Camden commercial courier. (Camden, S.C.) 1837-1838, June 10, 1837, Image 1
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H AT THE PUBLIC GOOD WE AIM."
?1? * _1 "**?^i^?? M. M. LEVY, Editor.
vol.. 1.- r, CAVIOEA, SOUTH CAROLINA, SATUISDAV Jl.\H 10, 1837.
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1 9 ' ~ I
TfIE YANKEE BALL.
A Revolutionary Story.
Holme's Hole is a harbor well known to
all navigators of the coast of New England.
During the year 1781, while the
hopes and fears of the American patriots
were alternating, a half'dozen British frigates
was lying snug in the Holme's Hole
harbor. Time hung heavily on the hands
of the ofllccis on board these vessels, and
they availed themselves of ever) opportunity
of breaking in upon its tedium.
The project of a ball on shore was got
up, and the hearts of the British officers
hounded merrily at the prospect of the
pie asurc in store for them. The Yankee
girls, though not remarkably disposed to
smile on a British uniform, were nevertheless
not adverse to indulging in a little
flirtation .villi those who wore the red
coats. Ladies wear the bump of flirtation
on their heads the world over, and it
is therefore not to he wondered at, that
the girls in the neighborhood of Holme's
Hole were willing to have a few hours
gratification at the expense of their country.
To bring the lion Wiearts of these
oflicors to terms of capitulation, was an
object not to be resisted, and accordingly
these damsels arrayed themselves in their
brightest smiles and repaired to the festive
hall at the time appointed.
Brilliantly shown every thing on that
evening. The olficers were there, forgetful
of the errand of butchery on which
they were to come to the country, and intent
only 011 winning honeyed looks and
love-sick smiles from the breathing forms
pround thorn. The dance went on, and
as fair and sylph-like forms wreathed gaily
through its maizes, the proud Britons
forgot their sweet-hearts at home, and
yielded up their devotions to the fair
strangers he (ore them. Swiftly flew the
winged hours away, and the solemn chime
of midnight swelled 011 the air before the
sounds of music ceased and the parties
seperatcd with promises of many such
meetings in future.
It was too late, to return to the ships
/ 1.1. * .- 1 -1- - ii -
mi;ii ui^ni, aim uie gaiiant oiiic.ers, atlerj
discoursing tin the compilative merits of
the beauties by whom they had been entranced,
drank a toast to woman's smile,
and prepared to retire for the night.?
Pleasant dreams cheered their pillows?
away their spirits bounded over the wide
expanse of waters between them and their
distant homes, and there revelled in halfawakened
scenes of former bliss, and
sleep was to litem a repose and blessing.
No thought, no suspicion had they of
coining evil; but, busy with the past, all
forgetful were they of the power of the
future to bring a saddening change over
their hearts, and they slept away with the
smile of tranquility playing upOn their
tea led features.
But all were hot asleep that night.?
There were others counting on future
gains and glories, whose wakeful enterprise
banished slumber from their eyelids,
and filled their hearts with those high
sensations which deeds of chivalrous flaring
always foster. To these it is now
our duty to turn.
The Vineyard sound is about five miles
over. While the dance was in progress
on the one shore, preparations of another
kind were in progress on the opposite
one. The tidings of the ball were spread
throughout the vicinity, undeightecn brave
fellows agreed td make that night replete
willi gloomy as well as brilliant recollections
to the British officer*.
The moon was in her last quarter, ami
as she stink below the horizon ami her
girdling light vanished from the heavens,
a company of resolute fellows descended
the bank and made to the water's edgo.j
A couple of boats were soon unmoored
and launched on the unsteady element,
filled with as gallant crews as ever started
on an eventful enterprise. Every spirit
swelled high as they cleared the foam of
the breakers, and the crafts beneath them
rode gracefully oyer the gentle billows.
Now, my hearties,' said a voice from
the bow of the larger boat, *the thing I
have to ask of you is, that you obey orders.'
Aye, aye, captain,* responded the oth- i
crs.
