National Intelligencer. (Washington [D.C.]), Vol. 48, No. 6956, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 29, 1847 Page: 3 of 4
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NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
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L
LITERARY REWARDS.
In a late number of a British Magazine (Black-
wood’s) we find the following indignant mention of
the want of Governmental munificence to men of
letters in that country :
Treatment of Literary Men.—The soldier, the sailor,
the architect, the painter, are all within sight of the most
lavish prizes of public liberality. Parliament has just given
titles and superb pensions to the conquerors of the Sikhs.
The India Company has followed its example. We applaud
this munificent liberality in both instances. Two general
officers have thus obtained a peerage, with £7,000 and
£5,000 a year. They deserved those rewards. But the
whole literary encouragement of the British empire, with a
revenue of titty-two millions sterling, is £1,200—little more
than the tenth part of the pension allotted to those two gallant
men. £1,200 for the whole literary encouragement of Eng
land ! There can be no greater scandal to the intellectual
honor of the country. The pettiest German principality
scarcely limits its literary encouragement to this sum. We
doubt whether Weimar, between literary offices and pensions,
did not give twice the sum annually. But, named in compe-
tition with the liberality of the leading sovereigns, it is utterly
mean. Louis XIV, two hundred years ago, allotted 80,000
francs a year to his forty members of the Academy—a sum
equivalent in that day, and in France, to little less than
£5,000 a year in our day, and in England. Frederick II.
gave pensions and appointments to a whole corps of literary
men. At this moment there is scarcely a man of any literary
distinction in Paris who has not a share in the liberal and wise
policy of Government, either in office or public pension.
But, if we are to be answered by a class plethoric with wealth
and rank, that literature ought to be content with living on
its own means, must not the obvious answer be, Is the author
to be an author down to his grave ? Is there to be no relaxa-
tion of toil ? Is there to be no allowance for the exhaustion
of his over-worked faculties ?—for the natural infirmities of
years ?—for the vexations of a noble spirit compelled to sub-
mit to the caprices of public change ?—and with its full share
of the common calamities of life, increasing their pressure at
once by an inevitable sense of wrong, and by a feeling that
the delight of his youth must be the drudgery of his age ?
When the great Dryden, in his seventieth year, was forced,
in the bitterness of his heart, to exclaim, “ Must I die in the
harness ?” his language was a brand on the common sense as
well as on the just generosity of his country.
If it will be any comfort to dame Maga [says a
literary correspondent] to learn the state of Lite-
rary Rewards, transatlantically, we can assure her
that the aids bestowed, in this country, in honor or
encouragement of Literature, by no means put Eng-
land to shame, let France or the twelve-miles-square
German principalities do what they may. The di-
rect recompenses to Letters, as such, have, thus
far, amounted, in the United States, during seventv-
one years of Independence, to—exactly nothing
at all.
Nor, indeed, are we by any means sure that this
is not just as it should be. Governments are gene-
rally but indifferent critics ; if -kingly, they usually
look on those as the greatest writers who flatter
them the most; and hence a competition of adula-
tiojj arises which renders the literature of the day
deeply servile ; and if, on the other hand, it is the
popular voice that is to sit arbiter of wit and dis-
penser of its rewards, why then, what should we
have but a reduplication of the reward of writers
already more popular than they deserve, and a
deepening of the neglect of those who, writing for
the more permanent modes of taste and learning,
languish and labor on, until posterity (the only
prince or patron always wise and just) comes,
with posthumous praise, to atone for the ill-judg-
ment of their day ?
Had the plan which Maga seems to wish pre-
vailed now, would it have prevented Homer from
starving, Dante from dying in exile, Tasso from
being clapped into a mad-house, Ariosto from being
trampled on by the stupid Duke whom he strove to
immortalize, Milton from selling Paradise Lost for
three payments of £5 each, Otway from choking
with a crust of bread, or Dryden from expiring a
beggar in old age ? Or, in short, how would it have
altered those “ Calamities of Authors” out of which
Mr. D’lsraeli has contrived to make for himself re-
putation, much after the manner in which many
people have grown rich by managing the affairs of
the poor ?
But Blackwood intimates that, as the “ Senti-
mental Journey” says, “ They manage this matter
much better in France ;” for that “there is scarcely
any man of literary distinction who has not a share
under the liberal and wise policy of its Govern-
ment.” Well; the rewards dispensed, we pre-
sume, are in some proportion to the noisy estima-
tion in which authors are held; and Eugene Sue
and Madame Sand are, in that judicious realm,
“ Les mieux rentes de tous les erudits.”
And could the same happy state of things be brought
about in Britain, Master Dickens, Sir E. Lytton
Bulwer, the juvenile D’lsraeli, and James of the
mill that grinds out Novels, would enjoy all that
Shakspeare and Milton never did when living.
Or, suppose that we here, across the waters,
could have possessed, in addition to our Written
Constitutions, a Constitution for Writers, and Gen.
Jackson had been allowed to “ execute it as he un-
derstood it”—since the time when King Midas sat
judge of Music, when has been seen such a state of
criticism as he would have given ?
Finally, we doubt the advantages of this protec-
tive policy in Literature. The object of protection
is to make a thing cheap : now, Literature is quite
cheap enough. Protection stimulates production,
and we have a much larger production than is need-
ed. Protection is apt to induce a multiplication of
bad fabrics; and Phoebus knows that we have very
little else already ! Since steam was introduced
upon Parnassus and the old water-powers of Hip-
pocrene and Aganippe were thrown out of gear, the
literary cotton-works have gone on at such a rate
that rags are song, and every song a rag. Our
Government, as of late administered, has a just
abhorrence of paper, as a thing inimical to those
who conduct it. Jack Cade knew very little of
books ; but his wise natural instincts told him to
beware of reading and writing, which bring many
honest men to an untimely end. Besides, this Ad-
ministration has no surplus of capacity to spare
from the present conduct of its public trusts. Nor,
again, can we afford literary stipends any fnore
than money for internal improvements, at pre-
sent : all our cash is wanted (Mr. Polk says) for
humaner purposes—namely, the Mexican war.
