Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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^^ LeTyvis jm. okist, proprietor, labtptitbtitf Jfamilg Htetosp|tr: Jfor tjre promotion of t(jc political, Social, ^gritnltaral anb Commercial |ntcrtsls of ijjt Soot|. | TERMS?$3.00 A YEAR, IN ADVANCE. VOL. 22. YOBKYILLE, S. C., THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1876 rji statu at $. tooling. HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE Early Settlement of South Carolina. by rev. bobebt lath ah. GENERAL PREPARATIONS?ROCKY MOUNT. Id order that we may have a clear and distinct knowledge of the subsequent movements of the contending powers, it is necessary that we have a correct and exact knowledge of the disposition of the British forces in Sooth Carolina. When, on the 5th of June, 1780, Sir Henry Clinton set out for New York, the command of the Southern division of the British army in America, was entrusted to Lientenant-Oeneral Earl Cornwallis. No better selection could have been made. Cornwallis was a soldier by choice and a soldier by profession. Brave, energet ic and skillful, he entered upon the discharge of his duty as a soldier. In this particular instance, however, not because he thought it was right in the English government to sub* jugate the North American colonies, but because, as a soldier, he felt that it was his duty to obey. The subaltern officers designed to assist in executing the task assigned him, r- were, generally, skillful leaders, and some of them were dashing heroes. To keep Sonth Carolina and Georgia in subjection, and when the proper time arrived, to subdue North Carolina, Sir Henry Clinton left Cornwallis six thousand and five hundred effective troops. These troops were British regulars, hired Hessians, and Loyalists from the colonies. This force, to all human appearances, was more than sufficient. Both Georgia and South Carolina were lying prostrate, at least in appearance, at the feet of the British lion. Still, it was the design of the British commander to augment his force by enrolling the loyalists scattered over the State. So soon as the force was sufficiently strong, and the season of the year and the supplies of the country would warrant it, the commander contemplated marching into North Carolina, and having reduced that State, then to continue his progress northward until a junction was formed with the Northern division of his Majesty's forces. In vision, both Clinton and Cornwallis saw the American ' forces melting away and the British flag waving in triumph, from Boston to Savannah. It was a dream, and like most dreams, never realized. To keep Georgia and South Carolina in subjection, and be convenient, at the proper time, to advance northward, the following disposition was made of the British forces in the South: Savannah, the capital of Georgia, was garrisoned by a corps of Hessians '""and loyalists, under the command of Colonel Alured Clark; Augusta was entrusted to Col* onel Thorn is Brown, a tory. His forces consisted mostly of loyalists from the adjacent regions qi' South Carolina and Georgia. v Lord RaWdbh, with tbelwenty-tbiYd and thirty-third regiments of infantry, a legion of volunteers from Ireland, Brown and Hamil, v ton's corps of loyalists, and a detachment of ~ ~ artillery, was stationed at Camden. Major McArthur, with the seventy-first regiment of r regulars, was stationed "at Cheraw; Lieutenant-Colonel Balfour was placed in command of a garrison at Ninety-Six, and LieutenantColonel Turnbuli was stationed at Rocky Mnnnf. nn the Catawba. Brieadier-General Patterson, with three regiments of British regulars, two battalions of Hessians, a detachment of artillery, and whatever number of loyalists he could gather up, was stationed at Charleston. At several other points, as ^ necessity seemed to require, small detachments were stationed. Taking everything into consideration, one would suppose that there was not even a possibility for South Carolina and Georgia to make even an attempt to release themselves from the heel of the invader. As we have already seen, when Buford's command, on the 29th of May, 1780, was cut to pieces by v Tarleton, the patriots had no armed forces left in the State. Instead of giving up in despair, those who could do so, left the State and began to prepare for renewing the conflict. It has been customary to say that the approach of General Gates, at the head of a considerable number of continental troops, infused life into the people of the two Carolinas. This is not true. Sumter, Marion, Pickens, Clarke, Rutherford, Locke, Davie, Davidson, and a multitude of others, were preparing to meet ths British. The progress of the enemy through the coun-1 try was announced, by refugees from Georgia and South Carolina, to the Whigs in Western North Carolina and 8outh Western Virginia. Campbell, Shelby, Sevier, McDowell and other patriotic spirits, determined to aid their kindred and their friends. The Whigs of the whole of Upper South Carolina, Northern Georgia and South-western North Carolina, were concerting measures to drive theI King's troops and the King's friends from the shores of North America. After the defeat of Huyck at Williamson's, on the 12tb of July, 1780, those of the British and loyalists who escaped, made their way to Rocky Mount. The Whigs dispersed; some going home, and others joining Sumter L * at Clem's Branch. As is generally the case, a, victory had infused life and energy into the K minds of the Whigs in all the region around Williamson's. Sumter's army, at Clem's Branch, began to increase rapidly. The Whigs of Fairfield, Chester, York and Lancaster counties, were not long in discovering that Clem's Branch was a safe retreat, and that Thomas Sumter was competent to lead a partisan corps to victory. What was joy to the Whigs, was sorrow to the British and Tories. Fear and trembling seized the whole fraternity, from Cornwallis tka mMiiMt thipvincr Tnrv. After UUWU WV ??IV . O J - , the fall of Charleston, and the establishing of a chain of garrisons in the up-country, they had not even contemplated that the Wbigs would make an effort to resist the