Then, boys, draw your pistols and prepare
for a shot.*
Every fellow who owned a pistol?that
is, a canteen or flask?drew it forth and
uncocked it. I
All hands ready! Then, my hearties,
twi^ this toast: Success to the Vineyardcrs,
and a bad night's rest to the red
coats!'
The toast was duly honored, and every ,
fellow took down his canteen and replaced
it in his pocket.
Now this is my first order: no word is
to be spoken louder than a whisper, between
this and the other shore. The success
you have just drank to, depends on
silence/
Aye. nve,' muttered, all hands.
The oars were inufiled to prevent a
splash in the waters, and onward the
boats went silently. Their heads were
pointed direct! v towards the tavern where
the ball had been, and each fellow mused
on the scenes which would transpire on
their arrival.
'I'll he shot if I can keep still, Joe,'
said a youth bv the name of Sam Daroall
to his next neighbor, in a whisper, 'I can't
ftol n tlii ill: inir 0I1S nfoct /\f t?
n?? 11? v 11 u ? miivi'.ci ilk >* 11l 11l" ? ^
Sally Kcnham, is at that party.*
Well, what harm if she is?'*
None, that I know of,* returned Sam,
only I don't like the thought of her fair
hand being touched by an arm that wears
a red coat.*
The girl, Sam, is a fair one, and she is
as true as she's fair. Her heart never <
harbored love for a tory. You see it runs 1
in all female llesh, to like to win a heart,
if it be but to see with what kind of grace
the tiwner Will yield it up.'
Truer words were never spoken, Joe; 1
but why the deuce a gitl, when she has
got one heart safe, can't be satisfied with .
it, is something that I can't understand, 1
Sam.'
I guess there is more than that in fe- 1
male nature that you don't understand, 1
Sam. Woman has a great many kinds 1
that are perfect misterics to me. Rut as
to being uneasy about Miss Renham's
hand* it is nothing more than sheer nonsense.
Her eyes can blink kindly on his
Majesty's epaulets, but it dwells, Sam, on
the plain rigging ol a lad we know pretty
well."
Who's thai?'
Why, yourself, Sam?heavens} what
blind folks love makes of you fellows.? i
All you have got to do is to capture the
biggest officer in the gang to-night, and I
that act I tell you will not fail to take
captive the fancy of the lady. She's i
fond of doing the like things herself.'
4,(*ive us your hand, Joe, and I promise
you that if the taking of the proudest officer
at Dagget's to-night, will please Sally,
she shall be pleased. The prisoner
shall be mine '
Luck to you,* Sam!* and thus their
colloquy ended.
It was full two o'clock as our party (
hauled their keels on the sand. A few .
whispers passed around, and then they
mounted the bank, and struck directly for
Old Dagget's. As th'-y drew nigh they
separated, and in a minute a complete line
?? nn VII II >v II milium I 11 i! IIWIISl* 1(1 |ircvt!lll
escape it any should be attenipcd.
A part of the force entered the house, i
and soon presented themselves at the
door of the room in which their destined '
victims lay, dreaming of any thing rather (
than capture. The door turned on its '
hinges, and the loud voice of the leader
of the invaders, commanded the sleepers
to rurreoder. The room was soon a(i
scene of confusion. The Britons were at '
first disposed to inakc resistance, hut seeing
no way to escape and knowing that
their good treatment depended upon sub-!
missiveness, they surrendered with as]
much grace as was desirable. Out ofi
their beds they were forced, ten as sleepy
iooking fellows as one would wish to see.!