Shall we go into debt for Learning ? Shall Secre-
tary Walker issue more post notes on Posterity, or
draw drafts upon Fame, or publish proposals for a
three per cent, stock of Immortality ? If he does,
there will be the greatest repudiation that ever was
dreamt of.
Another Town.—A town called Beverly has been laid
out on the point of the Jersey shore, 16 miles above Philadel-
phia, by an association of persons, who have purchased the
property in the vicinity on speculation. A wharf has been
built there, and the place begins to thrive.
Ph- Hawkes.—The New Orleans Bulletin learns from the
friends of this gentleman that there is no probability that he
will accept the Presidency of William and Mary College, (Va.)
to which he was lately appointed.
Of the vessels which left this country for Europe between
October 1st, 1846, and July 23, 1847, it is said that one hun-
dred and thirty-three were either lost, abandoned at sea, com-
pelled to return, or put into some port for relief. The list
does not include those that threw overboard a part of the cargo,
or which were so slightly damaged that they were able to pur-
( sue their voyage.
Death of a Sister of Charity —The New Orleans pa-
pers of the 19th announce the death of Sister Ann Barri-
eia Lynch, a member of the noble sisterhood of charity.
She died a day or two previously in the Charity Hospital of
typhus fever, contracted while in the unremitting discharge of
the functions imposed upon her order. She was yet in the
bloom of youth, aged 24 years.
Andrew Baily, son of Capt. John Baily, of Alexandria,
accidentally fell from a sijjff near prinCe street dock on Satur-
day last, and was drowned. His body was found the next day.
MONTREAL.
CORRESPONDENCE of the intelligencer.
Montreal, July, 1847.
With some things in Montreal I have been pleased, but
with others a good deal dissatisfied. The appearance which
it presents from every point of view is imposing in the ex-
treme. Its numerous church towers and extensive blocks of
stores, its extensive shipping and noble stone wharves, com-
bine to give one an idea of great wealth and liberality. On
first riding to my hotel I was struck with the cleanliness of
its streets, and, on being shown to my room, I was convinced
that the hotel itself (Donegana’s) was of the first water. It
abounds in public buildings, which are usually built of lime-
stone, and the city extends along the river St. Lawrence about
three miles. The streets in the older parts of the town are as
picturesque and narrow as those of the more ancient cities of
the old world, but in the modern portions they are quite regu-
lar and comfortable. The principal street is Notre Dame,
which always presents, on a pleasant day, a gay and elegant
appearance.
Generally speaking, its churches are below mediocrity, but
it has one architectural lion worth mentioning, the Catholic
Cathedral. It faces a square called Place d’Armes, and pre-
sents an imposing appearance. It is built of stone, and said
to be after the Norman-Gothic order of architecture, but I
should think it a mixture of a dozen dis-orders. Its extreme
length is 255 feet, breadth 135, and its height 72 feet. It
also has two towers, which measure 220 feet to their summit.
The windows in these towers are closed with coarse boards,
and yet it cost $400,000. The ground floor is covered with
pews capable of seating 8,000 people, while the aisles and
galleries might hold 2,000 more. The galleries are support-
ed by wooden pillars, which reminded me of a New York
barber s sign. The interior has a naked and doleful appear,
ance ; the large window above the altar is wretchedly painted,
the altar itself is loaded with gewgaws, and, of the many
paintings which meet you in every direction, there is not one
for which I would pay ten dollars. The organ resembles a
bird-house, and the music perpetrated there every day in the
year would jar upon the ear of even an American Indian.
And when it is remembered that this church was built by one
of the wealthiest corporations on the continent, it is utterly
impossible to entertain a feeling of charity towards the found-
ers thereof.
The population of Montreal is now estimated at forty thou-
sand, one-half of whom are Roman Catholics, one-quarter
Protestants, and the remainder nothing in particular. By
this statement it will be readily seen that the establishments
of the Catholics must be the most abundant. Nunneries are
consequently quite numerous, some of them well endowed,
and to those who have a passion for such affairs must be ex-
ceedingly interesting.
But I wish to mention one or two more specimens of archi-
tecture. The market of Montreal is built of stone, located
near the river, and remarkably spacious and convenient in all
ks arrangements. It eclipses any thing of the kind that we
can boast of in the States. The only monument in the city
of any note is a Doric column, surmounted with a statue, and
erected in honor of Lord Nelson. The entire column is
seventy feet high, arid gives an air of elegance to that por-
tion of Notre Dame where it stands. On the four sides of
the pedestal are pictorial representations, in alto relievo, rep-
resenting Nelson in some of his memorable battles. It was
erected by the British inhabitants of Montreal at a cost of
near $6,090.
One of the more striking peculiarities of this city is. the
fact that every body has to live, walk, and sleep at the point
of a bayonet. Military quarters are stationed in various por-
tions of the city, and calf-headed soldiers meet you at every
corner, marching to and fro, and invariably puffed up with
ignorance and vanity. The last woman who has become an
outcast from society attributes her misfortune to a soldier ; the
officers, however, who rule these military slaves are generally
well educated and agreeable gentlemen. But these are not
without their faults, and, it I might be allowed the expres-
sion, I would add, that they appear supremely ridiculous
whenever they march into a church on the Sabbath with their
swords dangling between their legs, and looking down upon
the praying congregation in all the “pomp and circumstance
of war.”
The people whom you meet in the streets of Montreal seem
to come from almost every nation in the world. Now it may
be the immensely pompous Englishman, who represents some
wilderness district in Parliament, and now it may be the cun
uing Scotchman, or a half famished Irishman. Sometimes it
is the speculating American, or the humble, but designing
Jew, the gay and polite Habitan, or a group of wandering In-
dians from the far north. The better class of Montreal peo-
ple (so called by a fashionable world) are the British settlers,
or rather the English population. Generally speaking, they
are highly intelligent, but overbearing and arbitrary in express-
ing their opinions. I doubt not but they may entertain hos-
pitable feelings towards strangers, but it is certain that they
have a novel mode of manifesting these feelings. They boast
of their mother country, as if her glory and power were om-
nipotent, and scruple not to insult an American if he happens
to defend his own. They take great pleasure in sneering at
the entire “Yankee Nation,” while, at the same time, they
aie frequently indebted to the States for their steamboats, carri-
ages, literature, and even for a large proportion of their table
luxuries. In religion, they we f ree-will, or, rather indepen-
dent Episcopalians ; they hate the Habitan, look with con-
tempt upon the poor Irish, and address their brethren of Scot-
land with a patronising air. They drink immense quantities
of wine, and those who happen to be members of the Provin-
cial Parliament think themselves the greatest people on earth.