King's troops; much less did they contemplate that the King's troops would be defeated, routed and cut to pieces, by a band of unofficered and undisciplined farmers. Sumter knew that the only way that the troops which were gathered around him, at - Clem's Branch, could be retained and be of advantage to the country, was to keep them busy.' It would have been impossible to have made Clem's branch a drill camp. The men who had Collected at that point would have rebelled against any such a course. Sumter was aware of this. He knew that the men were burning with hatred toward the invaders of their country, and were anxious to be led into battle. They needed training; but they must be trained, not in the camp, but on the battle field. After the affair at Williamson's, he began to look around for some enterprise in which he might engage the people who had flocked to his camp. The British post at Rocky Mount was selected as the place upon which to make an attack. Rocky Mount is in the extreme south eastr ? 4_ k: ern corner or ^neater uuuuwj, uotnccu u?g Rocky Creek and the Catawba river. Lieutenant-Colonel Turnbull was in command of the post. The garrison consisted of something more than three hundred soldiers?all loyalists. One hundred and fifty were New York loyalists, and about the same number of South Carolina tories. The place itself consisted of a rocky eminence ; hence the name, Rocky Mount The artificial fortifications consisted of two log houses, with loop-holes, which were surrounded with a ditch and abatis, the latter of which was some distance . from the houses. Xbe region around Rocky Mount was settled by Scotch-Irish Presbyterian-Convenantere. They were all Whigs. Not one of them took British protection. They never intended to submit to British rule. They were ready to do and die for liberty. The Rev. William Martin was, at that time, pastor of Catholic Church. In every way that he could he stirred the people up to resist the encroachments of the British and the tories. In the pulpit and out of it, he was the bold advocate for American independence. To keep these Scotch-Irish quiet, was one object the British had in view in stationing a garrison at Rocky Mount. The truth is, the British hated the Scotch-Irish, because they had wronged them, and the British officers frankly acknowledged they feared them. They were troublesome. No defeat could discourage them ; no victory could so elate them as to throw them off their guard. East of Rocky Mount, in Lancaster county, is Hanging Rock. Here a British garrison, also, was stationed under the command of Colonel Cardon. It was concerted by Sumter, and Davie, of North Carolina, that a simultaneous attack should be made upon Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock. The obtoo? tn nravent. trnoDs heincr sent from the j?w. " r Q one point to the other. The distance between the two garrisons was about fifteen miles. To carry out this plan, Sumter moved down to Davie's camp on Waxbaw creek. On the morning of the thirtieth of July, Sumter and Davie set out with their respective troops, Sumter crossed Catawba river at what was then Blair's ford. He was accompanied by Colonels Neil, Lacy and Irvine, and Captain John McLure. Davie passed down the east side of the Catawba. Early on the morning of the 31st, Sumter reached Rocky Mount. A tory had apprised Turnbull of Sumter's approach, and preparations had been made to give Sumter and his men a warm reception. Sumter bad no cannon. The Whigs poured volley after volley into the fortification, and the British were soon forced to take refuge in the log houses. Here the enemy was safe, and no victory could be gained unless they could bo driven from the houses, or the houses be destroyed. The houses were situated at the bottom of a slope. The idea occurred to Sumter that the houses might be burned. Accordingly, an old wa?on was loaded with dry brush and - o .. , straw, gathered from the adapts,, and rolled, down against the houses, .having first been set on fire. This failed. .; Sumter then, in his impetuosity, called out for two men to volunteer to set the houses on fire. Colonel William Eill, the grandfather of General D. H Hill, and James Johnson, the uncle of Chancellor Johnson, stepped out and offered their services. An armful of rich pine was procured and the two heroes set out to accomplish the task. If they were eo fortunate as to succeed, Colonel Turnbull would be made a prisoner; and if they failed, he would be permitted to live to fight some Dther day. They had to face the loop-holes of the houses. In front of them was a large rock. " - ? 1 -1 .L I 1J1 ? 1?J rrotectea oy mis, mey uoiuiy pruceeueu vu accomplish their dangerous undertaking. Crouching on all fours, keeping the rock between them and the house, they boldly advanced. Johnson carried the armful of pine and Hill watched the enemy. When they arrived at the proper distance, in the face of a terrific fire, Johnson rushed forward and threw the burning faggots on top of the houses. The flames began to roll toward the heavens. Hill and Johnson rushed back to their fellows. Their clothes were literally riddled with bullets, and the locks of their hair shot away. Turnbull hung out a flag indicating his readiness to surrender. Sumter ordered his men to cease firing. Just at this moment, when both parties thought Rocky Mount and Turnbull would soou be in the hands of the patriots, it began to rain and extinguished the flames. Sumter, now seeing that nothing could be done, led his men away, and having crossed the Catawba at Landsford, went back to Clem's branch. At this time there were a number of Whig prisoners in the houses. Amongst these prisoners was the brave old covenanter preacher, William Martin. The Whig women of the neighborhood came to the spot so soon as the firing was heard. They came, not to idly look on, but to act as angels of mercy to the wounded, and to fight if there should be need for it. No accurate account of Sumter's loss was kept. Amongst those who fell, was Col. - - -- ?