Newspaper Page Text
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COLUMBUS, GA.
WCDWESDAYf'OCTOBER 7, I*4o
AGENTS FOR 44 THE COLUSBUS TIMES”
Nsw-York.—V. B. Palmer, George Pratt,
Mason & Tattle.
PmupEirnii—E. W. Carr, Y. B. Palmer,
Bo* tx —V. B. Palmer.
Harris CecxTT— Borders fc Brace.
Rixcoirn Corm—Henry J. Devon.
EDITORIAL CORRESPOSDENCE.
RioGßiXnr,
Near Reynosa, Sept 1, 1840.
On board the good steamer, J. E. Roberta, we
are stemming the rapid current of this river on
our way to join tha main body of Gen. Taylor 5 a
army at Camargo. The companies of Capls.
Calhoun and Dill are ahead of us. On this boat
are the Colonel and Major of the Regiment and
the companies of Capts. Holmes, Davis, Jones
and Turner, in all about 250 men. We brought
up all our sick who were not likely to recover
apeedily and be fit for duty left them, in obedi
ence to orders from Head Quarters, at the gener
al hospital at Matamoras. The number was 71,
and there have been placed in clean, comfortable
and well ventilated quarters together with about
600 from other Regiments. The best houses in
Matamoras are taken and used for this purpose.
The Medical Director has unlimited authority as
to the use of means to make the sick as comfor
table as possible, and no pains and expense are
•pared in ellecting the object. Our poor fellows
will be far better off than they were while with
us and lying upon the ground in our hospital
tents. We hope that at least 50 of them will
rejoin us before the army marches from Camargo.
Now that we are approaching a healthy coun
try and the worst is over, I may, without fear of
alarming the friends of our men at home, speak
more freely of the sickness through which we
have passed. We left home with between 8 and
900 men and you may imagine the state of things
when I tell you we have frequently gone through
parade (a ceremony at which every available
man is expected to be present) with 340 men.
Adding the details for guard duty and for nurs
ing the sick, and onr whole effective force for
weeks has been only about 400 men. I have
known, frequently, companies that started from
home with a full complement, to parade 20 and
25 men. It is the measles that has given us so
much trouble, and been the proximate cause of
most of the deaths. And when we consider the
singular imprudence of the men, it is wonderful
that we have not lost a great many more than
30 by death.
Our embarkation on this boat was one of the
hardest trials we have yet had, and it is probable,
if we stay here three years, we shall not “see the
elephant” in the way of weather, more
than this detachment saw him on the night we
came aboard. The Boat arrived about dusk and
reported herself under orders for four companies
of the Georgia Regiment The hospital and sick
hail been moved to the river bank during the
day to take the first boat. One poor fellow,
Joseph Perdue, a member of Capt. Jones’ com
pany, died shortly after the removal—his death
being no doubt hastened by the necessary fatigue
of the trip. Every attention was paid the sick
that the nature of the case and means of trans
portation allowed. They were carried upon
blankets by the companies to which they were
attached. The order for 4 companies was a large
number for the boat without the sick. The Sur
geon said the latter must go and propose to leave
two companies and take the sick. The captain
of the boat said that old “ Rough and Ready”
would blow him and his boat out of water, if he
went up with only two companies, and that he
would take the four companies and the sick.
Wo knew it would be a tight squeeze, but con
cluded to stand it. The sick were immediately
sent i board, and laid out in the Cabin. The
entire floor from the stem clear forward to the
edge of the boiler deck was covert with them,
so completely that it was difficult for the nurses
to walk among them. Meantime so eager were
the troops to be off, that by 12 o’clock at night,
tho Macon and Columbus Guards, had struck
their tents and moved everything from the camp
ground (through the awful quagmire I have be
fore described to you) to the river bank, and
threw themselves on their blankets on the ground
to wait for daylight to move on board.
My friends, Davis and Hervey and my self took
■p our lodgings for the night on the hurricane
deck, preferring the open air to the heat of our
brrths. We snoozed away gloriously for about
two hours, having gone to sleep, lying on rur
backs gazing at the stars (which look, by the
bye. in this country as if you could almost reach
therewith a long pole) attf talking about home,
and the war, the past and the future. Our naps
were very unceremoniously disturbed .'bout one
•’ dock by a few drops of rain. Awaking, I ff*ond
nr conipan ons making for a shelter. 1 looked
up at the Heavens, was terribly sleepy and flat
tering myself it was only a slight shower, I drew
my blanket ore? my head and concluded to
weather it out. I was soon undeceived. The
cloud as if to furnish ray indifference to its first
hint, seemed to break right over my head poured
down its: deluge, and before I could g tlier up
my and scamper below, I was as wet as
a drowned rat. I found Davis and Hervey in
the same plight. We looked at each other in
mute and mutual condolence and wished wc were
in “America.” As thete was noeadurahle place
on the boat, the cabin being filed with the sick, I
piddled ashore in search of my tent, being si
read v past wetting by rain. I found the bank
covered with our men,some sitting on their knap
sacks and some standing bait upright and taking
thr • ?? : css torrent—some with passive endurance
—some roaring out their jokes at the singular
tallies of the “e'ephant” and some and g the
country in right round terms. I found my tent
filled with me r. hers of the “Guards”—the cotn
jdarning ones having the preference. I squeezed
m struck a bsbt. and got on some dry clothes I
and composed in self to finish my nap- In an
hour another black cloud with thunder and light
ning, worse than the first arose.
