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Srrajfs & Jfatk . Mr. Dobbin has been appointed Minister to France in place of Mr. Mason, who is recalled at his own request. The first bale of new cotton was received yesterday, from this State, by E. H. Rogers & Co., from the plantation of George Norris, Esq., of Orangeburg District, S. C. i'ha rleft oh St a ? da rd. At a hop at Newport, R., I., a few evenings since, a lady from New Orleans, La., wore a bouquet of diamond, pearls and precious stones, said to be worth $20,000 ! An agent of the American Bible Society in Kansas writes that he finds no difficulty in distributing bibles there, and that he has organized several Bible Societies in the territory. When George III was told that Wolf was quite uufit to command, and was, in fact a madman, the monarch replied, "Mad i jt 1| Air!cV. V.Wrt ?man?iuuu . ?> uu wuu . i? iou uv some of the other Generals 1" The Edgefield Advertiser says that Mr. TVrm. Gregg, of Kaliuia, Edgefield District, has realized this year very nearly four thousand dollars from sales in the New York market, of peaches raised upon the hills of that District. To ascertain the length of a day or night, any time of the year, double the lime of the sun's rising, which gives the length of the night, and double the time of setting, which gives the length of the day. This is a little method of "doing the thing" which few of our readers have been aware of. "Six years ago," says the Norfolk (Ya.) Argus, "a gentleman with a capital nf $1,500, bought a farm in this county at $5,000. In four years he paid for the farm, with hired help, and bought $1,300 worth of land besides. lie has recently sold out at $20,000, and the properly is now worth $35,000." Senator Jones, of Tennessee, declared his intention on Saturday, in his seat in the Seuate, to support Mr. Buchanan for tha ProBidpn^i' Tt i.<? also authoritatively stated that the yulional TntrlHr/rncer, the time-honored orgau of Clay and Webster, and the Old Line Whig party, will do the same thing. It is stated that the value of the slave property at the South is not less than two thousand millions of dollars, a sum equal to - one fourth the value of all the other property in the United States, as shown by the last census. Do the abolitionists expect to annihilate this amount of property without resistance.? C'/uirfrstoii S anclarJ. Last Monday, "Tom Thumb," being examiued as a witness in court at Ciuciunati, Ohio, declared under oath, that he is now nineteen years of age. Many years ago the show hills aunounces him as being twentyone, ro that, unlike the generality of mortals, the "General" is constantly growing younger. The purchase of stock hogs for fattening purposes has commenced quite brisk. We have heard of purchases at from 84.25 to 85 gross, though both buyer and seller are at a loss as to price. Until corn prospects are better settled some one will be Tin ln^? wii iiiuim plffwtifml limn usual, and uuless corn falls, must rate lower than last season, the price being governed by the ratio of demand to supply.? Wheeling Intdliye.nccr. We saw yesterday a very beutiful flag painted by our fellow townsman Mr. Ladd, for the 34th Regiment of Militia under the command of Col. McCorklc, of York.? Worked on the flag by the ladies of York, was a beautiful palmetto tree. Over this was painted an appropriate and haudsomc v national design by Mr. Ladd. On the whole it is really a flag around which the 34th should be proud to rally.? 1 Yinnsboro Rajintcr. Col. W. D. Wilkes left our State last week with about sixty men and ?50,000, the fruits of his lute mission as agent for the pro-slavery party in Kansas. This is indeed gratifying success, and places Col. Wilkes in the foremost rank of Southern defenders. He deserves much for bis zeal, patriotism and self-sacrificing labors iu this cause, aud we trust that a grateful people will reward him in a manner commensurate with his services.?Informer. There is an old, gray pussy cat in Newark, who has recently had an additiou to her family of six kittens, all of which are joined together near the hind legs. Iu lifting one up, you raisj the whole, like a bunch of bananas. This interesting group of felinity seems to live very harmoniously together, with the exception that neither one can tell which is its own tail! These latter appendages are so twisted and intertwined that even the grave and staid mother cat herself cannot unravel the mystery, and hence the kittens quarrel occasionally. Calvin Edson, and ail the fat women, dwarfs and giants, arc eclipsed by a man now on exhibition at Havana, who was born without either legs or arms, but who having tenaciously set himself to work to conquer the inconveniences naturally consequent upon such deprivation, has made himself a wonder by the variety of his feats. Among other things, he announces that he is able to spin a top with such perfection that it will hit. anv snot named, to snin a dollar over J "4 / * /i table, to throw a sling, to take a sixpence from a table and put it in his left car and take it out again, to make a knot with a halter, to thread a needle, to ascend and descend a ladder, to uncork a bottle with a cork screw, to load a fowling piece aud kill anything designated, or put out a candle with a simple wad?quite woudcas enough for a man without either legs or arms. jVe-tc York llcrahl! Messrs. Jumper and Gilbert, of this town, have brought out a patent fly trap, which is indeed oue of the marvels of the day, and excites a very great amount of astonishment. It is a wire box, at the bottom of which is a revolving cylinder on which the fly alights to secure the sugar or molasses that he may find there. While thus luxuriating all unconscious of danger, he finds himself very suddenly in a dark place, and on looking up he sees the light above him, and ascends to it. When there he finds himself encaged in a little room, whose four sides are of wire, through which he can look oat, but cannot get out. lu short he is in limbo, and new companions in trouble arrive by each revolution of the wheel, until there is neither room for them to stand or fly, when they are all put over a flame of alcohol, and thus disposed of.?New York Palladium. C|e|0rlil)tl(e^it()uircr EDITED BY ! SAM'L W. MELTON JOHN L.