The island upon which Montreal is located is seventy miles
in circumference, and was once (if not now) the property of
an order of Catholic priesthood. In the rear of the city rises
a noble hill, called Mount Royal, from which it derives its
name. The hill itself is thickly wooded, but the surround-
ing country is exceedingly fertile, and studded with elegant
country seats and the rural abodes of the peasantry. A ride
around the Mount, on a pleasant day, is one of the most de-
lightful imaginable, commanding a view of Montreal and the
St. Lawrence valley, which is grand beyond compare.
To appreciate the unique features of Montreal, it is neces-
sary that you should be there on the Sabbath, the gala-day of
the Catholics. Then it is that the peasantry flock into the
city from all directions, and, when they are pouring into the
huge Cathedral by thousands, dressed in a thousand fantastic
fashions, cracking their jokes and laughing as they move along,
the entire scene is apt to fill one with peculiar feelings. It
was beautiful to look at, but the thought struck me that I
snould hate to live in the shadow of that Cathedral forever.
But if you chance to take a walk in the suburbs on a Sabbath
afternoon, you will notice much that cannot but afford you
real satisfaction. You will find almost every cottage a fit sub-
ject for a picture, and the flocks of neatly-dressed, happy,
and polite children playing along the roads, together with fre-
quent groups of sober men, sitting in a porch, and the occa-
sional image of a beautiful girl or contented mother leaning
out of a widow all these things, I say, constitute a charm
which is not met with every where. But enough. Montreal
is a fine city, and I trust that it will yet be my fortune to visit
it again.
WASHINGTON.
“Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and
inseparable.”
WAHiH r> at Rollnd
This establishment is now completed and ready for the re-
ception of boarders and patients. It is located on one of the
pleasantest spots in New England, with all the advantages of
pure air and pure water, and overlooking the enchanting land-
scape ot the valley of the Connecticut. The buildings are
conveniently arranged, with a dining-room 50 by 36 feet, a
saloon nearly as large, several reception rooms, parlors, a’nd
bathing rooms, and over one hundred sleeping rooms. ’
The medical department is under the care of Drs. Edward
E. Denniston and J. A. Cummings, and provision is made for
the most ample attendance, amongst whom are several well in-
structed and experienced nurses from Germany.
The establishment is accessible by railroad from all points,
New York, Albany, or Boston. ju]y g7 lmcp
jVTEW MUSIC.—Mrs. GARRETT ANDERSON has
i-* this day received the following Music, with various other
Songs, Duets, Quartets, and Waltzes for the Piano • also mu-
sic for the Guitar and Flute :
The Battle Prayer, music by Himmel. Thou who in might
supreme, prayer in the opera of the Bohemian Girl. The
Beautiful West, song by Lee. Buena Vista, Rio Bravo, and
Rough and Ready, songs by Phillips. Oh, my Bravest and
Best, I resign thee; song by Bishop. I give my hand, another
has my heart, song by Phillips. The Lament of the Blind
Orphan Girl, song by Bradbury. The Chameleon, Flower of
Naichez,and The War Ship of Peace, songs by Lover. Adieu,
fair land. A lowly youth, the< mountain child ; In that de-
votion which we breathe—songs from Wallace’s opera of Ma-
tllda' july 29—3t
THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1847.
The length of time which has elapsed since the
receipt of any intelligence from Gen. Scott occa-
sions a good deal of anxiety respecting him and
events which may have occurred since he was
heard from. Our latest accounts from Puebla, where
the General then was, are now a month old. We
have, singularly enough, later dates from the city
of Mexico, though nothing later from Gen. Scott
or his army.
We observe, by the way, that the Union’s late
hit at the General appeared to the intelligent cor-
respondent of the Journal of Commerce In the
same light that it did to ourselves. That writer, un-
der date of the 24th instant, says :
“The ‘Union’ and the Administration are of the opinion
that if Gen. Scott had forwarded our proposals for peace to
the Mexican Government immediately after the battle of Cer-
ro Gordo, we should ere this have had a peace. That battle
was fought on the 18th of April, and thirty days before Mr.
'I'rist arrived at Gen. Scott’s headquarters. The letter of Mr.
Buchanan, dated the 15th of April, could not have been for-
warded to the city of Mexico ‘ immediately after’ a battle
that was fought on the 18th. The answer of the Mexican
Minister of Foreign Affairs is dated the 22d of June. How
long a time was necessarily occupied in a correspondence
with the British Minister (Mr. Bankhead) preliminary to the
presentation of the overtures -by and through him is not yet
known ; but it is quite certain that this channel of communi-
cation was indicated by our Government, and was at all
events the most suitable one. It is not yet certain, therefore,
that there was any unnecessary delay at all on the part of
Gen. Scott or of Mr. Trist in the communication of the pro-
position for negotiation.
“ The Administration take a decided part in favor of Mr.
Trist in the difficulty, whatever it may be, that has occurred
between him and Gen. Scott.”
The same writer adds, under the same date:
“ There has never been a time when the military rulers of
Mexico were ready to make a peace ; and still less were they
in favor of it when they found that Gen. Taylor could not
advance upon San Luis, and that Gen. Scott’s force was ut-
terly inadequate to any decisive movements They expect
now that his force will remain inactive or melt away without
obtaining any important results.”
We ought before now to have mentioned the ar-
rival in Washington, a few days ago, of the gallant
Capt. Rd. Hanson Weightman, a native of our city,
late Commander of the Yolunteer Company of Light
Artillery from Missouri under Col. Doniphan
Having returned in excellent health, he makes
but a short visit to his family, now here, and returns
directly to Missouri, ready for new enterprises.3
From South America.-—Advices from Rio de
Janeiro to the middle of June have been received at
New York. The Brazilian Emperor’s eldest child,
a daughter, died on the 10th of June. Mr. Ouse-
ley, Ex-Plenipotentiary to Buenos Ayres, had ar-
rived from Montevideo on his way to England.