- ? ? i?ii i ! onel Neil. The JBntisO lost tweuty in Kinea and wounded. Neither Sumter nor his men were discouraged. They did all that men, situated as they were, could have done. The raw militia stood the fire of the enemy like veterans, i At ten o'clock on the same day, Major Davie, with forty riflemen and about the same number of cavalry, attacked a party of the British at a house in the immediate vicinity of Hanging Rock. Davie captured sixty horses and one hundred muskets, and without the loss of a man reached his camp. No Need of Work.?Well, we are lazy in Norfolk, says a correspondent, that's a fact. But there is no need of working here. If a man has energy enough to dig a worm, he can take a pin-hook and sit down on the wharf and catch fish enough in oue day to last him two. If be is too lazy to dig a worm, be can tie a piece of flannel rag to a string, aud catch enough crabs to last him a day or two ; and if he is too lazy to tie a piece of flannel to a string, he lies down on his back on the sand at ebb tide, opens bis mouth, and when the tide comes in the crabs run into it. What need is there of work in a country for which nature did so much? lie jHotg Ecttct. ~~AN AFFAIR OF HONOR. j For five-and-forty years I have borne the name of Peter Smith. Though you never ' heard of me, I flatter myself that my family name will be familiar to you. I am quiet in my habits, and, I believe, not disposed to interfere with the rights of other men ; yet | even this did not avail to save me, some ten , years since, from becoming involved in an , affair of honor. Let me tell how it happened. At the time of which I speak, I was'an in* mate of Mrs. Jones' family. I use the word in* mate advisedly, since it was well known that Mrs. Jones never took boarders. In fact she expressly gave me to understand that her only inducement in taking me was the pleasure she expected to derive from my society; that she ( was far above mercenary considerations. Of course I felt flattered by the compliment thus ( insinuated, though I confess I was somewhat ( surprised, since all mercenary considerations were disclaimed, to be charged a higher rate j of board than I ever paid. Still, I did not { demur, feeling certain that I had at length found a home. Let me describe Mrs. Jones, my hostess. ] Physically speaking, I should say she came , of a great family, her proportions being most , aristocratic. In her demeanor towards me ] she was always very gracious and condescending, for which I felt properly grateful. She always came to the table arrayed in stiff satin, the very rustle of which betrayed her con- < sequence, and impressed me with my compar- , ative insignificance. , Mrs. Jones has a daughter, by nameSophro- , nia. In external appearance Bhe was quite unlike her parent, being exceedingly tall ( snd slender; whilo the other is exceedingly ( short and dumpy. In a copy of verses which , she was kind enough to show me, some enthusiastic young man had the temerity to call her ( a sylph. I do not know much about sylphs, never having seeu one to my knowledge; but I question much as to whether sylphs have red hair, or noses with an upward tendency. , I have my doubts also as to whether sylphs squint Still I am far from denying that ' Miss Sopbronia Jones was a sylph, since that ' belief evideutly afforded her satisfaction. Mrs. Jones' table was admirably adapted j for a valetudinarian. There he would find no dishes of unwholesome richness?nothing, indeed, that was calculated to induce excessive eating. If, as some physicians have declared, health is best preserved by always rising from the table with an appetite, I was never in a 1 fairer way to secure its blessings than when < enjoying the genteel insufficiency of Mrs. Jones' hospitality. About a month after my arrival, conversation turned, at the dinner table, upon a concert which was to be given the same evening by Signora Falfalini. I have a poor memory ] for Italian naineB ; but this is the name to the best of my recollection. ( "I wish I could go, ma," said the fair J Sophronia. < * ' "So you could, my dear," replied Mrs. Jones, "if you had a gentleman protector." J Thereupon she began to declaim against ' the customs of society which precludes lady's attending a place of amusement without a gentleman, lamenting that Sophrouia had, on this account, been more than ouce debarred ! from gratifying her exquisiteitaste in music. Of course I could not, in politeness, refrain from offering my escort, although I should thereby be prevented from attending the 1 weekly raeetiug of the club of which I was a member. Sophronia was in great confusion, and she could not think of troubling me. I began to hope that she would not, but the mother quickly silenced scruples by saying that she was a silly girl (thirty-five if she's a day,) and that she must not think of refusing. Sophronia made no further objection, and I [ had the pleasure of paying a high price for a mnnle nt tickets. 1 ' f? # I Nature not having bestowed on me a musical ear, I could enter but indifferently into the rapture of my companion, who pronounced ' Signbra Falfalini's singing divine, although she considered her quite devoid of personal attractions. The Signora, being afthr the same 1 model as Sophronia, I quite agreed with her in this bit of criticism, ' "Do you know," simpered ray companion ! confidingly, "I have, myself, thought, at times, that I was designed for a prima donna, or an opera sioger, like Signora Falfalini ?" ' "Then why do yutl not become one ?" I in- 1 quired. ' "Because ma has such an objection to any- f thing of a public character. She felt that 1 I should be demeaned by so doing, and ad- 1 vised me to content myself with contributing 1 to the gratification of my friends at home. ' You have never heard me sing, I think." ' I had at times heard a shrill voice, in a 1 very high key, as I sat in my room, which I had struck me as far from agreeable. I thought it best, however, without mentioning I this, to utter a simple negative. ' "You must not expect much," continued 1 Sophrouia; "my voice is rough and uncultivated. Ma is always telling me that I ought to devote more attention to it; out I can nev- ' er sing except when inspiration seizes me. If 1 you will come to-morrow evening, I will sing 1 to you if you would like." I expressed my thanks for this disinteresforl IrinrlriDco nnd OQ ennnert was finished. I bUW aillUUWW| %?W W1IW VV..WW. * ? ?