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MISCELLANY.
I3SENDOKF, OU THE DT’EL.
CFrom the Hecollections of a Student.J
Frederic Von Issondoif was the friend I most valu
ed , I looked upon him with a painful interest, lie was
-# delicate, no rnebrnehuly. Deep feeling and noble
thought were stamped on Ids pale and almost feini- 1
niriclj-bcautiful features. He was of the middle height
slenderaud graceful, with light hair and |ialc blue eyes.
Ilia very appear,nice prepossed you in hiatuvol. Uod
ilv he was not strong, and yet lie never shrank under
any exertion ; brave as a lion, ptoud and sensitive, he 1
was peculiarly alive to slight und injury, perhaps the
more so because of his poverty, sad inheritance of his
lolly and once powerful line, and from his want of
physical strength, which sometimes would subject him
to insults, front w hich others would escape. Hut thus
did his mind subdue his body to his will, that the
strongest could not resist the fietce ami sudden im- j
pulse of his anger, lie scorned the confuting tram
mels of college discipline, hut rose superior to themf; I
he did not sink into the gulf of dissipation, for poetry j
threw a halo around his thoughts, and the feelings ol
true chivalry were in Ids breast. In the middle ages
he would have been a knightly troubadour; in the
present he was the unvalued,unappreciated member of
•a society that knew him not —born to waste his mighty
talents in obscurity, to die unpitied and unknown.
His companions never liked him. and lie was unkind
ly treated by all—unkindly as far as they dined—for
they had learned to fear the mighty spirit that seemed
slumbering among flowers. Vet this preyed upon
him. That fie:y spirit could not sink and droop—
but its own tl-imcs devoured it. I felt that he was
doomed to bo unhappy, for he was as it were not a br
ing of this earth, at least not of this age. His feeling
was called sentimentality; his high spiiit, morbid
pride; his noble healing, haughtiness—that sat ill, it
was remarked, on one whose poverty would force him
to till a dependent ami infeiior station in life. And
mere were many among iiis colleagues, who, rich and
iiillucnti.il, would stand above him after years, urn!
have it in their power to command his obedience.
Haughty spirit, how wilt thou learn to bend to those
thou scornest I —to those infinitely beneath llice t To
tlio.-e whose have quailed before thee, all (eclde
thou art ? Issndoif—much I tear thy noble and
gentle heart will be deeply hurt, will be wouruhd to
the death. Oh ! had I the power of a go.I to bring
who will crush thee to thy feet Hear up brave spirit
—thou muyest triumph vet. and relight the star of thy
destiny with an iininoital fire.
It was with feelings of happy hope that 1 beheld
him form an attachment for u young lady, as remark
side lor beauty as for good qualities. She Was, in fact
the counterpart ofhimself; she echoed all his thoughts
and feelings, for they weie her own. lie beheld his
sentiments again in her s, though in gentler guise, as
I’ e glorious star of heaven sees itself reflected in the
mellowing mirror ei the sea, as lovely, hut more softly
bright. They w rre made for well other, if ever mor
tals were; it were cruelty to part them—nay, it were
min, for those two congenial spiiits were -uuetodraw
together ; oven if separated by distance or by death,
they would still be together in their thought*. .Need
it lie told how passionately two brings like these were ,
attached I Could it be otherwise, when the one was, I
sit were, the vital principle of the other? They;
loved —they—that lells it all.
Os the highest birth, her choice would honor the
first in the land, and men marvelled when she t> op
ts) to the poor young student, marvelled—though he
was as highly horn as she. An additional dislike was
felt against IssendorlTfrom this moment, and i trem
bled lest some insolent fop should intentionally intuit I
him, peihapsby her side. I trembled every morning, !
lest I should hear of his death, or see his glorious form I
home pust me pile and cold on a bier, with the sword- j
wound seal of death upon his breast. I watched him ,
with hii intensity of pain, as his brow clouded and his
eve flashed whenever a remark of doubtful meaning
was made by an empty fool, or whenever the name ot j
Louisa van Adelhcim was mentioned. And how of
ten was that word spoken by the fiivolnus and deprav
ed ! he felt it a profanation from their lips; l feared
lest it should he coupled with any light remark.
How unlike was Adolph von Adelheirn to his sister
and to Issendorfl'! He was fully as proud, but dissi
jsitrd, wild, reckless, addicted to every vice—need I |
sav more than this, lie was a professed duellist. Ii
feared that Issendorfl’ and he would never he on liiend
ly terms, and I was not deceived. He treuted the sui
tor of his sister with marked rudeness, nay, alinuut in
sult. All wondered at Lsendrofl's forbearance in sub
mitting to such conduct, and detracting remarks were
circulated as to its cause. Tbs sneers and cutting jests
wire scarcely concealed in his presence. 1 saw the
the indigdation that overwhelmed him ready to hurst j
forth every moment, hut lie restiained it still.
The young student's suit had never been looked
kindly on by the family of Adelheirn, who had intended
a more wealthy and powerful alliance for their daught
er. Her mother, it is true, favoured him, (her father
was no more,) but all the rest, foremost amongst whom
was Adolph, were decidedly against it. Otto Cuuntot
Altweil was the constant companion of the latter, and
never wer- two friends (if they can thus he called)
more suited to each other. Count Otto was a profes
sed admirer of Louisa eon Adelheirn, and as such w as
much befriended hv the family; indeed Adolpn was
heard to say, that none other than his friend should
he the husband of his sister. He often brought him
to her, reeking Iroin ir.lcinpciance and tavern brawls,
unJ polluted tier pn fence with his company. O heav
ens ! should he nnd Is.-cndorlV meet before her! but
the firm r.rui haughty conduut of Louisa somewhat
awed him, auJ moreover he had a deadly fear of his
rival.
Once however, it vvjs ruitiou'od that tnev had met
alone in the- house of Adelhcim ; Adolph was fortu
nately not there, and it is said the interview finished
by the count’s being summarily ejected out of the door
by the hands of IssendorlT; but the former never di
vulged the sccrrt, and it iscciluin lie never ic.-ruWd it
openlv ; though, from this moment, he roneeivedja
dcadly ami implacable hatred to bis rival, and doomed
bis destruction. lie feigned a more deep and fervent
attachment to the beautiful Louisa, and assuring her
brother that IssendoilTwas the only obstacle to his suc
cess, he inflamed his mind against the jiedestined vic
tim to such an extent that he succeeded in making him
pledge his honor never to sanction an alliance bitween
the houses of Isscudorli and Adi Iberia.