Nothing of importance had been done when he left.
The U. S. brig Bainbridge was still cruising on the
coast, warning American vessels not to enter ports
where they might be seized.
We learn by a Telegraphic despatch that a steam-
ship, supposed to be the Washington, is reported
ashore off the coast of Maine.
AN INCONSTANT SEASON.
On Saturday last several persons died suddenly in New
York and other cities from the effects of the great heat.
In this city, on Monday, at sunrise the Thermometer stood
at 76 degrees.
On Tuesday, at the same hour, the Thermometer had fallen
to 60 degrees ; and yesterday, at the same hour to 55 degrees.
Captain E. C. Carrington, Jr., of the Virginia"regiment
of volunteers, reached Richmond (Va.) on Sunday evening.
The object of his return from Mexico is to obtain recruits to
supply the vacancies in the regiment occasioned by deaths and
discharges. — Whig.
Another Church Burnt.—St. Paul’s or Grace Church,
at Rochester, New York, was consumed by fire early in the
morning of last Sunday. The fire was first discovered
in the belfry, and is supposed to have been communicated
from a lamp, which the sexton took with him into the steeple
on the preceding night. The library, with the exception of
the books in the body of the church, was saved. The organ
and the bell, which together cost about $2,000, were des-
troyed—the latter having given the first alarm in tolling its
own doom, some one running to the rope as soon as the fire
was discovered. The bell was melted, and the walls are all
that remain of the building, which cost about $25,000.
The “Union” says that from accounts received at the
Navy Department from Norfolk, it does not appear that the
sickness, which unfortunately appeared in the Raritan on her
homeward passage, is likely to extend itself further. No
death is known to have occurred among her crew since she
arrived at Norfolk ; and the report of the surgeon of the hos-
pital, where her sick have been transferred, is of a favorable
character. By direction of the Department, after consulta-
tion with the medical bureau, the ship will anchor off Craney
island, several miles from the city, and will there remain un-
til winter, with the Vandalia as a guard-ship, before her hold
is broken or her tanks disturbed.
Resuscitation of the Drowned.—Deaths by drowning
are very frequent, many *Iives being sacrificed for want of
knowledge of the means of restoring suspended animation.
Life, in some instances, will remain an incredible time in the
body, and only needs the proper restoratives to set it in ac-
tive motion again. Dr. Mott, of the American Shipwreck
Society, gives the following directions
“ As soon as the body is removed from the water press the
chest suddenly and forcibly downward and backward, and in-
stantly discontinue the pressure. Repeat this without inter-
mission until a pair of common bellows can be procured ;
when obtained, introduce the nozzle well upon the base of
the tongue. Surround the mouth with a towel or handker-
chief, and close it. Direct a bystander to press firmly on the
projecting part of the neck, called Adam’s apple, and use the
bellows actively. Then press upon the chest to expel the air
from the lungs—to imitate natural breathing. Continue this
an hour at least, unless signs of natural breathing come on.
Wrap the body in warm blankets, and place it near the fire,
and do every thing to preserve the natural warmth, as well as
to impart artificial heat, if possible. Every thing, however,
is secondary to inflating the lungs. Send f «r medical aid im-
mediately. Avoid all friction until respiration shall be in
some degree established.”
Railroad Accident.—The following are the facts in re-
lation to a very serious accident which occurred on the Co ■
lumbia branch of the Charleston (S. C.) railroad on Friday :
Two small engines, the Branchville and Franklin, were
coming down from Gadsden with the hands who were engaged
on the Camden branch. The Branchville had one car or
more (perhaps two) with the workmen. The car or cars with
the workmen were in advance of the engine, pushed before
and not drawn after her. The Franklin, with the rest of the
workmen, was some distance behind the Branchville, likewise
descending to the Camden branch. A freight train, with the
engine called Barnwell, was on it way up to Columbia. The
morning was very foggy. The last named engine had pass-
ed the Camden fork, and was about midway between that
place and Gadsden, when the engineers of the Barnwell and
Branchville discovered each other’s approach, too late to pre-
vent a collision. The engineer of the Branchville then at-
tempted to reverse the course of his engine, but she would not
yield. Perceiving the collision inevitable, the engineers and
some of the others jumped over the bank, and thus saved
themselves. The box cars containing the workmen, driven
by the Branchville, then came into contact with the Barn-
well, and were literally crushed, splintered. In this collision
several were dreadfully wounded, mangled, and crushi d.
The Branchville, by this concussion, was then started back,
(the engineer, as stated above, having previously reversed her,)
and having no one to control her or to let off her steam, she ran
up the road at a fearful rate, until she came in contact with the
Franklin, occasioning the serious injury of many others
The entire number of the wounded, as counted by several
persons, was filteen. Three or four of these, it is thought,
cannot survive, their wounds being of the most serious kind.
Of the others, one has lost a leg, (the physician had amputat-
ed it,) and the extent of the injury to some it was difficult so
soon to ascertain—Charlestown News.
MR. CLAY AND THE WHIGS OF MARYLAND.
Willow Brook, July 22, 1847.
Messrs. Gales & Seaton : The enclosed letter,
FROM SALTILLO, (Mexico.)
The Cincinnati Signal states that the following
extracts are from letters addressed to an officer late-
me 11 Uill JLCUCi » clUUlCSSeU 10
although addressed to me is justly the property of [y of the First Ohio Regiment, and are written by
the Wings of Maryland, by whom I know it will , a gentleman prominent hi the anm
hft FOHfl With nvirlitir o rwl rrv*Tfifir*ofirvrv r r1 It o ovlian , I i n • n . J
be read with avidity and gratification. The exten-
sive circulation which your valuable journal enjoys
through our State prompts me to request its imme-
diate insertion in the columns of the Intelligencer.
Its more general circulation will no doubt be assist-
ed by the entire Whig press of Maryland.
Yours, respectfully,
THOMAS DUCKETT.
