The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, June 06, 1849, Image 1
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THE CAMDEN JOURNAL.
VOL. 10. CAMDEN. SOUTH CAROLINA. JUNE 6. 1849. NUMBER 23:
V THE CAMDEN JOURNAL, Jj
rrnLisirru weekly, by ii
\V. PEGUKS. v
? y
. tr
P??m tli-* Snm'pp Banner. t\
NOVEL READING. '<
N?>. 2. '
In a previous number, \vc adverted to
some of the evils of novel rendin?:?wc now
propose to resume our remarks on the same
topic.
In addition !r? the evils already enumcra- ,
ted, as resulting from this class of rending, it
is obvious, that, it produces a (ft^inclination '
^ for the pursuits of solid literature. Tales of .
fiction, never appeal to tlie thinking man. .
They call for no previous knowledge, ox- ,
enpt the simple art ifreading; and any t!:i:i^ . ^
like sober thought or rational inquiry is ex-1
eluded from the province which this class of |
^publications has usurped. The conseq uenre. j
is, that an elfeininacv of intellect is produced, j Cl
. .. I \\
As the body ioervated bv disease, loses nil y
relfch for strong and nourishing food, so the ''
mind, "nursed on fancy's lap" may indeed
* pjow into grace and beamy, but its mascu- ''
, Fine character will be gone. Fancy's visions ''
^ will absorb the attention due to sober rrn- j
fon. and fiction, will engross the tim\ which n<
ought to have been employed in the produc- l''
lion of truth. 01
Again, novel-reading nnfits i!ic mind, to 111
an alarming extent, for the ordinary duties ,M
tif life- Human life is not a dream, a m? rc a'
ideal existence, but a solemn reality, in- 1
dispensably connected with it. are important u
duties; and lite great end of life is answered j1'
only so far as these duties arc performed.
IJiit the effect of novel-reading, as every <?nc w
at all conversant with the subject is aware, ?'
i*,-very much to indispose the mind for the m
matter of fact business of life. An ideal ai
world iff created, in which Hie imagination "
delights to luxuriate; and so powerful is the e?
influence which these mere representations 1)1
of fancy have upon the youthful mind, especially;
as to lead to the persuasion, that,
the pleasing incidents which it contemplates,
jinav actually occur in its own history. The l1f
consequence is, that all necessary exertions, K
for the support of life, arc paralyzed; and
the disappointed visionary is left, ip a great cr
measure, to dream away his existence. Pr
The 'Confessions" of llousseau furnish a
^ melancholy illustration in point. 4 | cher- er
ished lor myself," he remarks, "thesituations rr
which had interested mc in my reading. I hi
m recalled them, varied them, and so appropri
ated thein, until I became one of the persons dc
whom 1 imagined, until I saw myself in the
situation most agreeable to my taste?until. af
in fine, the fictitious state into which I came. nr
i caused me to Pirget mv real condition, with
vvhieh 1 was So discontented. This love of s;1
| imaginary objects, and this facility of occii- ' ';t
pving myself, occasioned mc disgust of all S'J
that surrounded me, and firmed that taste
for solitude which I retain to this day." lie f)r
furt'ier says; "The impossibility of finding "<
real beings adapted to my taste, threw me be
into a chimerical world, and seeing nothing! ?
Lot" positive existence, which was worthy of i ev
my delirium, 1 cherished it in the ideal j ?f
world which my creative imagination very
soon" peopled beings adapted lo mv taste.
Forgetting altogether the human race, I ere I*-'
ated for myself n society of perfect crca- to
tares, cclelcstial, as well bv their virtues, as
by their beauty,?of friends sure, tender, and t'<
faithful, such as I have never found tiiem on iearth."
j*
Such are the confessions of this unhappy 'I
man; and how effectually, in his case, (lid j ' <
the perusal of works of fiction divest life of j c'
its sober realities, and substitute in their place ' 01
the over-wrought pictures of the iinagina ''i
lion! . . 1,r
Novel-reading involves a criminal con- '''
sumption af time. We say criminal; for.'
most assu r?My. in the estimation of every j p!