“ I will soon und in a safe way put an end to his
pretensions,” said Adolph ; “ you know how I get rid
of disagreeable people. I never failed yet.”
The count applauded, and the deadly can piriey v : s
formed.
The intentions of these no better than murderers
reached tho cars of s friend, who mentioned them tn
me. I immediately imparted them to IssendorlT, at the
same time imploring him to avoid Hny'alterrati.ui whh
the Count ot w ilh Adolph. He turned deadly pale at
my words.
“ It is feted f i r said. “ but nothing on earth shall
induce me tn light Adolph !”
I was hippy to hear him cav thin and tried to
strengthen him a resolution 1 thought almost impmc
trrable for him to keep, knowing Adclhcini's character
und his own.
A few and rys after there was a general convivial meet
ing of the students, to celebrate an anniversary. Is
nendorfl’ crllcl at my lodgings in the morning. 110
was depressed and irritate I. A paper containing the
most insulting allusions to bimsclfh.rd beers nailed to
his tlj ir dijr iug the night, an ! when ha awoke, a crowd,
a nong whom were the count and Ail dph, wrn read
ing and laughing at it lie rudied down and hud It
torn aw iv—-vary non d* lied any knowledge of tho
v™tho.'. he well knew bin in the brother of his beloved,
h had n>’ dared to ink him
I.kfikyw to u s mi.’ dreadful njtvfofbins .yill befal
mo-*\ fe? I it.”
“ **l‘ VUi*. Ireplc l. “ All v.-fliend wall, but
l-w the 1 .vtf&f limvou avoid aitjrcstton wish Adolph.”
H- p-o.n..,jii to follow my injuiietiojr. I bagged
hua out to go to the imatiug that day,
’ Irn lit,” ho raphe 1; “it w uld baa v.iiuitar*
at elution from flair circle; baiidej, I hive rutin,J
cn jjgh >f i ,;., [ m |st brave thi storm. And, by
lierve is, let any o i j hat sy a word of and > ih'.ftll no ■ tn
rl J. “ 1 - l vv.ll m tv) su: r an ex \ n V.c of hi nas will,
I rust, sj it. ir tar ra it fro n vsitu.m ; toj nnr mi.
W.tn fraiin ;s oxeit,l t,> :i viy, mI io fra gly
ail oi a/- cirela aisr-nTdloi thitdiy. Toy chi it
ail Al> p l ‘fnttfo vim 1 entu.ad. Tjey woro
sj n't n go! Its 1 1 1 1’ TANARUS, bitin a i unlar ta.ia ; fir ho
hl l sini t: v frua It pr isa.it, though very fe.v -jraing
Ui.i ta ri f, v.>w ii 1 o>t to I,ups ird in anarlin g his
tin , Sij'l i-fd onigi t> fai.- thi iv i.'it. At
length, among the latent, IsseiulorlT entered with his
usual proud and haughty step, but with mure than
usual fire in his pale blue melancholy eyes. I hum
id to him.
“ For mercy’s sakadepart. Frederic ; they are exas
. peruteil against you, and something dreadful will hap
pen ! tio ! nnd we will try and pacify them, or intim
idate, for you fcs'-e -till some trusty friends among us.
Oo ! there is a conspiracy against you.”
IssendorlT frowned upon me ! “ What! dare you
think I fear them !”
“ No, no ! Hut Adolph !T—
----“ Fear not; I have already told you that nothing
ahull provoke nie to quarrel with him.”
He left me, and passed into til* centre of the sa
loon. Hu w ill not succeed, thought I. Must that
glorious spirit die !—must that amiable youth be mut
dered 1
l watched hi.:i with intense anxiety. Foremost
among the groups stood Adolph von Adelheirn and
('■omit Otto von Altweil.
Frederic advance! to the former in the most friend
ly and eouiteous manner, extending his duiid. Adolph
stared haughtily at him without returning his greeting
and then turned his back upon him ; a most deadly
insult, lseeiiderirturned ashy pale, but be disl not
resent it! \\ i;h ready presence of mind lie addressed
a friend who stood near, without appearing to have
noticed it. but a scarcely-suppressed laugh and open
sneer cauie from nearly all present. I burned with as
deep an iiidignatim a* my friend. The count, fearful
of offending, saluted turn courteously ; he returned
the salutation with an insulting langh, and, pushed
him rudely aside, scorned trying to provoke him to a
ri jaindiT, hut the obsequious coward drew hank. This
action seamed to divert the pleasantry of the company
into another channel, ami a sudden interest seemed
awakened in lavor of the doomed Issendorff.
For a time all remained quiet, till towards the close
of the repast, when perhaps all were somewhat heated
! w ith wine.
j <■ What sny you,” cried Wilhelm von Ciandorf to
Adelheirn, •• if w* dtiuk the health of your future
brother-in-law ?”
i It wag the conceited signal.
•- With all my heart,” was the reply.
•• Well then. —Frederic Von Issendorfl’.”
“ Who ?”—eried Adelhrim.—“ do you think I will
ever grant my sister to that lying coward ? It is Otto
Count ol Atwell.”
*• Who said those {words 1” asked IssendnifT in a
calm, concentrated voice, “ Count Otto, you know the
I.ady Louisa is mine, and if you dare even to mention
her neuie, 1 will write oblivion of it with my sword up- j
oil your heart. The name of Adelheirn shall not be
polluted by coming from so vile u mouth as yours.”
“ Aha !” cried one of the company, “ I will be j
your second,count. The sooner this is finished the
better.”
Count Otto shuddered, and looked to Adelheirn ; he ‘
understood him.
•• it was / si bo said tliosC words,” lie lliundred. “and
I repeat them,’’
•• Detract them then Adolph ! for the love of heav- ;
n ; I will not, 1 cannot light you. You know it, and
it is ungenerous in you to insult me. Now retiacl ;
these words I implore you !”