Ashland, July 12, 1847.
My Dear Sir : I duly received your obliging
letter, addressed to me by you as the President of
the Whig Convention of Maryland, recently assem-
bled, transmitting a resolution which they adopted,
in which, after adverting to the death of my lament-
ed son at the battle of Buena Vista, they kindly ex-
press their sympathy with me, and assure me of the
continued affection of Maryland towards me.
I receive with profound and grateful sensibility
this friendly and feeling expression of the senti-
ments of the Whig Convention of Maryland. The
death of my beloved son was a great affliction,
which has put in requisition all my fortitude and
resolution. The goodness of Providence, and the
kindness of my friends and countrymen, will, I
hope, enable me to bear it with becoming submis-
sion and resignation.
I have so often received distinguished proofs of
the attachment and confidence of Maryland, and re-
gard so many of its citizens as my personal friends,
that it affords me high satisfaction to be assured
that I continue to enjoy its friendly consideration.
Accept, my dear sir, cordial assurances of the es-
teem and regard with which I have the honor to
be, with great respect, your friend and obedient
servant, H. CLAY.
Thomas Duckett, Esq., &c.
OFFICIAL.-FROM THE UNION OF YESTERDAY.
MILITARY PRECAUTIONS.
The depredations committed by the Indians (Pawnees or
Osages, Camanches, and others) upon the ^ trains” bound
for Santa Fe, and returning to the United States, have called
upon the Government for efficient means to repress them.
Some of these measures were adopted in June last, in the or-
ders that were dispatched to the commanding officer of the
Missouri battalion of volunteers. But the time has now ar-
rived for executing these orders, and making the Indians feel
the power of the Government. To do this effectually, and to
afford adequate protection to the United States “ trains,” a
requisition has just been made upon the Governor of Missouri
for one battalion—to consist of one company of artillery, two
companies of infantry, and two of mounted men, to rendez-
vous at Fort Leavenworth, to be placed under the orders of
Brig. Gen. Arbuckle, commanding 2d and 3d military de-
partments. Gen. Arbuckle is empowered to call for a larger
force if these should prove insufficient.
One mounted regiment, and one battalion of foot from Mis-
souri, and one regiment of foot from Illinois, have been or-
dered to the province of New Mexico ; a part of which too
may, it is supposed, be employed by Gen. Arbuckle for chas-
tising the hostile Indians, without interfering but little, if any,
with their march to Santa Fe.
FROM CALIFORNIA.
An intelligent officer writes on the 15th of March, from
Monterey, in California, that Colonel Mason, of the first dra-
goons, arrived at San Francisco on the 12th February, and
Colonel Stevenson on the 5th March, with three companies
of his regiment from New York. The heavy ordnance and
stores brought up by the -regiment would be landed at San
Francisco. The writer expresses the confident opinion that
if California should be restored to Mexico she could not pos-
sibly hold it for three months ; that the people in the territory
as well as the emigrants would resist the Mexican authority,
and would then fall into dissensions, quarrels, and fighting
among themselves, till humanity would compel our Govern-
ment to interfere for their relief1- The Californians were quiet
at the time he wrote, and the Americans would endeavor to
keep them so by mild and gentle treatment.
He describes the climate as very healthy, the soil rich, and
much unsettled land. At present the population is small—
probably not exceeding twelve thousand, of which about one-
fifth are emigrants. In addition to these there may be about
fifteen thousand Indians, nearly one-third of whom are called
Christian Indians, who speak the Spanish language, and per-
form the office of laborers. The rest are the wild Indians,
who live in the mountains, and subsist in a great degree upon
the horses' and cattle which: they can steal from the farms.
We are permitted to copy the subjoined communications,
which show the honorable estimate which has uniformly been
placed upon the character and bearing of Captain Edson by
those under whom he has served :
U. S. Flag-shit Mississippi,
Off Tabasco river, June 25, 1847.
Sir : The return of Capt. Edson, of the Marines, to the
United States, in the frigate Raritan, affords me an opportu-
nity of commending his services to the favorable notice of
the Department.
Captain Edson, as senior officer of Marines on this station
for a length of time, and during the whole period of my ser-
vice in the squadron, has been engaged in all the naval expe-
ditions of importance against the enemy.
At the siege and bombardment of Vera Cruz he was posted
in the trenches, and on every occasion commanded his men
with great zeal, judgment, and gallantry ; and I cannot re-
frain from expressing my warmest approbation of the conduct
of all the officers and men of the marines who have during
the last nine months served under my immediate eye, and of
repeating what I have often said, that this distinguished and
veteran corps is one of the most effective and valuable arms
of the service.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
M. C. PERRY,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. John Y. Mason,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
HEADQUAB.TERS OF THE MARINE CORPS,
Washington, July 26, 1847.
Sir: The painful duty of reporting to the Department the
death of one of the most valuable officers of the corps is now
devolved on me. Captain Alvin Edson died on the 15th in-
stant. At the period of his death he was on his return from
the command of the marines in the Home Squadron, and
was prominently and usefully employed in all the arduous
duties of the squadron in the Gulf of Mexico since the com-
mencement of the war with Mexico.
My estimation of the character and services of Capt. Edson
is such that I cannot pass over his loss without paying more
than an ordinary tribute to his memory. He was always pro-
minent in seeking arduous service in time of war ; and in
action itself no officer was more remarkable for vigor and self-
possession than he was.
I remain,,with great respect, your obedient servant,
ARCH. HENDERSON,
Brigadier General, Commandant.
Hon. John Y. Mason,
Secretary of the Navy.
David St. Leger Porter, Lieutenant in the U. States
Army, died at Vera Cruz lately of the vomito. Lieut. P.
was a nephew of the late Com. Porter.
The Battalion of Volunteers raised in Washington by
Charles Lef. Jones—and of the command of which he was
deprived in the most outrageous manner by the Secretary of
War and the President—is to be increased to a regiment, to
be formed of infantry, artillery, and mounted men, constitut-
ing thus something like a legion. “In the organization of this
force, says the Union, “the President has, from the begin-
ning, taken a deep and almost paternal interest. ” In sympa-
thy with the “ paternal interest ” felt by the President, we
hope Col. Hughes will call his regiment “ the President’s
O wn. ”—Lynchburg Virginian.