,- one but the infatuated novel-reader himself, hi
the time devoted tothis kind of rending might1 h(
many< should be occupied in a far more prof-j oi
table way. Yet such is the influence which \v
tales of fiction, highly wrought and well a
constructed, have upon the min i, that, not! fi
only whole days, but oven whole irghfs.: a:
have been consumed in their perusal. The [ v<
tale once commenced, tlie infatuated reader i tli
is held spellbound-through successive plots i I;;
?. ft ml scenes, until the last passes in review, j tr
The claims of ol
"Tired Na lure's sweet restorer balmy Sleep,'' ! b
Arc disregarded; and the hours which na - j 1,1
lure demands should be dev ?ted to the re- ! n'
pose of the body, are consumed indie pern-'
sal of such works. Is it right to appropri- j s'
aieso much time to such an object? Is it "I
right lor the young, especially to doit? 'Eurlv '
Jifc is the favorable period for storing the j :l1
**- mind with useful knowledge, enlarging the '
intellectual capacity, and forming the char- u
1% actcr." l?ut, if this favorable period be Cl
dissipated,- and what more calculated to a
do it than devotion to novel reading??all tf
these important ends, (ll:?? attainment of 11
which, are so necessary to future usefulness ''
and distinction,) will be frustrated. 'l
Novel-reading conveys false and dangerous
sentiments in reference to the novel c
character of /tmnan existence. Man is
nlaced here on Irial for eternity?this life is It
b'Jt the vestibuleof another, and endless state (I
of being; and, consequently, the present is h
_ one of moral probation. 4,It is a scene ofspir- p
itnal conflict, the result of which infinitely si
( interesting. tl
Immortal honors reward the victor,eternal c
itdatny awaits the vanquished* With this fi
condition of our being, every thing around I
tts corresponds. The part of wisdom, there, n
fore, is to direct our views towards that ulti- f<
inato happiness which virtue only ensures, d
and to identify with it our best expectations I
and wishes. But everyone who is familiar r
* ?| with novels is aware, (hat their effect is to I;
' produce a class of feelings inimical to this o
object. They not only confine the views to c
the present sphere of being, but thev invest c
the realities of life with a false coloring, and It
<>nvert n scene of eventful probation into a
licntrc [of artificial splendor, high.wrought
icideut. and ideal felicity. Can familiarity
riili such representations have any on the
(iiithful render, ihnn that of lowering his
ims misguiding his judgement, inflaming
is passions, causing him to identify chief
ood with the prccari us and delusory hours
nd pleasures of a passing existence, and
;ading him on, through mil and weariness.
f.i.hwl /hcntu\fiintn/l linnr?c nnrl
I I.I.I.,.. I'M--,
nal wretchedness?"
These arc some of tin evils attending an
lordinnto devotion to novel-reading; and
nd we have attempted to express them,
,'itli the hope of arrest in?r, in some measure,
to indulgenrc of a gratification, which has
roved ruinous to thousands. Let the youth
rho may read these articles, seriously porter
the considerations they contain , and as
c values virtue, j cace, and character ; let
im shun, as lie*would the serpent's venom,
ip. pernio ions in ft in lire of nun Is. ]).
GoldSkf.kers Rr.tlmtwno.?The stcamr
Francisco an i one or two other hoats
Inch arrived at St. Louis on the Silt iust.
out St. Joseph, brought down several Galhrnin
emigrants on their return home. They
avinfj seen, hut a small part of the "elcliant"
at St. Joseph, sold out or rather
ivo?a way, their out fit and interest, and arc
aw wending their way hack from whence
* - t i.l i
icv mux; poorer, nui nounuess nappier
i?-n. Wo arc told that there are a great
any in the vicinity of St. Joseph and Westi
thai would ho glad to follow their exnplo.
hut find it impossible to obtain any*
ing for their outfits. One of the persons
ho has reached this city informs us that
letions were being held in St. Joseph dai,
and gun?, harness, horses, wagons, See.,
ere knocked down at less than one-fourth
'their or'gmnl cost. It is also said that
ticli dissatisfaction exists, and that feuds
id personal altercations are becoming of
rquent occurrence, some of which have
iteuded so far as to disorgan'zc whole comes.?'S7.