•’ Dastardly villain, 1 repeat them,” roared Adcl
licinj. •* Leave my sight or I shall strike you.”
•• Come but near me and I will fell you to the |
ground,” thundered IsscndorfT, now rising in a velie-1
men l passion—“but all Ihe power* ol hell shall not
luikrine fight you.”
” Then you must leave this room,” shouted many
voices ; “ a dishonored coward dare not be among us.”
•’ Couic one, come all,” cried Issendorfl,” I will not -
move a step, and liar and coward in the teeth of all j
who have spoken those words to me. \ou know I
cannot tight him. Here, Count Otto ! you arc the
tirst; bring as swords.”
<• No, no !” roared Adelheirn, “ I appeal to oar sc- j
niors; I have the first right. Silence and here!” ,
He had according to their laws of lionoi.
“ Frederic von IssendorlT. you must accept the dial- |
lenge of Adolph von Adelheirn. or leave this room j
branded with eternal infamy, never more to appear be- j
fore us. And every st* lent that meets you shall have ;
the right to strike, without giving y ou satisfaction.”
“Then be it so,” said IssendorlT, withu deadly;
smile; “ Adelhdtti I accept your challenge.” He calm- J
ly reseated himself, and a heavy silence reigned lor J
a time.
“ Let us finish this business at once,” saiJ the chal
lenger.
No !—not till to morrow morning. Seniors, I have ;
the right to enforce that.”
They agreed. Then Issendorfl'filled his glass. He;
raised it to his lips, exclaiming : “To the health and
\ long life of Adoljtk von Adelheirn ! ’ I knew his
j meali ng —none pledged the toast; the feclling of all
j was turning against the challenger.
Having emptied the goblet, l.e rose and left the
\ room.
He immediately went to his lodgings, and calmly j
I wrote to liis family and more intimate friends, and hav
ing urranged his alTairs, he hastened to the house of
Louisa, though already late in the evening. He felt
| certain that he should fall ; for Adelheirn was one of
1 tho first masters of his weapon at the university, and
! though himself inferior to few, he had resolved on not
I killing the brother of Louisa, and had determined on
perishing himself, if otherwise that dreadful result
could not tie avoided.
It may therefore be supposed with what feelings he
entered that house ! The lingering rays of the sum
mer sun were on the linden tiees that waved over its
windows ; the music of the evening biid floated on the
perfumed air, that had a magic soothing power, as
though it was formed of the sighs of angels ; hut oh !
sweeter, far sweeter than the night-bird's note, came
the voice of Louisa through the open casement! Fred
eric paused on the threshhold anil listened—she was
I singing a snug of liis own—a shudder ran through him
ns he thought that in the noisy hall he had just quit
ted, heartless enemies were discussing liis death !
•• O (Jod ! must I leave all this !” sighed Issendorfl.
He never mentioned what had passed, what was
still io come ; a miser of his remaining lew short mo
ments of happiness, lie would not destroy them ; he
lengthened them till the chiming hours one by one
warned him away by their knell-like voice; then lie
departed, lie had never appeared more gay than on
th it evening, hut there wasa wildness, a sudden hurst
of melancholy, mingling with his gaiety, that start
led tbu unsuspecting Louisa. Alas! she understood
it si! on the morrow. He asked her fora remembrance,
s'ic gave him her scarf; an omnious present, for it
was a war gift.
The sun rose glorious ever the vine-clad hanks of the
Neekar that camo sparkling from the distant hills, as
though it was a vein of light bearing celestial radi
ance to the earth.
In a woodland meadow by rts side, Frederic von
IssendorlT and Adolph von Aielhim met in deadly
I combat. Tire count was the second of the latter, a
near relation was ly (he side of the former,
1 With iris usual proud bearing IssendorfTstepped be
fore liis opponent. The scarf of Louisa was wound
round his sword-arm. that lie might never forget it
was her brother witli whom he fought.
Ho spoke, but this time sternly and haughtly.
j “ Adelheirn,what you said yestciday may have been
under the influ ncc of wine. Detract it !
Count Otto steeped forward.
; oltis to you I speak, von Adelheirn. I exchange
nothing hut blows with that dastard by your side.
Answer me!”
“ The swords !” roared Adelhcim.
The swords were measured and given to the res
pective parties.
<• En garde /” And with tWv swiftness of lightning
tiic combatants started into the position of defence, and
i the seconds fell back. With graceful courtesy Isscn-
I dorff made his salute ; it was not returned by Adel-
Lieim, whose rapier flickered in hiahsnd as though in
stinct with life. In an instant the point hovered over
tho heart of Isscndoifl', who cairclv and scornfully, with
scarcely an apparent movement of his blade, parried
! tho fierce thrusts of his adversary. Never were
| combatants more ably matched. The sword of Adel
j hfim flashed around heendorffin the morning sun, like
a lightning shower, as it quivered in his grasp.
“ Have a cans” cried LeondorlT, “or you will fall
ou my Made !” v
lnsolent boaster, then thrust it home !’’
With fresh fury he rushed on his opponent; none
could see the rapid motion of their weapons, none
could guess the issue, when suddenly, as though with a
lightning shock, Adelheirn leaped high into tiro air,
and fella corse upon the ground. Issendurffiapicr
j had passed through ills heart.
| At this unexpected anil unintended issue the survi
vor stood horror-stricken,
“The rouulerer of Iter brother!” ini ejaculated.
“ Lost! lor ever lost !”
“ Fly,” cried his friend, • before the miniois of
justice come. See ! that dastard Altweil has deserted
his principal,” pointing to the count, whu was gallop
ing away, “ Fly ! I will take care of the body !” 1
IssendorlTpaused'a'momcnt, then mounting liis horse
I galloped of!’ with frantic speed, breaking through ev
ery obuUi le.
Whither did lie go 1 bid lie fly to save liis life, or
his liberty ? No! A few momenta, und he checked
the fierce career of his panting horse before the house
of Adelheirn. He leaped from liis seat, tlircw the reins
forward, and the infuriated animal dur'ed away—the
last chance of escape ! In an instant he stood before
Louisa.