*? ? r proceeded to escort the lady home. As we were making our way through the crowd, it chanced that some one accidentally, 1 or otherwise, jostled ray companion. She immediately seized ray arm convulsive- I ly and informed me that she had been insulted. 1 "Who did it?" stammered I, for I confess my courage is not of the highest order. In reply, Sophronia pointed out a small man with a fierce moustache, who was standing at a little distance. 1 Mentally deciding that it might not be prudent to have an altercation with such a person, I hastened to assure my companion that it might have been accident. 1 "No;"said she, very decidedly. "It was not an accident. It was inteutional. I wish you to demand an apology in my name." "Don't you thiuk it would be better," said I, in great embarrassment, "to treat him with coutempt ?" Sophronia was by no means of this opinion, i Accordingly I approached the gentleman, who appeared still more formidable on a nearer view, and asked, in what was intended to be a resolute tone, "what he meant by insulting the lady under my charge?" "Sir r-r," he ejaculated, as he turned sharply around. I repeated my request in a fainter tone, and suggested that I trusted it was accidental on his part. Stroking his moustache very fiercely, heinc 1 ? . i__ i luniieu iuc unit no uau uu capiauauuu iu make ; that if I wished to hear from him at any time, I should have an opportunity, and forthwith preeented his card. Without stopping to look at it, I slunk away in the crowd and soon reached home. My companion intimated that she supposed I should seek satisfaction in the usual way, I said something indistinctly?I am not sure exactly what?and very thankfully took leave of the fair Sophronia in the entry. Reaching my chamber I examined the card which had been placed in my hand, and found inscribed thereon, the name of Captain Achilles Brown, Astor House. Very probably he was distinguished by the same qualities which characterized his great namesake, and it made me shiver even to think of a conflict with him. Resolving that I would at least take every possible means to avoid it, I went to bed and sank into a slumber disturbed by frightful dreams, in which I fancied myself shot through the heart by the terrible Achilles Brown. Early next morning, while in the moment* ary expectation of bearing the breakfast bell, r otod otar+ln/1 Kr a trnnclf nt. fhn Hnnr Tm 4. TTCMI ow*t VIVVi W mmvwm ww vi?w www*. ? ? mediately afterward entered a tall man, "bearded like a pard." He introduced himself to me as a cousin of Sopbronia, and intimated that, having heard of my difficulty of the previous evening, he had come to offer his services as my second. Thanking him for bis kindness, I said that [ had not, as yet, decided to call out the gentlemen in question. "Not yet decided?" repeated my visitor, springing to his feet, causing me thereby to recede two paces, in some personal apprehension. "Not yet decided 1 But, perhaps, I do not understand you." I intimated, rather uncomfortably, that I had conscientious scruples against the practice of the duello. "Conscientious fiddlesticks 1" interrupted my visitor. "Sir, you must fight. There is no alternative. A lady has been insulted while under your protection. That lady 1b my cousin. Unless you take notice of it, I must." "But you have no quarrel with Captain Brown," I said. "You misunderstand me," said he, gravely. "Unless you challenge Captain Brown, I shall understand it as a personal disrespect to my cousin, and shall challenge you. Choose which of us you will fight." This was said so resolutely that I succumbsd at once. I reflected that, while there was squaf danger to be incurred in a duel with my visitor, there would be less credit. "Shall I write the missive ?" inquired my rompanion, who called himself Lieutenant Eustace. "Yes," said I, faintly. He sat down at my desk, and in a few minutes produced the following: "Sib: You grossly insulted a young lady, while under my protection, last evening. As a man of honor. I call upon you for ample apolo icy, or for the usual satisfaction accorded in such jases. I send this by Lieutenant Eustace, who lS authorized to act as my friend. "Yours, Ac., Peter Smith. "Captain Achilles Brown." Having signed this with some misgivings, [ inquired as to the character of Capt. Brown. "I don't know much about him," said my friend, "but I suppose he is a regular fire jater." ' This was satisfactory?very. "Suppose," said I, in a tremulous voice, 'you erase the word 'ample' before 'apology.' [ consider apology sufficient." "But I shall not," was the lieutenant's emphatic reply. There was no more to be said. He departed with his missive ; and I was left in no very enviable frame of mind. On his return, "Has lie apologized ?" I inquired, eagerly. "Not a bit of it," was the reply; "he vows that he will shed the last drop of* bis blood first." "What a sanguinary monster he must be," was my internal reflection. "The meeting is appointed for to-morrow morniug, an hour before sunrise," resumed the lieutenant. "It is to take place at Hoboken ; weapons, pistols; distance,-fifteen paces." ~ "Isn't that rather near?" I ventured to re mark. "Near? Of course you want it near. You will be more likely to hit your man." "And he will be more likely to hit me," I replied. "Of course," was the reply. "You must take your chances of that." I could not help wondering whether he would be so cool about it if he were the principal, and I the second. In fact, I have always observed that seconds are much more scrupulous about the honor of their principals than they are disposed to be about their own. [ suppose it is human nature. I think it altogether likely that I should make a very Berce second. "I suppose you are used to pistols ?" remarked my friend. "Used to pistols ! I remember once having Bred one as a boy, to the imminent danger of my little sister's life. Since then I have not Bad one in ray bands." As I strolled out into the streets in an un/ n 1 nappy rrame 01 rainu, a