*MLLLER. YORKVILLE, S. C. THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 21,;i856. RAILROAD MEETINGS. The Stockholders of the King3 Mountain Rail | Road, are referred to the advertisement in this isj sue. The Auuual Meeting will take place on the j 10th of September nest. Every Stockholder who j has any regard for the interest of our little road, | should try and attend. Business of considerable I importance will be brought before the meeting.? ; There will be a President and Directors to elect. Ti.tu .inn. oii.Mil't Hp sufficient to induce all the | Stockholders to attend. The attention of our North Carolina friends is directed to the advertisement of the Committee ! of the Board of Directors of the King's Mountain Rail Road. We hope all the Counties interested, will send delegates to the meeting. THE 34TII REGIMENT. On Tuesday, the 10th instant, tho general review of the 34th Rogiment, South Carolina Militia, under command of Col. IVm, H. McCorkle, | took place at Kerr's Old Field. The dny was | pleasant and favorable for the parade. Instead I of a hot, sultry day, that might have been expecj ted in August weather, it was cool and agreeable, j imparting a cheerfulness and good humour, and j rendered it a real jubilee to the yeomanry of the | country. The Adjutant nnd Inspector General, ! R. G. M. Dunovant, Gen. Williams nnd Gen. S. R. Gist, accompanied by their respective Staffs, J were in attendance, and with their "nodding | plumes'' and briliant uniforms presented quite a | martial appearance. It was a source of deep regret to the numerous friends and admirers of Goi ? l vernor Adams, that he was not present with us on ! this the last occasion, they could greet him as I their Governor. They were ready to extend to . him a hearty welcome, and no pains would have 1 been spared to have made his sojourn amongst us pleasant and agreeable. His administration has i been deservedly popular, and he can now retire, ! from the cares of office, with the gratifying reflec! tion that he has performed no act but has rcccivj cd the hearty endorsement of the State, and that | his memory will be enshrined in the hearts of his j countrymen. But to return from this short di, grossion, let us tal:o our stand on the "muster ; field." We can there see the tremendous outpouring of ; the people, flocking in from every point of the compass all imbued with the feelings such displays j are calculated to engender. There is no order of i mind but is in some manner influenced or nflccted ! by the excitement, the "pomp and circumstance," ! ever attendant upon these military displays. If ! the officers were actuated bj* a proper spirit, and ! the citizen rr.lditry could be persuaded that they ! were in discharge of a patriotic duty, that they ; were in the full enjoyment of a privilege known only to freemen?disciplining themselves to do < battle in defence of their rights, then would wo ' willingly adhere to our present so-much-talked of j militia system. It is the almost entire want of I this spirit that has brought the system into such ! disrepute. Nothing hut a genuine military spirit j and zcnl on the part of the officers, can ever res; tore it to favor. The officers of the 34th Regiment seem to be impressed with this fact. During the short time Col. McCorklc has had command of the Regiment, he has proved himself to .be a.dillineut and efficient officer. The ivoluiicms. were performed in admit able order and with a skill and precision; reflecting the highest credit upon the officers. Col. MeCorkle was ably sustained by Licuten ant-Colonel T. P. Whitcsides and Muj. Z. I), Harris. Another fact we note with pleasure, that Mnj. Mjles Smith, Robert Whitesidos nnd Robert Necland, three old men, were voluntarily performing duty in the ranks, from which they are exempt. The two last mentioned are on the verge of seventy years of age. We doubt not they would as cheerfully render their services on a tnort dangerous and bloody field, if the calls of patriotism should require it. After the exercises were over, short, bMt spirited addresses were delivered by Generals Williams J and Gist. They were highly complimentary to Regiment for the skill exhibited in their performance. General Gist defended the Militia system from the snoers and jeers of the careless and indifferent, and discussed the benefits arising to the ! State from a well-organized and effective military ! system. As soon as the addresses were concluded, ; the crowd quietly dispersed and sought their rosI pective homes, without the occurrence of a single incident to mar the pleasures of the occasion. The good feeling and pleasure experienced tiu J ring the day, may be attributed to the very cxcclj lent music discoursed by the Bethel Brass Band. ! Much praise and the thanks of all are due them. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE. Washington City, August 12. J/y dear Enquirer:?Without preliminary rcj mark, let me endeavor to write down for your i readers some of the facts and reflections, embody! ing the idea of the Capitol of which my ram. I blings for the past week have put mc in possesj siou. Contrary to my expectation, I hnve found ! these to be more in number, more attractive and , more instructive, than 1 have met with at any [ other point of my journeyings. New York and | Philadelphia may become insipid and tame ; but i I verily believe that the stranger in Washington j would leave it with regret and with a task but i half accomplished, even at the end of a twelvemonth. You may readily "guess," therefore, j that the labor will be to determine what must be I left unwrittCD. If time and space would permit, I would like to j trace the early migrations of Congress, from time ! to time nnd from point to pluce, nnd tell of the 1 almost insunerable difficulties which were snr ! mounted, before the Capitol of our country found 1 a "local habitation and a name." You know that, j even before the achievement of our independence, ; this topic pressed heavily upon the attention of i the Colonies, and threatened to endanger all that : might be won. It was peculiar: A youthful na| tion, Minerva like, had sprung out, full-armed, ! strong and hopeful: and a powerful people chal! lenged the respect and admiration of the world, while yet recognizing and boasting no common heart. Other peoples had been attracted to, and had, as it were, crystallized around, their mctrop| olis: ours had a capital to build! The matter ! was urgent: The government was a myth?a poj litical abstraction?an idea : and demanded this, I the strongest as it was the last, link to bind it in i unity, and arrest the rapidly-increasing alienation j of its parts. It was difficult: All the prominent i interests, the powerful factions, local and party i jealousies and ambitions, not less than the evident i auguries investing the event with an extraordinary ; importance, conspired to "perplex aud dash ma| turest counsels." j The sessions of Congress had already been held in Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Lancaster, I Annapolis, Princeton, and Trenton. In 1783 at Trenton, a resolution was adopted designating the i Potomac near Georgetown, or the Delaware; but ; this was repealed. Iu the following year, an ordinance was passed providing for the location