Again it rained “cate and dogs” and in ten
minutes the whole concern was afloat. The
clouds amused themselves at our expense anti!
itavlight. Many hauklled on tho boat, but the
e*d thi- leaked like a sieve. CoL Jackson was
driven out of his berth by the water
D*v broke upon as pitiable and drenched a
I! ♦ ofhufttin beings as you ever saw. The men
few it w-H.&.rent to making their coffee as soon
n.• by zmcligh’. A cup of the hut beverage, tak
en standing two inches in prairie slime was the
best draught, I thought that I had ever enjoyed.
We got under way about 8 o’clock, stopped a
few hours the next day at Matamoras, fell the
sick, took another stroll through the city, and are
now steaming it up thacaufiry asfastasMusquit
wood for fuel, and a swift current will permit us.
I have no news to give you, and have been
scribbling the foregoing description of our small
troubles ra'her for my own amusement and to kill
the tedium of this passage, than for any hope
that it will prove entertaining to my readers.
We 6hall be three or four days yet, on the river.
I do hope, when I get there, I shall obtain some
information more solid and reliable than the float
ing rumors of which we have been the victims,
below.
I find, that the reports of changes in Mexico,
of which I gave you an inkling are confirmed.
But of all this, you are of course better and ear
lier informed by direct advices from Vera Cruz.
What Gomez Feries will see proper to do, in the
military line, ia of course the subject of particular
interest to us. The American army is going to
give him his opportunity, and to meet him more
than half way in his warlike overtures, if that
be his game. It is still doubtful, if Monterey is
taken. If it is, it is not by Col. Harney—for
official letters have been received from him at
San Antonio. The Mexicans in Matamoras be
lieve that it has been taken by an American
force which had descended from New Mexico.
Os this, when I get further up. F.
Rro Grande,
50 miles below Camargo.
- Sept 4th, 1846.
My last letter was from this boat, the second
day out from our late camp nearßurita. We
have been five tedious days on the River, and
hope to reach Camargo this evening. The
character of the country presents the same mo
notinous appearance as I have heretofore describ
ed, below Matamoras. The eye aches at gazing
upon the everlasting flats on either side the river,
and which cause the visual horizon to terminate
scarcely ten feet from the shore as you behold it
from the boat. Reynosa stands upon a very gen
tle declevity about a quarter of a mile from the
shore, and yesterday for the first time our sight
was greeted with a very respectable range of
hills, which seem to commence at the River and
to stretch away from it on tho Mexican side. I
never looked upon a hill with so much satisfac
tion. They disappeared in half an hour. The
boat stopping at Reynosa, gave me an opportuni
ty of surveying that place. It is called New
Reynosa, the site of the old town being a mile
further up, and marked only by some piles of
stone and rubbish. The present town, in its an
cient and venerable aspect Beems to have the
adjective “New” applied to it in mockery. Pro
bably no person in the United States who has
never been out of it, has ever seen human habita
tions bearing so many and such incontestible
marks of age. The American flag flies in its
gorgeous beauty over the Plaza, a large square
surrounded by stone buildings, all decaying, and
many in actual ruins. Out of this square, there
is scarcely one of the stone structures which in
former days constituted the Town, standing. In
some places, the streets are blocked with the rub
bish which has tumbled from the decaying walls;
while the modern huts of the poor class of Mexi
cans, are built within the huge stone enclosures,
formerly walls of lai ge houses, but now serving the
purpose of fences to these humble thatched cot
tages. Desolation seems to have set its brand
upon everything. The population seems to be of
the humblest class, though in these times, it is
difficult to get a glimpse of the better classes.
They have either fled their towns, or keep close
within their doors. Reynosa is occupied by a
detachment of Uaii4 States Artillery, and is said
to be one of the most disaffected spots on the riv
er. It was bitterly hostile to the Texans during
. their struggles with their tyrants and has planned
and sent forth many expeditions of rapine and
murder.
I found at Reynosa the poor fellows who suf
fered by the explosion of the “Enterprize,” in a
comfortable hospital under the care of an Army
Surgeon. The boat itself lies 20 miles above.
Her whole upper-works forward of the wheels are
in ruins—Chimnies, boilers, decks and machine
ry all twisted into a shapeless mass by the terri
ble agent It was the result of gross careless
ness, as I believe nearly all such accidents are.
As we stopped to wood last night, some of our
officers and men had an opportunity of seeing the
fandango for the first time. I was asleep and
missed it It was described as a regular village
danee, in which old and young of both sexes took
part. They are very common along the river
and our soldiers are always welcomed to them. I
shall describe the first one I see.
We had an exciting accident this morning,
that came near being serious. One of the
“Crawford Guards” by the name of Saunders
fell over board while the boat was in the middle
of the stream and under way. I saw him almost
as soon as he fell. The poor fellow struggled
manfully with the stream, and struck out for the
Texas shore, while the yawl was being- manned
to pick him up. Unfortunately, he had been sick
for several weeks and was very feeble. Twice,
we thought he was gone, but he fought on for
dear life, until the boat nearing him, he was
seized and dragged on board, entirely exhausted.
He could not have reached the shore by himself.
This Rirer has been the grave of a great many
persons since, it was occupied by our people.
Scarcely a day passed at our camp below without
a dead body being seen to float by. After the
retreat of the Mexicans on the 3th May, so many
perished in the crossing above F dTt Brown, that
the River water at the Fort was unfit for use for
a number ofdays.
Camargo, Sept. sth.
We reached this place yesterday. The re
turning boat leaves me time only to announce our
safe arrival. The banks of the San Juan are
covered with troops. Every thing looks war
like in the extreme. A considerable force has
crossed the river preparatory to moving to-day on
Monterey. We stay here with some dozen
oilier Yolanteer Regiments. The arrangements
have caused a considerable amount of bad feeling.
Os 14,000 volunteers, only 2,000 have been sent
: forward, while every Regular that could be dram
med p goes ahead. Complaints are loud, find
there are many who believe that every effort is
made by those who manage this war, to make
the volunteer service disagreeable and odious.
No body believes, that an opportunity for distinc
tion wifi ever be thrown in the way of a Volun
teer Regimens. (
Some- 14,000 of us are marched out here a
thousand or two miles from home—we are stuck
down frt a hot plain, drinking teped water, and
eafirtg hard bread and fat pork, in a manner that
seems to say, vouf services are not wanted—you
are only in the way—-you encumber our trans
portation, &c-, &c., bat, I shall have more to
i write on this subject—a messenger awaits this.
• We are in a fit of disquiet. F.
THE ELECTION.
It will be seen by s comparison of the result
in this county, for tha last three elections, that
the Democratic party have no reason to be d
aatisfied with that of Monday. Judge Iverson
has reduced the Whigmajoritiy of last year 125
votes, and the majority of Mr. Crawford over Col.
Jones.in 1844, 61 votes. Tho election was un
usually thin. There are in the county upwards
of 2vloo legal voters, about 150 of whom are
absent in the army, leaving about 2,000 voters
yet behind. Tho number polled yesterday was
only 1,683. The people in the country did
turn out, and especially in Glenn’s District, in
the lower part of the county, where the Demo
cratic ptrength principally lies. To this small
turn out, we think, is mainly attributable the ma
jority which Mr. Crawford obtained. The city
is largely Whig, perhaps by 150 majority, and
being convenient to the polls, of course voted
almost to a man—several other causes conspired
to affect the Democratic vote. The military pa
rades of the last week, and the Camp-meeting at
Bald Hill, which lasted until the morning of the
election contributed to keep people at home—
all the Whig leaders and prominent men enter
ed the field with gTeat animation, and were ex
ceedingly active on the day, whilst we are sorry
to say there were but three or four prominent
Democrats who seemed to take any part in the
election.. A few faithful friends, had all the
work to do and contended against fearful
odds. We ate obliged to say, though with
regret, that many of our leading, active po
liticians, manifested a culpable indifference
to the Democratic cause. Besides all which,
we bad disaffection and treason in our ranks.
The “Muscogee Democrat” has been for several
weeks endeavoring to sow the seeds of discord
and disaffection wherever its poisonous and en
venomed shafts could reach; and we understand
that the Editor not only voted against the De
mocratic nominee, but used all his influence
and exertions to make others either do the same
thing or stay away from the polls. We do not
attach sufficient importance either to the “Demo
crat” or its Editor,as to suppose that its course pro
duced any serious effect in the Democratic ranks,
yet some were affected by it. There is a small
clique of soured, disappointed men in the coun
ty, who are under the influence of that paper,
and who followed the example of its Editor in
this election. All that we have to say of them
is to express the hope that hereafter their pro
fessions and actions will correspond. We do not
fear an open manly enemy, but we do dread the
men who professing friendship stabs at us in the
dark. We trust that those guilty, will be here
after marked by all true Democrats, and receive
the rewards which they merit at their hands.
The following is the state of the polls:
” T O
1 3
1 *
3 C?
- -i
: c.
Columbus, 440 606
Halloca, 100 34
Glenn’s, 154 115
Harris', 37 72
Upatoie, 63 62
Total, 794 889
Majority 95
Troup County—Reported majority for Mose
ley (W) 450.
Harris County—Reported majority for Jones
(W) 330.
For Congress.
WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD.
“ This is the vote of an independent Demo
crat !”
“ This is the vote of an honest Democrat J”
“ This is the vote of an Anu-cmjuo n—
crat!”
We nn<l<rstaml that a number of tickets, (say
fifteen) were polled in this county lor Mr. Craw
ford, on Monday last bearing the above inscrip
tions.
We have of late discovered a disposition on
the part of our Whig friends to drop their old
mantle and party name. We would suggest to
them that they join the immaculate force who
rally under the above “ anti-clique ” banner,
which combination would secure to them an ac
cession of strength, doubtless insuring the tri
umphant ascendancy of Federal Principles.
THE RAIL-ROAD.
We were prevented from attending the Rail-
Road meeting on Saturday, but understand that
a sufficient quantity of stock was taken to au
thorise the organization of the company. We
are truly sorry that a much larger amount was
not taken. Too much apathy prevails in this
business, amongst those who have most at stake.
