Newspaper Page Text
recollect what a loved one says. She viii leave
here in about a month, and ere that 1 shall resolve
my hopes into sober certainty, and shall then call
on vou, as agreed between us.
Yours,
G. LESTER.
CHAPTER 111.
** And so, this is your last evening with us, Miss
Carry ? ” questioned Dr. Lester, who stood by
the side of Caroline, in the drawing room of her
uncle.
They were apart from the other guests then as
sembled at one of the windows. r lhe rich col
oring of the curtain threw a rosy glow over Car
ry's face, which was more pensive than usual.
“ Yes,” and a slight sigh followed her answer
—“ I have enjoyed myself very much during my
visit, and will regret some of the kind friends 1
leave.” “Regret! that is but a cold word for
those whom you do leave”—and his voice became
lower, mure impassioned —“ for myself, did I not
determine i would not he left behind, l could find
no words to tell the agony I know that this hour,
this place, are not as I would have them, to speak
of rny feelings to you, hut they must now have ut
terance. I love you , Caroline; a}’e, even that
word is too cold, too passionless, to express the
feelings with which you have inspired me. Speak
dearest, and tell me 7/owhave long known this, and
that you do not forbid it.”
Carry’s beautiful head bent still lower, while
her sunny ringlets fell around, veiling her face ;
and George, whose eyes, were bent eagerly upon
her, thought he saw a pleased smile, dancing like
a sunbeam over it.
“ Speak Caroline, dear one,” he whispered,
“ tell me my hopes do not deceive me,” and he
endeavored to take the little hand, resting on the
window seat.
The hand was however quickly withdrawn, and
Caroline looked jestingly up in his face as she
said —“Hush! do pray,’tis indeed neither time
nor place for such talk, look at those half-a-hun
dredeyes bent so inquiringly on us two poor ac
tors iii this farce ! ”
“ But one word Caroline, I beg. Tell me, may
1 follow you and ask the consent of your protec
tors ? ”
“Not even one word to night,” and she moved
towards the group at the center table, though
George endeavored to prevent her.
Then I shall follow to your dear home, and woo
at more fitting time and place. Will }*ou let me
come *? ” and his face wore all the happy look of
an accepted lover.
“ I will; if you promise* to wait until I sum
mon you. I must have at least one month to get
into the quiet and rusticity of that dear home in
deed, ere 1 can give one serious thought to any
thing. Will you promise ? ” and she looked so
charmingly, yet soentrealingly into his face.
“Everything, anything, dearest! yet this is in
deed difficult to obey.”
The remainder of the evening Carry’s atten
tion was claimed by other guests ; and though
George remained her attendant-beau, yet not
another word could he say. The “good night ”
was indeed, more tender than usual, on his part;
and the whispered words “ I will be here ere you
start,” and they parted.
The carriage was ordered by*Caroline to be at
the door by eight o’clock, in order that her aunt
and self might arrive at the cottage ere night set
in. Her last words to her uncle as he kissed her
were, “ Let no one know,either by word or hint,
my’ secret dear uncle, and there is no telling the
number of nice woolen socks, and silk purses
your Carr} r will knit for you.”
CHAPTER IV.
“ Her letter, too, was so like herself, dear
Carry; so coy, so mischievous ; nothing that
could be construed into love, but the earnest and
reiterated request, “Do come, I shall most anx
iously expect you on the 18th—and to clay is
that blessed ultimo.” Such was the gratifying
soliloquy of George Lester, as he drove towards
the village, on the suburbs of which stood Ver
non cottage.
Twilight was fast deepening into night, as the
stylish equipage of Dr. Lester drove through
the village street to the Hotel; where, afier be
speaking a room, and seeing his horses cared for,
he inquired of the landlotd the way to Col. Ver
non's. “ Aye, that will be found easy enough to
night, if you will just follow the folks you see go
ing along up the street, now Lt. Harry is a brave
fellow anil I’ve no doubt we’ll have a brave wed
ding. But I must’nt keep you sir, as I spose
you’re one of his friends come to see him married.”