utjwauujr unuot mw my band a daily paper, which I mechanically bought. Glancing over the columns, I observed that a boat was advertised as about to start that day for Havana. The hour of departure was four in the afternoon. A sudden thought struck me. Would it not be much better to embark for Cuba than to remain behind to be shot ??a result which the state of my nerves and my want of practice with the pistol rendered altogether probable. With new-born alacrity, I immediately repaired to the boat, and demanded to see the agent. He informed me that the boat would positively start at the hour indicated. I asked to see the list of passengers. Running my eyes casually down the list, my heart beat quickly as they fell upon the last name. Could it be possible that my opponent, Captain Achilles Brown, had secured passage ? What could be hia motive ? "When did thiB gentleman book his name as a passenger ?" I inquired. "Not half an hour since." "Did he understand that the boat started to-day ?" "Yes ; he made particular inquiries on that point." "Will "nil /tnanrlko tiim tft mo ? Th hfl I f? 111 J \J U MWV1IVV II1U1 WW WW -V ? ? tall r "Yes, quite so." "And has a black moustache?" "Yes." "A dark complexion and wears a large cloak ?" "Precisely. You know him, then ?" "Very slightly," said I, carelessly. "By the way, I don't think I shall be able to get away for a week. I won't engage to-day." "We would give you good accommodations." "No doubt of that. On the whole, you need not mention to Captain Brown that any one inquired for him." My heart bounded with exultation, as with some difficulty I realized that my opponent, whom I had dreaded so much, was about to leave the country, from fear of encountering me. What a joke it was! I laughed all the way home, though I endeavored to preserve my gravity. On the way home I purchased a brace of pistols, which I ostentatiously displayed on reaching my boarding house. "To think you should risk your life for me," simpered the fair Sophronia. "Miss Sophronia," said I, with suitable fierceness, "No oue, with impurity, shall insult a lady while under my protection." During a portion of the afternoon I practiced shooting at a mark, and was never more lively than at the tea-table. Lieutenant Eustace, who was present, seemed considerably surprised at the change in my demeanor, and he was evidently puzzled to account for it. After tea I invited the company to witness my will, which I had drawn up for the sake of producing an impression. It proved a master stroke. I noticed that Lieutenant Eustace treated me with increasing respect, while Sophronia repeated several times, under her breath, hut loud enough for me to hear, "Brave man!" m s All this I enjoyed, and took the opportunity to severely discourse upon the sacred ness of honor, in defense of which I asserted that any man ought to be willing to lay down his life. In the course of the afternoon > had the pleasure of witnessing the sailing of the Ariel, with Captain Brown on board. Whether this circumstance had anything to do with inspiring in me these elevated sentiments, I leave the reader to judge. The next morning, at an early hour, I proceeded to the held with my second. Captain Achilles Brown was nowhere to be round. I professed a great deal of disappointment, and insisted on waiting three hours to allow him tim6 to appear. Of course it was in vain. All, however, testified to the remarkable courage which I displayed under the circumstances, and tendered their congratulations. The affair found its way into the papers, and I found myself all at once elevated into a hero. I could not walk Broadway without being furtively pointed out as the celebrated duelist. Among the ladies, particularly, I became an object of great attention?a circumstance that may well excite surprise when it is considered that my only claims to their regard lay in my having been implicated in an affair which the moral sense of the community condemns. Soon afterward I left my boarding place, to the great regret of the fair Sophronia. I afterward learned that, bad I shown the white feather, it was arranged that Lieutenant Eustace should force me into a marriage with his cousin, on pain of a duel with himself. The extraordinary show of courage which I exhibited, imposed upon him to such at extent that he did not think it advisable to offer the alternative, lest I should accept the duel. I have heard nothing of Captain Achilles Brown since the memorable day on which he did me the service to sail for Cuba. Had he possessed a little more courage, I shudder to think what might have been the result A Co-operative Store in New York.? A co-operative association, now in successful operation in New York city, exhibits some features of interest in showing another method. In November, 1875, thirty gentlemen of means and position, united under the laws of the State, and opened a co operative store on Sixth avenue, for their own use and benefit Each member contributed one hundred dollars in cash, and, under the management of a Doara 01 directors, a competent manager and four assistants, were engaged at reasonable wages. A 'mall store was hired, a choice stock of groceries purchased, a few simple rules prepared, and the store went into operation. By these rules, each member makes all his purchases at the store, and either pays cash or opens an account that must be paid on the first day of each month. The member has nothing to do beyond this. He pays in his hundred dollars, foregoes all interest in it, and expects no bonus or dividend of any kind. The profit comes in the reduced cost of the goods. Once each month the business of the store is examined by an advisory board, and, if there is a profit over the expense, the prices are lowered sufficiently to extinguish it. If there is a loss, the prices are raised sufficiently to cover it during the next month. The experiment has, so far, worked smoothly, and proved a success. The store not only supplies the members with the best goods, but delivers them free at their residences at a very material reduction from the retail market rates. The store itself is perfectly plain, and is exceptionally