FROM THE MONTREAL HERALD OF THURSDAY.
It is our painful duty, this morning, to record the death of
J. G. McTavish, Esq.—we believe the senior officer of the
Hudson s Bay Company, and for several years past resident in
charge of their post at the Lake of Two Mountains. Mr.
Mclavishs connexion with" the honorable company, and his
long residence in Canada, rendered him generally known in
Montreal; and his highminded and honorable conduct in all
my, and who has
the best means of information:
“Headquarters, Saltillo, June 17.
“According to my promise, I avail myself of a little leisure
to inform you of the ‘news in front.’ Gen. Wool, as usual,
is devoting himself to the drill and discipline of ihe troops,
and under his indefatigable exertions the new levies will soon
be capable of good service. Only three companies are quar-
tered at this place to protect the stores and regulate the city.
I begin to think the prospect of a forward movement is almost
hopeless. The efforts making at San Luis Potosi to check
our advance are represented as formidable. Gen. Valencia is
no doubt there, trying hard to reorganize an army. A Mexi-
can, who came from there a few days ago, reported 6,000 re-
gulars and 8,000 irregular (roops. This may be an exagge-
ration, but you know we never have found their force less
numerous than they represent it. That extraordinary efforts
are making to reanimate the Mexicans, I have no doubt; and
if we go forward, we are sure to have a fight at San Luis, for
we must advance with an inferior force.
“I have just heard from a Mexican that there are some 900
of the enemy’s troops encamped at Potosi, a hacienda about
twenty-eight leagues from this place, and to the left of the
main road to San Luis. The fellow has been forwarded to
Gen. Wool’s headquarters * for further examination.’ ”
“ Headquarters, Saltillo, June 25.
“ Another package of papers and letters has been captured,
which give news from San Luis up to the 14th instant. They
state that a union of seven States, adjacent' to San Luis, has
been made, for the purpose of resisting any treaty that may
be made at Mexico or elsewhere. Delegates met at Lagos
on the 26th ultimo, and swore to sustain the constitution of
1824.
Phe forces at San Luis were last week ordered to march
on us at this place, and they did so until the advance brigade
got within about twenty leagues, when a parley and mutiny
arose among themselves, and they retired. Gen. Wool made
preparations to receive them at any point; but their courage
failed, and we now think they will direct their efforts towards
Gen. Scott. The news from that region is through Mexi-
can papers only. Gen. Scott is surrounded, they say, in
Puebla. Gen. Santa Anna has about 25,000 troops at the
city of Mexico and seventy pieces of cannon. The papers
state that Gen. Alvan has taken post, with 4,000 lancers, be-
tween Puebla and Perote, and that the Mexiean forces are
daily augmenting.
“You may therefore get news of a battle on that line be-
fore you receive this. I think, from this last demonstration
against this line, no new effort will be made against us.
“We have now about 2,000 troops here, and are daily ex-
pecting more. 1 here are no prospects of an early peace or
an eany march, and we are doomed to look on and wait for
forces.”
I he Southern mail of last evening furnishes the
following in confirmation of the above, as well as
some additional intelligence of. the condition of
things in the district under the command of Gen.
Taylor. It is copied from the Matamoros Flag of
the 14th instant :
“Col. S. R. Curtis, acting Inspector General under Gen-
ool, reached our city on Monday, direct from the camp of
Gen. Wool at Buena Vista, having left there on the 29th ult.
In a brief conversation with him we gather the following par
ticulars with regard to affairs on this line.
‘ Up to the time of his departure from Buena Vista every
thing had remained quiet in camp. The Mexican forces at
San Luis were variously reported at from four to fourteen
thousand. They are commanded by Gen. Valencia. A
march against Gen. Wool had been determined upon, but
appears to have fallen through. Gen. Wool received timely
notice of it on the 26th ultimo, and made arrangements for a
hearty welcome. It was afterwards ascertained that the bri-
gade of Gen. Minon, (commanded now by another officer,)
forming the advance, had approached within sixty or eighty'
miles of Saltillo. Here the soldiers began to desert and dis-
sensions arose, which induced a countermarch, and rumor
said that Gen. Valencia was en route from San Luis to join
Gen. Santa Anna at the city of Mexico. [We can contradict
this rumor upon the authority of San Luis papers received in
this city within the last few days. These papers state Gen.
Valencia to be still in San Luis, making preparations for the
reception of Gen. Taylor. They mention that despatches
ordering Gen. Taylor to form a junction with Gen. Scott, by
the way of San Luis, had been captured, and they feel certain
that Gen. Taylor will march upon that place. The regular
troops under Valencia are stated at nine thousand, and strenu
ous appeals are made to the people to assist in the defence ot
the city.]
“ The troops at Buena Vista are in good health, and under
Gen. Wool’s command progressing rapidly in the “ school of
a soldier.”
Gen. Taylor is still at Walnut Springs, quietly await-
ing the arrival of those reinforcements so often promised, and
always delayed. He desires to go forward or back ; thinks he
has a prospect of getting more reinforcements than necessary
for mere garrison duty in this country, but not enough to
prosecute hostile movements. He has 120,000 rations, 800
wagons, and 2,000 mules waiting ready to move forward.
“ The camp near Mier, designed as the headquarters of
Gen. Hopping and the “School of Instruction,” has been
selected at the Sulphur Springs, about three miles from Mier,
at the junction of the Alamo river with the Rio Grande. It
is said to be a delightful place, and some 1,500 troops are
already collected there. Col. Belknap and Major Grossman
started from Camargo on the 8th instant, on the Rough and
Ready steamer, designing to try the navigation to the new
camp.
It was rumored along the road that Urrea was on this
side of the mountains, but it was not generally believed in
Camargo or above there on the line ; the country wore the ap-
pearance of perfect quiet, and there was no interest in either
present or prospective operations.
“At this place Mexican reports assume a more concise
form, and we are forced to give credit to some of them. It
is beyond doubt that Urrea is on this side of the mountains.