Witli joyful surprise she turned (towards him, she
threw liar arms around him, gently and slowly she
unwound them, lie shuddered. •• She embraces the j
murderer us her liro'.her,” lie thought.
He would not let her touch him, but he stood and j
gazed upon her m silent, tearless agony. Louisa was
hurt—she spoke coldly.
“ O Louisa ! Louisa ! Look not thus ! Speak not j
thus ‘ It will kill me ! Speak kindly to me ! No — j
do not! you cannot —you dare nut! Hush! Let I
me still be with you, one minute only—that is all j
I ask.”
Pale and startled, Louisa von Adelheirn, as though i
a spell was upon her, returned the frenzied, intense ;
gaze of Issenilorf without tire power to move, arid then I
sank senseless at liis feet. All was forgotton in that
hour—ay, even the dreadful past. The moments flaw
by unheeded, and again Louisa smiled and listened to
the fond words of Issendorfl'. but suddenly the troaip
of feet was hcaid without. The student started arid
gazed with terror towards the casement.
He beheld the dreaded object—lie felt iiis hour was
come,
“ They have followed speodily,” ha said, as he star
ted from the side of Louisa. “ Once more, and the
last,” lie cried, as he imprinted a buraing kiss on her
lips ; but she too had beheld the frightful object ap
proaching. A sudden and’feaiful thought struck her.
Mechanically she advanced to the door, Slowly wind
ing up the road was home the bier with the ghastly
disfigured body of Adelheirn; it was set down be
fore the door of the garden saloon, and the officers of
justice entered. IssendorlTtried to clasp the hand of
Louisa ; with a thrill of horror she drew it back.
lie did it—l tried to save him— it is late”—lssen
dorlT faltered. Louisa gazed at him with a look of ag
onizing horror, and threw herself on tire death-wet
j heir.
*• There st.inJsthc murderer—arrest him !” exclaim
1 t'J tlie officers of justice.
“ I surrender,” said IssendorlT in u cold voice, such
us one might expect to hear, could a marble statue
speak. [
His trial was short. The powerful family of Adel- j
lieiin procured his incarceration in a fortress fur life—
a seveie doom for the challenged, the laws |
of the country.
The fortress of W was situated in a beautiful
scene. Owing to the favor of the governor,* Issen
dorfl had a couple of chambers allotted to kirn on the
top or the highest tower. There, from the deepest j
window of his lofty dwelling, tha broken hearted cap- j
live could look over the populous country, and hear ;
the glad voices of men ringing up from below ; thence
could he see the distant tower of II , anil behold j
at its setting, the sun, that high-priest of nature, waft !
clouds of flagrant ifleense from his golden censor to
wards tire snow-capped mountains, that stood like
white-robed listening vestals in God's great Ictuple—
earth.”
A year had thus passed—passed in sorrowing soli
tude—save when angels visited him in the levealings
of his thaugiits, (for the visits of liis earthly friends
were few and far between,) when one morning a mes
senger brought him the following note, written in a
faltering, hand. It was from Louisa.
•* Fkkdebic,
<• I have learned the truth—and I forgive you. Need
I say I have never ceased to love you ? O, you could j
not doubt it! Come to me once more—and look again ;
upon you dying Louisa ! Haste — or you willnotfind
me No earthly obstacle must, none shall hin
der you.”
A smile—a smile of hope and love once more, and
for the first time since that fatal day , beamed on that
pale but touchingly expressive face of the student.
He sent for tha governor who knew_ Ins tale.
“ I will see her,” her said ; “ grant me a week—l
must follow tier to the grave,” he added with a laller
-1 ing voice.
j “ I dare not. If you should not return 1”
“ I pledge my honor.”
“It is enough ! you may depart. Deturn this day
week, and my best wishes attend you, my poor young
friend.”
Issendorfl departed on his melancholy way. A few
hours, and he was by the side of Louisa. She lay
i like a stricken flower, hut more beautiful tins* ever.
Her gentle heart could not bear the dreadful blow ; she ;
; had pined and faded away, but every day she became !
more and more lovely. She was as thougli tha gros
ser earthly particles of human natuie had dissolved
avvuy, and left nothing but the ethereal spirit in its pure j
halo-like dwelling.
Issendorfl'was with her in her last moments ; in his !
arms that beautiful gill breathed her last, auJ glided
j imperceptibly into the land of eternal spirits ; it was
hut the snitls of sweet resignation fading fiom her fair
pale face, like evening beam* from snow, that one
; could tell she w as no more.
They buried her by[the banks of the Neekar, in a
simple tomb. There were few mourners by her grave,
but they were true ones. She was buried in vestal
white, anil a broken-hearted student laid a w reath of
white rotes on her tomb! gently, as though he feared
to wake her pained spirit from its blessed sleep-
True to his word, issendorfl returned to his fortress.
On the particulars of his noble conduct being stated to
I the government, he was offered Iris liberty, but lie al
ways refused to accept it.
“ I have done w ith this world,” lie said ; “ the bro
ken hearted belong to it no more ; and if ever duel
ling was a fatal curse, it is in my case. Let me though
innocent, suffer as an example. - *”
He remained firm ill refusing iiis liberty, and still
lingers in Ins lofty prison, till grief witli ins dewy
• ing shall lull his soul into the slumbers of eternity.
Kahl,
Newspaper*.—M. de Toequeville, in his “ De
inocracy of America,” makes use of the following for
cible expression in reference to the importance of news-
papers.
“ A newspaper can drop the same thought into a
’ thousand minds at the same moment. A newspaper
| is an adviser who does not require to be sought, hut
j who comes to you of his ow n accord, and talks to you i
I briefly every day of the common weal, without dis- !
trading your private aflaiis. Newspapers therefore,
I become more necessary in proportion as men become
I more equal, and inviduals more to be feared. To sup*
i pose that they only serve to protect freedom would
lie to diminish their importance, liny maintain civili
sation.
Weigh/ of Military Men. —The following memo
randum w as found a number of years ago in the jiock
el bosk of an officer of the Massachusetts line :
Acocst 19, 1783.
Weighed at the scales at West Point.
General Washington, ‘.209 lbs.