Jjouis Republican.
SUCCESS AND FAILUIlC.
Ambiti >ii and avarice are the two promimt
actors in the formation of character.?
arh induces an effort to arrive at distincin.
The one is the lust of power, the oththe
desire of wealth, of amassing immense
operly. lit despotic countries ambition
velopes itself in iho exercise of the grosspassions
of the human heart. ending in
uelty, treachery ami deceit. There the
nbitious man mtist rise, by depressing bis
I low men. If he is possessed of a higher
:grec of intelligence ingenuity or tact, lie
innot give plav to his mighty powers, in
on dance with ino dictates ol ins noiucr
dure. lull must exorcist; ilieni in enslaving
s follow rnon. and degrading them in !ho j
mo ralsn as Ik* rises. 1 *ut hi this favored
nd. ii is t<> lie understood in a modified
use. llero the peculiar constitution of our j
ivernmcnt, and the characteristics ol the
ipalar mind, open a fairer field for ambi>n
to plav in. ilen; intellect alone must
: mjido the "renter instruinent of ambition
mind, the mighty fever which heaves oil'
cry weight, removes every absiaelc, and
>C'?s the way tliro' every difficulty. Our
stitutious are admirably adapted tor bring
g out, developing and invigorating the inllectual
man. If the ambitious youth longs
ascend up to win re great men stand, the
st great step in his progress, is the cultiva>n
of the iniiid-tho strongtlmiug of the in*
llocl-lhe pro; cr direction of thought. He
dependant up 'ii public opinion; therefore
ho accomplish s the true ends of ambition,
3 must carry man along with him. To
ovale himself, lie must elevate society, and
ilighten the public mind. The very stroke
at niirolis the clouds from tin; mountain's
ow, must diss pale the mists that darken
c valleys.
In despotic countries, nafon areoftcn comletcly
under the power of a man of a most
utal ignoiancc. Not so in America, where
- i i t- . i... i. ?i. ^
j 11111*1 worii "in ins course i*\ u'nii a ?i>i.
miis and unceasing mental netion< lie
!n> is capab'e of its highest exercise, wields
power a most omnipotent for good or evil,
r tlie people of tliis country however rude
id uncultivated, love a ureal mind, and roncncc
a cultivated intellect. And when
icy view its nrghtv action, (lashing with
jht, and thundering f rth deep hidden
uths.lhcy instinctively how to I lie workings
T sii|)"ri ?r genius. This then is a noble
j!d lor virtuous ambition. Here too,every
an is entitled l-? the same privileges as his
jiglibor, has equal facilities of becoming
reat, respectable and wealthv ? tSicii it
miild be tiro first object in the instruction
f youth to <j ve a proper direction to
tough!, a virtuous tinge to tin col .rings of
miction?'ink it with the exercise of inlogtv,
industry and temperance?and there itli,
that strength of character, which will
liable them ti> reach that point wliieii they
re too apt to envy in others, without atmipting
to emulate their success. Forme
is often, as in the days of heathen j\!vinlogy
spoken ofastiie guardian angel that
elps s ?me on in successful life, while she
aves others to waste their lives in fruitless
(fort.
Nothing is so much abused as this word
mitt 110?nothing appears to be so little uncrstood.
Whenever a man lias elevated
iinscll by honest industry and strict integrir,
lie is regarded as a fortunate man, and
r> is lie who has become immensely rich bv
lie most illicit practices, so lie is not detect,
d and punished?both arc regarded equally
muriate. But this is wrong and unjust,
f von see one greatly eminent among good
iieu, it is not because lie is fortunate, for
[>rtiiiic lias hcen equally lavnraoie io nunrcils
of others who are far beneath him.?
akc I ho (Ireat Supreme, \vlu? sends ilis
ain upon (lie just and unjust, fortune in this
ind confers the same opportunities on every
nc. But as he whose grounds arc moistend
with evening dews and refreshing showrs,
will reap no hcnclil tharclmin unless lie
teak up ami till ilie ground, loosen the soil.
and out dawn the cumbrous woods, so lie
who does not improve fortune's favors well,
will reap no reward because of his un.
worthy nes?.