One ol them corpulent, red faced, and j
larger than his companions, grumbled asp
he rose, but a hand was placed on his i
shoulder with an order to he us still and J
as brisk as possible, and he submitted.? <
'I've got him Joe,' said our lover, Sam, to \
I?ifriend, who was assisting a reluctant
leg on the other side ol the room, to force <
itself through a pair of supcr-inexpressi- 1
blcs. <
Well, hang on to him.' J
'Aye, that I will like death to a grim M
heggar.* Then turning to his prisoner, J
he added, 'coine, my dear sir, I don't wish , <
to he oincious, hut let me assist you in ad- ; <
justing your wardrobe. While jou areii
gartering that storking, I'll just garter <
your neck with this cravat.*
'Take that d?ti you for your impu- I
dence,* said the officer, at the same time <
levelling a blow with his clenched fist,, i
which Sain parried 11
'Tenderly, tenderly, my dear fellow,* !
said Sain, 'hut if you want the use of your I
peepers by the lime daylight comes, } ou <
will he sparing of your lists.' J1
'Who, and what are you,' asked the ofli-1:
cer looking grtimly up in Sam's face.
'My name is Sain Darcall, at your ficr-.'
vice which being interpreted means Sam ?
Daredevil; and I'll promise you a touch of <
my nature and friendship, too, before wej
separate.' '
'You are a devilfish obliging fellow." i
Thank you sir, it runs in the Darcall
family 10 be obliging. Can I be of any i
service to you in putting on your coat? 1
(or I shall be under the disagreeable lie- t
eessily of marching you off right away.'J
What is this silly thing good for?' said I
Sam, at the same time pulling the epati- I
let from the officer's shoulders; 4it is only I
fit for a child's play thing?' and he put his <
foot on the toy. 1
The Briton's face grew very red, but
he hadj to keep quiet, as Sam assured him
lie was going a long journey, it would only
be an incumberancc to his shoulder,
and he had done what he had from the
kindest motives.
To the door Sam led his prisoner, and
meeting his friend Joe at it, desired him
to say if he had not captured the biggest
game. Joe deliberately castf^ his eve
about the officer's sturdy dimensions and
replied affirmatively.
When they reached the outside of the
house, a short parley ensured, in which it
was determined that the enemy should
be hurried by a forced march off to "B >ston.
One officer who could neither be
persuuded nor forced to pui his regimentals
on up stairs,and who had been brought
down for the purpose of seeing what effect
the ehill air would have upon him,
swore he would die before he would
move a foot. One of the raptor; who
l....I - *!--? -
lit ivi iiiiii III IUIV, n 11 w el |) |i 11 (M i a swucn to ;
his , bare feet and lie moved them with J
much briskness to the delight of the joyous
Americans, and the evident chagrin
of his majesty's officer'ft.
The poor fellow, at the earnest entreaty
of iiis friends, after being dragged a
few yards, reluctantly yielded up his icsolutiun,
and drew on his pantaloons.
The whole party soon got under way
and made good haste to their boats and
over the bay again. Many were tin* jokes
which circulated among the merry fellows
at the expense of ilwir prisoners, who although
in the midst of a superior force,!
could not altogether resist the spirit of
insubordination.
The prisoners were got safe into quarters
by daylight, and after breakfast was
ordered to prepare for an over land journey
to Boston, where deposited in safe
keeping under the protection of John
Hancock. Thcv were soon aficrexchanged,
and lived to relate in their homes to
their anxious friends all the scenes which
transpired between the ball room and
Boston?the corpulent oil", not forgetting
o make afTec tionate mention of 'Sam
Dareall, who, be it known, was shortly after
married to Miss Sally lienham, and
lived to tell his gra-idchildrcu the history
i\f I'll b t 9\t <t!v 9r
w ? iitUb III; III*
_ I
Fro:n the Boston Pearl and Galaxy.
POOL, TUB BANDIT.
Hurrah ! for the booty ?my sieed hurrah'.
Through bush, through wake go we;
And the coy innon shines on our merry way
Like my own love?timidly.
? * ? 9 N #
Oh ! there never life was like the Robber's So
Jolly and bold, and free,
And its end ??why a cheer from the crowd below,
And leap Irom a leafless tree ?
Paul Clifford's Song. '
. ClIArTF.R I. f '
FOOI/S HOLE.
No section of Great Britain is so rich in
natural curiosities, as Durbyshire. The
most striking objects that attract tho traveller,
are three caverns in the side of tho
mountain, the largest of which is distinguished
by the name of "Pool's Hote." and is
considered one of the seven wonders of the
Peak.
Tradition tells us that this cave received
ts name from one Pool?a notorious Ircckrmtn.
...U~ I - ? ' - "
?ikimii" ouuiweo ior ms i
(reedaring anil cruel roV>l?eries, secreted himself
here front the pursuit of justice. It is
situated at the base of a l.ifty mountain called
Coilmoss, near Buxton, a village celebrated
for its medicinal w iters, and which
has become a favorite place of resort for
invalids.
The entrance into this cave is by a small
and narrow arch?and so vcrv low that such
as venture into it, are forced to creep upon
their hands and knees; but it gradually
opens into a broad vault, more than a quarter
of a mile I mg, and as many of the superstitious
peasantry in tho vicinitv imagine,
a quarter ol a mile high. It is certainly i
i i*. i i- _ _ J -. - i - 1
n-rv iimy uiiu sunpeu noi limine inc interior
[>f a giitliic edifice. The light of the torches,
as it pierces the darkness, faintly reveals'
Lo the eye of the visitant, the strength and
solidity of the roof, and grand proportions,
:>f an ancient cathedral, and fancy can easily
change the numberless glittering stalactites'
into the cornice and frieze and golden ar-;
chit rave.
A smaller cavern, which leads ont on the
right hand from the main one, is called Poll's
chambers; which., story says, the robber'
inhabited. A fine, cool cm rent of water j
passes through the centre of it, and the ;
sound of the rushing waves is reverberated '
by the echoing walls. Water is perpetually
distilling from tfie roof and sides of this
vault, and the drops before they full produce
a very pleasing effect, by reflecting number- j
less rays from lights carried by the guides.
They also from their peculiar quality, form
chrystalization of various figures, like those
fret-work ; and in s .me places, having
beert long accumulating one ui?mi another,
bear a rude resemblance to diflerent animals.
,
But I cgend has hung a charm round this j
room, which renders it at. object of interest
to the curious traveller Here, he is told
the robber convened his hand to plot their
schemes of rapine, or sheltered them from
ihe just vengcan -c of the neighboring nobility.
Ilcre h had accumulated countless
heaps of treasure wrung from the helpless
cottager?the unarmed wayfaring man, and
the timid baron who bought safety for him
self and his dependents, by the payment of
a heavy tribute. How with his favorite
followers, he held his midnight orgies; and
the cavern rung with his rude jest, the loud
oath, and the ribald song Pool was resolute
to recklessness, ambitious of distinction,
and possessed of a noble chivalrous nature.
The many anecdotes that are told of him,
exhibit traits of character which convince
us, that if ho had been born under happier
auspices, lie might haVe been a benefactor,
instead of a scourge to his fellow men. Out
of these anecdotes, I hope to glean material,
if not to "point a moral," at least "adorn j
a tale."
Charter IT.
Pool?The Old Crone?7/ic Storm?The
Two Prisoners? Tlte Carousal.
By the side of a long oaken table in thc'<
chamber of the cavern, to which we have i
alluded, sat a middle aged mail. The light i
of a blazing torch, that burned near him,
revealed features, which although hard and
rugged, were at the same time intelligent and 1
commanding. His hair, which was of ihc|i
sablest hue, hiing in dishevelled and wiry' i
locks over a forehead, on which passion n id i
written its character with an iron pen The
eyes, ahhough partly shaded by thick bro.vs,
were large, stern and sparkling. Th upper =
lip, which curled s'lghtly, was covered with J
.hick mustaches. His figure, which was (
tall, full and muscular, was clothed in a 1
close doublet?and he wore upon his head (
a small cap, which was decorated with three 1
eagle's plumes. The short two edged dagger,
that was stuck in his girdle, the'pistol 1
that lay near him on the table, and the air of 1
reckless daring that marked his attitude and J'
bearing, showed him to lie the genius taci o!
the grim cave, in which he was sitting.
In a remote part of the cavern was kindled *
&.'cheerful tire, the vivid flames of which, as
it crackled and sparkh d through the dry
wood, played over the countless slalacties, <
that jewelled its sides and r of. ( lose to I
the fire on a low stool, sat an aged female,
evid ntly luxuriating in the glowing wbrurth. <
H er long grey hair flowed negligently down i
her hack , and her wild and glassy eyes, a-ud
sunken and haggered cheeks, were frightInl
ly distorted by idiotcy. \ short crimson j
cloak, which was drawn closely around her,
I apparently the only garment, winch was either
clean or whole.
In a few moments she stretched out her ,
long shrivell d arms, and alter waving tin ni
siowly above her head, she brt^r fortli in a
wild solemn chant, as she rockeTKJier body
to and fro before the flame. /?}he-*s6uifd' of
her voice evidently interru pted the reverie of j
the man Immediately from lus stool, he
sauntered to the mouth of the larger cavern,
and kneeling down, he cicpt into the open
air."
ThC/W'ind swept in long and sullen gusts
arotftid the Peak, and in (lie clouds, which i
through the day had been gathering in dense
masses, as night came on, poured (mirth torrents
of rain. The Thunder roared in quick
and deafening peals, and at frequent intervals
the livid and forked lightening, breaking
from the almost palpable darkness, revealed i
for an instant the waves of the stream, that j
Wished from the mountain, and the taII and J
[aged trees, that rocked and groaned with i
:tl?e storm. 1
Sheltering Kimself from the violence of the
rain beneath a projecting cliff, the inmate of
the cave evidently waited for the approach
of some expected friends. In a few moments
tho distant steady tramp cf an advancing
party, was borne faintly on the wind.
The sound of foot steps drew near, and tiie
glare of the lightening soon revealed a band j
of armed men moving along a narrow path,'
seemed guiding their foot steps by trees and j
rocks, the location of which, was apparently (
familiar to them. They soon arrived at the
mouth of the cavern. The watchword was
passed and two of the band, disappearing >n
the cave, soon returned with torches. The
company consisted of twenty tall, athletic, i
fellows, completely armed, and whose swarthy
complexions showed that they had often
times been exposed to tlie sun and storm.
With them, .and evidently prisoners, were a <
male and female. The dark, coarse gown, i
a rosary of most wholly length, and the sha- I
ven head, showed that the former was a i
Catholic priest. The form of the latter was i
shrouded by a long and richly embroidered <
mantle, her features were concealed by a i
hood and veil. I
' Whom have you here, good Robert?"
asked the man whom we lirst saw in the j
cave. i
"A jolly, fat friar, whom we found on a
pious pilgrimage through the neighboring
valley, praying with the mothers and making
lo^e to the daughters?and a bright eyed
and rosy cheeked lassie, that \Ve caught sauntering
among the fields and whimpering h< r
lovers naine doubtless, to the flowers and
breeze. We thought it well to bring her to
the Peak, and crown her queen of our merry
men."
' Enough, Robert," replied the first speak- i
cr in an authoritative tone?''lead our hoy* ;
and prisoners into the inner cave, and we <
will there talk over the doings of the dav."
Slowly the band crept one by one thruogh i
the narrow aperture, and the priest and tin
lady followed in silence. On their entranc?
into the main cave, the soldiers threw off thee
arms and outer garments, and seated them
selves on the long benches, that skirted it
sides. The leader took his place again at th<
head of the table, and bid iiis two prisoners
be seated on stools which were placed for
them in the centre of the ring.
" What brings you into our region, holy
father V enquired the chief of the monk.
The spiritual welferc of the people, who
inhabit it, requires my presence; and I now
beg of you to permit me to pursue my
way !"
' Have you either gold or silver to pay (or
your ransom 1"
"Neither."
4 \ re you a brother of some rich monastery
that will open its cotiers to gain freedom for
you V
<< i ? mi . ? i
i (ihi iiui. x it? stern inws nave suppressed
our order.
"We have a law in onr dominions* be it
known unto you reverand father that requires
of every man, that is brought into our
cave, and cannot redeem himself with money,
to gain his liberty by dancing."
"Ungodly man! would you dare?
"Aye! dare and will. Ho, John ! down
with your bag-pipes, and furnish hiin a mcrpy
lune to move his legs after. The instrument
was produced, and the worthy father,
making a virtue of necessity, although
no rule of courtly grace,
To measured mood had trained his pace,
rambled about with as agile a step, as the
?out, a big belly, and the rough rock botoni
?f the cave would permit, llis momentum
was occasionally accelerated by the process
if waking him up" as his entertainers
crined it, with their sharp pointed dirks.
\ftrr the band hail made merry for some
ime at his expense, and the worthy Iriar
was entirely cxhaus'e I, he was permitted
io retire to a corner of the cave, and rest
liis limbs, tell Ins beads, and console him*
self with the comforting reflection; that
exercise is one of the best preservatives of
health.
The lady still remained veiled. The
chief tnr ed to her and said. "Fair ladv,
(I take it for granted, you arc fair, your
veil prevents my seeing.) pardon luy. inrjuisiliveness,
but I would fain knutntySlypin
! have the honor to entertain ?" ^ ,*
"The daughter of Sir \V illiam Temple?
i man who never targets a favor or forgives
an injury or an insult."
44 Llumph.'
4t And who are.you bold man, that dares
to have me ink.en from my own lands, and
draggee!- into ^iis den, to be made the sport
of your brutal followers?"
44 I am John Pool, the outlaw?a name
at the mention of which, bolder hearts ths.n
that of Sir William Temple quake?and
by whose command stronger holds, than he
inhabits, have been leveled with the dust."
44 Am I to judge of the ability of your
men to perforin such an achievement, by the
prowess that they ha1 c displayed in capturing
a defenceless fenSnle ?"
"Your taunt is just." I regret that you
were brought here ; but know that Pool the
bandit can he generous at times. Altho*
outlawed by your kin, and hunted and hounded
like a wolf' by the leagued barons of
whom your father is the chief^to-niorrow
morning you shall be safely restored to
your castle. I would fain apologise for the
rude treatment you may have received from
my followers, but I never learned to sue for
pardon. I fear my tongue would fail me."
1 he old Crone had now arranged her
coarse but plenteous meal, and the banditti
gathering round the table, prepared to spend
the night in gay carousal. The lady was
shown to a remote recess of the cave, curtained
olT from the common room, and fitted
up with a good deal of attention to convenience
and comfort. The hanging mattings
rendered it completely dry. It was
evidently, from the arms that garnished the
walls, the sanctum sanctorum of the chief.
Shocking good iiat.? We are informed
that the hatters of New York have commenced
manufacturing the newly invented
Parisian hat. It is thus described by the
Post
"The rim is of the usual shape; the
crown is also attached to the rim in the
usuaj way; nut it is capable ot assuming
two forms. When pushed out or expanded,
it is precisely like the crown of an oidinary
hat; but when not in use, it can be
contracted,' y a peculiar mechanism, into a
depth of one inch. This constitutes its
peculiar advantage. In travelling it can bo
put into a trunk, and will not occupy a
greater space than a shirt; and at a theatre,
concert, or assembly, the wearer may place
it under his arm, or even stow it between
his coat and waistcoat, and pass through the
densest crowd withou' exposing it to the
smallest injury. The crown is made very
thin, and when pushed oi>t or expanded exhibits
no crumples but it is in all respeclc
like the crown of an ordinary hat. Its in*
U-rinr frame-work pr?rmi?st<s nf tun ctorl rinnrc
- ? - - ? w ? > 9
connected by four slender steel rods, which
ire joined on one another like, a St. Andrew's
cross. One ring is ail ached to the ritn,
md encompasses the wearer's head; tho
it her is attached to the top of the crown,
which it keeps distended like lhe end of a
drum. When the hat is in its flat or crtipressed
state, a push of the fingers makes the
iointed rods open; the crown instantly assumes
its full size, and the hat is ready to receive
the head. This is done in one second,
?nd occasions no trouble. Tho crown is
igain brought down with the same case, by
pullhirr a part of 'he lining "