General Lincoln, 224 “
General Knox, 280 “
| General Huntingdon, 132
General Grcaton, 16G “
Colonel Swift, 219 •
Colonel Michael Jacksen, 252 “
Colonel Henry Jackson, 228 <•
Lt. Col. Huntington, 232 “
J,t. Col. Cobh, 186 ••
Lt. Col. Humphreys, 221 “
It appears from the above, that the average weight
I of these eleven distinguished Revolutionary officers,
’ was 214 ponnds. The heaviest weight having been
General Knox, who weighed 280 pounds, and the
lightest General Huntingdon, who weighed 132 lbs.
It is somewhat singular that the biographers of emin
ent men, never, unless under circumstances of a pecu
liar character, record the weight or dimensions of tho
clay tenements, which wore the abode of their im
mortal spirits.
Semes in Richmond, (Vs.) arc thus described
by a writer in one of the papers of that city, [They
relate to the night in which Fanny Elsseeh recently
appeared in tho Theatre of that city, and the first brief
ly describes that scene ;]
“ She floated about like a fair but very voluptuous
1 looking spirit, amt cut her toes hither and thilher, and
swayed her body t and fro in a way which was a
caution to ull inflammable young gentlemen, grey
headed or not. The lovely creatures who graced the
: scene looked an enchanted, am) made all bright with
1 their smiles ; the vust crowd of men shouted tnd ap
plauded with their whole might, and the beaulilu!
’ dancing woman, giving them an extra flirt or two,
which set them off in a perfect agony of delight,
made her bow—the curtain dropped, the dear Fanny
tapping her Wiing-your neck-off upon the shoulder,
said * dere, dere is te one tousand dollars alums —now
let us go.’ But the audience said no, and they shout
ed and screaaied, and thumped for her to come out
! and ■
“At that moment, in an ohscure hovel, open in
many parts to the cold, biting winds, without sue,
i alone sat a poor woman, holding to her chilled bosom
[ her sick and dying babe, while upon a rude pallet of
j straw lay two shivering creatures, her children, too.
Her eyes were heavy with w atching, her cheek sunken
J with hunger and suffering, her heart filled with the
i very gall and bitterness of life. Still how tiuly, oh!
| how truly, answered that heart to the pang of a moth- |
I er’s love, as she guzed into the innocant face of her
[dying babe; how fast flowed the tears from eyes!
I which had known little but sorrow and weeping
j through many weary days—how deep mid fervent was
| the prayer w hich catnc up from the very fountains of j
I privation and grief. There was no heart near to j
sympathise, no kindred hand to aid, no soft voice to
soothe—the physician’s healing art, charity’s angel
arm came not to aoften the dying moments of her poor
babe ; and as life flickered and waved in its fair urn,
and the sobs of the mother sounded in that solitary
room, as in the agony of her grief she exclaimed, ‘ a [
lew jience had saved thee to me, my sweet babe’—as j
the sleepers on tbe pallet of straw murmured in their
uneasy slumbci, 1 Mother, dear mother, give me some j
bread’ as the keen wind came through the crevices and |
she clusped the dying child to her bosom; at that
moment, a dancing woman, a stranger, with her wealth j
of thousands, and her ingots of gold and stiver, made
her last graceful bow, and took the princely sum j
which was hers far a few moments pleasant labor,
“As the sjiectators gave theii last shout, the babe’s
innocent spirit winged its flight to Heaven, and the
mother gazed in despair upon ull that remained to her
of the little prattler whom she so dearly loved.
“ Such is life.”
The Editor of the Boston Tost seems to possess a
nevei tailing fund of good humor. He was the Vail
Buren candidate at the late election for Mayor in Bos
ton, and being defeated he (eflccts thus :
“ It is more important to h ive u good editor than a
good Mayor, decided the people of Boston, on Mon
day , and we modestly acquiesce.”
“ i say, look heea, Sam Johnsing, wat kind o’ wed
der you call dis I” said Pete Gumbo yesterday morn
ing, his body cuiled up with the cold and Ins hands
sunk deep in his pockets.
“ You mean dc wedder dis mornin,’ docs you Pete ?”
“ Ezackly.” >
“ IVy, I should call him Suddern wedder wid Nor
dern principles !’’ Sain was more than half right.—
Picayune.
A Rich Spi nrteii. —The will of the late Miss
Jane Innes, spinster, formerly of Picardy place, Edin
burg, hut late of Stow, in North Briton, has just been
proved in the Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of
Canterbury, in Doctor’s Commons, by George Scott
and John Thompson, Esqrs., the executors. The de
ceased was possessed of upwards of £BOO,OOO in the
funds, and property in different parts of Scotland, to
the amount of £1,200,01)0, making, together, the enor
mrus sum of two millions, the whole of which the tes
tatrix has bequeathed to be i qually divided amongst
all her relations who can be found, without respect lu
the nearest of kindred. About five years since, the
testatrix became entitled to £500,C00, upon the death
of her brother, he havin_ died intestate, and she being
his only next of kill. It is a most extraordinary luct
that, notwithstanding the immense wealth ot the de
ceased lady, her habits were very penurious; and as
proof of it, it may only be necessary to mention one
fact : One djrk evening she had occasion to go up
stairs, but would not even light a candle, and in conse
quence of hi r advanced age, (nearly eighty,) she slip
ped down and broke her leg, which accident ultimate
ly caused her dealh. The amount of probate duty
only will amount to a princely fortune, and the sup
posed wealthiest spinster in the world (Miss Burdelt
! Courts) was not entitled to that appellation until the
present time. There is every reason to believe that
the property of the deceased is the largest ever p roved
in Doctor’s Commons.— London paper.
From the Harrisburg Reporter.
Honsic Traui.no.—lt is sometimes amusing to hear :
a couple of jockies trading in Horse flesh. They are
generally the “ hit or miss” portion of community,
I and rely more upon “chances” than any other class of
business men. An instance of tins kind, in which one
j of our neighbors was concerned, “came off” the oilier
j day, and exemplifies the gravity with which the sucker
swallows a costly joke.
“ How will you trade I” was the interrogatory of
the si ranger.
“Unsight, unseen.” replied neighbor B.