Commend me to the of a vain man I
Though George was unacquainted with Harry
Vernon, lie followed the group pointed out, feel
ing sure that to one at least, he would not be con
sidered an intruder on this festal occasion, and
willing to brave cold looks from the whole world,
supported by that sweet consciousness.
The cottage looked lovelier even than when
we saw it last, though now winter, and having
no bright flowers wherewith to adorn it. But the
whole front and indeed the whole building, was
one blaze of light, caught and if a
myriad of tiny diamonds had been sprinkled over
the snow covered ground, looking as if it too had
put on bridal white, to do honor to Harr}t Ver
non s wedding festivities. The bare trees had
also their pendant diamonds, and some tasteful
hand had hung from the houghs of those forming
the approach to the house, numerous colored lan
terns ,and thus over the white snow, fell stiearns
of golden crimson, and pale violet hue, gi' in £j
beauty and variety to the scene. Above twinkled
the stars, with which heaven’s canopy was thick
ly studded, sending out through the cold, frost}
air, their spiritual beams. Gay forms in white
were seeu flitting about past windows and doors,
as George approached the entrance. An elderly
gentleman in military undress stood near receiv
ing the c oming guests. George introduced him
self as 4 Dr. Lester, from P ,an old friend
of Miss Lascelles,” and was warmly welcomed
by Col. Vernon, who added courteously, “he
was glad to see all her friends and his own also,
on this night; to witness the accomplishment of
his fondest wishes ior his son’s happiness.” An
introduction was given to Mrs. Vernon, a digni
fied, yet smiling matron; and he stood talking
with her and Mrs. Mason, whilst, like the rest of
the assembled company, awaiting the descent
from above of the bridal train, George impatient
ly looked forward to its arrival, as he thought, of
course, Caroline must be one of the attendants
on her cousin and his bride, on whom, by the by,
and indeed on no one, did he give a passing
thought except her fair self.
A gentleman now’ advanced, and spoke in an
under tone to the minister, who arose, and imme
diately afterwards the bridal party entered the
room. Why does our hero start and turn so pale
and almost dart forward, to separate Caroline —
whom his quick, expectant eyes distinguished un
der the rich, flowing veil from the distinguished
looking young officer, on whose arm she leaned.
The solemn ceremony proceeded—was finished
—congratulations offered—and yet George Les
ter stood pale, transfixed, as if changed into mar
ble from the petrifying nature of the surprise.
Col. Vernor approaching, led him to the fair bride,
who yet leaned on her fusband’s arm, and in
troduced, “ an old friend of yours, my daughter,
Dr. Lester.” A rosv blush and a mischevious
smile broke o’er her face, as she demurely held
forth her gloved hand in token of welcome.—
The words of congratulation died on our hero’s
lips ; he could but summon presence of mine]
enough to allow him to take the proffered hand,
and bow to the introduction given by Col. Ver
non to his son, and the husband of his lady love,
Caroline Lascelles.
He caught also a pitying look from the placid
face of Leonore Vernon, as he turned from the
group ; and with that glance, rushed o’er his
mind, the memory of bygone times. He then
felt, by experience how hard to bear was such a
pang as the one of slighted love, and with
that thought too, also came an explanation of
Caroline’s conduct to himself; her revenging her
gentle cousin’s wrong on him, the faithless, dis
honored one, who had wantonly won, and still
more wantonly thrown away the rich wealth of
that gentle being's best affections, and who, in
her generous indignation of his cruelty had made
“ the end justify the means.”
George Lester took “French leave” lons be
fore supper was announced, and his hurry to
leave the scene of his disappointment may be de
scribed in the words of the servant, whom he
aroused to get ready his equipage: “The gent
was in* a mighty hurry, surely to come at dark,
and to quit between two days.” After this time,
Dr. Lester was occasionally heard of, as flutter
ing around some rich heiress or widow at places
of summer resort, but he never appeared happy,
always presenting the aspect of one dissatisfied
with himself and the world.
Caroline Vernon, some time after, had the
pleasure of teasing her cousin about never loving
again, and trusting in man’s vows on the engage
ment, and subsequent marriage of Leonore with
Herbert Milton, the young clergyman of their
village.