of | the Federal City on the Delaware. In 1785, au unsuccessful attempt was made to insert the Poto~ mac instead of the Delaware; and in 1787, reso; lutions providing for tho erection of government buildings at Georgetown were again.defeated,? But, strange to say, the ordinance of 1784, as you ! know, was uevcr carried into effect; though it i was never directly repealed. In 1789, the States of Maryland and Virginia proposed to Congress to cede the ten miles square now known as the Dis! trict of Columbia. This proposal was at the time rejected ; and during the same session, in tho following year, another law was passed locating the ;scat of government on the Susquehanna, and j Harve-deGracc was well-nigh the fortunate spot. ! Subsequently, the Susquehanna was stricken out, 1 and Genuantown, near Philadelphia, having been : inserted became the Capitol. This act, too, was at length repealed; and the conflict continued fiercely until the 1 Oth of July, 1790, when a bill passed providing that a spot, to be selected by i the President, "on the river Potomac, at some place between the Eastern branch and Connogocheague, be hereby accepted for the permanent j seat of government." That this decision should be made despite so ? 1 ' n 4a Kn nnnnnnforl j many union am maui-ncc*, i? 11111/ m ?v for by the fact thnt it was the spot chosen and earnestly insisted upon by General Washington.? No more signal proof of his commanding authority can be given. Years before, with Braddocks' army he had encamped upon the same ground, ; and his quick and truthful eye, tutored by the daring pursuits of his early life, detected its adi mirable adaptation to the wants of a great metroI polis; and, though he could not prophecy the brilliant future which gave a great trnth to his words, he then foretold the rise of a mighty city there. It is certainly a sufficient commendation | of the strikingly beautiful location of Washington j City to know that, early and late, it was the favor| ite and favored spot of him who gave it a name and an immortality. Let me throw in here, par parenthese, the striking fact that the eminence upon which the Capitol now stands, before the Revolution and while yet a forest, was called and known as Rome, and the little creek that was through the cit}-, the Tiber. | The owner was namo.l Pope, and liis place is j thought to have taken it? titlo from Mr. Pope's I pontifical idea?. Tic that as it may, we can earnestly hope that the coincidence may not prove to he a truthful omen of our future. The three Commissioners, Johnson, Carrol, and Stuart, appointed to the duty of founding the city, began their work in 1701. "Washington in his frequent correspondence called it the "Federal City," in his beautiful simplicity of character not dreaming of another and a better name; but, the Commissioners, in September 1791, directed [ that the district should be known on the maps as \ the "Territory of Columbia," and the city as "The | City of Washington." The plan is positively ; unique?nothing in the world like it. On each I side of the Capitol ca<t and west arc streets, running North ard South, numbered from one to twenty seven, and known as 1st, 2nd, 3d, &c; and intersecting these at right angles are Streets, A. B. C. &c. running cast and west, employing a? titles the whole of the alphabet for each section North arid South. This is all very well and very proper; but in addition, tiiere are fifteen spacious . avenues, from 130 to 100 feet wide (called foi the fifteen States first entering the Union) running in all possible directions, cutting and slashing eacli other and the little streets into "ten thousand smashes," and looking as if some crazy surveyor. "going it blind," had shot them through i at random. On a map, it looks positively funny; and in reality, it almost perplexes the stranger oul of his wits. "Where the avenues intersect each other, are vacant plots of ground, triangular ol ?coui'fv, ninny "f wv.rtrh' tluVP ucuu mlui'ilSCTtlS pub. lie parks, and are among the ornaments of the City. With such strange freak? to contend with, ] however, Washington is a noble City, and the verj j irregularity of its plan will yet become one ot the j features of its remarkable beauty. The dimenj sions of the plan are -11, miles N. and S., and 2.1 ! miles 11. and W : area 3,000 acres, one half ol I i which was reserved for the use of the government: circumference, 1-1 miles; aggregate length ol streets 100 miles, and r.f the avenues Go miles. Think of travelling such a distance over a city, the population of which is as yet but GO,000!? The principal street is Pennsylvania avenue, running East and West; which is interrupted by the Capitol in the eastern, and the Presidents' House in the western sections, both of which are situaI ted centrally with reference to the sections, and about one mile apart. Between these, of course the prominent points, lies the most densely-inhabited and business portion of the city. Four ol the avenues, and North and South and East and West Capitol Streets, which I have not mentioned intersect each other at the Capitol grounds ; and five avenues and any quantity of little streets conic to a point at the other centre, the '-White House." Now, kind reader, imagine yourself in the selfcomplacentcondition of one who dined sumptuousj ly at Brown's elegant marble-front Hotel onPean| sylvania avenue, (in company with your corresI pondent, of course) and join me in a ramble up | the avenue to the Capitol. The view of theCapi\ tol as we get out on the street is much obstructed, almost entirely concealed in fact by thick growtli j of forest trees. A wall: of half a mile brings u? ! to the iron railing, forming a semi-circle around j the West front, and enclosing spacious grounds 1 thickly studded with the noblest specimens of the ; American forest, growing apparently at random ' and yet planted with that studied skill, which, j producing the impression of the absence of al art, Is itself the very perfection of art. A more enchanting forest-scene is not to be found ever where Nature is most at home, and if time wouli I permit we would willingly consume the day in the J enjoyment of its never-tiring beauties. But w< j must hasten on. ! Following the winding pavement, we soon reach 1 the terrace, which screens the larger portion o! j the basement, and ascending a flight of steps | fiud ourselves in front of a Monument, erected bj j the officers of the Navy to the memory of thcii | brother officers who fell at Tripoli. Upon a pe| dcstal resting in an oval basin of running water, i rises a small shaft, at the four corners of which | arc marble figures representing the Genius ol ; America, History, Commerce, and Fame, and up ! on the top of which is a representation of the A5 merienn Eagle with the