“ Agreed,” said the stranger, *• provided you answer j
my questions and pay five doliais for every falsehood
you tell me,”
“ Done,” says Mr. B.
“ Is he sound in his limha 1”
“ Yes.”
“ Is he sound in wind 1”
Yes.”
“ Has he good eyes 1”
“ Yes.”
“Then how will you trade 1”
Give me seventy five doliais.”
“ I’ll give you fifty.”
“ Done.”
The money was counted down, and neighbor B.
putting $45 in his pocket, handed back $5 to the stran
ger.
“ What is this for?”
“ Why I told you one falsehood.”
What was it ?
“ My horse is wind broken.”
It is needless to add any thing more by way of com
ment. “ Thfc thing was out.”
Singular Remedy. —We find in a French Journal
the account ot the cure of a case of Hydrophobia by a
large quantity ol vinegar administered to the patient by
mistake. Count Leosirni, u physician oll’adua, hear
ing of the ease, exhibited the same remedy in a vety
violent case, and succeeded in effecting a perfect cure.
“You shan't kiss me—no you shan’t, nor touch me,
you naughty man, unless you are the strongest, and 1
know you arc,” as the girl said to her fellow, when he
attempted to steal a buss.
We once saw a lady so tight that, while stooping to
pick up a pin, her stays gave way and she turned three
somersets in consequence. It gave our natural modes- 1
ty an awful shock.
IMPORTANT TO IIOHSI.MKK A SICRST WORTH
know iso. —The day befoie yesterday, we happened
to be passing in front of the United States Hotel,
when wo ohscived a large crowd attracted by an om
nibus laden with passengers, which the horses refused
to draw. The driver hud tried every expedient to
urge on the animals—such as the oidtnary modes pf |
whipping, coaxing, die. but all in vain, when our j
townsman, John C. Montgomery, Esq. suggested the
plan of tying a string lighly round the horse’s ear
close to the head—the driver apprehending that Mr,
M. was disposed to quiz him, icfused to make the
trial, hut upon Mr. M.'s tying the twine around the
horse’s ear—having requested the driver to resume his
seat and to give his horses a loose rein, without apply
ing the whip—it operated like a charm, and the ani
mals sturted off without lurther difficulty, to the in
finite amusement and grutificutiun of the bystanders.
Mr. M. stated to the crowd, that he had tried the ex
periment more than a hundred times, and had never
known it to fail but one e.--l‘hilud. Standard.
Tho following description of himself, given by Lo
renzo Dow, jr., a popular preachei through the columns
of the New York Sunday Mercury, is at once eloquent
graphic, and applicable to man in general, us well us
to him. It is us true to nature as the lineaments of the 1
. face in tbe most natural miniature ever depicted by
he hand of the most skilful limner:
What a precious piece of goods I am! hardly fit
for a mock auction shop—a damaged remnant ofyouth-
I ful ambition —moth-eaten by tune, grown flimsy oy
age and scratched to pieces by the ca.es, disappoint
ments und trials of a vexatious world, I feel myself :
to lie nothing more than a soap bubble, blown into ex
istence by the breath of Omnipotence, and I aspect
to be blown out of it by a puff from the same source. ‘
* * When my old coat gives evidence of decay,
I can gat it scoured and mended —u supcrunualed pair
of hoots ran find renovation in the lap of the cobbler—
but when the I ody grows the worse for wear, no mor
tal hand can stay ils destruction. Time has used me
pretty well, however, considering the liberties 1 have
sometimes taken with it. It lias gently brought me to
the calm evening of my days, when file’s second twi
light gathers round, and aa it deepens, discloses the
hand-writing upon the golden wall of the west *a
to-morrow for the weary pilgrim.” I have not descen
ded, my fiier.dn, into a gloomy vale. Not a bit of it !
I have reached the summit of a glorious liill.wheio the
eternal sun of Hope shines down and warms my hack,
’ as an offset to the chill winds that whistle in my bo
som. Here I ran mount a stump, and look over the
j whole landscape: ofpiast existence. I can point to the
■ dim blue horizon, and say— There, behind that misty
veil, lies the region cl infancy, where I first peeked the
[ shell, arid came squalling into the world with an elo
quence that foretold my future calling ; a little tins
side, I behold the blooming garden ol childhood, in ail
its pristine loveliness, whsie I plucked the roses ol joy,
sucked all the sweet cider of life, mocked at cam, and
drove sorrow with a single boo-hoo: this side ot that,
aie the green pastures of youth, over which I bounded
with the blood of young boiling ambition in my veins,
[ striving to iui tate and em . late; neare- still, extended
the broad plains, fertile valleys, rugged hills, und wood
j cd lawns of manhood, with an extensive variety of
; pirospiect; here a gleam of sunshine, and there a gloomy
shadow.”
From the Richmond Whig.
THE YEAR 1840.
The year just closed, and which is numbered with
the things that were, will be memorable in our annals.
From January to December, the popular excitement
was so extensive with the Union, and unprecedented
in intensity. The oldest citizen never saw any thing,
in its kind to equal it; none now liv.ng will probably
see its like again. But it is the result ot this great
popular commotion, which will make the year memo
rable. The People triumpihed over Rulers, who had j
abused their trusts. Undisciplined, they routed and
|iut to disgraceful flight the drilled mercenaries of the
Treasury—the hundred thousand office-holders, who
leagued against them, lor the support ot usurpation
and ma!-administration. With a leader selected Irom
among themselves—ridiculed and sneered at by the
pampered menials of the palace, as the tenant ol the
log-caliin and drinker of hard-ci er—they entered the
fists. As the contest waxed, the creatures of the pal
ace found that it was nu child’s play —that the pieopl
were in earnest. They sought to substitute for their
contemptuous scoffngs more serious charges, J hey j
opened the flood-gates of calumny and villifi ation upon j
the candidate ol the people. He was pourtrayed in
every colour likely to render him odious airdcontempl
ilile to the country. His illustrious services in the
Field and in the Cabinet were denied or misrepresen
ted, and made a subject for reproach. His long and
trying career of unblemished integrity was impugned.
He was denounced as a black-cockade Federalist, and
certificates by the bushel were adduced to prove it. He
was dubbed a ‘-coward’’ by water-melon Generals and
carpet knights, who never smelt gunpowder, lie was
“ General Mum,” gagged and caged, lie was a *•do
tard' ’ —the pliant tool of a thinking committee. He
w as un “ abolitionist ,’ —eager In liberate the slaves and
sell while men into slavery —with many other odious
qualities too tedious to mention. Whilst tho pension
ed gentry thus ruthlessly assailed the fife and charac
ter of the Candidate of the People, they were indefati
gable in concealing the misdeeds of the reigning dy
nasty. and lauding to the skies the imaginary virtues
!of their Chief. He was tire most elegant gentleman of
hjs age—the most accomplished statesman —the purest
Democrat—*• travelled in an old carriage, with his bag
gage strapped on behind”—was frank and candid to a
j fault—and loved the poor people better thin he did his
own fife.
Between parties thus unequally matched, the battle
was fought. “ Gcu’l Mum”—the “ Old Black Cock
ade Federalist,” the “ Coward” the “ Granny,” the
i “ Dotard,” the -• Abolitionist,” though marvellous to
to tell, put the polished gentleman, the profound
man, the pure democrat, the dear friend of the poor
folks, hacked as he was by his mercenary cohorts,
to ignominious flight, lie routed him at alt points,
! right, centre and left. The victory was complete.
In this result, the Democratic principle achieved a
triumph, which will constitute the theme ofgiatuluti >n
to the paliiot for twenty generations. It is the third
1 —but by far the most glorious victory, achieved liy the
I people of this country, since the establishment of their
Independence. The feaiful odds, which they had to
encounter in the enormous patronage of the Govern
ment, acti>e!y, unscrupuously and corruptly employed,
invest it with an importance second only to their deliv
i erauce from the British yoke. That it may he proper
ly improved to the happiness, prosperity and glory of
this great People is our fervent prayer.
DOMESTIC. _j
U. S. Skrator from Maiitlamd. —The Balti
more American of the Ist inst. says:—Our Annapo
lis correspondent’s letter, received last night, informs
us that the Hon. JOHN LEEDS KERR was duly
elected to fillthe vacancy in the U. S. Senate occasion
ed by the death of Dr. Si-knck. The choice is one
that will give very general satisfaction— Mr. Kkrii
will do honor to the State, in the exalted station which
he has been called on to occupy in the National
al councils.
From the Cincinnati Republican.
MR. BENTON.
The great leader of the Locos has spoken Tiro’s
Hart Benton has declared that he means to support
Mr. Van Buren against the world for the next Presi
dent. and his liege friends in the West have obeyed
hiscommands. Wherefore this move ? Why has a
leading portion of this party thus violated a solemn
custom of the country, in bringing forward an ex-Prcs
ident, that will be, as a candidate for ic election ?
Why, more especially, has it disregarded its great
principle that uo man ought to serve more than one
term? The reason is plain. Thomas Hart Benton
knows that Martin Van Buren never can be President
again. But he intends through this shallow policy to
keep the political coast clear, by driving offlhe politi
cal aspirants of his own party, and he does this in or
der to secure cvenually his own success. Poor man.
He will mire in his own pool. He has not strength
enough to place any loan in power, nor character
enough to gain a higher station than he now fills. But
his letter is below ; and we beg our readers to peruse
it. We only remark, in conclusion, that it is quite
farcical in the Senator, to talk of the matter being set
tled at W’nshinglon, when lie had arranged the wholo
business before lie left the West. However, this is in
full keeping with his general conduct. j
Sikatk Ciiambf.h, Dec. IC, IS4O.
Dear Sir:—l am glad to sec that you have hoisted
the Van Buren flag for 1844. This is tho third ,imv,
since the commencement of our government, that the
Democracy have been defeated nr a Presidential elec
tion, and I think the party should do now ns it has
done heretofore, and immediately take up their defeat
ed candidate, and move forvvarrl with him without di
vision anil without faultering. This is the way the
Democracy acted in 1796, when Mr. Jefferson was de
feated by the elder Adams, and in 1824, when General
Jackson wasdefealed by Mr. John Quincy Adams. In
each of these cases the Democracy, instead of wasting
their time in vain regrets, or weakening themselves by
divisions, immediately took up their delcut candidate,
applied themselves to his proper presentation before the
public, and carried him triumphantly through. Inin
for following tho same courso now, and can see no rea
son for an hour's uelay. For one, lam for Mr. Van
Buren against the world, and that upon a full view,
i and full approbation of his conduct, public nnd private,
! for twenty years past. 1 want no better candidate, no
better President, no bettor man. I want no fairci trial
for the Democrary Ilian a second contest in his person
will afford. The late election Ido not regvd as srt
j tling the question of party supremacy. It is a great
j victory for the federalists, and agi at defeat for the de
mocracy, but as the line was not fairly drawn between
them, and I require anew trial before 1 oan surrender
the Democratic cause. I want anew trial in the per
son of our defeated, but irreproachable candidate, and
look for the same lesult in Iris case which the democ
racy of former days found in the second trial of Mr
Jefferson and General Jackson.
Yours truly,
THOMAS H. BENTON.
Muses Dawson, Esu.. gas,
FACTS AGAINST ASSERTION.
One unacquainted with our condition, would sup.
pose, from tire President’s Message, that our Govern
ment, so far as it regurds our pecuniary matters, is in a
good condition. This indeed, Mr. Ynri Buren asserts.
But the fret is, that dtrvelopements which urc being
continually made, prove the reverse to he tho truth
Wo give aft instance of this out of many which we
hnvi in store—an instance which shows, not only that
government is severely pressed, but that it must be al
most insolvent.
The United Slates Bank, some time since, bought
SIOO,OOO worth of city bonds, hearing an interest of
five per cent, and payable in 1861. These bonds the
Bank afterwards sold to government. It was bought
as we learn, for the benefit ofllre Navy Pension Fund,
and was intended as a permanent investment, Butin
some way these bonds came into tire possesion of the
Manhattan Bank, a pet institution in New York,
(whether us collateral for moneys advanced, or as a
part of the government means, we don’t know) an j
were sold in the New York market last week for $60.-
606. What a sacrifice ! And yet the new svstem
Iras worked well!” The Treasury Department i<
doing well! Alas! Fact in this matter outweighs as
seilion.— Gin. Republican.