As to Carry, herself, she continues that same
wild, girlish being we have endeavored to show
in “our word painting;” affording, by her gayety
and frolicksomness, the golden ray of sun-shine
that dances through the beautiful, though old
fashioned mansion of Col. Vernon.
Revolutionary Relic. —Rhode Island boasts of a
musket and a sword, that are among the most in
teresting of our revolutionary relics. “The first
blood drawn from the veins of a British officer in
that great quarrel,” said Mr. Tillinghast, of Prov
idence, in an eloquent address before a band of
our surviving veterans of ’7G, “was drawn by a
shot from a Rhode Island musket—upon our own
waves, within sight from the tower of that tem
ple where we have, this morning, heard the scenes
and principles of the revolution so eloquently re
viewed by the orator of the/Jav. The owner of
that musket lives in honor among us, still charac
terized by that native resolution, which the lapse
of sixty-seven years from that time has not been
able to extinguish or abate. The first sword that
waved in triumph upon the surmounted rampart
of Yorktown, was a Rhode Island sword. The
owner of that sword, as he clambered up the
work, received upon his hands and arms the stabs
of the bayonets that were aimed at his life ; and
having gained the summit and planted himself
firmly there, he lifted his sword aloft in his bleed
ing hand, and called aloud to friend and foes,
“ Captain Stephen Onley’s company meet here !”
REPORT OFTHE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
ON CHOLERA.
The Medical Society of South Carolina, influenced by n pro
found sense of the duty it owes to the community, and by an
earnest solicitude to allay the fears and quiet the apprehensions
likely to be awakened in the public mind, by anticipated visita
tion of Cholera, os well ns with the view of offering some sal
utary suggestions, calculated to prove useful, both as a means
of prevention and relief in the event of such an invasion ta
king place, some time since appointed a committee with in
structions to draw up a report, suitable to the emergency of
the occasion. In accordance with these instructions, and in
fulfilment of the views entertained, the following recommen
dations are respectfully offered to the consideration of the
public.
In adopting this course, the Medical Society has no wish
to interfere in any respect with the general salutary regula
tions which have been recommended; and they no doubt, will
faithfully carried out by the Board of Health, under the autho
ity and supervision of the City Council. The chief aim of the
Society is to co-operate with the public authorities —to add
the weight of its influence and suggestions to theirs; but more
especially to point out a few plain and simple directions, by
which the propagation of the epidemic, should one occur, may
be, to a certain extent, prevented ; and individuals suddenly
attacked may be enabled to check or control the course ot the
disease, uutil such time as medical aid can be obtained. In
pursuance of these objects, it is proposed to arrange the con
templated suggestions as succintly as possible, under a few
leading heads.
The Origin of Cholera.—ln the present connection, this is
question of but little moment—suffice it to say, the first ac
count of the disease we possess, scarcely dates back three
quarters of a century. It was entirely unknown until after
the middle of the eighteenth century, and from that period
up to 1829, its ravages were confined exclusively to Asia,
where it first originated, and whence it has subsequently
spread with slow and stealthy mnrqh, over almost every known
portion of the habitable globle. In 1830, ’3l and 35, the dis
ease, for the first time invaded Europe, entering by way of
Russia, whence its ravages were extended successively, but
irregularly, over the whole Continent and the British Isles.—
From the old it passed over to the new world, and first made
its appearance at Quebec, about the Bth of June, 1836, it pre
vailed successively in nearly every part of the United States,
and in the principal West India Islands—appearing in some of
the chief cities twice. This was the casein New York, Phil
adelphia, and Baltimore, in 1832 and 1834. The epidemic
did not however reach Charleston until 1836, subsequent to
which period it disappeared from our country, and although
its appalling ravages could not be easily forgotten, our people
soon ceased to think of it with apprehension and dread, as it
was no longer heard of, except a at distance amidst the plains
and jungles of India, where it first originated. This happy
exemption, however, has proved to boos only temporary du
ration, During the last two years, influenced by circumstan
staces favorable to its propagation, it has been again pursuing
its deadly march towards our shores; and after invading and
traversing the North of Europe, as on the occasion of its pre
vious visitation, it finally, in the course of the last Autumn,
burst upon New Orleans with relentless fury, and while it
still lingers there and npon the western waters, there seems
to be a prospect of its gradually spreading its destructive influ
ence over the fairest portions of our happy country. Already
has the report reached us of its appearance in New York, and
some of the northern cities of the Union ; and although our
own city has thus far remained exempt, and in the full enjoy
ment of that henlthfulness for which she is so distinguished,
we cannnt, expect to escape the calamities that so sorely afflict
our neighbors. Should they come upon us, it will bo our
duty to bow in humble submission to the chastening decrees
of an all-wise Providence ; to meet the danger that may
threaten, with calmness and confidence, and, in anticipation of
such an afflictive event, to use all poss'ble means to avert or
mitigate the ills it may bring forth; and to rely for protection
against the ravages of the Pestilence, upon him who in his in
finite wisdom directs and regulates every thing for our com
mon good.
2. The Propagation and Extension of Cholera, are subject
to the common laws which regulate the spread of most other
epidemic diseases. Like them it is only capable ol being ex
tended under the influence of a concurrence of circumstances,
many of which are inscrutible under our present means of
investigation ; but nil, doubtless, contributing through some
mysterious agency, to impress certain modifications upon the
atmosphere, which either generate in its elements a deadly
poisou, or at any rate, create an aptitude to disseminate the
seeds of pestilence, with frightful certainty, over the vast ex
tents of seas and continents, without its being in the power of
man to stay their progress, however much he may do to abate
the amount of their influence. But while we -are profoundly
ignorant of the origin, and essential qualities of the cholera
poison—whether it begasious, animalculnr, cryptoganeous, as
some suppose, or consists of some unknown imponderable
agent—all experience proves, that its efficiency is much in
creased by circumstances very much under our control, and
that a scrupulous attention to the removal or correction of these
aggravating influences, is calculated to contribute greatly to the
common safety.
Assuming, as may be safely done, that the atmosphere is the
medium through which the poison is transmitted, if it be not
generated by some inscrutable change taking place in some of
its elements, it necessarily follows that whatever deteriorates
the properties of the air we breathe, so ns to render it un
friendly to health cannot fail to contribute largely to the spread
of epidemic diseases. The extension of Cholera is very much
influenced by such accidental circumstances. It seizes, with
a peculiar predilection.upona crowded population.'and especial
ly upon those individuals who inhabit situations illy ventillated,
and teaming with filth. But besides the accidental contamina
tions of the atmosphere generated under such conditions, the
spread of such an epidemic as Cholera is greatly promoted bv
all those habits and modes of life, which tend to derange the
actions of the frame, and thus increase its susceptibility to dis
ease—by improprieties in food or drink, the passions and emo
tionsof the mind, and by exposure, excesses, and irregularities
of every kind. How far the transmission of the disease is
due to a specific, inherent principle of contagion, is a question
in regard to which the sentiments of the profession arc divided,
although one of paramount importance, the discussion of it
here would be useless, as truth certainly could not be elicited.
It will be sufficient to remark, that while the writer of this Re
port, influenced by a tolerably wide range of experience and
the weight of much respectable authority, does not believe the
disease to be contagious, some of his colleagues entertain an
opposite opinion. Be this as it may, what is more certainly
known of the propagation of Cholera is, that it seldom seizes
upon a sparce ond isolated population ; that in its transmission
from place to place, its course, though often tortuous, and gen
erally slow, is always regulated by the great streams of popu
lation as they flow on in different directions, obedient to the
laws ol human intercourse, whether in pursuit of either busi
ness or pleasure; and that although sometimes intercepted by
high mountain ranges, it seems to follow, by preference, the
principal water courses and high-ways, and is capable of being
wafted beyond seas, but never, it has been affirmed, “at a
rate exceeding that of ships,” or on land, the speed of travel
observed by man. But it should be remarked, that instances
have been known of ships leaving perfectly healthy ports,
being seized with the disease on the wide ocean.
3. Means of Preventing or Mitigating the Epidemic
All suggestions relating to this head, must be deduced from a
consideration of the causes of the disease. Os the nature of
these causes, it has been affirmed that we know nothing.
But there are numerous collatreral influences which exercise
a powerful agency iu giving efficacy to them and which being
known and many of them within our reach demands of us a
careful consideration. They all pertain to the heads of public
or private Hygiene, or general and special health
may be conveniently considered under the following and, v C ’*f
1. Accidental vitiations of the Atmosphere. 2.
Drinks. 3. Clothing. 4, Exercise and bodily oca/M !
and pursuits. 5. The Intellectual operations and the
oj the mind. 6. Residence.
a. The sources of Atmospheric vitiation are so ntn>
and at the same time so obvious, that they claim a j )ro
share of our attention. The streets, lanes and alleys ‘
city, the docks and Wharves, the market, stores und
business, the drains and common sewers, uninhabited „ ‘fl
lots, sinks, and pools of stagnant water, private res c M B
kitchens, the apartments of servants, stables, yards,
pump drains, &c. present so many points for the* flccuni i■
of filth, and the consequent* generation, under n np ( ,j
cleanliness, of deleterious Atmospheric vitiations,
should claim the serious attention of both the health’
and of every private individual No means of pur f b
disinfection, nnd general melioration should be ihv . b
and in this important work designed to secure the o
safety, all should co-operate with zeal and assiduity o? I
efforts of the public authorities must, from the uatu I
the circumstances, be confined chiefly to the outside arrT* I
ments; and however important they may be, they \ Vl ] I
little unless seconded by a concurrent, attention on the n |
the citizens generally 4o the state of their premises. f
The streets, market-places, drains and places of bu.V].’
where filth is liable to accumulate should be kept thorctJ I
clean; low lots and other places, should be filled up;
water should be drained oif; nnd no putric! vegetable or ni *
matter, decayed fruit, or filth of any kind, should he nil,’**
to accumulate in the streets or elsewhere. Disinfectant
quick lime, chloride of lime, chloride of soda, Ac., should ’
liberally applied in the drains, and all oilier situations
their employment can prove serviceable , and while ill S
points arc duly attended to out of doors, a rigid and them! I
process of purification nnd disinfection slum Id bo carried a I
on our premises. Dwellings kitchens, servants’
out-buildings generally, cellars, fences, Ac., should claim a
cial attention, such ns scouring, white-washing, nnd thur
ventilation. Proprietors and heads of families cannot ben
scrupulous in giving their personal attention to these p nit
especially as far as servants’ apart ments are concerned, n
habits of many of our domestics are so lamentably deficiw
in the principles of cleanliness, that nothing short of a r, w
nnd unremitting surveilancc over tßem can prevent an nccutr. s
lation of filth about their apartments, both noisome and (k
gerous to health. A liberal supply of quick lime should*,
thrown into all sinks, privies, nnd drains, nnd strewn) rU*
the premises generally. Rooms should be sprinkled, fp,
time to time, with chloride of lime or chloride of sodn, orfr
mignted, by pouring occasionally a small quantity of the oil,
vitrol upon common salt, distributed in places nbout the njan
ments, Chloride of lime, chloride of soda, or sulphntp
iron in solution, should be thrown with a liberal band
privies, sinks, and private drains, so ns thoroughly to difinfrj
their noisome exhalation. Without an effectual reaxn,!*
the accumulations which infect and contaminate too ninny pp
vate premises, both in the city and on the Neck, all extmJ
health regulations will avail but little, in awarding off, oritij. S
ing the ravages of pestilence. It is also worthy of suggest:::
that although many may question the agency of contagion a
propagating the disease it will be a safe precaution, in tarryiif
out the ordinary sanatory regulations, to isolate the sick Iron
the uninfected, as far ns it may be possible to do so.
b. There is, perhaps, no epidemic, during the prevalence dj
which, a due attention to the diet, and habits of living!
more important to be observed, than in Cholera. At net
times the entire population seems to be more or less pred*
disposed to the disease, nnd the slightest imprudence in din,
either as regards quantity or quality, is often sufficient to briti(
on a fatal attack. Temperance, sobriety, and regularity in si
things, may therefore be justly regarded ns the most effect*!
means of prevention. While persons who are at nil tnm
temperate in eating and drinking, should be careful to mnb
no important change in their-mode of living, especially inltet
way of ieduction, they, ns well as others, should avoid ccrtni
articles of food, and other disturbing causes. This prohibit#
should extend to all fruits and vegetables, to pork, fish, crab
shrimps, lobsters, and oysters, ns far as drinks are concom
to acid nsceseni beverages, as beer, cider, lemonade, Arc. Ti
diet should consist mainly of animal food, such as beef, mutta
poultry, nnd game, with rice, or sound wholesome well bnk?
bread. Highly’ seasoned dishes of every kind should be can
fully avoided, and the viands to be consumed should be pin it*
cooked, in general either roasted, broiled, or boiled. Poll
water is of course the most wholesome of all drinks; but tbes
who have been in the habit of taking wine or spirits temper
ately, with their meals, should mnke no change in this respect
The same remark will apply to tea nnd coffee ; but the habit)
of intemperance, irregularities and excesses of every kiai
should be carefully shunned. They derange the healthful
functions of the body, enfeeble the vital powers, and by im
pairing their ability to resist the influence of disturbing cause)
becomes a fruitful source of disease.
c. The subject of clothing does not demand any extended
remarks. It should be carefully adapted to the varying condi
tions ol the atmosphere, in point of temperature, moist lift
Ac., so as to effectually guard against any sudden disturbance
es the healthful action of the skin, which always exerciw
great influence in developing disease. In this view it might be
well, especially for those of del cate frame, to wear flftiw
next the skin. Too much caution cannot be observed in avoid
ing wet clothes and damp feet*.
a- In the regulation of exercise, nnd the‘bodily occupation*
generally, fatigue and exhaustion should be carefully avoided
Unnecessary exposure to the hot sun, to wet nnd damp weath
er, and the night air, should be sedulously guarded ngninst,a*
should also long walks, fatiguing excursions, and crowded w
ssemblies. But as moderate exercise, rational amusement!
and a due amount of sleep, cheer the mind and invigorate tl#
body% individuals should avail tliemeslves of those salutary in
fluences.
e. No truth is better established, than the influence of'”
depressing passions in the development nnd extension of W
demic diseases; and no duty can be more important on they
casion of such calamitous visitations than the cultivation of*
perfect serenity of mind , nnd an abiding confidence in the* 1
dom nnd beriificense of an an overruling Providence, wjr
cherishes while it chastises; which presides over, nnd protw®
and ordains ail things for the be>t. It has been truly remark
that panic destroys more victims than cholera ; and the
of genera! experience is, that while calmness and tranquil
of mind contribute grpatlv to avert the ravages of
the depressing passions—fear, grief, anxiety, &,o.—promote y
extension. Another dangerous error is, an overwhelming
fidence in the efficacy of the numerous nostrums puffed,
lauded by quacks and unprincipled person®, as
cholera. Such individuals, in thus pandering the human
lily, minister to their own cupidity.
It should ever be borne in rand that the most certain
of prevention are n strict observance of the precepts “f W
gienne, and a careful avoidance of the causes of the (!•-**
/, Residence, considered in relation to cholera is a sabjfj
of great importance. It has been observed already, that
disease seldom prevails in a sparse or isolated population. R
fact suggests an important precept in regard to the negf® K
olation on our rice and cotton plantations. As sonn a® ‘
disease appears in such a situation, isolation should be
diately resorted to; and while every attention is
comfort cleanliness, diet, cf-c., if no better arrangement c**|
made, the people should be at once encamped on some
healthy, and dry pine land situation. This procedure ct D
be too strongly recommended. Within the knowledge
writer of this report, it has been tried on previous occastf
and found eminently successful.
4. General Directions for the Treatment of
it would be absurd to attempt to prescribe anyjspecial rn f 5
the treatment of cholera, and dangerous for the coinm o1 ’ ‘