
the commander that no pay should be received of the British
Government for the freight of the cargo, and that the voyage
should be made in the most unostentatious manner.
The average number of Emigrants arriving at this port is
still nearly a thousand per day, and I see the arrivals are also
very numerous at Boston and other ports. The ship fever has
also appeared in Boston and Baltimore as well as New York.
The ship John L. Shepherd arrived at Boston the other day
with emigrants, having lost on the passage .fifty of her pas-
sengers and nine of her crew with this fever.
The appearance of a malignant and contagious disease in a
large city is very apt to cause an undue panic and produce ari
impression abroad that operates unfavorably upon its business.
Hence the public authorities and those whose business opera •
tidns are thus affected are anxious to put the best side out,
and to counteract, as far as can be done, the unfavorable im-
pressions produced. The Board of Health held a meeting
yesterday afternoon with closed doors. Their doings and de-
liberations, therefore, are not before the public. The morn-
ing papers, however, state from oat-door information that the
reports to the Board represent the health of the city as unu-
sually good, and that there is less cause for alarm on account
of the ship-fever than the public have been led to suppose.
Now, it is undoubtedly true that there is no cause of alarm
at present that should affect the business of the city or in the
least deter rangers or business men from coming here. A
thousand merchants might arrive here and transact their busi-
ness for a week, and never have cause to suspect there was
any unusual sickness in the city if they did not see the re-
ports in the papers. But among the poor emigrants, and in
some degree among those who have the care of them, or who
are exposed by their vicinity, the danger probably has not
been exaggerated. More or less cases in different parts of the
city are reported every day. One death was reported yester-
day at No. 102 Washington stree', where there were thirty-
five persons in the same room, all sick, and lying upon straw.
In such cases the wonder is not that one should die, but that
any should recover. Notwithstanding the vigilance and ac-
tivity of the health officers to detain the sick at Staten Island,
some still find their way into the city. A boat load of eigh-
teen of them landed at Whitehall day before yesterday, and
dispersed themselves about the city. The Commissioners of
Emigration had hired the buildings on the “ Long Island
Farms,” formerly occupied by the children of the almshouse
department of this city, to be used as‘an hospital for a portion
of the sick emigrants. When this was known to the people
in the neighborhood it caused great excitement. A public
meeting was held on Thursday evening to take legal measures
to prevent the contagion from being brought so near their
doors. But, fearing the law’s delay would be too long for the
immediate danger, about midnight a mob collected, and set
fire to the buildings, and burnt them to the ground. Besides
the numerous cases of this fever here and at Boston and Bal-
timore, we now have accounts of its appearance in numerous
places in the interior—in Albany, and some towns in the
western part of the State. At Quebec 1 see the cases are
very numerous. The agent for emigrants there at last dates
had advices that forty vessels had sailed from different portsjof
Ireland and from Liverpool, with upwards of twelve thousand
passengers ; and about a dozen vessels were at quarantine be-
low Quebec, with four thousand passengers, among whom the
fever was prevailing to an alarming degree. From twenty to
fifty in some of these vessels had died on the passage.
I would be unwilling to dwell upon this subject unnecessa-
rily, or to be the means of promoting unreasonable anxiety in
the public mind ; but it does appear to me that a due regard
for the public welfare requires that the truth, as far as it can
be ascertained, should be stated, that both communities and
individuals may use such precautions as enlightened prudence
may require.
Steamboat Race.—Two or three fine new steamers hav-
ing been put, upon the waters here within a few days, the
question of relative speed has come up and excited considera-
ble interest. Captain Vanderbilt a day or two ago pub-
lished a card challenging any boat to run against his new boat
the C. Vanderbilt for any sum, from one thousand to one
hundred thousand dollars. I he owner of the Oregon has
accepted the challenge to run for a thousand dollars, and
names next Tuesday at eleven o’clock as the time, and the
race to be from here to Sing Sing and hack. The Hendrick
Hudson also accepts the challenge of Captain Vanderbilt,
and will perhaps enter the lists at the same time. If the pro-
prietors of these boats wish to try their speed by racing, it is
editable to them that they make a special job of it, and do
not undertake it on their regular trips, when the lives of pas-
sengers would be endangered
The Odd Fellows are about to erect a splendid building
in this city for an OddFeliows’ Hall. The corner-stone is to
be laid next Friday, the fourth of June. The building will
stand on the corner of Grand and Centre streets, to be built
of freestone, five stories high. A very large collection of
people will be present, and the procession and ceremonies im-
posing. In the evening they are to have a grand gala at
Castle Garden,
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National Intelligencer. (Washington [D.C.]), Vol. 48, No. 6932, Ed. 1 Tuesday, June 1, 1847, newspaper, June 1, 1847; Washington, District of Columbia. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1007904/m1/1/: accessed May 8, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .