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To Heaven, the brow, on which his feet has trampled,
And asks another bolt, reddened with wrath,
For Underwalden’s scourge, fell Landenberg.
Melchtal.—Oh! that the light, of these extinguished eyes,
Might kindle, but to sec that bolt descend.
W erner.—These sightless orbs have been a flame to others.
Flashing from vale to vale, and leading on
Helvetia’s sons to Liberty or Death.
From them, young Tell first caught the inspiration,
That gave such holy vigour to his ann.
Fear not, blind Melchtal—Heaven is on our side.
And ye, bold peasants, champions of the land—
Ye hunters, monarchs of the Alpine cliffs,
Shall soon take back the heritage of heaven,
Undimmed, unaltered in its ancient brightness.
Melch.—How like a trumpet’s call that voice thrills through
My aged ears. But where's my gallant boy ?
I have not heard his stately footsteps’ tread.
W erner. —Strange that he lingers at an hour like this;
He, first in daring, last in fear.
Melchtal.—lie comes!
(Enter Erni.)
Werner.—What bold adventure stayed young Erni’s steps?
Erni.—Distress and beauty claimed immediate aid,
Which was my happy privilege to lend,
On this same spot, a noble dame I saw,
Struggling within a lordly villain's arms,
I felled the titled ruffian to the earth,
And guarded to her walls, his rescued prey. [shades—
Waltiier.—Perchance he’s now concealed within these
Oh! if a traitor’s ear, our purpose knew !
Erni.—No! I beheld him borne across the lake,
Throwing his backward curses on my head,
I know him well, and in the approaching hour,
W hen Liberty and Despotism shall meet,
Let me but face him, in the glorious struggle,
And lay, once more, his coronet in dust.
erner.—Brave Erni, let not selfish motive wako
One throbbing in a heart to Freedom given.
Erni.—l will hold down this heart's indignant promptings—
But tell me, noble Werner—is there one
Os tills bold band, sworn for their country's cause,
Has such deep injuries, written on their souls?
Have I not seen the blessed iight of Heaven,
Crushed out, extinguished, in those sacred eyes ?
Have I not seen that venerated head,
Crowned with the living snow of age,
Soiled with the dust, insulted, trampled on ?
I never gaze upon those mangled balls,
But burning tears and choking wrath forbid
All utterance—
Werner.—There’s but one heart among us;—
Through thousand channels that strong heart has bled.
One cry of vengeance through the land resounds,
And swelling, as it rises on the blast,
From hill to hill, from vale to vale re-echoes.
It breaks in thunder from Abzellan's height,
O’er Lowerz’ lake it sweeps, from Sarnen’fl cliff,
And sounds in gathered wrath on Rutli's plain;
Champions of Freedom! offspring of the free—
W e come to ratify our ancient vows.
The Genius of our counUy is around us— -
From the white Alps he leans—lie bends to hear
The oatli he sanctioned once, again renewed.
Come forward, ye confederated band—
Receive and give the ancient pledge of faith.
(Werner, Walther and Erni lift their right hands to heaven, while
Werner kneels. The blind Melchtal also kneels.)
w erner.—Oh! thou, who mouldest from the same cold clay,
Peasant and lord—and breathed’st into their souls,
The same unconquered spirit—hear our vows:
We swear to guard the rights which thou hast given,
To have one toil, one stake, one heart, one voice,
We swear this sacred brotherhood to keep,
Through weal and woe, temptation, danger, death.
(The peasants all lift their right hands and repeat, u we swear.'’)
W alt' licit.—Now let us, ere we part, hold further counsel—
e know our cause—let us resolve to act. [towers.
Erni.—To Sarnen’s height. Down with the rock-built
W erner.—No violence. Let after ages tell
How great our wrongs—how noble our revenge.
Erni.—Shall he then live ? Oh! see those sightless eyes.
Melchtal.—Forbear my son.
Werner.—Let prudence cliasten zeal;
If stratagem, that noble minds might use
To answer some high end, could gain access
To the strong tower, where Landenberg resides,
The tyrant once secure, a signal torch
Should blaze, that Freedom’s sons, might rally there.
Erni. —A thought has f. <1 me, friends; a mountain maid
Subservient there, has often won my gaze;
Nay, frown not thus—you know our peasant youth,
When they would woo the maidens that they love,
Enter their casements, mid the gloom of niglit;
Love, youth and honor meet, —and never part.
I'll seek that maid; win and secure her trust;
Through her, I'll learn at what auspicious hour
The signal torch shall wake its beacon light.
M erner.—Tis nobly planned; and cannot meet with failure.
No freeborn maid could Erni's suit withstand,
No treachery follow where his footsteps lead.
Erni.—Oh! ere yon moon, in fullest radiance now,
Shall hang its horn of silver o’er the Alps
Freedom shall wave its banner from their heights,
And Erni emulate the deeds of Tell.
(exeunt.)
(Re-enter Berthold.)
How like a guilty felon am I doomed
To lurk amidst the scenes, where once I lorded.
The price of blood is on me. I, the Lord
Os Werdenberg, of yon ancestral towers,
Must fear the vassal of my own domains,
And fly before his face. Soul-withering thought,
(Sees the ring, which Constance had given Erni, and which he had
unconsciously dropped, glittering on the ground.)—
How come tills brilliant treasure wasted here ?
Angels and Saints ! the ring of Constance! Ha!
Just fallen !no dew its virgin lustre pales;
That secret band! was it by plunder siezed ?
My home a prey to robbers—Constance too ?
No! safety's beacon light still glimmers there.
Stolen; lost; given ? Oh ! this fearful mystery ?
Rings are love’s pledges. Love! She is not false.
T will not think her false, by Heaven! I will not;
I’ll see her, though the snares of death be round me.
(Turns to depart, then pauses and takes a different direction.)
No! faithful steed! I'll not leave thee to perish;
Sole friend and partner of the exile’s woes.
(exit.)
Scene chances to the Castle of Werdenberg,
(Clric enters in front of the Castle, encountering a Sentinel.)
TJlric. —Does she still linger? yonder darkening cloud
Portends a tempest night.
Sentinel. —Waste not your fears,
Our Lady’s safe, and thinks not of the storm.
Ulric. —What safe w ithin ! When marked you her return ?
Sentinel. —I marked it will. She came, but not alone.
Ulric. —But not alone! Oh, if our noble Lord
Ssntixel. —Aye ? If our noble Lord knew’ what I know*,
His scabbard wonld be light.
ULRic.~'Out on thee, Sirrah,
I will not hear my mistress lightly named,
I’ve dandled her an infant in these arms ;
My head grew gray within her father's halls,
I saw’ her borne to these, a fair young bride;
Alas! the day !
Sentinel. —What greybeard, whimpering still ?
Dry your old eyes and set your face with sinilcs,
We'll have another master soon to serve.
Ulric.—How dare you give such licence to your tongue ?
Sentinel. —I will not hold my tongue between my teeth,
Because a poor old dotard cries for shame.
(Berthold appears in the back ground, his hand wrapped
in a bloody handkerchief.)
Sentinel. —The noble Count! why what a man he was!
In the broad land he has not left his match ;
I’ll never guard these Castle walls again,
, If Winkelried’s proud Lord his place supplies.
Ulric. —Why of Lord Herman prate ?
Sentinel. —This night I saw,
Lord Herman, lurking in the neighboring grove,
’Till Hilda gave him secret parley there.
The Countess met him, secret, late, alono—
Ulric. —Ha! swear to this—
Sentinel. —Then by my master’s wrongs,
This very hour, she left her trusty knight
Below the Castle’s gates. Why who but lie
b wandering day and night, with stealthy step
Around these towers 1 Who kept Count Berthold racked.
Ulric. —Hush! silence on tliis, the night air whistles chill.
(exeunt)
Berthold comes forward.
Berthold. —Chill, chill as death! the bolt has entered here,
The bolt of deep, indelible disgrace.
It is no dream. Upon this spot they stood,
And sent the burning iron through my soul.
I heard them; knew them. Yes! they breathed my name
A name, these conscious walls should shake to hear.
Am I not inad ? Is this the home I left ?
Are these proud Wecdenberg’s ancestral towers ?
Was it Count Berthold’s wife ?—lias lie a wife ?
Oh, Infamy! accursed be the hour,
That brought me back to these ill-fated walls—
Who told me she was false ? It must have been
Some passing demon whispering in my ear.
Constance. —Thou shall deny my wrong3, or die.
(rushes out.)
(A chamber in the Cast/e. —An alcove, where a child is discovered
sleeping; Constance is leaning over the couch. The alcove is shaded
by curtains, so that the entrance of the chamber is entirely conceal
ed.)
Constance. —Yes! thou art left; I'm not bereft of all—
Fair, desert blossom ! thou remain’st to shed
A bloom and sweetness o'er this blighted heart.
(kneeling by the couch.)
Protecting angels, hover round his ooueh,
And kindly picture in his cherub dreams;
That father’s form he never may behold.
Child, (awaking.)—Dear mother! art thou here ?
Constance.—l came to kiss and bless thee in thy sleep.
Child.—But did'st thou bilk with angels by my couch ?
Constance.—l pray’d them to come down, and watch with me,
To shield from every harm, my precious boy.
Child.—Bnt thou shouldst sleep, dear mother.
Constance.—Sweetest child!
Would that a father’s ear could drink the sound
Os thy sweet infant voice.
Child. —Will Father come
From his far land, to bless his orphan boy?
Constance.—Ah !my beloved! He never may return.
Ilis blessing never hallow thy young head. [home—
Child. —But I have prayed that Heaven would bring him
Does Heaven forget my prayers ?
Constance.—No, no—my child;
Our Father ne'er forgets 1 lis children's prayers;
Though higher than the blue Heavens o’er our heads,
And thousand times more glorious, not one wish,
That’s borne to Him, on innoeeney’s wings,
Is ever breathed in vain.
Child.— Oil! let me pray once more; if prayer will bring
My own dear Father'to liis home again. -
Constance.—Cherub of innocence! I lope’s gladdening beam!
Loved, latest treasure from the band divine!
(Child falls back on its pillow asleep. Berthold enters unperceived.
The curtains conceal Constance and the child from his view, but he
hears her voice, as she continues to speak.)
Yes! sleep again; and let me gaze on thee.
While tuigels curtain o’er those biauteous orbs.
Soul of my life ! in whom I’ve garnered up
All that is left of love and hope and joy.
While thus my arms enfold thee, thy dear cheek
Pressed against mine, thy warm and fragrant breath
Stealing like balm around me, oh ! I feel
The thrills of deep and passionate affection,
Filling the void in this deserted heart.
(Falls asleep, leaning over the couch.)
Berthold.—Death's in my heart! Fire, fury in my brain !
The walls seem pressing on inc. Oh ! for air;
One breath of air, to cool my burning brow;
Oh ! Constance, wretched, frail, profidious Constance.
(Draws a dagger from his breast and turns towards the alcove.)
w hat unseen hand holds back my lifted arm ?
The weight of blood hangs heavy on my soul.
I will not call a blacker curse upon me;
Alone I'll wrestle with the storms of fate,
And leave thee, perjured, fallen, abandoned—lost!
(exit.)
[to be continued.]
Cnrrfspniikiirf.
LETTER from CALIFORNIA.
San Francisco, California , Jan. 14, 1850.
Dear Doctor.— ln my last communication, I gave you
a monochromatic sketch of a life in the gold mines, and
need hardly to assure you that, with the rough materials em
ployed, it was not in the slightest degree overdrawn; and
could I persuade myself that the subject would be of suffic
ient interest to the goodly people of your section, I might
present some other “ pretty picture ” to grace the corners of
their kitchen chimneys. But I perceive the papers from the
States are teeming with descriptions of this delightful land ;
and though a master's hand is often discernible in the delin
eations, I fear me much, too often the fanciful is permitted to
predominate, or too warm a coloring given from self inter
est. Many are yet to learn by sail experience these truths;
and many who are now on their way hither in anticipation
of reaping a golden harvest, will live to curse the day they
were lured from their happy firesides, and rejoice to find
their way back, poorer, and perhaps a little wiser than when
they left.
The few who have fortunately made their “pile” and re
turned to the States may be expected to give a fresh impulse
to the tide of emigration; and although it may generally be
considered a chance game, thousands will take the risk, each
one thinking lie may be of the lucky. Probably not one in
twenty who come to California for the purpose of digging
gold will be able to endure the exposures and labor, and not
one in fifty of those who are, will ever realize their expecta
tions. From wliat you have already been told, you must
perceive that all calculations in regard to mining in tliis coun
try are liable to fail, and even science must give way to “fool
luck,” and the saying, so long and often repeated as to be
considered an axiom, that “ fortune favors the brave, ” is no
guaranty of success. Indeed, for one, I not only question its
correctness, but most positively deny its truth ! Witness.—
Did not your valuable correspondent buffet wind and wave,
endure sea-sickness, shipwreck and almost starvation, without
a murmur and without flinching ? and during the bloody con
flict between the Commodore and the Shark, did lie not stand
boldly forth in the face of the whole crew of a British brig
and eighty odd passengers, and protest against any interfer
ence in favor of either fish or flesh ? Did he not stem the
current of the dreaded Chagrcs river, in a frail canoe,
through miasmata and musketoes, grinning black monkeys
out of countenance, and slaying huge alligators and iguanas
on the right hand and on the left? Did not “me and Alex”
march bravely over from Gorgona to Panama, alone and on
foot with no weapon except a double-barrel shot-gun and a
bottle of brandy, cutting our way through the effluvia of de
composing mules, and with rocks and chunks driving enor
mous anacondas out of our path ? Did we not, without a
blush, enter the famous city of Panama, on a bright Sunday
morning, the sweat trickling down our beards and our coun
tenances besmeared with dust, in the midst of a ferocious
chain-gang from which we could not extricate ourselves till
we had nearly traversed the length and breadth of the “set
tlement ?” Did I not,dn the aforesaid city, brave the chole
ra and effigies of all the saints paraded through the streets,
fur six long weeks, taking my regular toddies and living up
on the fat of the land? And ou the “United States Pacific
Mail Steamer California” did I not, with knife and fork in
hand, time and again, most valiantly, though not always suc
cessfully, contend for a bit of putrid hog’s head and the cor
ner of a musty sea-biscuit ? Did I not fearlessly land in the
city of San Francisco while it was in possession of the
“hounds,” and Chileans and Chinamen and even yankees
were shaking in their trowserslike an African dog on a fros
ty morning ? All tliis, and deeds of higher daring which 1
forbear to mention, have stamped me as the bravest of the
brave, and yet how has the old blind dame treated me ! The
truth is, Docto r ) she is no longer herself. She is neither be
witched or mesmerised, and can see just as plainly through
that thick bandage as I can through a cut-glass decanter of
old Seheidam. And then she has lost all respectability; for
instead of bestowing her favors upon decent, good-looking
young men she seems to prefer the veriest vagabonds of cre
ation. But if “whatever is, is right,” then it is all O. K.,
and I shall say no more about it.
I have been from the mines some two or three weeks,
thinking it preferable to spend the rainy season here. Previ
ously to my leaving, some difficulties had occurred between
the indians and whites in our immediate neighborhood, and
several smart “battles” had been fought. The last took place
sis ®s©m ©i & siniiio
on the day before I left, in which nine of the indians were
killed. Several white men were wounded with arrows, but
no lives lost. I have since learned that hostilities have ceas
ed and every thing is quiet and peaceful, and likely to con
tinue so. Five of our original party only, are now in the
mines—L., W., P., C. and Alex. It is tlicir intention to
spend the winter there. McL., F. and myself are here, at
least I think I am.
Sacramento city is now under water, tlie principal streets
being navigable l!>r large boats. The Steamer comes down
loaded witli passengers, every trip, escaping from the deluge.
Many of the houses are not habitable, and much suffering
must be endured by those who are unable to leave. Thus
one of the mushrooms of California has gone, and others
must follow, if by a different agent. So thinketh one. It
may not be so with Sail Francisco. The commercial advan
tages it possesses may continue its prosperity ; but its strides
will not be as rapid as many prognosticate; and time will af
fix limits far short of those which many have laid down “at
a low estimate.” Take it all in all, 1 think this same San
Francisco one of the most unpleasant places I have ever vis
ited. In mid-summer you nearly freeze to death, and in win
ter you are in danger of miring whenever you go out of the
house. The streets are all a perfect quagmire, scarcely ford
able for man or beast. Women on going out are obliged to
wear stogy boots —men’s boots at that —and cut about as pret
ty a figure in promenading, as a duck would dancing in a
barrel of tar. Now, Doctor, I judge you have come to the
conclusion that I am not much of a California man; but be
that as it may, let me conclude by giving you a little piece of
advice. If you liave a mortal enemy —and Editors some
times have, however innocently—and you wish to get rid of
him forever, don’t hurt a hair of his head, but fill one num
ber of your paper with big tales and big lumps of gold from
California, wait for its effects, and then through the agency
of a friend loan him funds sufficient to pay his expenses hith
er—just enough and no more—if you do not happen to liave
the change in your pocket, borrow it, and start him off, and
if lie ever troubles you again, you need never take my ad
vice in future. All the boys from Columbus are well; and 1
have very little doubt most of them would like to be in that same
town, sitting before a good lightwood fire eating roasted po
tatoes.
A'ours, as ever, W.
LETTER from IIORILE.
Mobile, Ala., March 26, 18.">0.
Judgeships, Theatricals, tyr.
Our sapient law-makers at the session of 1848 passed an
act requiring voters at tlie next “ General Election” to vote
aye or nay on the question of electing Judges by the people.
At the lust August election all the ticikotis were printed with
the question answered affirmatively. The question was not
fairly brought before the people. The political papers were
mum —each anxious to benefit their clique—and the “ neu
tral” did not think of it, I suppose ; the consequence was,
that it was carried by a large majority. I lundreds of per
sons in this city now regret their having voted for it. The
Legislature, at tlie session just closed carried out “ the will of
the people,” by declaring tlie Judgeships elective. The
County Courts were abolished, ahd tlie Court of Probate sub
stituted. The County and City of Mobile were given a Court
called the “City Court of Mobile” for Criminal cases ; the
salary of Judges being $2,000 per annum, and for six years,
making it a desirable, though by no means a sinecure office.
Tlie Election of Judge of Probate, J udge of the City Court,
and Judge of the District Circuit Court comes off on the
first Monday in Mai'. For tlie office of Judge of the City
Court there are only nine candidates, all lawyers, and they
only third or fourth rate ; our able lawyers are unwilling to
enter the list where the dependence is not upon merit but on
the spirit imbibing qualifications of tlie candidate. Pre
suming that you are ignorant of the mode and manner of
electioneering in our city, 1 will give you an item.
The Cyprian goddesses (“all colors from snowy white to
sooty hue”) and the “ Greek” women, control the elections/ 1
in our “ They get up balls on tlie eve of every elec
tion and the candidate who pleases the “ woman,” gets the
vote of her “fancy man.”
These bans are common all over the city, the city candidate
footing tlie bills. Every good citizen deprecates it but I fear
thatit will never improve. A retiring modest man, who ab
hors and is disgusted with the wretches that preside at these
balls, stands no chance unless he throws aside every good feel
ing and enters into the “ sports” of the place with spirit,
treats and kisses tlie demoiselles of the room, Ac.
Apropos of an election. Two 1 )emocratic merchants meet..
Ist. is it true that you vote for , a Whig? 2d.
Yes, 1 cannot vote for B, he goes to balls. Ist. If you
make that an objection go with me to-night I will show you
at a still lower place, at a “ nigger ball.
They went and found dancing with an old fat ne
gro woman, black, yes blacker than the ace of spades; the
sweat rolling oft’in streams —smelling, oh, hush ! The se
cond merchant chose “the lesser of two evils.” That occurred
as written.
Charlotte Cushman—our CliarhMto, as the Philadelphia
B’hoys once said—how altered! Hot; for tlie better. The
Right Reverend John Newland Maffitt and the humbug lec
turer, Banning, are starring here, eaeli in their own vocation.
Before Charlotte went to England, she was the natural ac
tress, portraying tlie woman in her true cob >rs —now she comes
back endorsed by the English critics—with the stage trick,
and affected manner of the crisp School—‘lie school where
McCready, Kean and others were taught—in which nature is
laid aside, the spectator feeling that lie was in presence of a
mere automaton, with speaking faculties However, she
draws finely and that is all that is accessary.
Mas litt is, 1 suppose, trying to get another wife—he is at
any rate, the ablest preacher of this or any other age, and
is bound to draw crowded houses wherever he goes.
Banning is the proprietor of “ Banning’s Braces”—ho is
delivering lectures in which he endeavors to prove that liis
braces cure every disease under the sun by bracing the body
into place, Ac. He has pulled two or three of our physicians
into liis views—they have no practice under the regular sys
tem and think possibly they can do something with mechani
cals. More anon. Adieu. PETE.
LETTER from Ft. CJAIAES.
Port Gaines, March 28, 1850.
Mr. Citizen : —The village of Ft. Gaines for beauty, pic
turesque scenery and location, has notan equal on the banks
of the Cliattahooche, It is possessed of and surrounded by
much wealth and influence, and it is the depot for shipping
a large amount of produce, and receiving a considerable
amount of groceries and staple goods. Yet it is hampered in
its commercial operations by the want of a Bank to furnish a
suitable paper currency. This impediment in the way of the
progress of this place in importance, was in a fair to he re
moved by tlie last Legislature—a Bank Bill having been in
troduced, and “ three for one” good and substantial capital
having been subscribed as its basis. The House of Repre
sentatives passed the bill and it was sent to the Senate, where,
contrary to all expectation, the Senator from this district, by
his mag-pie eloquence, defeated a measure in which a por
tion of his constituency were so much interested. It is sup
posed that Richard sold himself to a clique, on the seaside,
and bargained oft’ liis granary at borne for a grain of corn
abroad. Ihe history of this affair and the disregard of the
rights, wants and interests, of Southwestern Georgia, by one
of her own traitorous sons, is fully known, and will, in due
time, be placed before the people.
There is some excitement here among the politicians in re
lation to the Nashville Convention, though the “ sovereigns'’
pay tlie subject but little attention. The latter love the Un
ion and will not willingly cause a flaw in one link that binds
tlie States together. They look upon the proposed Conven
tion as a pure humbug, gotten up for selfish and political pur
poses, by the fire-eaters and mandarines of party, with the
secret intent of getting other fools to follow the last will and
testament of the ex-defunct and the codicil to the Executive,
—but this time they liave missed the game.
The peg-setters, wire-pullers and pipe-layers of these parts
are abroad on a foraging expedition, preparing the way for
next Senatorial election, from the District of Randolph and
Early. The Sh ]f ds are stock owners to a large
amount, and he who aims at Winning must ride the B 1,
horns and all, bare-backed and without a rope.
The Spring Courts will soon be on in this and .adjacent
counties, and I will be ready to report to you any incident
worthy of special consideration from tlie “ cow connties.”
Thine faithfully, WIRE GRASS.
LETTER from VILLLLA.
Villula, Ala., March 27, 1850.
Dr. Andrews ; Dear Sir — Enclosed I send you two dol
lars and fifty cents, for which please send me the Georgia
Citizen. lam very much pleased with the first Number in
deed. I was a constant reader of the Democrat which you
formerly edited, and although we differed in politics, yet I can
safely say, that it was ever a friend to truth, virtue and mor
ality, and an enemy to vice and immorality in all of its forms.
I doubt not from the acquaintance I have with you, that you
will make the Citizen as welcome a visitor as the Democrat. I
have often been amused, w hile at the Post Office, on mail
days to witness what eagerness some wonld manifest to tret
the Democrat; and yet these very persons would be the first
to rail out against its Editor and the alledged vileness of his
sheet; but they nevertheless took care to borrow the paper
for a few moments, to read. 1 have read many productions
from your pen long before you edited the Democrat, and I,
for one, say, send along the Citizen, for I should feel lost with
out it. lam convinced that all who read it cannot be worsted
by so doing ; but, on the contrary, vastly benefitted, as they
will always find a rich store for the mind. I wish you God
speed in your new undertaking.
Respectfully, your ob’t serv’t, F. D. O.
LETTER from COLUMBUS.
Columbus, April 1, 1850.
Dear Fellow- 1 Citizen —Nothing of much importance
has transpired in this city since the date of my last epistle.
Times are dull and likely to be worse before they are better.
Our merchants have commenced receiving their spring goods,
but complain dreadfully of the delay of Merchandize at the
Macon Depot of the Central Rail Road. I know not how it
is, or where the blame lies, but the fact is known to all mer
chants here, that great and ruinous delays are now experi
enced, in the matter of receiving goods from your city. In
some instances, Merchants come home from New York,
stay two or three weeks, oij, sufficient time to get their goods,
and then post back to Macon to expedite the shipment of
their merchandize. There are several now in your city, from
Columbus, on this business, and so vexatious is the circum
stance, that many declare that they will ship their goods, here
after, via Appalachicola. Two dollars per hundred has been
offered for transportation from Macon to this city, and yet wag
ons cannot be had! For the interests of the city of Savan
nah, (our own seaport), that of the Central Rail Road and all
the parties concerned, 1 wish you would, Mr. “ Citizen,” look
into the matter and suggest a remedy for the evil.
Several of our aristocracy left here last week for Europe,
among whom is my friend Dr. “ Specs” and Duly, young A.
FI yn and Miss C of Wynton. They go on a
pleasure tour to the old world. I did not lenrn whether the
Doctor got letters of introduction from his friend Dr. West
or not, to the real nobility of Europe, but presume that he
declined seeking any such favor from one wlio*So polluted his
family altar with unholy prayer !
Lust Thursday night four stores were broken open in this
city and the same game, to the same extent, was repeated on
Friday night 1 The rogues, however, did not make much by
the operation. Two fellows—boxing masters, Brown and
Phelan, were arrested on suspicion, but though the circum
stances were strong against them, the evidence was not
thought sufficient to convict them.
One of our married citizens has recently been suspected of
importing from Eufaula and domiciliating in Columbus, a noto
rious courtezan, for his own special accommodation. On the
strength, at least, of such suspicion, the woman was compell
ed, by the neighbors, to ramose 1 I will not mention the names
of the parties, at present, hoping this hint will suffice to warn
the gentleman, how he again trespasses against the social
proprieties of a moral community.
I hear a great many speak favorably of your paper, and all
are anxious to unmask your correspondent ‘•Cato.” Some of
the “ swelled heads” wish to make folks believe they know
all about him, and some of those suspected seem to stand the
r imputation, first rate, under the idea that so smart a fellow as
your humble correspondent is allowed to be (hem!) will keep
■ bis own secret, and they will be able to strut, a while, in bor
rowed plumage ! Oh. Jerusalem! How llat these chaps
will feel, when they are called on. of a sudden, to give account
to some “bully,” for the “ dots” they have furnished your pa
per, concerning the latter’s exploits in rilliandum ! Maybe,
they would not hasten to deny the “ soft impeachment” which
they now rather court than shun !
McCallister, the Legerdemain and slight-of-liand man, has
been drawing crowded houses, here, for a week past. lie is a
great genius in his way,but I doubt whether such fellows should
be encouraged in an avocation so utterly useless to the com
munity. They gather up the loose change in the pockets of the
people, but contribute nothing to their moral, social or intel
lectual improvement. I therefore never patronize the vaga
bonds. ] loping, in my next, to give you a more interesting
epistle, I subscribe myself your friend and well-wisher.
CATO.
LETTER from AUGUSTA.
Augusta City, March 20, 1850.
Dear Doctor: — lt is with pleasure that l have the privi
lege of being one of your correspondents. I feel, however,
that it will be no easy task to write for your very interesting
Journal. Your manner of conducting it, l feel assured, will
give great satisfaction to your numerous readers, and 1 hope,
a substantial satisfaction to yourself.
The most important news in our city at present is the great
Bridge question. It has finally been decided by the Supreme
Court of the United States in the suit between Messrs. Shultz
& McKinne vs. the Bank of the State of Georgia, that the
former parties have no right whatever to the Bridge or the
charter. The question now is whether we shall have the up
town bridge rebuilt or not, it, as you arc aware, having been
carried away by the freshet of the 28th May, 1840. The cit
izens of the two upper wards are unanimous in its favor, while
the two lower wards arc opposed. We had a meeting at
Lambaek’s, last Monday, to take into consideration the views of
each of the candidates, as regards the re-building of the Bri lge,
which resulted in appointing committees to inquire of the
candidates for Mayor and Aldermen, in the event of their
election, whether they would support the measure. You
doubtless, have seen the proceedings published in one of our
city papers. We have three candidates for Mayor, viz : Dr.
Garvin, the regular Democratic nominee, Mr. Thos. \V.
Miller, the regular Whig nominee, and last, the Mechanics’
candidate, B. M. Duvall, alias old Bulger, who hates liquor
and snakes. By-the-by, he was called out at the Bridge
meeting, and made a speech. In his speech lie remarked,
that the Mechanics had put him up and he bed and if lie
didn’t stay up until the Mechanics put him down. The B’-
hoys intend to have some fun before the election is over.
Our city is gradually increasing in population. The next
census, we think, will show over ten thousand inhabitants. —
Our manufacturing interest is rapidly increasing in extent and
importance. We have a large Cotton Factory, containing
nearly ten thousand spindles, with all the other necessary ma
chinery.
Sufficient stock has been subscribed fora second of same di
mensions and number of spindles. We have a Bucket facto
ry in operation, which turns out from two to three hundred
buckets, daily, driven by a2O horse power steam engine. It is
the property of Messrs. E. Lockhart, & Cos.
Our enterprizing citizen, Mr. W. A. Goodrich, has nearly
completed his model Carpenter Shop, the machinery of which
is also drawn by a beautiful 20 horse power steam engine.
We also have a manufactory of Cabinet ware, by steam power.
We have likewise several foundries and machine shops, an
account of which I will give in my next. The trade ot the
city is rapidly increasing. W e expect, in time, to make it the
Lowell of the South.
We have no amusements at present in the city, except per
haps, ahorse race occasionally on the Lafayette course. Our
theatre has been turned into a beer brewery, below, and the
upper part into a Ball and Concert room.
Shakspcare has been literally kicked out of town, to the
no small gratification of Preachers, deacons, hypocrites, &e.,
who would not object to talk about their neighbors, if they had
a chance. Toor Shakspcare appears to stand no chance in
this age of improvement. The Anna Bishops, the Jenny
Linds’, and others, appear to have put the old fellow in the
shade, not the shades, for once there he might get snap't.—
Verily this is the age of progress ! Why, we shall want all the
Gold in California to keep up with the age of extravagance,
splendid schemes, &c., such as building a lightning line across
the Atlantic, a Rail Road to the Pacific Ocean, and again, a
telegraph to China, to enlighten his imperial Highness, at Pe
j kin, as regards the price of Tea in New York and London.
If we should sleep twenty years, and wake up, we should
find ourselves ten times farther behind the times than old Hip
Vanwinkle. Respectfully, yours,
RICHMOND.
LETTER from ATLANTA.
Atlanta, April 2d, 1850.
Dear Doctor :—l congratulate you on the elegant appear
ance of your new Journal. Being somewhat of aconnoisour
in such matters, you will not be offended at me for saying, that,
with the exception of the advertising department, the‘‘Geor
gia Citizen” is a remarkably neat paper, and will bear a favor
able comparison with any journal in the Southern States. I
object to the extravagant manner in which your printer has
displayed- the advertisements: but—“every one to his liking,” as
the old lady said. The “Citizen,” has, so far as 1 have been
able to learn, made a favorable impression here; and I doubt
not, in due time, your subscription list will fully attest tlie cor
rectness of my opinion. Your motto—“ Independent in all
things — Neutral in nothing" —is a capital one. Stick to it
faithfully, and your fortune is made!
lam pleased to learn that your “first impressions,” like my
own, are adverse to the holding of the much-talkcd-of South
ern Convention. I can sec no possible good to grow out of
such a meeting; even were it composed of an equal number ■
of prudent, discreet men; for, who can undertake to say that
their counsels will prevail over those of such mad-cap poli
ticians as George M. Troup, John A. Jones, Gen. Brisbane,
etc. etc., each of whom, I believe lias been chosen asa dele
gate to the proposed Nashville Convention? With Wash
ington, I believe that “all obstructions to the execution of the
Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever
plausible character, with the real design to direct, control,
counteract or awe the regular deliberations and actions of the
constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental
principle,” [tlie duty of every individual to obey the establish
ed government,] “and of fatal tendency .” Consequently, 1
shall not vote to send any individual to the said Convention.
Since the date of my first letter, (March 11th, which, by
the-by, you omitted,) we have had, with the exception of three
or four days pleasant weather, a continued “wet spell.” On
Thursday night hist, the wind veered to the north, and it be
came quite cool. The cold, drizzling rain with which Wed
nesday was ushered in, changed, in the course of the fore
noon, to a respectable sleet storm; and, in the afternoon, the
sleet resolved itself into snow flakes which, for size and tlie
amount that fell, would have done no discredit to Yankee
land. The snow continued to fall until 10 o’clock Wednes
day night, when it cleared off cold enough (figuratively speak
ing) to freeze the horns off a brazen ram! I learn that the
peach crop in this region is generally “used up.” though a
few trees have escaped the blight. The Roads, almost impas
sible before the storm, are now wholly so. The several Rail
road Depots are over-run with goods for the interior, which
cannot be forwarded for tlie want of wagons, notwithstanding
extravagant prices are offered for tlicir transportation.
It is truly gratifying to know that the work on the State
Railroad Tunnel is still progressing. The “Ringgold Repub
lican,” (one of whose editors is Depot Agent at Ringgold,)
says that “the first day of July next is the most remote pe
riod fixed upon, by the Contractor, for the consummation of
this great work.” This statement contrasts strangely with
that made, some three or four months since, by the “Chief En
gineer,” who took gre at pains to impress upon the public mind
that the Tunnel would certainly be completed by the first to
the fifteenth of March last! But the Chief was then in some
danger of losing his place, and may be considered excusable
for thus sporting with the credulity of the “dear People’s”
Argus-eyed Representatives. I hope the Ringgold editor has
spoken ex cathedra, and that the entire line will be put in ope
r ition by the time designated; but I shall be greatly disappoint
ed if it is done before the middle of Septet nlier following.
The Spring Term of our Superior Court adjourned on Sat
urday evening last,after a tedious session of two weeks, at De
catur. Six cases only wore disposed of—two civil and four
criminal. One was sentenced to four years confinement in
the Penitentiary for horse stealing; another (Fanning,) to the
County Jail for four months for involuntary manslaughter,
and Terrell, who killed a man at the Whig Convention, in this
place, about eighteen months si nee, was convicted of man
slaughter; but I understand his case will be taken to the Su
preme Court. Judge Hill’s charge to the Grand Jury, on
the opening of the Court, is spoken of as one of his ablest cf- j
forts. The .Judge passed through this place on Monday last
on his way to Marietta, where he is at present holding Court.
Intelligence of the death of Hon. John C. Calhoun was re
ceived in this place on Sunday evening last. It came upon us
like a thun Jer-peal on a el aidless day, and lias wrapt our com
munity in gloom. Truly, a great man has fallen. 11 is name will
de cend upon the stream of Time, encircled with a bright halo
of glory, to the latest posterity. Peace to his remains!
There is no further local news worth relating. The several
Railroad trains, both passenger and freight, have generally run
up to their “ schedule time” during the past week, and I have
heard of no accident, except the one that occurred in your city
a few days since, by which a little negro was killed, and the
“ backing off” of one of the State s locomotives, above 1 )alton.
Yours, sincerely. GABRIEL.
New-Yorkers Emigrating to Virginia.—a
Washington letter, in the New-York Tribune says: “An
i old acquaintance from Virginia, mentioned tome casualty this
morning, that many farmers of wealth and skill have sold, or
are selling out, lands on file banks of the Hudson, at £-M) to
SIOO per acre, moving into Virginia, and there buying choice
locations at $7 to si.3 per acre for improved estates, lie
said it was not unusual for them to employ slave labor in
raising corn and market vegetables.
“Tis the Mecca of tiie States."—A person who was in
company with President Taylor in his late visit to Richmond,
gives the following description of the scene as the steam beat
was passing Mount Vernon.
“We are now passing Mount \ ernon. Tlie President ap
proached the guards of the boat, an 1 gazed at it very atten
tively. Someone remarked, “For fifty years no boat or ship
has passed this spot, where lie the remains of the illustrious
dead, without paying the solemn compliment of tolling their
bell while passing. No such honor was ever paid to the me
mory of any of the great dead.
“’Tis the Mecca of the State*,” solemnly added the Presi
dent, without for a moment moving his eyes from the spot.
California. The Jackson Mississipian, of the Ist s!arch
contains the following advertisement:
“ Citizens of the Slave States desirous of emigrating to Cal
ifornia with their slave property, are requested to send their
names, number of slaves, and period of contemplated depar
ture, to the address of “ Southern Slave Colony, Jackson, Mis
sisippi.” All letters, to meet with attention, must be post paid.
“ It is the desire of the friends of this enterprise to settle in
the richest mining and agricultural portions of California, and
to secure the uninterrupted enjoyment of slave property. It
is estimated that by the Ist of May next, the members of tlie
Slave Colony will amount to about five thousand, and the slaves
to about ten thousand. The inode of effecting the organiza
tion, &e., will be privately transmitted to actual members.
California tiold. —A Philadelphia correspondent of
the New York Herald,says:
“I learn from the Treasurer of the United States Mint in
; this city, that the receipts of gold dust from the Ist to the
15th March, amount to $82,000, making the total receipts up
to this time, amount to $9,335,000. Estimating the total re
ceipts at the Branch Mint, New Orleans, at $2,000,000, and
assuming that there is about $750,000 still in private hands,
the total receipts of California gold in the l nited States a- j
mount to the sum of twelve millions, which is much below j
popular estimate. Still this sudden and unlooked addition of j
twelve millions to the stock of bullion to the country, cannot
fail to exercise a most important effect upon the business inter
ests of the whole Union, particularly for the next six months.
Honest Confession. —The New York Express,
though opposed to the South in the present controversy, can
didly concedes in its comments upon Mr. W. Jay’s denunci
ation of Mr. Clay’s Resolutions, ‘■'that the Bible argument
in support of slavery where it exists , in maintained in the
South with so much power , that the North has not yet been
able to silence it,”
<ll)t (Sforgin Ciliiett.
I . F. W. ANDREWS, Editor.
-AIACON-, GA., APRIL 4, 1850.
TO COIIRESPO.VDEiNTi,
Leaves are on file* from the “ Portfolio” of “ Ajotos.”
M ill \\ . C. 11. please give orders as to the balance of
“ Mestioo on hand? The pressure upon our time, just now,
will not allow us to give the necessary attention to the distri
bution.
Lii” The favor of “ A Friend” with $22 enclosed, duly
received, with many thanks to one who has proved himself
worthy of the name assumed; with there were many “more
of the tame sort left.”
Agency.- -Mr. Joseph Barton, of Augusta, is duly
authorized to receive subscriptions for the “ Georgia Citizen.”
Postmasters and their Clerks are also authorized Agents for
this publication.
Our 2d Number.-- -In sending out this number of our
paper, we may overlook many of our old friends, who signified
to us a wish to be enrolled on our subscription list. Os course,,
all omissions of this kind will be promptly rectified, © du?
notice being received.
£2?” N e shall also send tlie present Number to many gentio
men, in Columbus and elsewhere, who, we are sure, will desire
just such a paper as we intend to make the “Citizen.” If,
however, we have mistaken the good feeling of any of our
friends towards us, or not exactly comprehended their inelina
tions and tastes, in this re gard, they will please notify us of the
fact tlirough the Postmasters of their respective places of res
idence, retaining the paper sent, for distribution among their
acquaintances.
Tl>? “ Georgia Citizen” for nothing.
Wc give the following plan, whereby any young man, in
almost any neighborhood, can obtain a copy of this paper, one
year, for nothing, save a little time and intention :
22T* Get four subscribers and $2.50 from each, which send
post-paid to the Editor, and a fifth copy will be sent, gratis ,
to your address, for one year. Are there not 500 young men
in Georgia, who will heartily respond to this proposition ?
We think they will stand in tlieir own light, if they do not.
ADVERTISING AND JOB WORK.
W e r.re now prepared to give prompt attention to all favors
which the Merchants, Mechanics, Planters and business men
of this community, may feel willing to entrust to us, in our line
of business. Advertisements conspicuously inserted, and
Job Work executed in the best style of the A rt. on terms which
shall, in all cases, be satisfactory to our customers.
As our “ Citizen” will go into the family circle, where
political Journals are not appreciated, Dry Goods Merchants
who wish access to the Ladies’ eyes and ears, will find it to
their interest to make our sheet the medium o f their notices
of all things beautiful and rich, which may be intended for
that class of our population.
Grocers and Dealers of every description shall be liberally
dealt with—on that principle of social economy— 1 “ live and
let live,” by which we mean to be governed, in all our busi
ness relations.
£2TSubscriptions respectfully solicited to the “Georgia
Citizen,” which, with reasonable encouragement fromagene
| rous and discriminating public, we design to make the model
weekly Journal of the whole South ! At e mean what we say.
Tr\- us and see!
€ rail *1 Pail ora ina. —I lutching’s Grand Classical Pan
orama of the Shores of the Mediterranean, is now on exhibi
tion at Ousley’s 1 tall. It consists of four grand divisions, em
bracing four thousaud miles of the scenery of the Mediterra
nean shore, and giving a correct idea of a voyage up that clas
sic sea. Sen; advertisement.
Medical.- -The Medical Asssoeiation of the State of
Georgia will hold its annual meeting in this city on the 10th
i instant.
Heath of John Calhoun.
“ Death’s shafts fly thick! Mere falls the villape swain,
And there his pampered lord! The cup’goes round,
And w ho shall put it by V” lllair.
We have the melancholy duty to announce the demise of
the Hon. JOHN C. CALHOUN, which event took place at
Washington, on Sunday morning last at 7 1-2 o’clock. For
I several week past, the public have been notified of the illness
of this distinguished man, aad much intense anxiety was ev
ery where to the result, which was, from the be
ginning, attended witjFauticipations of a gloomy character.
I .V few days ago, our hopes were buoyed up by a Telegraphic
; Dispatch, that Mr. C. was much better, and would probably
recover. But alas ! These hopes have been blighted forever.
The great and good Calhoun now sleeps in the tomb! That
eloquent voice, which has, for a third of a century, command
ed the attention of listening Senates, and elicited the un
bounded admiration of applauding millions, is now hushed in
death! Asa patriot an J Statesman, the deceased had few
equals and no superiors, lie was pre-eminent for his profound
attainments, high-toned principle and lofty intellect, and
though many of his Countrymen differed with him, in opinion,
on matters of public policy, yet none doubted his ardent jatri
otism, or failed to yield him that respect to which great genius,
coupled with exhalted talents and private worth, always enti
tle the possessor. ‘Hie decease of such a man is indeed a pub
lic calamity. The nation mourns their loss when one so gifted
and so good, is cut down, in the midst of his usefulness. And,
especially, is the blow a severe one to the South, this criti
cal juncture of affairs, when we have need of experienced
counsellors and patriots, to bear up the ark of our political
salvation and place it beyond the reach of profanation.
But, it were useless to repine—it were impious to murmur
at this dispensation of Providence. ’Tis the lot of man to
“ shuffle oft’ tliis mortal coil,” and return to dust! But, hap
pily, after the winter of death, there Is a spring time for us be
yond the grave. So true it is—
“ An angel’s ann can’t keep us from the grave—
Legions of angels can't confine us there.”
Tlie follow ing dispatch to the Sav. Georgian gives a few
particulars of the last moments of Mr. Calhoun :
“ Washington, March 31, 4 o’clock, P. M.
“ Mr. Calhoun expired at half-past seven o’clock this morn
ing. He called his son at four o'clock and desired him to lock
up his papers, alluding to his work on Government, which
he had been engaged in revising. He remarked that he was
fast going. Mr. Venable and others attended his bed-side im
mediately. Mr. Calhoun failed gradually, and died calmly and
composed, free from pain, and in the full jtossession of his
i faculties. He said but little, and after his speech failed him,
! he took his friends by the hand. His face is perfectly life-like.
1 left Clark Mills taking the east.”
Which will tbe Souib prefer i—One of the issues
made by the last Legislature of Georgia, as to the slavery
question, was the admission of California as a State, with her
i present limits. If this be done, say our Solons and Lawgivers,
I it will furnish sufficient reason tor resistance and revolution
on the part of the South! Well, grant all that is asked, in rela
tion to the iniquity of excluding the South from Iter just
share in the territories acquired bv the united arms of the
South and North, ire., Ac., the question now arises, wheth
er it is better for the South to admit California, as she is, or
to divide that territory into three or four parts, each of w hich
in turn, w ill come in as a sovereign State, and send, each, two
Senators to the National Legislature? If the equilibrium
is to be preserved, it strikes us that the South had better suf
fer California to send two Senators instead of six or eight ,
for the presumption now is, that no slate State can ever be
formed out of any part of that territory. Tbe greater emigration
from the “ free-soft” States to California precludes the idea.
At first, the South might have controlled the question of slave
ry there, by each State sending out some ten thousand South
ern men to plant the institution on the soil and engraft it on
the original Constitution. But we fear that the occasion has
passed without improvement, and the South has now only to
choose between California as one State with her present lim
its and two Senators, or California, as three or four States,
with her six or eight Senators!