neat and attractive. There is no gilding nor display?not even a sign, except a card on the door. It is only open in daylight, and is only visited by the members. No member is liable beyond the $100 invested on joining the association, and any one may withdraw at any time by giving sufficient notice, and may then recover his money in the form of a gradual abatement on his monthly purchases.?IScribner's Magn9inA ? ? A Quaint Old Bill.?The following curious account for restoring a chapel, was engraved in French on a watch crystal in the Swiss department of the Vienna Exposition. The whole was placed on a scroll less than an inch square. A painter had been employed to repair a number of pictures in a convent; he did it and presented his bill in full for 59 francs and 11 centimes to the curate, who refused to pay it, saying that the committee would require a full detail. The painter produced it as follows: Corrected and revised the Ten Commandments, 5 francs and 12 centimes ; embellished and renewed Pontius Pilate and put a new ribbon in his bonnet, 3 francs 6 centimes ; put a new tail on the rooster of St. Peter, and mended his comb, 3 francs 20 centimes ; replumed and gilded the left wing of the Guardial Angel, 4 francs 18 centimes; washed the servant of the High Priest, and put carmine on his cheeks, 5 francs 12 centimes; renewed Heaven, adjusted two stars, gilded the Sun and renewed the Moon. 7 francs 14 centimes; reanimated the Flames of Purgatory and restored some souls, 6 francs 6 centimes ; revived the Flames of Hell, put a new tail on the Devil, mended his left hoof, and did several jobs for the Damned, 4 francs 10 centimes ; put new spatter dashes on the Son of Tobias and dressing on his back, 2 francs ; cleaned the ears of Balaam's Ass and shod him, 3 francs 7 centimes; put ear rings in the ears of Sarah, 2 francs 4 centimes; rebordered the robe of Herod and readjusted his wig, 4 francs 4 centimes; put a new stone in David's Sling, enlarged the head of Goliah, and extending his legs, 3 francs 2 centimes ; decorated Noah's Ark, 3 francs; mended the shirt of the Prodigal Son and cleaned the pigs, 4 francs 9 centimes. Total, 59 francs 11 centimes. A Juryman Won.?Chief-Justice Parsons used to say that eloquence was an unfortunate gift for a lawyer, as it prejudiced the jury against him, and thus hindered his success. A jury will determine beforehand that an eloquent pleader shall not hoodwink them, or exercise a mastery over their minds ; consequently, they set themselves to resist the power of his persuasion. Judge Parker used to tell a capital anecdote in confirmation of Judge Parsons' opinion. When Judge Parsons was a young lawyer, he was retained to argue an important case in a Maine court. He was unknown to the people, and even to the lawyers. Parker had heard of him as a rising man, and was drawn ?- a- 1 j to tne court-room Dy curiosity to learu me ?ecret of his power. ParsooB begau his plea by putting one foot in a chair; then, leaning one elbow on his kuee, he talked to the jury as a man would tell a story at his fireside. "Pretty soon 1 thought I understood him," said Parker. "He was winding his jury round his fingers. He made no show. He treated the case as if it were a very simple affair, of which the conclusion was obvious and inevitable; and he did not talk long. He got a verdict at once; and after the jury were dismissed, one of them, whom I happened to know, came to me, and said : "'Whe is this Mr. Parsons? He isn't much of a lawyer, and don't talk or look as if he ever would be one; but he seems Jo be a real good sort of a man.'" Eighteen hundred and seventy-six is a great year for this American nation. It is leap year, Presidential election year and the centennial anniversary of our independence, and for the purpose of giving us a rest during so much excitement, there will be one extra Sunday, or fifty-three in all. IgMfcnwit* Reading. SLIPPERY DICK. The intense excitement of 1847 and '48, caused by the discovery of gold in California, will be remembered by many of our older readers. The excitement was at fever heat in '48. Mechanics dropped their tools in the worshop, farmers left the plough iu the furrow, clerks left the counting-room, and clergymen deserted their flocks. Adventurers of all classes swarmed like bees upon the deck of each departing vessel. An equal conglomeration of thieves, gamblers'and cutthroats mingled with preachers of the gospel, doctors of medicine, learned professors, effeminate clerks, etc., all bent upon the same errand, never before or since mingled uponA ship's deck. A trip around the Horn was the popular route at that time, and four to six months were usually occupied in reaching the land of gold. Among the number who caught the infection was Charles C., a clerk in a large wholesale dry-goods bouse in New York. He was but twenty years of age, had a good situation, was trusted by his employers, and had a fair prospect of advancement He was of an adventurous nature, and bated the slow and dry details of commercial life. The glamour of adventure and riches shadowed his reason, and he gave up his situation, and in spite of the entreaties of parents and sisters, he bade them farewell, and set sail for San Francisco. w * ' * - !_ - UP. We will pass over iwo years ot nis me, The bitter disappointment of many aspirants for wealth who left New York, with high hopes and expectations, is well known now. Disaster, disappointment, and poverty were followed by reckless dissipation, crime, and murder. Persons detected in the crime of murder or theft were tried by the Vigilance Committee, and hung to the nearest tree. No testimony was written down in a trial, but quick and sharp work was the "order of the court." And yet it is safe to assert that the innocent were as safe from punishment as in the States, where trials are prolonged by tedious ceremony and labored summing up. The testimony against a miner to convict him of a crime had to be positive and conclusive. He was permitted to testify in his own behalf, and if he failed to satisfy his judges of his innocence, his punishment was swift and sure. Charles C. had met with nothing but disappointment since reaching the shores of California. Claim after claim had been worked and abandoned, and his dream of sudden wealth had fled from his brain. In the train of disappointment came dissipation and a reckless spirit, but crime he seorned. San Francisco, in the year 1850, contained but a sma)1 population. It was the resort for the lucky miner with his gold dust, and the home for the gambler and desperate characters in general, who always managed to strip the toilers of the gulch of their earnings. One of the most noted gambling hells at the time was kept in P. street, kept by a gambler named Dick P., notoriously known by the cognomen of "Slippery Dick." He ? ? ?