Holders of real estate in Columbus, had better
give one half of the value of their property for
this work than let it fall through ; admitting at
the same time, that the stock would never pay
legal interest; but so far from this being the
case, we believe it will eventually be the best
Rail-Road stock in the country. We believe
that Mr. Campbell’s (the Engineer) estimate ol
the travel on the road is far below what will pass
over this route. His estimate is 30 per day each
way. We estimate at the lowest 50 per day,
admitting the road to be extended to Mobile, and
we believe in less than ten years it will reach
100 per day. If this estimate should be realized,
and with the rapidly increasing population, and
business of the States to the west of us, we be
lieve it is no unreasonable calculation, the travel
alone will pay a fair profit on the investment.
Should the road be made, we expect it will take
off some of the trade of Harris and Talbot, but
we think this will be far more than counterbal
anced by the increased amount from Marion,
Stewart and Randolph, and the eastern counties
of Alabama. In addition to the cotton received
from eastern Alabama and our own counties be
low, nearly all the Fall goods would come by
tha Rsil Road, as no one would risk the uncer
tainty of the river, admitting freights were a lit
tle lower. By the road, there would be a saving
both of time and insurance to the merchants,
and to small dealers, time is of great importance,
as it requires but little capital to do a great deal
of business, where supplies can be obtained eve
ry week. With Rail-Road facilities goods could
be sold considerably cheaper, as there would be
no necessity for laying in a six months stock at
a time by which interest is lost, besides the risk
of falling prices and change of fashions. Added
to the above inducements to build the road, it
would open to us a large amount of trade with
north w estern Georgia ; we have seen a good
deal of this section of the State, and we assure
our readers, that its importance has not been
over-estimated by those who have travelled over
it. It ha a much larger proportion of good land
than we had supposed, and is capable of furnish
ing the middle and southern counties with ma
ny articles, not grown or found below the moun
tain district. Asa grain country it is the gar
i den spot,of Georgia, and it abounds in Iron,
, Lime and Marble; and it is said coal. The iron
made by Cooper, Stroup & Cos., is said to be e
qtral, if not States;
being softer and more malleable,is in
exhaustible beds of it. They are preparing to
manufacture It extensively. They are likewise
putting op a Hour mill where they expect to man
ufacture anntally 25,000 or 30,000 barrels of
flour. Lime tan be obtained at prices ranging
from 8 to 10 cts. per bushel, and that of the best
quality, and it has been offered as low as 6 cts.
We saw apples in Murray & Walker equal to the
celebrated Juncombe apple,& we believe they will
in a few ytars drive northern apples entirely out
of the markets of Georgia. We never saw finer
Irish potatoes, and they keep as easily as com.—
Bacon ffnow selling in Walker at sto cents.
I>et a rail road be built to Barnesville, and we
have no hesitation in saying that the price of pro
visions will be reduced one fourth, in our market.
This might injure a few grain growers in this sec
tion, but our object should be to consult the great
est good of the greatest number. As we stated
some time ago the question is no longer “ road
or no road,” but “which of two roads will we
have.” If we fail in this tfndertaking, we may
rest assured,that the Georgia Rail Road Company,
will run a road from Atlanta to West Point, and
wliat our situation will then be, we leave to oth
ers to say. We do not believe it Would require
a prophet, nor the son of a prophet to tell.
We understand, that a large amount of stock
would be taken by Farmers and Mechanics, if
they could be allowed to pay it in work on tha
road, which work they are willing to do at cash
prices. We see no reason why an arrangement
of this kind could not be effected—only a por
tion of the stock holders would wish to pay in
this way, leaving a sufficient number to advance
what money would be necessary for the iron,
locomotives, cars, &c. One of our enterprising
mechanics, hformed us that he would do the
whole of the wood work, including bridges, at cash
prices, and take one half in stock. We believe
that the whose of the woik could be done on the
same terms.
COLV3IBDS AND HER DESTINY.
“ There is not in this wide world ” a place so
eligible for the manufacture of cotton goods, pa
per, flour, and numerous articles of iron and
wood as tlis city of Columbus “in whose bosom”
the waterpower of the river (Chattahoochee)
is as great as we desire it to be* Already a dam
across the river has been completed, and at the
east end of it., stands a noble fire proof cotton
factory, which has been in most successful opera
tion eighteen or twenty months. This building
is five stories high, seventy five feet long, and
forty eight wide (inside.) The walls are of
brick, about twenty seven inches thick, at the
lower story, the foundation walls are twelve feet
thick, built up from the solid rock which forms
the bed of the river. The number of windows
or lights we do not remember. The roof is cov
ered with tin, painted; and upon it at the east
end of the building, is a belfry, and mounted up
on that, is a colossal stature of the goddess of
Yarn. She holds the lightning rod in her hand,
which signifies “go it like lightning.” All the
work about this building was faithfully executed
and it cost when fully completed not quite six
thousand dollars !!! In almost any other place
it would have cost ten or twelve thousand dol
lars; but here building materials are not only
excessively cheap, but are found right at hand.
The lot and water power were furnished to the
manufacturing company already prepared, for
the wheel, at the cost of about four thousand dol
lars !! The nett, clear profits of this establish
ment exceed fifty per cent per annum upon the
whole amount of capital invested. This unpar
allelled success is the result of t ** ruacs *
First—A large, amount of cotton, say seventy
thousand bags, is annually received in four splen
did fire proof ware houses, the nearest of which
is distant from the factory about one hundred
yards, and the farthest about four hundred yards.
There is no season of the year, when there is
not a quantity of cotton in these ware houses
for sale. The factory, therefore, is not under
the necessity of laying in a stock of cotton for
the year, and of lieing out of the use of the cap
ital to that extent, as it would be compelled to
do, were it located any where else where there is
good water power; one or two places in the
South only, excepted. Second—Cotton is cheap
er than at the head of any other steamboat navi
gation in the Union, and must continue to be so.
Third—Building and water power are cheaper
than at any suitable point. Fourth—
Provisions are abundant and cheap. Fifth—
The factory is located in a city which, together
with its suburbs contains a population of about
seven thousand, from which labor is derived at
reasonable cost, without the additional expense
ofbuilding up a town. Sixth—The city and its
neighborhood are as healthy as the mountains,
and our winters are too mild to entail any hard
ships with respect to clothing or fuel, or any
thing else. Seventh—Wearenotonly at the best
point of production, but at the very best of con
sumption. Eight—Navigation between us and
the gulf of Mexico extends up into the city. By
msatis of this, the products of the factory can be
shipped at a small cost and in a short time to
Mobile and New Orleans after the supply of the
home demand.
From the dam before mentioned, a canal
whose foundation or bottom is the solid rock, and
whose sides are high stone walls nine feet thick,
massive and strong (as if designed to withstand
the assaults of the British Navy) stretching
across fifteen or twenty lots is nearly completed.
By this arrangement each of those lots will be
supplied with water power sufficient to carry ten
thousand spindles. Below the canal is another
considerable fall ol water, and another tier of
lots, as yet unimproved. The street which is
the boundary of all these lots on the east, is on
the other side of it, the west ern boundary of the
four fire-proof warehouses already mentioned.
In the course of three years more, we shall
communicate with Savannah on the east and
Montgomery on the west by Rail Road, and
when the Georgia Rail Road company shall
cease to control and fetter, the interest of’ the
countries bordering on the Chattahoochee above
Coiambus; when the silly arguments and ridi
cule, with which they have filled the mouths of
fools, shall be properly appreciated, When men
of sense shall have thought a little rnqre, this
river will be made navigable by dams and locks
from Columbus to the mountains. All this can
be done for & less sum than would be sufficient to
build a Rail Read to West Point; and when
completed would be worth ten times as much.
Cotton and other produce, will then be brought
to us, not only on wagons as it now is, but on
the Rail Road from the east and west, and by
the river from the North and 3eutb; and through
the same channels we will send out in * endless
variety, endless quantities of our manufactures.
Our population will Increase—other improve
ments will advance—and in less than fifteen
years ours will be the largest, the greatest city in
the State
i Such is the destiny of Columbus. The
shrewdness and management of her foes, and the
backwardness and croaking of some of hdt'own
citizen*, may for a short time postpone the fulfil
ment of that destiny, but they cannot prevent it.
TO OUR PATRONS AND FRIENDS.
Now that the Elections are over, and the
minds of the people turned to other than politi
cal subjects, we shall endeavor to fill our sheet
with such reading matter, as will accord with,
and suit the taste of all. The number of our cor
respondents have been increased, and our col
umns opened to dissertations upon literary and
scientific subjects.
.We tender to our many friends abroad, our
thanks for their continued interest for us, which
is witnessed by frequent accessions to our sub
scription list. In return it wiil be the constant
aim of the proprietors to provide for them an ac
ceptable paper.
WHIG CONSISTENCY.
The Whigs are continually raising a clamor
against direct taxation, and in the same breath
insist, that every patriot should use only such ar
ticles as are produced in the United States. We
should like to know how the government is to
be supported, if we are to import nothing, un
less we resort to direct taxation 1 Perhaps some
of them have found out some means by which the
government can get along withoßt money. If
they have, they would confer a great favor on
the tax payers by letting it be known.
COBB’S^ANAI.YSIS AND FORMS.
We have been presented by the author (How
ell Cobb, of Houston* county, Georgia,) with a
copy of the above valuable work. It consists of
a copious compilation of all the legal forms in use
in our courts, and by executors and administra
tors. It may be called in brief a household law
yer.
It is for sale by Messrs. Bruno & Virgins, oh
Broad street.
MUSCOGEE RANGERS.
A large troop of cavalry has been formed in
the county, under the above name, and Adjutant
A. K. Aijb, of this city elected Captain. The
corps meet in the course of a week or two, for
the purpose of father organization and to elect
non-commissioned officers.
THANKSGIVING DAY.
Gov. Crawford has appointed Thursday, the
sth day of November, as a day of solemn thanks
giving, and requests that the several Religious
denominations in the State of Georgia assemble
on that day, and properly observe it.
’ TALBOT SUPERIOR COURT.
Judge Alexander has been holding court in
Talbot county, during the last two weeks, du
ring which time a number of important cases
have been disposed of. The trial of Thomas
Sealey for the murder of Chamberless, came off on
Wednesday last, and occupied the court during
two days. A verdict of guilty was returned, and
sentenced of death passed upon him. He is to
be executed oh the 27th of November.
He was ably defended by Messrs. Jones, Ben
ning, Owens & Elam. The Solicitor Gen
eral, Towns & Worrel for the State.
DAIUY PAPER.
The Augusta Constitutionalist, a sterling Dem
ocratic paper published at Augusta, Geo., has
been changed from a tri-weekly to a daily pa
per. Success to it.
THE CALIFORNIA EXPEDITION.
The Regiment. *— i'uik ny the
authority of Government, has sailed for its des
tination, California. It sailed under the convoy
of aU. S. Ship. A number of the officers and
men were left behind in the hurry c-f departure.
They are to be sent on immediately in a store
ship, and may readh their destination, even be
fore their comrades.
SOME SNAKES.
A rattle snake was killed a short time since,
on the farm of Mr. Thacker Walker, of Harris
county, which on being opened, was found to
contain 83 young ones ; another was killed in
Henry county, containing 99! It is well they
killed the old ones, or to use the language of an
honest Hibernian on a similar occasion “the
country would soon be peopled with snakes.”
The Area - of Freedom. —lowa and Wis.
consin are now members of the family of the U.
States. In respect to territory, these two States
will contribute largely to the “area of freedom.”
Wisconsin contain about 50,000 square miles,
and lowa is still larger, leaving an area of near
ly 60,000 square miles. The aggregate area of all
the New England States is only 65,000, in round
numbers. Both lowa and Wisconsin together,
are but little more than half as large as Texas,
the elder sister, which added at least 200,000
square miles to- the organized territory of the
Union. Florida added about 60,000 more. The
aggregate area of the United States is now near
ly 1,300,000 square miles. They are rich in
natural resources, and to use a Western expres
sion, they are “bound” to take rank, at an early
day, among the most populous States of the Un
ion. lowa is bounded, 250 miles on the Missis
sippi River, and 170 on the Missouri. The line
of Wisconsin runs on lake Miohigan and Green
Bay, more than 300 miles, on Lake Superior
100, and on the Mississippi about 200.
It is suggested that an Annual National
Thanksgiving Day be established or recommend
ed by the President. The 25th of November is
named as an appropriate period, as on that day,
in 1783, the last detachment of the troops ol
George 111. left our shores, after a seven years’
war.
. The income of Great Britain,- ending the sth
of January, 1844, 1845 and 1846, was £56,-
935,022, £58,590,217 and £57,602,268, while
the expenditure was £52,501,740, £55,103,647
and £53,873,063.
FOR THE TIMES.
GEOGRAPHICAL ENIGMA.
(achostical.)
To the Young Students in Geography .
I am composed of twelve letters;
My 1, 10, 9,2, 3is a country in Europe ;
My 2,4, 11, 10 is a volcano in Europe ;
My 3, 10, 9, 4 is a river in Kentucky ;
My 4,6, sis a mountain in New England;
My 5,8, 9, 10 is a river in Columbia ;
My 6, 7,9,2,10,11, 3 is a county in N. York;
My 7,6, 5, 8 is a city in Italy ;
My 8,5, 3is a river in Europe;
My 9,2, 8, 12, 3, is a c'ty in England ;
My 10, 9,4, 6, 11 is a town in Illinois ;
My 11, 2, 14, 16, 11 is a county in Georgia ;
My 12, 6, 10 is a river in Europe;
My whole is a county in Pennsylvania,
ffj* Answer next week.
DWARF.
Harris county, Ga. Sept 26, 184 G.
A'Bitter Truth. —We level the poor to the
dust, by a general policy, and take infinite credit
ito ourselves for raising them up again with the
1 grace of charity.
FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence of the Times.
No. 8
Wasrikbtos: Citi, Sept. 2ftth, 1846.
As a latte convention •of the Whigs of the
counties ofPenobscot and Piscataquis in Maine, to
nominate a candidate for Congres, tho follow
ing’ resolutions were offered by the Editor of the
Bangor Whig, and unanimously adopted.
The same resolutions, line for line, word for
word—mark you, were recently rejected by an
unanimous vote of the Democrats in the Legis
lature of Maine.
“Whereas, during the administration of this
frS_. . . . |-- .r* nao I’Ji uiunj j\.
had an almost uninterrupted ascendancy, and has
repeatedly violated the Constitution of the U.
■States, for the avowed purpose of protecting, ex
tending and perpetuatng the system of slavery;
and
“Whe'reas, we regard American slavery as
a great wrong to the slave, as being at war with
all our professions of Republicanism, subversive
in its practical operation of the rights of the
free States, destructive of our best interests and
prosperity, unworthy an intelligent people, and
in its influence, tending to destroy the founda
tion of the American Union ; therefore,
Resolved, That it is the solemn conviction
of this Convention that the question of its abo
lition in all places where it exists under our
national jurisdiction, and the qifesiion whethe>
we shall resist its further extension and encroach
ment, by all constitutional means, and deprive
it of all its unconstitutional control and dictation
of our national affairs—have become questions
paramount in importance to any other before
the American people .”
I send you the above because the action of the
Democrats in the Legislature on them in the
first instance, and of the Whig Congressional
Convention in the second, embrace a palpable
and comprehensive illustration of the manner in
which the two great parties at the North stand
affected towards the rights of the South. These
resolutions, as treated first by the Democrats and
then by the Whigs, will explain at a glance what
the South has to expect when Northern Whigs
wield the helm of State, if ever ; and further,
that almost to a man, the Democratic party at
the North are opposed to unconstitutional and
officious interference on the part of the North
with the rights of the South.