symbols of the Union.? i On the pedestal are the names of Somers, Caldj well, Decatur, Wadswortb, Dorsey, and Israel, all l gallant names, whose title to immortality was won [ nobly in a battle which is almost forgotten, was ; yet as hard-fought as any known to our annals.? ! Ascending now to the top of the terrace, and crosI sing the broad granite walk, we arrive at the enI trance of the building; but we shall here change 1 ?niiMo nml nnssincr nlnnrr un aisle runnine j VV41 ? ..v. J, q c through the basement, niako our way out to the ' east front. Proceeding to the outer edge of the j lawn, which, occupying a space of a least twenty j acres, presents a picture of beauty inferior only ! to that on the west side, we obtain the imposing ; view of the Capitol, familiar to all, but known es1 pccially to every school-boy who has become dig| nificd with the possession of a copy-book. While admiring the grand proportions of this magnificent pie, let us turn for a moment to its history. The plan was designed by an amateur architect, Dr. William Thornton; and the cornerstone was laid by Gen. Washington, 18th of September 1793, the first year of his second term as Chief Magistrate. In 1800 the seat of government was removed to Washington, and the work on the capitol progressed with varied success un- ' u til 1814, when, with a spirit of Vandalism which ' c has not often disgraced the pages of tho history 1 tj of civilized nations, it was burued by the British j p army. After the war the work was resumed with , fi fresh vigor, and was completed in 1825, having ; cost the government the respectable sum of near- * ii ly three millions of dollars. In 1850, I think, ap- j -n propriations were made for the erection of two j si new wings, North nnd South, each C24 by 152 j tl feet, of pure white marble. The corner stone of ! h the enst-wing extension was laid, you remember, i a by President Fii.lmorf., on the 4th of July 1851, j ti when Daniel Webster delivered one of his most j tl brilliant efforts. This work, half-completed as ! c yet, disturbs and detracts from the view of the s Cnpitol, which has been further mutilated by the j n removal of the Dome, which has been taken down | u preliminary to tho erection of one of larger pro- j tl portions, corresponding with the increased size of the edifice. We must therefore be contented with s I n tinlf niftture. rrmsnlinir ourselves with the knowl- a I 1 '" ? I edge that when the work is complete our Nation- \ n al Capitol, prescribing a truly imposing front of : 1 j 750 feet, with its noble position and its command- p ing proportions, fashioned richly and elegantly ti yet with republican simplicity and a sererely ; n classical taste, will command admiration as the i k proudest monument of American genius, taste and b skill, the grandest achievement of American art, o the pride of a free, liberal and mighty people, and t the unappvoached wonder of the world. li As we pass throngh the eastern grounds, we o are attracted near the centre by Greenough's stat- e ue of Washington, which, on account perhaps of t a position and an attire illy befitting a represen- 1 tation of the "Father of his Country," docs not r command thejattention which as a work of art it a undoubtedly deserves. Approaching nearer, we o ascend a long flight of steps to the grand portico, E 1G0 feet iu extent, elevated on a high basement c and adorned with a double row of magnificent o Corinthian columns, surmouuted by a pediment or c tympan embellished with a group of statuary, 1 nf A Qrtifl fn hn tl?P? "V rcureacmiug mv uc?m?? ?v?., u?.x. w i gift, and, not unlikely tlio production of Jobn Quincy Adams. Upon cbeek-blocks on each side i as we enter tbc portico, nrc placed Persico's celei brated group of statuary, "Columbus and the In~ . dian Girl," and a group entitled "Civilization," i by Greenougb, representing tbc fierce conflict between tbe Backwoodsman and the Indian. We have not space to express adequately the impresi sions made by tbe contemplation of these noble productions; nnd, indeed,our untutored taste and poverty stricken vocabularly make us unequal to the task. Columbus, standing in majesty, strength, power, with a world held forth in his outstretch| ed hand; the crouching Indian maiden, a very imi personation of the savage character; the hardy i backwoodsman contending with and conquering his savage foe, with the wife nnd child beautiful t in conception as they are perfect in execution, tremblingly awaiting the event?all are surely i worthy of the commendation to be bestowed upon I the perfection of art and the most celebrated of modern artists. Further on, in two niches on ci- | i thcr side of the door, arc two statues also by Peri sico, symbolical of react and War, to both of r which much the same words of praise might justi ly be accorded. Before entering the Rotunda, us let give place to r the reflections which every visitor must indulge [ . when first standing upon that spot. The eastern , . portico has not inaptly been called "the vestibule i . to the great temple of the Union"; here has been ! , enacted scenes, in the annals of our people, which in true grandeur and singular greatness nre not to t be compared with any known to tho profane his, tory of the world. On the fourth of March, of each fourth year, a new altar is erected to Liberty, ma ltd numtg TOV VTgTrtetnip~ggew, truuilli- attll more brightly with incen3e offered up to Liberty's God from the gratelul hearts of assembled freemen. Here, when the hour has comp, the ruler of a mighty peoplo calmly lays aside the insiguia and willingly resigns the sceptre of his office while the High Priest, ministering at the altar, annoints to his great duty, ami invites with the sceptre, him < " " ? -- ^ _i i? i.: 4_ i , W110 01 au Lias DVCU o:iusi:ii uy ma jrccrs vu niuiu p in his turn tlic destiny of the nation. A scene so 1 sublime, in its touching beauty and simplicity, so . far removed from the pomp, and pride and display . of power, so severe in its Republican truthfulness, . in vain demands a paralell. Here, on the sclf, same spot, have stood and have been sworn to , their high duty, all the great men who have di? . rccted the progress of the Republic, save the elder [ Adams and the greatest of them all, Washington: , Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, John Quincy Adams, . Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Polk, Taylor, and p Fierce ; and here, too, have stood Calhoun, Clay I and Webster, higher on the scroll of fame than all [ save one?Hamilton, Burr, Randolph, Wright, I McDuffie, Wirt, and the host who have worshipped i in the temple, and gone to their crown of reward! , A sacred spot indeed! would that the violence of contending factions might be stayed, that we might hope never to see it buried beneath the crumbled columns of that mighty Temple and broken, dis ordered fragment of consecrated Book of the Altar?the glorious Constitution ! i | But our pages have grown beneath our pen alarmingly, and we must reserve the completion , of our letter for another sketch. i Yours, s. w. m. ! I Washington' City, August 13. j With the reluctance of one who has much to , see and but a limited time at his command, and j with the hurry and confusion of one who hns very much to write and a too circumscribed spaco in [ which to write it, I resume the task of sketching , for your readers my progress of exploration . through the Capitol. If I remember aright, my I career terminated suddenly, in the ^st letter, J , with some conglomerated, "high-fulutin" stuff ' , about the "vestibule"?ideas which never fail to f turn up in the trains of fanciful people ns they ' i enter the truly imposing portico of the Eastern 1 f Front. Now we leave but to proceed through the 1 ( door-way, to find ourselves in the far-famed Ro- 3 ' tunda?for its grand proportions and the rare * beauty and splendor of its adorning?, far the most * attractive and interesting spot in all this wide do, main of ours. As the name implies, this Hall c i situated immediately under the dome, is circular c f around and over-head, and is 96 feet in diameter i and the same number of feet to the apex. The C complete, circuit of the walls is indented with 1 panels, distinguished from each other nnd decora- i ted with entablatures, and festoons of olives and r I flowers. Eight of these panels, occupying the s i portions of the walls nearest the floor, arc occu- r i I pied by historical paintings, illustrative of the n j most prominent events in American history.? j f | Abovo these, four of the smaller panels contain i ! stone busts of Columbus, Raleigh, Salle nnd Ca- i i bot. There are four entrances: the :wo, eastern j f ; and -western, leading to the respective fronts of s ' the Capitol; the Northern, to the Senate Cham- [ ii i ber; and the Southern, to the Ifall of Reprcsenta- ' tives. Over these entrances are small panels con- I n J taining Italian sculptures of historical subjects? I n ; the Landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Pock, I t over the Eastern door; the Preservation of Cup- r tain Smith by Pocahontas, opposite; J'enn's Treaty ! e with the Indians, on the Northern; and tho Con- <1 flict between Daniel Boone and the Indians, over the ^ s j Southern entrancc.j : S With the exception of the last, these works do j c j not make a forcible impression. Boone and the v ! Indians, however, though at first glance a rude ' a bas-relief, is universally commended as a work of y genius. It represents the great hunter in conflict 11< with two warriors, one of whom lies vanquished I a nder his feet, and the other, recklessly defiant, j losing Trith him in the death-struggle. The ruthfulness and power of this work can be best j roved to you, by copying the following pnragragh torn the Guide-book: "A band of Winuebagoes, on a mission to Wash- j lgton, once come through the Rotunda. They j ere noble looking fellows, dressed in their own tyle. Their faces were variously painted; in lieir belts were their scalping knives and tomaawks, and slung over their bucks, their bows and j rrows. Passing through the Rotunda, their at- i untion was caught b.v this group, lloone killing : lie Indian. They immediately formed a semi- i irele, and, while the chief stepped forward and I tood before the rest, they looked intently, scrutiizing and recognizing every part of the seenc, | ??:i : i,.? ii.,... 1 I Uta hUUUlillJ, US 11 UJ UIIU lll^J'IISV) IIRJ IUI7CU | lie dreadful war-hoop, and ran from the liall!" Rut the most interesting of the gathered tree- | ures, which adorn this magnificent garner of art, | re the eight large historical paintings, before i lentioned. Four are from the pencil of Col. J 'rumbull, and besides being fine specimen.? of ainting, are exceedingly valuable as preserving j o all time accurate and life-like portraits of the | acn of the Revolution. Col. Tni Mnrnr., you i now, was himself a hero in the struggle, a mcmier of the military family and an intimate friend i f Washington, and had not only the best opporunity of obtaining correct likenesses of his co- i aborers, but was an active participator in some j f the thrilling scenes which, after the battles were nded, he so faithfully gave to posterity. The first o be mentioned is the Signing of the Declaration of 'ndrpemlenct. It represents graphically the stiring scene in old Independence Hall, Philadelphia, sthe fearless, fire-hearted IIaxcock inscribes his wn at the head of the column of great and ornaucntal names, with, the firm countenances and ommanding forms of the author, Jefferson, and f Franklin, Adams, Livingston and Sherman, his o-workcrs, gatheved around him ; while seated ierc ana mere, an tne noose noroes, wnose xatne is rritten on the scroll treasured above all in the cmplc of our Liberties, are in every form and feanre silently approving the act which proclaimed hat "these united Colonies arc, and of right ought o be, free and independent States." A scene it ras, worthy to be, as it has been, fitly coninicmoated. Copies of this picture liar e been frequenty engraved, and most of our readers probably have low a better conception of it than I can give. The next is "The Surrender of General Burjoyne," to General Gates, at Saratoga, 7th Octoicr 1777?containing portraits of the rival comnanders, of Putnam, Stark, Morgan, Schuyler, ind other distinguished officers of the army of he North. The third, "The Surrender of Lord lornwallis at Yorktown," represents the last act if the great drama of the Revolution, and preicnts accurate portraits of Washington, Lincoln, Inmilton, Wayne, Trumbull, Steuben, and of our latriot allies La-Fayette, Rochambcau, and their ellow-soldicrs, as they lived and acted. The ourtli portrays the crowning glory of the life of rVasbington, the Resigning of his Commission at Vnnapolis, December 23, 1783. Probably no scene ias ever been enacted by mortal man which so intirely possesses the elements of true moral granleur, and none more truthfully attests the beauty, he sublimity, the almost God-liko perfection narking all tho traits which constituted the great diameter of oar Washington. The artist could lot help but feel the inspiration from such a fitdug and touching theme, and in every feature of lis master-piece the inspiration of true genius has >een imprinted. But if it were of no other value ho lovely faco of the woman who won the heart >f the ' f ather ol lus uountry, 11s sue sniueu a iwect approval of the act which crowned the frecrrf cpwulij' tmd -gnrc a husband to her iome, would make it worthy of its place, and