-???* an A a tri lloin nf fho I WttO BU CA pci t |?Ct I LI UIOI OUU 0 T UlHlil w* v?iv Bret water. One night in December a table in his den was surrounded by four men, and one of the four was Charles C. He had made a lucky strike at the mines, and, having learned card-playing among his asso! ciatea, had returned to San Francisco to en; joy it. Midnight bad pasied, and tbey were evidently playing for "high stakes." The gold dust lay heaped high upon the table. Slippery Dick had lost heavily during the night, and he had staked his last pile upon the turn of a single hand. He had lost, and with blanched cheeks and in a fury of rage, he accused Charles C. of cheating at the game. "You are a liar I" was the firm and quick response. : Slippery Dick's eyes glared and burned with rage. . His losses, coupled with the indignity offered him, were too great to be borne. He drew his pistol, cocked it, and was ready to fire at the breast of his antagonist. Quick as thought Charles C. drew his knife from his belt, and striking the arm of the gambler, cast it aside and plunged the knife to the hilt in his bosom. He reeled and fell a corpse at the table. The lights were extinguished in the melee, and Charles escaped in the darkness. The news of the murder of Slippery Dick spread with the morning Bun, and the gamblers of San Francisco were frantic with rage. His death was declared to be a murder of the most cowardly nature. His companions in the game had fled, and the knife which had executed the work bore the Dame of the murderer, for whom a mob of desperate men were hunting. Charles C. was found, and a rope fastened to his neck, and with yells the infuriated mob cried out: "Hang him to the nearest lamp-post!" Fright had paralyzed the tongue of the poor fellow and rendered him speechless. Nearing?a tree, the rope was thrown over one of its branches, and he was asked what he "had to say before being swung up." He uttered not a word in reply, for he seemed tongueless and speechless. "Swing him I" came from fully a hundred throats; and the mob pulled at the rope, and the poor fellow's feet had almost left the ground. "Hold 1" cried a voice. "Hold 1" A man with one plunge parted the crowd, and with a spring, grasped the rope with one ? r.Unn?U.bniPa mif ?fa at**ans)a urifh UttUU) WiJUU a OUCIkVU'aiiilo vub ivo ovihimh ? w?? the other. The poor fellow fell to the earth as if dead. "Kill him!" "Knife him!" Hang him!" yelled the maddened crowd. "Stand back 1" was the calm reply. "The first man that approaches me dies!" One hand held a cocked pistol, the other the knife that had cut the rope. He was cool, but there was determination in his eyes and face. "Listen to reason, gentlemen," he said. "This man is no murderer. He took the life of another to save his own. What man in this crowd but would doth', same ? I was at the table when Slippery Dick was killed. He drew his pistol in rage, and was about to fire at the heart of that young man, who killed him to save his own life. I appeal for justice only. I have proof of what 1 say. Jim, walk forward, coward that you art. You were at the same table with us. Speak the truth, or you are a dead man. You are a relative of Slippery Dick, I well know ; but if you lie, a bullet will go through your brain." Jim walked forward and substantiated all that his companion had said, and the leader of the mob coiled his rope, and the rough crowd dispersed. "Young man," said the fellow who saved Charles C.'s life, "you had about played your last card here. The rope business does not ac?po? with vou. I can see bv the color of your face. A vessel leav?^ this port for New York to-morrow. Depart with it, for San Francisco may not prove a healthy place for you to live in the future. Take my advice. Rum and cards nearly cost you your life. Lei them alone in the future f". y Charles took his advice. He departed on, the following day, and has never tasted liquor j or handled a card since. He is to-day one of; the most wealthy and prosperous merchants hot i the city of New York. Silent Men.?Washington novei-made a speech. In the zenith of his fame he once attempted it hilt failed, and gave it up con fused and abashed. Id framing the constitution of the United States the labor was almost wholly performed by the Committee of the Whole, of which George Washington was the chairman. He spoke twice during the Convention ; but his words were so few that they could not fitly be termed speeches. The Convention, however, acknowledged the master spirit, and historians affirm that, had it not been for his personal popularity and the sincerity with which he spoke, the Constitution would have been rejected by the people. Thorn as Jefferson never made a speech. He couldn't do it Napoleon, whose executive ability was almost without parallel, said that his greatest trouble was in finding men of deeds rather than words. When asked how he maintained his influence over bis superiors iD age and experience, when commander-inchief of the army in Italy, he said, "By reserve." The greatness of a man is not to be measured by the length of his speeches or their number. Crazed in a Revival.?Thirty years ago, B William Fair, a prominent citizen of Indiana county, Pa., attended a revival meeting held H in the manner of the Primitive Methodists. B He became a religious enthusiast, imagining B that he had committed "the nn pardonable sin," H lost his reason and passed bis entire time in praying and singing. He believed bis wife and