Facts going to make plain the abolitionism of
Northern Whiggery are multiplying fast and
thick upon us. To such an extent, that since
the date of iny last letter, the “ Union” of this
city has become alarmed at the danger this amal
gamation threatens to the very existence of the
compact between the several States, and is now
engaged in an effort to awaken public attention
to the necessity of promptly rebuking the spirit
of disunion manifested by the Boston Courier,
the Organ of the hitherto conservative Federal
ists of Massachusetts, and the time honored fath
ers of Whiggery in that State.
At their late annual Whig State Convention,
the speeches of Sumner, and other disunion
abolition Whigs were applauded, until the walls
of old Fanuiel Hall rang and rang again with
the echoing shouts of those who, up to this time,
have steadily set their faces against identifying
the Whigs of New-England with the purposes
of'GarrisonandCo. The love of power and that
alone, is the reason why the Whig leaders of
Massachusetts have now thrown themselves into
the arms of the abolitionists. They sec that
with their old issues, they can never hope to ob
tain the ascendency in national affairs, and that
the tendency of the age towards sound liberalism,
is making their protective hobby as useless a nag
as their worn out, spavined, and wind galled
“ Bank.” They flatter themselves that the peo
pic of* tll6 Otfttcss oi tnc ~W est
will eventually join them in the crusade against
the South which they have commenced. .
Acting under similar impulses, the Whig lead
ers in the State of New York, have nominated
John Young of Livingston county, as their can
didate for Governor, to run against Silas Wright.
Young is not only a sympathiser with abolition
ism, but with anti-rentism also. This has so
alarmed even the conservative Whigs of the city
of New-York, that, as yet, they hold out against
the action of their party convention, and declare
that they will vote against Young, unless he
clears his skirts of anti-rentism. His abolition
ism is of little importance to them provided it
brings votes to his assistance. But his anti-rent
ism is quite another affair. It threatens their
rights in and to their own property, and there
fore causes them to pause. They can look on
complacently enough, and witness their party
leaders whetting a knife for Southern throats,
but when they take the first step towards inter
feringwith the tenure of their own p eperty, the
whole line is in motion and the nominee is told
to show his hand or loose their support.
Even if the Whig party of New York were
unanimous in supporting Young, Silas Wright
would beat him thousands of votes. But as it
is, he is destined to a most inglorious defeat.
For if he satisfies the large land-holders in the
Whig party, who wield, each considerable influ
ence, he thus dissatisfies the tenantry in the an
ti-rent districts. To gain the support of the first,
he must loose that of the latter. To keep the
favor of the latter (for which purpose he was
nominated) Jie must answer the queries of the
former in a manner which cannot fail to drive pff
these large land-holders and their followers.
This is the Whig dilema in New-York, in few
words. It has been brought about solely by the
desire of their managers to over-reach the peo
ple—to present a candidate who may be all things
to all men. When the result of the approach
ing election is announced, it wiil probably be
made apparent—that their man with the coat of
many colors, turns out to be, as the boy says—
“ nothing to nobody.”
The Union has set at rest public curiosity about
the terms of the reply of Mexico, to our propo
sition for peace. Those who made answer de
cline saying, yea or nay, and offer to refer the
nomination to their Congress which meets in
December. In fact, when the proposition reach
ed Mexico, there was virtually no government in
existence. The government was in transitu —
Parades and his party being half out of power;
and Santa Anna and his adherents half in. The
press of this region of country, as in duty bound,
are speculating away at a great rate to unravel
the mystery of Santa Anna’s’conduct—some ar
guing ffom circumstances connected with the
reply, that he was in power, and that the answer
indicates his intention to prosecute the war wilts
vigor, and others on the other hand, are satis
fied that had he been firmly seated in the Dicta
torship he would at once have seized the oppor
tunity of saving his people the further effusion
of their blood and treasure. To me thur view of
the subject appears the more reasonable. But 1
have bothered my head very little about it, for I
have for ycars-heen of the opinion that the only
way to get a full and final s ttleraent with Mexi
co, is to take half the country and hold it by
force of arms, until a hundred thousand of our
western hoys shall have squatted there. \\ hen
ever so many Yankees shall have built cabins on
the lands of the Montczumas, the job will be
completed. Our government need bother itsdf
no more with Mexico.
We have now more than 20,000 troops in all
Mexico, and half as many camp followers. ff
the war lasts for a twelvemonth longer, there
will be at least thirty thousand camp followers
west of the Rio Grande, and in another year
thereafter, the number will have reached the
hundred thousand. My fear is that the Mexi
cans will take time by the f*lock and settle too
quick—before we will have the right to demand
half their country as payment for costs and dam
ages, The government of tire United States
!•/ I \BP dtifhrotlKleT’'**
From the signs around me, I am satisfied that
every nerve is being exerted to force Mexico as
speedily as possible to come to terms. Orders
are believed to have been sent to the army to go
ahead with greater despatch, and hereafter to pay
for nothing taken in Mexico from Mexicans.
The “ Foreign intervention” move of Britain,
endorsed, as I am sorry to add, by the National
Intelligencer, the Whig National Organ, has faU
Icn still born to the ground.. The particulars of
the offer of Britain, and of the reply of this gov
ernment are unknown to the public in this city.
They were such however, I am satisfied, as crea
ted no excitement among public functionaries.