Benton and Calhoun.— The Washington corres
pondent of lire New Orleans Advertiser gives the f o j.
lowing ; Col. Benton has arrived as far as Baltimore,
on his way here. A gentleman who had travelled with’
him told me that the only (epic of conversation that
J afforded the Uol. any gratification was a constant abuse
|of Calhoun. He said that to him (Calhoun) was at
’ Iributed the ruin of the party, That he never attach
!cd himself to any cause but that fie destroyed it: that
ihe was arj incubus—a barnacle—a man of no inven
tion: that he never had ■ iginjted uny thing— not even
a humbug .’ ,
Correspondence nf the National Intelligencer.
Nkw York January 2
The closing of the old year, and the beginning of the
: new, present some firings remarkable. Many n. w bu
siness firms throw out their signs in the newspapers
an indication of new times to come. The hanks make
fair dividends generally. People look ahead with live
ly hearts anil animating impulses, as if the year to come
had something in store for them. For three years
past there has been no such new year of faith, hope,
and trust in the business of the country about to open.
No mail reached us beyond Philadelphia last night.
The snow so crusted the raihoad tracks that with diffi
culty the Philadelphia train came through.
A large amount of exchange on Philadelphia sold
to-day at 99 j. Treasury notes are below par: sales
to-day 99f. The opinii n prevails that Philadelphia
will succeed in her resumption, (she has more friends
than enemies in that quarter on that matter.
LIST OF GOVERNORS,
of the several States, at this time, with ’he amrir it of
their salaries.
Governor Roman of Eouisjana, £7509
Grayson Maryland, 4200
Seward, , New York, 4000
Porter, Pennsylvania, 4006
McDonald, Georgia, 4000
Morton, Massachusetts, 3f;fig
hennigan, South Carolina, 3500
Gilmer, Virginia, 3373
McNutt,
Letcher, Kentucky, 2500
Reid, Florida Ter. 2500
Dodge, Wisconsin 2500
Lucas, lowa, 2500
Pennington, New Jersey 2000
Muoichead, N. Carolina, 2000
Conway, Arkansas. 2000
Polk, Tennessee, 2000
Woixlbridge, Michigan, 2000
Reynolds, Missouri, 2000
Fairfield, Maine, 151)0
Shannon, Ohio, 1500
Bigger, Indiana, 1500
Cailiri. Illinois, 1500
Comegys, Delaware, !333
Page, New Hampshire, 1200
Ellsworth, Connecticut. 1100
Jennison, Vermont, 750
King, Rhode Island, 100
The Last Ind a Expedition. —Of the two ships of
war, intended by th> N .vy Department to constitute
tire expedition to tiro East Indies and China, viz. the
Frigate Constellation ami the sloop of War Boston,
one, the Boston, as we learn from the New York pi
pers, sailed on Wednesday for Rio Janeiro. The Con
stellation, under the command of i ‘apt- Storer, although
she has been ostensibly ready for sea for a long time,
still remains in our harbor—and it is even now difficult
, to predict tho time when she will proceed on her des
tined crutse. Her detention now isowing to a cirerun
stance of a curious nature, which could hardly have
| been anticipated, and which forcibly illustrates the ir
j regular mode of transacting the business of the Navy
Department, which characterizes tire present admin
istration.
It appears that Mr. Wilson the purser appointed to
the frigate, had, as is usual on sur h occasions purcha
sed various articles which arc considered necessary for
ihe crew during a three years cruise, anil which were
put on board the ship—but when he called upon the
Navy agent for funds with which to pay for the above
goods, costing nearly or quite $-'10,009, he ascertained,
much to his surprise, lh.it that the Nary agent wan
not authorized to advance any money for such a pur
pose ! This state of things being somew hat new un
der the sun, of course was not expected—und in nau
tical palance, the purser was “ taken all aback.” lie
was soon placed in n position so aw kward that it was
impossible for him to go in the ship until some satisfac
tory arrangement could be made. Thus, tw o alterna
tives were presented, viz; for the Frigate to land ail
the goods put on board by the purser, including lea,
coffee,sugar, tobacco, clothing.&c. &c. for the crew
during her cruise, and to proceed to sea without the
puiser and these necessary articles, for such they arc
all considered by the sailors—or w ait some days longer,
until an explanation, or orders, aie received from
Quarters at Washington. The latter alternative ap
pears to have been embraced—and thus another item
is added to the already long chapter of detentions ot
the East India Company.
It due regard had been had by our government to
tile interests of commerce and the honor of the Amer
ican flag, a squadron would have been despatched to
China seas at least twelve month ago, llur Govern
ment is administered in all its branches, in a singular
manner—but the management ofthe naval service un
der Secretaries Dickerson and l’aulding, will, wc trust
furnish a useful lesson to their surcssors, and stand
lhrlh as a “ negative example'.’ forever. — Uuiton
Journal.
Common Carrikrsv—The liabilities of steamboat*
as common carriers, ate thus laid down by
Ware, of the Maine District Court, in the casco.
Booty vs. the Steamboat Hunircss:
The owners of u steamboat employed in carrying
passengers nnd merchandise between port nnd P o,t
are responsible to shippers of goods ns common car
riers.
Common curriers must at their peril deliver £ 00 '*
which they carry, to the right peisons, and it t" 1 ’)
make a wrong delivery they will he responsible or
any loss w hich may he theieby occasioned.
It is the duty of the owners of goods to have ine l ' l
properly marked, and present them to the carrier or
liis servants to have them entered on their books, an
if be neglects to do it and there is a misdelivery an
loss in consequence, without any fa.il. of the earner,
lie must hear the loss.
But the eni .ier is not discharged from nit icsponsi
bility as to the delivery by such neglect, hut and 1
is n wrong delivety or a loss through any wan _
icasonable caution on Ihe part of the carrier or ln sf<
vants, he w ill be rcsponsibl . .
Francis Maluiry (Whig) lias been
Representative in Congrcsi, fioni the Elate of ir b| _
ia, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the recent res
nation of Jocc Holliman, (V. B.)