denand for it an universal appreciation. Other paintings are the "Embarkation of the Pilgrims" from Delft-llaven, Holland, July 21st IG20: the ''Landing of Columbus," by Vanderlye; :he "Baptism of Pocahontas," by Chapman ; the 'Discovery of the Mississippi by Desoto May 1511," by Powell; and over the Western entrance ms recently been placed Henley's great painting ?' Franklin, with the American Commissioners, Dean and Lee,endeavoring to persuade Louis XVL x\ recognize the Independence of the American Colonies." The last named has some points, esjecially of drapery, in which, T think, it surpasses my painting I have yet seen ; but I cannot profitibly employ your valuable space by alluding more m ticulnrly to it or to the others I have mcntion d. Of all these splendid triumphs of American art, lone took such fast hold upon me as the "Deparure of the Pilgrims"?a t' ' me which is invested ,vith all the charms of pure romance, and which s here represented with a justness, a delicacy md a beauty of tone, expression and fiuish, which (light to give to the work a reputation wherever irt is known. But I point out this subject, rather 'or the purpose of paying homage to the bewitchng loveliness of the face of the ivify of Miles StunIt.ih. As she kneels with the pilgrim-fathers in >rayer, leaning trustingly and lovingly upon the nanly form of her husband, and with clear, bright, jenm'ng eyes looks forth a womnns quick mtelli;ence, ft womans pure devotion and iv woman's rucst love, you are thrilled with the realization >fthc most exquisite beauty, and catch a glimpse >f that pure and angelic light which must illumine ill the vaulted aisles of Heaven, and floods with apturc nil the hosts that throng around the ;hronc of God. I have stood there for hours, and ret I verily believe then is enough of heaven on >arth in that face to charm the most obdurate mart forever. There is nothing Grecian, nothing [toman?no Circassian feature there?nothing but ;ho purely Saxon faces of a simple-hearted pilrrim woman, whose posterity even now mark out md perpetuate her noble character, nnd in some legree redeem the almost object degration into vhich the pilgrims' posterity have fallen. Until rou have gazed upon that countenance, reader, ct mo tell you, you know nothing of the Beautiul. In the Rotundo, is also to be seen a plaster cast if Houdon's celebrated Statue of Washington, the iriginal of which, said to bo (though I hope it is lot) the most correct likeness extant, is in the Capitol at Richmond. Hero, we also have the iberty of inspecting, fur a time, a model of the Umosphcric Telegraph, which actually conveying nail matter from point to point in a fabulously ltort space of time, threutens to supercede in a ncasure the lightning inventions of Morse, House nd others. Thus far, however, Congress has reused to extend its patronage to the invention, and t may yet turn out to be a failure. In the Rotuula, too, you may, day and evening, turn away rom the fine representations of life on canvass and aarblc, if you choose, and enjoy the living, breathag animated picture of life as it is. A dense and aried thing is always there?great men and small aen, pretty and ugly women, foreigners and Anericans, all mingling together, and nil admiring he many attractions of that splendid conservatoy of American genius, of which I have endeavord, faintly and feebly I know, to give you an ade- j unte ccnception. To sit there daguerreotype and tudy the life pictures as they pass to and fro? 1 lenators, Representatives, Ministers, Generals, I itizens, and last but not least the fairest of our i romcn, is a recreation not the least to be valued ! mong those which Washington affords. But as ou have not, many of you, seen it, you are doubt- j sss tired of my tame loiterings in tho Rotunda: ; nd will cheerfully consent for me to leave it. | tL fc 'V Leaving all enthusiastft behind and in a very matter-of-fact sort of style, let us pass through the South entrance, and find our way into tho Gallery of the Hall of Representatives?which notable spot, I need scarcely remark, is in the second story of the South wing. It is scini-circular in form ; the chord of the largest dimension being Oti feet, and the highest point of the ceiling, GO feet. In tho centre of the chord connecting the points of the semi-circle is the Chair of the Speaker, raised above the tloor and canopied ; and high above it, under an arch, is a colossal statue of Liberty, by an Italian artist, Causici; and a noble figure of the American Kngle, just ready to fly.? Behind the chair, and of course facing the members' seats, is the Ladies' Gallery ; ami in front of the Speaker, following the semi-circular line of the Hall, is the Gallery for "the rest of mankind." In front of the latter named Gallery, and very much in one's way, aro ill massive columns of dark and variegated Potomac marble, surmounted by capitals of white Italian marble. The dome is beautifully painted, in imitation, it is said, of the Pantheon of Rome. The members' tables, are il/MPn lining in n mnnnnr PAPrncnAtulinfr with the semi-circular shape of the hall. In front of the Speaker's Chair, immediately over the main entrance, is a marble statue of History, in a winged car, the wheel of which is made to serve the purpose of the clock-dial. The Republicans are seated on the right of the main aisle as you enter; and the Representatives of the democracy on the left. It is a somewhat suggestive fact, though of course it is accidental, that while the statue of History is turned, sadly I imagine, to the right, and appears in the act of recording the fearful [ events that have their origin there, that of Liberty looks hopefully, I fancy, and with outstretched arm points steadily and cnlmly to the left while the noble eagle upon which she is supported stands ready for the wing. Though in itself a t: ivial and unmeaning ciicumstance, the events of to-day give it a significance which is striking. Well may she appeal to the Democracy, now; and if the appeal be vain, well may the strong and valiant bird bear her away in flight to another and a more congenial clime. Leaving the Hall of Representatives for a time, for we purpose to visit it wheu the House is in session, let us make our way through the Rotunda, to the Senate Chamber. After passing through the North entrance, we must wind around a half dozen passages, knock at and run through a dozen doors, and make our...i : ui? ,, I llliai'lttUlV ?vi " inm-IIWUI, UJUIV WI Ui-5 Ui the end of just such a probation we shall probably happen upon a door leading to a stair-way, over which is printed "Lndie's Gallery If such be the case, inasmuch ns it is both gallant and safe, we shall enter, and winding arouud awhile we shall presently with good luck find ourselves looking down upon the far-famed Chamber of the Senate? in form exactly resembling the Ilall of Representatives, differing only in size. Hero the ladie's gallery, followiug the semi-circular shapes of the Chamber, takes the place which in the House is occupied by the opposite sex, and vice vena. It is seventy fivo feet uttd forty-five high? utterly devoid of /miatnents, if we except the scene of Ionic colnrus supporting the gallery bcliiud the Presidents chair,*and an admirable portrait of Washington, by Pealc, over the Chair.? In the area, the Senators sit in a semi-circlar ; form, as in the house, each however, with a sepaI rate mahogany desk. The furnishing of the Cham! bcr, and indeed of the House is misornbly ordinaJ ry, and out of keeping. Indeed, though there is that in both to recall the glorious and soul-inspiring recollcctious of the past, one cannot but be disappointed and chagrined by their teedy and dilapidated appearance. The halls in the "old-barn" in Columbia arc not one vHi\t uglier?jnst as respectable. However, the place for the new rooms in the wings now in progress of erection, console us with the promise that, when they are completed, our Congress will have Halls in far better keeping with the character, the wealth, power and dignity of aitr people. In the western projection of the Capitol, on the same flow, is the principal Library room, which is constructed entirely of iron, but so elaborately and splendidly pnintcd and gilded, adorned and finished, ns to produce any other impression tn the beholder. I can give you no idea of the ex quisite finish of this Apartment?it far excclls anything of the kind I have ever seen, and makes one believe himself in the very fairy-palnce. The Library orginnlly built was burned in 1814. After the war it was again completed, and was occupied mainly by Mr. Jeffersons' private collection, purchased by order of Congress. The collection was from time to time enlarged until 1851 when, you remember, it was much mutilated and the room consumed by fire. The present beautiful apartment, has grown out of the last fire, and its alcoves now enriched with 60,000 bound volumes, many of which are of the rarest value. It is uni surpassed, in the number and value of the volumes, by any Library in this country, save the Astor in New York, and that of Howard; and will in a few year3 own no superior. In the collection are many curious books, to speak of which would mak" your pages an almost interminable catalogue; and I shall only mention the quaint copies of the ''London Gazette," from I660 to 184G, a period of 175 years! In front of the Library, is a portico, or rather a sort of recess with twelve Corinthian columns, from which the spectator can obtain the finest view to be had of the City of Washington. To describe , this as I saw it, just at the setting of the sun, dej niands more of words than my almost exhausted j vocabulary will afford. I have enjoyel the view of the James River, at Richmond; of the bustling city and magnificent bay of New York from Trinity ; of the sedate and sober city of "Brotherly 1 r ? 11 f 1,1 T_ j J tt?II . kni I JLOYC, iroiil U1U lllUCfJCUUOUVU 11.4*41, i/UW IMV itvn i I towards the West from the Capitol, with its panorama of quiet, serene yet animated life, surpasses j all in its peculiar and charming beauty. Far down to the South, on the banks of the Potomac, which winds calmly through the scene, we behold the ancient town of Alexandria ; nearer, Fort Washington, the Arsenal and the Asylum; in front, the Smithsonian Institute, with its quaint Norman j towers, and the Washington monument already : marking the horizon, aud in the back-ground, hill I and dale, forest, plain and park, mingling, in the | rarest combination, all the charms of rural scenery. Leading away of the right is Pennsylvania I avenue, distinctly defined, with its animated j throng; at its apparent terminus, the President's House surrounded by the massive Department of State, of War, the Navy and the Treasury, beyond, in the distance, rises the dome of tha National Observatory, and the Heights of Georgetown, and nearer and more to th^Nortb, the General Post office, and the Patent office, and Interior Department. almost concealed in the thickly populated musses of the city- At our feet fire the forest trees, j j flowers and greensward of which we have spoken, | a fresh and beautiful ground plot befitting such an euchantiug picture. But the reader will doubtless deem such words extravagant; aud with the remark that we have now seen all that is specially worthy of note at the Capitol, we shall bring them to a close. Yours a. w. m. Heavy Rulu and Wind Storm In Louisiana. New Orleans, Aug 15. A violent rain and wind storm commenced Saturday night and contiued Sunday, doing immense damage to the streets. The tity was flooded every few hours during the last few days. The wind ceased on Monday. The rain continues with little cessation. The waters in Lake Ponchartrain were blown back, submerging farms and the Jackson . > ^ & - . r? ? y * * ~ ?? * XV, - 31 railroad. For many miles; the destruction of property is immense and incalculable. Yesterday evening a report reached the city thai the island in the Lake, a summer resort, was completely submerged, all the buildings swept away and 139 lives lost. Tho steamboat Star, a small packet was driven ashore 400 yards front the hotel and wrecked; it was reported that 250 persons were clinging to her." A steamboat has been dispatched to her assistance. It is hoped that the rumors are exaggerated, but they have the appearance of truth. It is feared to be too true. The island was mostly frequented by wealthy planters. The neighboring parishes contained a large hotel with numerous cottages?all gone.? The water rose at the rate of one foot a minute. It is reported to bo fivo feet deep all over tbo island. Some rain this evening. New Orleans, Aug. 10. Accounts from Last Island verify the sad story of yesterday. It is positively ascartained that one hundred and eight persons aro lost. It is ( feared that Oaand Caillon Island, another watering p'.nce, has shared tho same fate. Corn, cotton and sugar are incalculably injured. The Texas steamers Nautilus and Perseverance are several days due. The steamship Texas, has gone in search of them. The storm extended far up the river, as far as heard from. At the Government Hospital, Baton Rouge, fourteen inches of water fell on Sunday evening. The weather is clear this morning. second dispatch. New Orleans, Aug. 16. The survivous at Last Island have reached the city this morning. They estimate the,loss of life at two hundred and eighty two, already counted. Many of the survivors are wounded, braised and have broken limbs. The dead bodies hare been plundered by n Set of priests who inhabit the Island. The Perseverance and Galveston hare arrived. The Nautilus not heard from. third despatch. New Orleans, Aug. 15. Nothing definite from Caillon Island, bat "tu. doubtcdly there is great loss of life. It is reported thnt thirty bodies have been found at one end of the Island. . The loss of porporty on Last island is estimated at $100,000. It is supposed that $10,000 in money have been taken from the pockets of the victims by the fell hands of the pirates, besides $5000 in the bggage on the river. The banks caved in at lkyou Sara, carrying away three residencesno lives lost. Several vessels have been blown ashore at the. mouth of the Mississippi. The telegraph Hues have suffered severely. The Br. schooner Manchester, from Beliz,e Honduras, went ashore at the South Points, reports a large fire at Belit a few days before her depnrtuc?loss half a million. For the Yovkvillc Enquirer. %* To the Patrons of the Yorlcvllle Fustic Cel. lege. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Yorlcville Female College, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to ascertain, and publish the facts in reference to the health of Yorkville. We have according applied to nil the practising Physicians of tho Village or C i poratioii?-the limits of which extend one mile from,the Court House?fur written statements of all cases of disease botli whites and blacks, their character, ages of patients, and deaths, attended by each for'the last seven days, and a like^tatement f.r- the last tweuty-fonr hours. These statements hare been readily and kindly furnished us. On inspection of them, the list of disease is so meagre, that the committee regard it unnecessary to trouble the printer by throwing our statement into the form of the usual tabic of mortality. We find that, during the longer time above named, there have beon within the Corporate limits, embracing a population, as believed, of about eighteen hundred inhabitants, fifteen cases of disease. Four of these cases were Flux?two of this number, it is stated, woro Vof old standing:"*? The character of the other diseases are considerably various, running down to a Carbuncle. There has been only one death,' find- that a child from Cronp. . .. For the lost twenty-four hours, no case of Flax is reported by either of the Physicians. One Physician reports a case of Teething and Diar- < rhoea. The other cases reported, few hi number, are the ordinary diseases of the seeson, and cause no alarm. The committeo were verbally assured by several of the Physiciaps, that our village has been more healthy during the wholo of the present summer season, than the two preceding suinmers.'? Regarding the statements of the Physicinnsbs absolutely true and faithful, and deeply impressed with the responsibility of our position and undertaking, the committee say to the Patrons of the Female College, that erroneous reports of the health of Yorkville have been circulated abroad ?that, although death ltaa been among us at the command of Ifiro, whose hand no man can stay, nor climc escape, yet our village is enjoying its usual freedom from disease?that we Jknow no reason why Yorkville should- hot be regarded as healthy as any other tillage in the State. We feel constrained, however, to add our solemn belief in the truth of the declaration: <4In the midst of life we are in death." W. C. BEATTY, JOHN S. MOORE, I. 1). WITHERSPOON. Yorkville, Aug. 19, 1850. From the Charleston Mercury. The Sign* of the Times. Benton's defeat in Missouri, and the triumph of the Democracy in Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina and Kentucky?which last was supposed to be the stronghold of the American party, in the South? have produced some strange revulsions. The Benton Democrats, wc are informed, hare dropped their own Electoral ticket, and united with the anti-Bentonites, while the Fillmore party bas -divided into two wings?the Southern, going for Buchanan, and the Northern for Fremont. These statements are not yet positively verified, but their truth is very probable. Wc are indebted to our own telegraphic reports for the former, and to that of the Standard for the latter. So far ns Mr. Fillmore is concerned, this course of his friends but realises what the elections have made apparent?the hopele.-sness of his cause in \ the South as well as the North. The letters of the two Senators from Maryland, advising the people of that State to support Mr. micnanan, weui iorio exunguisu 111s nopcs, wncre before they were sanguine and confident. And then this rout in Kentucky completely bewildered all the calculations of his friends, and foretold his doom in the other Southern States. Mr. Fillmore's only expectations were in the South. At the North, there was not a single State upon which a reasonable hope could be based; and, therefore, in tho face of these developments at the South, nothing was left hut to write the verdict already declared, and withdraw hiui from the field. To remain, would bo only to embarrass the success of others, without benefitting himself. Regarding Mr. Fillmore, then,as in fact out of the contest? whether withdrawn or not?it becomes a matter of interest to consider what effect his withdrawal will have upon the chances of tho two competitors, Buchanan and Fremont. In the first place, it is clear that it will not.affect Mr. Buchanan's prospects in tho South. The" recent elections show how united the South is in support of the Democratic nominee, and how,idle are the efforts of the opposition. Mr. Fillmore's withdrawal, therefore, will only secure to Mr. Buchanan larger majorities in the South, without iu any way affecting the final result. Mr. Buchanan's strength in the Electoral College, so far as the South is concerned, will be neither increased nor diminished by any courso Mr. Fillmore's friends may see fit to pursue. But how will it affect Mr. Buchapan at the North ? This is the point most important to the result. With the infinite shades of existing opinions, the force of merely local interests and pfc^Jadices, the animosities of old party divisions, and the thousand other elements which must enter into the calculation, it is, of course,impossible to predict with accuracy what will be the effect at the North of the withdrawal of Mr. Fillmore. But this point, we thiak, must be admitted on all bands : that it will briug to Mr. Buchanan's support the conservative feeling hitherto wasted on Mr. Fillmore. Divided between Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Fillmore, the conservative of tho North offered, in some States, an easy victory to Black Bcpubliconisra. But united in favor of Mr. Buchanan, they will improve his prospects, where, till now, they have been gloomy.' It cannot be supposed that, in a contest between the Democratic party f