We have positive information of his being in Victoria five
days ago, and of his having arrested the Governor of this
State, and sent him under guard to the city of Mexico, charg-
ed with hatching treason against the Mexican Government.
It is also pretty certain that a nephew of Canales has been
arrested and shot by his order, treasonable correspondence
having been found in his possession. The Department of
Tamaulipas is put under contribution for a large sum of
money, and Urrea is deputed to enforce its collection with the
bayonet. There is a report that he has left Victoria with the
design of attacking Tampico, in conjunction with troops from
San Luis ; but this rumor we cannot trace to any reliable
source.” ,
Correction.—We have received a letter from Colonel
Wright, of the Massachusetts regiment, desiring us to say that
the article we published some time since relative to a member
of that regiment stabbing a Mexican woman is incorrect. He
says she was murdered by her husband in a fit of jealousy,
and his knife, with blood upon it, was found underneath the
bed. We published an account of the murder as it was told
to us, and believed at ihe time. We have no desire to do in-
justice to the Massachusetts regiment, and cheerfully make the
correction.—Matamoros Flag.
The Merchants on ’Change in Philadelphia were on Mon-
day suddenly thrown into a state of great excitement, and
bargains just on the point of being struck were indefinitely
postponed in the most summary manner by the appearance of
a dog suspected of insanity. After putting all the Shy locks
and Antonios of Philadelphia to flight, it was discovered that
the dog was not mad, but “worrit.” The harm had been
done, however, and trade suddenly suspended. Several rising
merchants were frightened out of a whole year’s growth.
[N. ¥. Evening Mirror.
Hen and Kittens.—We were called this morning to wit-
ness a veiy singular freak of a hen, which, for several days
past, has taken into her charge four young kittens, covering
them under her wings just as she would a brood of chickens.
It is with great difficulty that the old cat succeeds in affording
nourishment necessary to sustain life, as the hen often shows
fight on her approach. The natural mother of these kittens
embraces the opportunity to nourish them in the absence of
her antagonist of the feathered tribe.—Jersey City Sentinel.
p. m.
The transport ship Napier, having!n board Captains
Deooes’s, Dolan’s, aneff A^PPfanies of volunteers,
will sail from Fort McHenry to'Mmrovv. The detachment is
under the command of Capt. Degges.
There was a large meeting at Franklin Hall last evening,
on the occasion of presenting a beautiful sword to Capt.
James E. Stewart, in honor of his gallant conduct while in
Mexico.
The Whig City Convention assembles this evening. After
the meeting shall have adjourned, it is proposed for the Con-
vention to go in a body and make a formal call on Mr. Golds-
borough, the candidate for Governor, who is still at Bar-
num s Hotel. The occasion will be one of much interest
1 he flour market remains quiet. The supply very small.
Moderate sales of lots are making of fresh inspections at
$5.50. Fresh ground is generally wanted, and will readily
biing $5.75. The same price is asked for Susquehanna.
City Mills held at $6. Cornmeal nominal at $3.
Receipts of grain of all kinds are light. Wheat is in re-
quest, and good to prime will now bring 108 a 117 cents.
White do. 120 a 128 cents. Sales of white corn at 70 cts ,
and yellow 73 a 75 cents ; oats in request at 45 a 48 cents ;
rye 75 cents.
Whiskey has improved a little, with sales to-day in bbls.
at 26 cents per gallon.
Sales at the Stock Board to-day were $2,000 United Stales
6 s, 1867, at 107, an advance of nearly 1 per cent ; also,
$1,000 Maryland 6’s at 88|, a decline of f ; City 6’s 10If
bid ; Railroad shares 46£ bid, and dull.
TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCHES.
New York, July 28—5 P. M.
I he Stock Market remains1 firm. Exchange on London
5J a 6 per cent, premium.
The stock of flour is getting light; demand fair ; prices
rather upward. Sales of Genesee at $5.56 a $5.62^ and
$5.75; Georgetown brands $5.75, and Western brands $5.37
a $5.50 ; about 6,000 barrels sold. Corn meal dull at $3.25.
Wheat in better request: sales of Genesee at 125 a 130
cents ; mixed do. 115 a 120 ; red do. 118. Sales of 20,000
bushels corn at 62 cents for white, 64 a 65 for mixed, and
67 a 70 for yellow ; oats 46 a 49 ; rye 78.
Whiskey 25 a 26 cts. Provisions and groceries unchanged.
J he cotton market is less active, and prices rather drooping.
Philadelphia, July 28—5 P. M.
Stocks firm and rather active, with an upward tendency.
Small sales Pennsylvania flour at $5.75 foi fresh ; Western
do. $5.50 a $5.62.
Sales white wheat at 125 a 128 cents, and red do. 118 a
125 cents; white corn 70 a 74 cents, and yellow 75 a 78
cents held at 80 cents ; oats 48 a 50 cents ; rye 80 cents.
Whiskey 26 cents in barrels.
MARRIAGES.
At Christ Church, Philadelphia, Thursday, July 15, by
Rev. J. Hicks Smith, Hon. EDWARD JOY MORRIS to
ELIZABETH GATLIFF, daughter of John Ella, Esq ,
of Philadelphia.
DEATHS.
On Tuesday afternoon, the 27th instant, at 3 o’clock, Mr.
THOMAS GIBSON, aged about 50 years, a native of York-
shire, England, but for the last twenty-eight years a resident
of the United States.
At Montreal, in the Hospital of the Hotel Dieu, on the
22d instant, Rev. JOHN RICHARDS, Priest and Econome
of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, aged 60 years. He had
caught the ship fever at the emigrant sheds. He was a na-
tive of Alexandria, D. C., came to Canada thirty-nine years
ago, and was a chaplain in the English army at Plattsburgh
in 1813. The church employed him to comfort and counsel
the Irish immigrants, and while seeking to save the lives of
others he lost his own.
Suicide.—At New Orleans, on the morning of the 20th
instant, Joseph S. Wright, the Orderly Sergeant of Capt.