The Whigs of Washington are thanking their
stars that the whole matter has “ blown over”—
that there is no excitement in the public mind on
the subject. They dreaded for a few days least
the“ airy foreign intervention” declaration of
the Intelligencer should have been nailed to tho
mast-head of Whiggery by the comments of the
Democratic newspapers on it. This and “ a lew
more of the same sort” of anti-American arti
cles published in the National Whig organ since
the present administration come into power,
have created so strong a feeling throughout the
country against that print that it is expected its
conductors will he superceded next winter by tho
establishment of anew Whig Journal in Wash
ington. This is plainly a matter of self-defence
on the part of those of the Whig party who
have not made up their minds to adopt the “dis
solution” doctrines of the Boston Courier which
are at the bottom of the Intelligencers notice of
any and every thing acceptable to tho American
masses.
Cave Johnson (P. M. General) who has been
in the west for some weeks, has returned ; so
that all the Cabinet are present, if R. J. Walker
has not yet started for New-Jersey an ! N. York,
whither he contemplated wending his way shortly.
A deputation of Winncbagocs in red blankets,
feathers, paints, &c. are decidedly the lions at
Washington at the present writing. That is,
they attract most attention ; for go where they
will, crowds of boys of all ages, and little ne
groes are at their heels. So you see, in these
dull times, we are sadly off for lions legitimate—
such as we are blessed with during the session
of Congress. During the winter, almost every
distinguished man in the country isatsometimo
or other to be found here; for between public
business and curiosity, Washington then offers
attractions sufficient to keep together hosts op
men such as the world gaze at.
I learn from one who knows, that R. Barnwell
Rhett, now in England, will he the successor of
Mr. McDuffie in the Senate. Mr. R. will meet
with little serious opposition. This selection
wiil reflect credit on South Carolina. Rhett,
notwithstanding his personal unpopularity here,
(and he is excessively unpopular with tha crowd.)
will command much nwo v^er l -* ocriaio
Uian in the bear garden—the House of Repre
sentatives. Up to the hour of closing this letter
(7 P. M.) we have no news by Telegraph of
the arrival of the Steamer from England. For
the last fbur or five days, trade in produce has
stood still in all the Atlantic cities from Wash
ington to Boston. The eagerness with which
the mercantile community already watch tho
Liverpool prices for grains, is a strong proof of
the growing value of tire English market to us.
It looks like anything but American incapacity
to compete with Germany and the country bor
dering the Black Sea, in supplying the now free
markets of Britain with food for the wants of
the million. LOWNDES.
FROM EUROPE.
We have been kindly permitted to publish the
following letter from a “ citizen of Columbus”
travelling in Europe, to his friend in this city.
Liverpool, Sept. 4, 1846.
My Dear Sir—-You did me the honor to insist
on some notice of the incidents and observation*
of travel. Though not able to comply with all
requests of the kind, yet I snatch a moment from
time as it flies, to acknowledge this application.
The cultivated beauty, my dear sir, of the Brit
ish Isles to the unpractised American eye, is
truly attractive. A more vivid contrast cannot
well be conceived of, than exists between these
States? and our own immediate section. Ol*
buildings, monuments, castles, and places, it were
of course vain to attempt in a letter to speak.
You would prefer, too, to hear something of the
people, and their manners, and their opinions on
subjects of common interest. The Englishman
maintains his character of a cold, silent, and
somewhat exclusive being on the surface— but
I must say of him that I think he is, after all, the
man who stands acquaintance. The staple of
his character is good, in my judgment. A man
of method, probity and not without business.
Yet lie seems determined to be hated iust for the
want of a little mote attention to, and apprecia
tion of, what is due toothers. The Englishman,
as also the Scotchman, falls in debate below the
American standard, I think. Certainly the Eng
lish or rather the British Parliament cannot be
considered as embracing the amount of oratori
cal talent we witness in the American Congress.
So of the Lawyer, lie knows the rule, but is
very shiftless I think in a bad cause. Certainly
he has less tact and manner than our best foren
sic specimens exhibit. The Irishman is an ex
ception. I have lately attended a meeting in Con
ciliation Hal! on the repeal question, (in Dublin.)
Eloquence is* natural to the Irishman. And I
defy any American whose heart is in the right
place, to go into Ireland and not to be carried
captive by them. No one feels more correctly,
more nobljg and it is painful to add, reasons
worse than do these people. Os course it is.
wild to think of repo*!, yet they seem sanguine. .
They are devoted bcyoßd measure to Americans.
They will arrest you for oue anywhere, and bear
you off to art entertainment, or shew you some
flattering attention. As they love us for the lit
tle sympathy they have received, so they hate-
Britaiu, and they have a right to do it. Never
has a nation, as we know, been more shamelully
treated forcenturies past than these people. The
utter, the desperate poverty of a large portion of
them, it> absolutely frightful. And by the way, a
very large portion of both England and Scotland is
only a step from starvation outright. This win
ter will tike off large portions of the Irish who
ruust fall victims to mere want.
In regard to politics every thing in Britain is
favorable. The present Executive government,
is, as you know, a very liberal one. They have
not a great deal of transcendant talent, but they
have what is more important, good principles,
and I believe good hearts. They arc doing, as
you perceive, all winch their meatus wiH enable
them to effect for the public good. The people
great Britain are the most united and the most
zealous free traders now that exist on earth, be
yond all doubt or comparison. How slowly do
governments fellow, on this vital topic, public
will and public want. Was there, or will there
ever be, a people who will if the case be plainly