family prevented bim from obtaining pardon for bis sins, and became so violent to* wards tbem tbat it became necessary to place bim under restraint A room was fitted up with stout oaken bars at the doors and windows, and be was imprisoned therein. The skill of the best physcians has failed to restore his mind, and be has remained in confinement since 1846. His cell is as comfortable as it can be made, and he has every attention. For thirty years he has occupied every hour in tbe day with lamentations over his lost soul, in piteous appeals to God for pardon, and singing revival hymns unknown to churchgoers of to-day. By pacing up and down the floor of his room; and by constant kneeling in particular spots, he has worn great hollows in the boards, which it has been necessary to renew several times. The unfortunate man is over 80 years old. He is tall and apparently in tbe best of physical health. His hair and beard are of an extraordinary ieogth. He keeps his person and apartment neat and clean, but allows no one to approach him. He will not engage in conversation, bis whole attentions being given to bis incessant devotions. ti. ... ?;? . .. The Point Where Reason Stops.? Warn especially all tbe young, thoughtful hearts, never to seek a religion that shall all lie open to human sense. Make it indeed a great purpose of study, each day, to, esoape; error and superstition and doctrines that;evidently disgrace God and man, but do . this * ? .1 ?11 A _ witn tne reeling mat soon you win ccme to where the eliminations of reason must cease, and where you will have to kneel down and give up your heart to tears of faith and adorotion. In the long path of these threescore years, reason can do much and bring many an hour of profound joy. It is the great clouddispelling angel of our march. In our world, so long buried in darkness, a darkness that has for hundreds of years wrapped Christianity in its sack-cloth and made her a hag of the cavern oftener than an angel of light, reason is running like the chariot of the sun, scattering the hosts of darkness. But, glorious as the triumphs of reason are, it has its boondry like the sea, which it cannot pass. There are places its proud waves are stayed. At the place where Jesus Christ has become the bearer of human grief and sorrow, let us turn into children of patience and hope.. The cross is so inwoven into the Christian religion that, if it be torn out, nothing of Christianity remains.?David Swing: : ? ... Origin of the God Hymen.?Danchet, | the French poet, tells us respecting the delfi- 9 cation of Hytnen, that be was ayonng man of I Athens, obscurely born, bpt extremely hand- 4 9 some. Falling in love with a young lady of 9 distinction, be disguised himself id a female 9 habit in order to get access to her and enjoy 9 the pleasure of her company. As he happened 9 one day to be in this disguise with his mistress 9 and her' female companions, celebrating on H the seashore the rites of Ceres Eleusina, a 9 gang of pirates came upon them by surprise 9 and carried them all off. The pirates, hav- 9 ing conveyed them to a distant island, got 9 drunk for enjoyment and fell asleep. Hymen 9 seized bis opportunity, armedthe virgin*, and 9 dispatched the pirates; after which, leaving 9 the ladies on the island, he went in haste, 9 where he told his adventure to all the parents, 9 and demanded her he loved in marriage as 9 her ransom. His request was granted, and 9 so fortunate was the marriage that the name 9 of Hymen was ever after invoked in all fu- 9 ture nuptials, and in process of time the Greeks 9 enrolled him among their gods. 9 ?/' , + ' H A New Creed.?Rev. Mr. Swing's church, 9 in Chicago, adopted the following articles of 9 faith, and about three hundred affixed their 9 names to it: 9 ' We, whose names are signed to this paper, 9 earnestly desiring to promote our own spirit* 9 ual welfare, and to take some part in the 9 great work of helping others to lead the 9 Christian life, living in a large city where the 9 "A.k tn ho JnnA ia vprv orPAt,. do form 9 Illl/l ai If VI A IA/ wv MVMV , D- , ourselves into a Christian society, to be known I as the Central Church of Chicago. We would found our church upon the great doc- H trines of the New Testament. We believe in the divine character and mission of Christ; that He is the Saviour which man, in bis sinfulness and darkness, needs; that all those believing an t following this Christ are entititled to the name of Christians. Furthermore, as at the Holy Communion, many leading evangelical churches cordially invite to the supper all who love the Lord in sincerity and truth, so we, feeling that no service of the sacrament is holier than in communion, would invite into full membership all who make this Saviour their way, truth and life." Superiority of French Nails.?A writer, asserting the superiority of French over Enclish nails. areties that the fault of the O ? w latter is their being made in the shape of a wedge, which detracts from their holding power, and makes them more likely to split the wood. The French nails, on the contrary, are of the same thickness ail the way down, and have a sharp point, which is an improvement that the English manufacturers seem to think quite unnecessary. The French nails are made of wire; they are less brittle than the English, and can be used over and over again without breaking, thus proving far more economical. The French nails have also another peculiar advantage, which is this: When an English nail;is amn oat of its hole, to a certain extent, it loses, owing to its wedge shape, all power of holding, whereas the French nail holds to the last 16?- ,TMy boy," said a solemn visaged evangelist to a lad who had just emerged from a hair pulling match with another noy, ;*ao yotf expect to rove hereafter in a land of pure | "No," said the lad, "I've busted . I anothe? button off'm my trousers, and I ex- 1 g^get licked ftr it." I so amiable in themselves, are 8 never' ad'amiable as when they are useful; I and :unSr4^auty, though men may fall in B love with girls at play, there is nothing to I make them stand to their love like seeing I them at" work. I *<&EB 7 i in I,