L. A. Besancon s company of mounted volunteers, commit-
ted suicide at the Commercial Hotel, by cutting his throat
the relations^of life ™ “Tf"1 k"1", "ull",au,e cu!,uuct ln 311 with a razor. The deceased is said to have been a temperate
aTame SSi rf I?. nTT °f ma"’ bUt duli"S the last few da^ he was observed to be very
who knew him but more ^ n T L ^ by aI1 1 melanchoIy> and apparently down at heart. He was about
ed with him in\hp sam sPecla ^ ^ bose so ^onS connect- thirty-five years of age, and claimed Virginia as his birth
ed with hun in the same service. | place. His effects are in the hands of Cor*ner Speddeni
35" TEMPERA NCE Meeting at Temperance Hall.
“Here is no gleaming of steel, snd no clashing of swords;
For we war not with weapons—we battle with words.”
Mr. J. C. Harkness, Mr. Weller, and others, will address
the meeting this (Thursday) night, at 8 o’clock. The public
are invited to attend.
- M1 28___J. E. W. THOMPSON, Rec. Sec’y.
CAMP MEETING.
T11H E Camp Meeting Committee (as appointed by the
JL Quarterly Conference) for Bladensburg Circuit, are
earnestly requested to meet at the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Bladensburg, on Saturday, the 7th August next, at ele 'en
o’clock A. M., as business ot importance to the circuit will be
laid before them. The Stewards of the Circuit are requested
to meet at the same time and place.
35" Marlborough Gazette will copy once, and send accouut
to this office. july 29—eo;3t
T OST.—A large Cameo Breastpin was lost by a Lady on
Xj Tuesday last, probably on Pennsylvania avenue between
6th street and the Treasury Department, or in i he President’s
grounds, between 1he Treasury and Navy Departments. The
finder is requested to leave it at F. Taylor’s bookstore, where
he will receive a suitable reward. july 29—3t
QEED BUCKWHEAT.—A few bushels ot Seed Buck-
ie wheat to-day received on sale in good order. Also, a se-
cond supply of Cucumber Seed, Winter Cabbage Seed, Beans
for pickling, &c. . J. F. CALLAN,
july 29—eo3t corner of E and 7th streets.
r|AHE WASHINGTON CITY CIRlULaTIN G MU-
X SICAIi LIBRARY.—.Mrs. GARRET AND .IRS ON
intends opening the above named musical library as soon as a
sufficient number of subscribers shall have been o tained to
justify the carrying the same into effect. It has been pproved
by many, as it will afford an opportunity to the lovers of music
of availing themselves of what music they may wanfr for ts
use only, at a small expense. The library will be furnished
with the standard ard new music, comprising o; era mus.c,
songs, duets, waltzes, Sse.
, For terms apply at my Music and Stationery Store, where
the Library will be established,
july 29 —lm Penn, avenue, between 11thand 12th streets.
T IME.—Lime, Cement, Calcined Plaster, Lime for
B J Manure, and building Sand can be had at the lime kiln,
of the subscriber, near the United States Observatory, either
in large or small quantities. Terms cash, unless otherwise
arranged, before delivery. ' WM. EASBY.
ap 3—tf [BaltS uni
FAUQ.UIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS.
npHlS establishment, so favorably known for the curative
X qualities of its water and the elegance and comfort of its
accommodation, will be opened for the reception of visiters
on the 1st June. It is situated fifty miles from Alexandria,
thirty-five miles from Fredericksburg, and twenty miles east
of the Blue Ridge, in one of the most healthy and delightful
climates of Virginia The direction and management will be
the same as heretofore, and the same attention paid to the ac-
commodation and comfort of their guests. We have an abun-
dant supply of ice.
The season, commencing the 1st of June, will end the 1st of
October, embracing four months.
Lovers of Music will find the band unsurpassed,
z Board : $10 per week, $9 per week lor two weeks, $30 per
month, $80 for the season.
For more than one day $1.50 per day, 50 cents for a single
meal, 25 cents for lodging, children under 12 years of age and
servants half price ; horses 50 cents per day, per week $2.50,
per month $8.
Tri-weekly stages will run from Washington until 1st of
July, after that time daily.
There will be a line of stages from Fredericksburg after the
1st of July, previous to which conveyances will be furnished
on accommodating terms.
may 18—lawtlstAug DANIEL WARD.
Slates This Day,
CARRIAGES AND HORSES, WAGONS AND
Xy Carts, Farming Utensils, Stock, and Household
Furniture, &c. at Auction.—On Thursday, the 29th in-
stant, at 11 o’clock A. M., I shall sell, by order of the Or-
phans’ Court, at the residence of the late Jesse Brown, on
7th street, just beyond the city boundary—
A quantity of Farming Utensils of every description
A very handsome Family Carriage and Harness, nearly
new
Barouche and Buggy, Wagons and Carts
6 Horses, 20 Cows, Hogs, &e.
A quantity of Hay and Straw
And a variety of Household Furniture.
Terms of sale : All sums of and under $30, cash ; over
$30, and notexceeding $100, a creditof 60 days ; over $100, a
credit ot 3, 6, and 9 months, for approved endorsed notes,
bearing interest.
By order of the Executors : R. W. DYER,
july 23—dif [Union] Auctioneer.
By A. GREEN, Auctioneer.
TT ALU ABLE IMPROVED PROPERTY ON 7th
V STREET AT AUCTIO N.-On Thursday, the 29:h
instant, I shall sell, on the premises, at six o’clock P.M., a
handsome two-story Frame House, with two store-rooms in
front, situated between H and I streets, on 7th street, being
part of lot No. 10, square 458, fronting 23 feet 11 inches, and
running back 109 feet.
Terms of sale : One-third cash, the balance in one, two,
and three years, for notes bearing interest. A deed given and
a deed of trust taken. A. GREEN,
july 26—MVVkTh [Balt Sun] Auctioneer.
N. B. "I he owner having left the city, the property will be
sold to the highest bidder.
/ 1 ODD WRAPPING PAPER,
\JT ream—loo reams just received.
at 45 cents per
F. TAYLOR.
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National Intelligencer. (Washington [D.C.]), Vol. 48, No. 6956, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 29, 1847, newspaper, July 29, 1847; Washington, District of Columbia. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1007696/m1/3/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .