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* LITERARY.
8. A. ATKINSON, Editor.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 1863.
WEEKLY GOSSIP WITH READERS AND COR
RESPONDENTS.
An lunonant Reader.— Tleaso inform me
what were Hhe seven w onders of the world,' and who
were the *five wise men of Greece?"’ —1. The seven
wonders of the world were: the Egyptian Pyramids; the
mausoleum of Antemesia; the temple of Diana, at
Ephesus; the walls and hanging gardens of Babylon*
the Colossus at Rhodes: the statue of Jupiter Olympus?
and tho Phuros, or watch-tower at Alexandria.—2.
The seven (not five) wise men of Greece were: Thales,
of Miletus; Solon, of Athens; Bia*, of Priene; Chile,
of Lacedaemon; Pittacus, of Mitylcne; Cleobulns. of
Lindos; and Pcriander, of Corinth. Some enumerate
Myson, and others Anacharsis, instead of Periamler.
Farm iu- ‘Can you tell me bow the ex
emption act ctlecis overseers—how many hands aro re
quired to exempt an overseer?” —One man is exempt
on each plantation on which there are ten or mor
slaves over the age of six^en; one exempt is also al
lowed lor every two or more plantations within a
neighborhood of five miles, having each less than ten
negroes over sixteen, but having in the aggregate twen
ty negroes—said exempt being the oldest of the owners
or overseers on such plantations; ptocidcd, in both
cases, that there is on such plantation or plantations no
white male adult not liable to military service.
Curiosity. —“ Can you tell me the origin of
the phrase Hobson’s choice?”—VVe believe we have
already stated that it originated with a man named
Hobson, in Cambridge, England, who once kept a livery
stable, with forty horses to lot. He was the only man
in tdwn in that business; and one of his many peculia
rities was, that he required each customer to take the
horse that stood nearest to tho stable door; so that, in
stead of allowing the customer to choose, Hobson chose
for him; and ho might take “Hobson’s choice,” or go
without.
Novice. —“ What is the meaning of the terms
‘bulls’ and ‘bears,’ as used in financial circles?” —A
Bull is one who buys stocks on specnlation, thinking
they will rise, so that he can sell st a profit. It is to his
interest to have stocks rise, and he will resort to every
means to bring about the desired result. A Bear is
one who sells stocks on specnlation, thinking they will
fall, so that he can buy for less money to fill his con*
tracts. It is to his interest to break down the market’
and he will resort to the most desperate means to a<\
oomplish his object.
Teacher. —“dan u second hand piano be
secured in Angnsta, suitable fur a sc 1 tool room, for the
pnpils to practice on ?” We presume such an instru
ment may be procured,but we do not consider anythin*
but a good inatrument suitable for yoang pupils. It It
a mistaken idea that mything will answer for begin
ners. Better not to study music at all, until the block
ado is raised, than to vitiate the ear and the touch with
a worn out piano.
Beginner.— is the meaning of tbe
term ‘finessing,’ in whist?”—lt signifies an attempt to
take advantage; thus, if you have the best and third
beet card of the suit led, you put on the third best, and
run the risk of your adversary having the second best;
if he has not, which is too to one against him, you are
then certain of gaining the trick.
Querist. —“ Wbat is the signification of ‘I.
li. S.’ and ‘ I. H. C.’ as seen on crosses and tombstones?”
—Tho initials I. H. S. and I. H. C. signify lee us llovni
num Salvator jnd It ms Ifumanitatie Cansolator —
.Testis the Saviour of mankind aDd Jesus the consoler
of man.
Green Bag. — “ Can tbe new code of Geor
gia be had in your city?”—The publisher announces
that it may bo had at bookstores generally; and we
ha\ e no doubt it i* on sale in this city, or soon will
bo. YYe have not had time to make the inquiry.
We are constantly receiving letters in refer,
cnee to the Georgia Cotton Card YVofks. Inquirers
w ould save time, and get more satisfactory information,
by writing to l’eter Jones, Esq., Milledgeville.
R. B. 1 K., Forest Depot, Ya. —“ The Little
Dunce” has not been published, but is marked for in
sertion. There is no paper published in the French
language in the Confederate States, save perhaps in
New Orleans.
Student. —“ Wbat is tbe meaning of the quo
tation ‘ jacta eel aka V ”—lt means the die is cast, and
was first used by Osar when he passed the Rubicon.
Job. —“How many cases of small pox have
you in Augusta:”—Wc have seen no official report;
but there arc not inauy cases, and these are usually
very mild. The first case is already nearly recovered-
L. S. Blakely, Ga.—You probably had bet.
ter complete tho story before sending it. The prize
stories will follow those now In course of publication.
Marian. —“How large is Salt Lake?”--It is 75
miles long and GO miles broad.
James W., Atlanta. —You cau buy type
metal here for 60 cents per lb.
Kmma 0- — Stuart’s Cavalry are so übiquitous
that we hardly know where their headquarters are.
O. M. S. —We have written you by mail.
.. A number of communications lie over for
our next.
THE SOUTHERN FIELD AND FIRESIDE.
THE PRIZE ARTICLES.
We publish today tlm beautiful Poem—
' Marching to Death’—l< • bich the prize was
awarded jointly with the ‘Rainbow Dream,’
which will be published in our next. We take
peculiar pleasure in announcing that the au
thor of the charming production which we to
day present to our readers, is Geo. Herbert
Sass, Esq.—or we should rather °ay, Master
Geo. Herbert Sass, of Charleston, S. C. —a
youth scarcely seventeen years of age, and the
son of J. K. Sass, Esq., President of the Bank
of Charleston. He is known to our readers as
‘ Hebbert,’ and is the author of 4 Clermistonlee,’
and several tine ballads which have adorned
our columns during the last few months. —
1 Marching to Death’ is alone sufficient to attest
his claim to rank among the true poets of the
South. He will contribute to our columns du
ring the year as often as his collegiate duties
will allow, being now a student at the College
of Charleston.
We also publish to-day one of the Prize Es
says, entitled 4 The Characters of Poetry,’ by
Rev. E. T. Winkler, of Kingstree, S. C. We
have not availed ourself of the author’s per
mission to ‘divide it if we thought proper,’
and offer no apology for presenting it entire to
our readers. They will agree with the com
mittee and with us, that we are fortunate in the
relief the blockade affords, from the literature
of the North, so long as such pens are wielded
in behalf of native letters. In this connection
we may remark that this able divine has re
cently been teudered. and accepted, the chap
laincy of the Kutaw (25tb S. C. V.) Regiment.
We trust that the labors of his now position
will not interfere with the exercise of his rare
powers as an essayist
Next week we shall publish 4 The Rainbow
Dream,’ by Rev. Alexander Means, D. D. LL.
D., Oxford, Ga, and the ‘Uses of Poetry,’ by
Rev. Richard Furman, D. D., of Greenville, S.
C., and the week following will be commenced
the prize Story— ‘ The Randolphs of Randolph
Hall,’ by Miss Serena A. Niner, of Coving
ton, Ga.
KEEP A JOURNAL.
At all times it iH desirable that a careful re
cord of the incidents of every day’s observation
and experience be noted down. JTbe time de
voted to such a record is a trifling consideration,
when we estimate the value of such a compila
tion, tbe gratification it will afford as a do
mestic history, its importance as a chronologi
cal calendar, and the influence it will exert in
stimulating the chronicler to do something
worth recording. At the present time, when
even the humbleßt member of society is
enacting deeds worthy of immortal reDown—
is living history—the importance of such re
cords is incalculable. They will enable the
future historian to rescue from oblivion individ
ual achievements which stamp tbe family name
with a renown that shall descend to future gen
erations. “Honest George Dyer,’’ the bumble
chronicler of a certain obscure country town,
loDg years ago, justly observed that “the most
importaut consequences often result from a
single date —sometimes to an individual, some
times to a family, and sometimes even to the
public at large.” Such a sentiment may savo
of fanaticism—but it is tbe fanaticism of com
mou sense. We would inculcate this spirit in
the miuds of every reader, and especially or
our brave soldiers, who Hre daily witnesses of
deeds that deserve to live forever: but which
if unrecorded, will soon be forgotten, or remem
bered only to be rehearsed in tbe chimney
corner as “old soldier's tales,” when they
should be placed in the enduring form of
history.. Half a page of some moth-eaten
scrawl, made in pencil, by the dim light of a
bivouac tire, may lay the basis for a family
name worth more than gold to even tbe hum
blest private. It is to such records, aud uot
merely to the public tiles and official reports,
that tbe historian will turn, and with plodding
toil and aching eyes bring out the minute facts,
and groupe them together, until like a statue
restored from tbe crumbling dust of a buried
age. he will present a complete aud truthful |
record of the war, which time caunot dim, or
tbe band of favoritism efface, lu searching
for one thing he will stumble upon another,
and from one gem of golden truth, be will tind
a casket of historic pearls—and thus the en
chanted delver will strike on in the glimmering
mine of hope, finding under the roots of the
dryest shrub, treasures which posterity will
prize higher than the sands of Peru. To sub
serve such a useful and noble purpose, who
will say that the time devoted to keeping a
journal, is thrown away?
■»>♦
THE DUTY OF THOSE AT HOME.
“YVouldat thou be rich, give unto tbe poor—thou sh<
have thine own with usury.
For the secret hand of Providence prospereth the chari
table always.
Good luck shall he have in his pursuits, and his heart
shall be glad within him.”
The progress of the war has called out many
bright examples of liberality, not only in be
half of enterprises for the public defence, but
toward those deprived of their usual means of
support. Homes desolated by the reigning
carnage have been relieved of the ills of press
ing want through the exercise of a spirit of
cot^derate benevolence.
In nothing has the sincerity and zeal of our
people in the sacred cause of freedom been
more signaly attested than in tbe general pre
valence of this spirit of liberal philanthropy.—
The exercise of a spirit of unostentations and
self-sacrificing charity by those at home exalts
the character no less than deeds of heroism in
the field ; for each are equally essential to the
success of our cause. The soldier bears cheer
fully the exposures and privations of the camp,
when he feels that the dear ones at home are
not a prey to extortioners and heartless specu
lators ; but a consciousness of their suffering
paralizes a spirit of resistance, and is fatal to
his efficiency and endurance. It becomes, then,
the exalted duty of those who are pursuing
thoir usual avocations, secure from the ravages
of the invader and the trials of the camp, to
persevere in this spirit of benevolence, which
had been so conspicuously illustrated during
the war. There should be no relaxation of ef
fort for the relief of the poor and needy—no
wearying of well doing. The public bounties
are inadequate to the necessities of the day,and
will never reach many who are most deserving
of aid.
It is not the extremely poor alone who
claim the exercise of this spirit; but those
who have never known want before: and such
as are not so much in need of actual charity,
as of the kindly offices of friendly aid, which
will protect them from the arts of trade and
the plundering devices of tbow “who devour
widow’s houses, and for a pretext make loug
prayers.” A liberal patrimony is soon wasted,
under the prevailing reign of extortion, for
want of tbe prudent management of the head
of a family. A spirit of true benevolence will
lead to a watchful solicitude for tbo interest* of
neighbors who are in the field. In the saving
of meat, the pitching of a crop, and in its cul
tivation, as well as in a solicitute for the health
and good government of servants, the offices of
a pure benevolence find noble exercise. It is
therefore not alone in giving that constitutes a
liberal philanthropy, but iu saving from waste,
and a timely aid in husbanding the resources
of those above want. He is a poor benefactor
who gives bis neighbor's family a few barrels
of corn after refusing to help harvest a crop,
which, if gathered iu time, would nave been
ample for their waDts. It is poor charity which
leads a man to sell a pair of shoes to the
soldier’s wife at hundred percent, profit)
and then give her fifty cents to buy a peck of
meal. Such charity “puts a penny in the purse
of poverty, and takes a shilling out,” and will
never realize tbe reward poetically promised
at the opening of this article.
- • m mm
The Standard learns that Rev. J. R. Graves
has entered into a recognizance to appear before
Judge Manly, at Hillsboro’, on the loth inst.,
to answer to tbe charges against him. .
Ex-Gov. Branch, of North Chrolina, died at
Enfield, N. C., on the 4th inst., in the 88th
year of his age; He was Secretary of the Navy
under Gen. Jackson’s administration.
Lincoln has signed a bill erecting the forty,
eight counties of Western Virginia into a State,
to be called “Kauawba.” It is reported that,
in announcing the fact, he said be had “Laid
aside his overcoat and gloves, and intended to
be President for awhile.”
A Northern dispatch says “that during the
naval encounter near Galveston, in which the
Harriet Lane was captured, the Westfield,
under Commander Renshaw, determined not
to be taken, and, after a consultation, officers
and men all agreeing, they blew her up with
all on board, including the commander. Only
eight escaped.” If this is true, it is an exhi
bition of foolhardy heroism very seldom wit
nessed.
Banks has released all the political prisoners
in New Orleans; including Mayor Monroe.
CHILD OF THE COUNTRY.
CUNNINGHAM.
“Child of the country ! free as air
Art thou, and as the sunshine fat-:
Born, like the lilly, where the dew
Ides odorous when the day is new,
Fed mid the May-flowers like the bee,
Nursed to sweet music on the knee,
Lull'd in the breast to that glad tune,
Which winds make "mong the woods of J uue:
I sing of thee'tis sweet to sing
Os such a fair and gladsome thing."
“Child of the country ! thy small feet
Tread on strawberries red and sweet;
With thee I wander forth to sec
The flowers which most delight the bee;
The bush o'er which the throstle sung
In April, while she nursed her young;
The d?n beneath the sloe-thorn, where
She breebher twins, the timorous hare;
The knoll, wrought o’er with wild blue bell.',
Where brown bees build their balmy cells;
The greenwood stream, the shady pool,
Where trouts leap when the day is cool;
The shilfa's nest that seems to be
A portion of the sheltering tree —
And other marvels, which my verse
Can find no language to rehearse.”
a
“Childof the country! on the lawn
Blithe as the bird which tries its wing
The first time on the windsof spring;
Bright as the sun when from the cloud
lie comes as cocks are crowing loud ;
Now running, shouting, 'mid sunbeams.
Now grouping trouts In lucid streams.
Now spinning like a mill-wheel round,
Now hunting echo’s empty sound,
Now climbing up some old tall tree—
For climbing's sake. ’Tis sweet to thee
To sit where birds can sit alone,
Or share with thee thy venturous throne,'*
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
The Southern Gardener and Reckii’t Book : Third
Edition, revised and corrected— by Mi:s. Mart L.
Edgeworth.
This is the title of a handsome volume, of over 400
pages, containing valuable information on all subjects
connected with domestic and rural affairs, gardening
cooking, beverages,dairy .medical veterinary and miscel
laneous topics. The work is prepared in a plain, intelligi
ble style, admirably designed for the practical wants of
the Southern home. The authoress of the work is a lady of
cultivated literary taste, and practical domestic habits—
the daughter of one of the most noted housewives in
Georgia, as the visitors to the watering places of the up
country ten or twelvo years ago will attest. The direc
tions for gardening are prepared by Mr. Phineas Thorn
ton, of Camden, S. C., well known as one of the best
gardeners of the South. In the medioal department Dr.
Edgeworth, a practicing physician, has contributed a
number of prescriptions, and others arc collected from J
reliable sources.
The book is a valuable one, aud we commend it to
Southern Housekeepers. For sale by Geo. A. Oates A
Co., Augusta, and by booksellers generally.
The Soldier’s Friend.
This is the title of a new paper, just commenced in
Atlanta, of a religious, literary, and news character, aud
designed especially for circulation in the army. It is a
handsome, and well edited sheet, and we commend it to
the fostering liberality of all who feel an interest in the
moral and religious welfare of our noble soldiery.—
Price five cents a copy, or sl.lO for four months. The
editor, Rev. A. S. Worrell, solicits subscriptions, or
contributions in aid of its circnlation.
DRAMATIC.
During the past week the “Queen Sisters’ base been
playing to excellent houses—the best criterion of suc
cess. Among the pieces produced, have been the come
dies of “The Serious Family,” and “Sweethearts and j
Wives;” ulso, the|melo-draraas of “The Idiot Witness”
and “The Poacher’s Doomtogether with the farces of
the “Irish Lion,” “The Secret,” “Limerick Boy,*’ and
“Perfection.” Probably the great secret of the success
of this troupe lies in the fact that their repertoire, i s j
confined to such pieces as are within the compass es
their ability. “Sweethearts and Wives” is perhaps the
best type'of the genuine old school comedy which they
have given us; and its rendition would have done credit
to any veteran corps, and proved, if proof were heces
sary, their capacity for the highest order of comedy.
In pursuance, it would be seenfof a plan of gradual
development, they have adopted the melo-drama as a
stepping stone to the Tragic Drama, and Miss Lavra's
Rachel Hyland, Alfred's Robert Shelley, and
Master dames’ James Greenfield, inhibit the germ
of a future excellence, if studiously and care
fully cultivated. Os Master Andrew we have no hope
as a future tragedian. He is too thoroughly imbued
with the spirit of Momns to lead to any such expecta
tion. The low comedian, (as he is technically called.)
Is apt to take liberties with both author and audience,
and thi3 fault we would caution Master Andrew
against; not that we charge him with any grievous ex
hibition of it recently, but we mention it as the rock
ahead on which so many split.
On the whole, the performances, including Miss
Laura’s delightful songs, the dancing of Misses Fannie
and Julia, and the music of the Palmetto Band, have
been highly creditable to themselves and satisfactory to
their audiences.
The citizens of Montgomery tendered acompliraetary
benefit to Miss Ada Vernon on Friday night
Mr. and the Misses slonian are giving a series of con
certs at the Savannah Theatre. > 4)