There are a great many who set forth in
life with entire dependence on fortune alone,
without making any efforts to secure he favors.
They are very few who launch their
bark upon the tide of life without the hope
of boeomeinfi rich or distinguished, as avarice
or ambition predominates. And also,
few there arc who start forth with this expectation
and a firm determination to accomplish
it, by strenuous effort, but rather
wait for fortune to waft wealth to their coffers,
or spread their sails with the whirling
breezes of gratified ambition. Tlicv s< e
before them a course to run, over which
some arc sailing lull 01 nope arm promise,
ami beyond it they see others safely moored
in iho promisee! port. But how many lie
still upon 1 heir oars, and wait for the win Is
to blow them onward without one stroke of
oar or helm. Alas ! how many wait in
vain. To the fortunate is nothing less than
to be industrons. economical, energetic.?
How fortunate! many exclaim, when they
sec the son of toil and poverty arisen to
wealth, to distinction and usefulness. What
has been his fortune ? Days and nights of
toil and anxiety, of study and industry, of
economy and self-denial.
SUGGESTIONS OX HEALTH.
Children should be taught to use the left
hand as well and as much as the right.
Infants should lie sponged with cold wn- j
water every day. Infants should be car- !
ricd into the air every day of the season, i
Infants should be nursed at regular intervals,
once in about three hours. From the time
they are weaned until they have passed the
first dentition, children should be fed on
bread and milk.
Coarse bread is better for children than
line.
Children should sleep in separate beds,
and, where it is practicable, in separate
rooms, and should not wear night-caps.
Children under seven years of age should
not be confined over six or seven hours in
the house, and that time should be broken
by frequent recesses.
From the time of the first to that of the
second dentition, children should be denied
animal food.
Children and young people must be made
to hold their heads tip and shoulders back, (
while standing, sitting, and walking. The
best bods for children are of hair, or in winter,
of hair and cotton.
At proper times, and in proper places,
children shou'd be indulged in the free use of;
their limbs and liinirs. A nlav-room is a
I C I >
! useful appendage lo a house.
After the second dentition is passed, yoyng
I people may cat nlljctnds of whplesonjjHoytL..
Young people should drink only water. One
I pint of liquid to a person a day, is <ai(Tieient
J tor health; and that should neither be hot
! ij ?r very cold, and should betaken til sonic interval
after eating.
From one to one pound and a half ofsolid
food, is sufficient Ibr a person in the ordinni
rv vocations of business. Persons in the sedentary
employments s!i*miI?I drop one-third
of their food, and they will escape dyspepsia.
Young persons should walk at least two
hours a lay, in the open air.
Young tadies should be prevented from ;
! bandaging the chest. The author has known .
three cases of insan.ty, terminating in death, j
which began in this practice.
Every person great and small, should I
wash all over in cold water cverv morning.
Heading aloud is conducive to health.
The more clothing we wear, other things
I
being e^jual, the less loud we need.
Sleeping rooms should be furnished with
a fire-place, or sonic other mode of ventilialing
besides the windows.
Ttic proper temperature of sleeping rooms
i? frniii in fi!) decrees Farenhdt.
The IcinpuralHT0 "f f mom warmed l?y j
! an open lire-plnck .is suliicietitly hiiih l"??r
! health and cnmfdVj nl 70 degress Full.; Iiul |
! in a room warmed by an air I in I it stove, it
needs to In; at 7f> degree?. Air-tijjhl stove?
arc not good lor healili unless the room is
plontifiilly supplied by cracks ami crcviccs.
Young people ami others cannot read and j
study much by lamp light with impnn ty.
Tlie best remedy for eyes weakened by
i night n-e. is a fine stream of cold water fiej
ijnentlv applied to litem.
When exes fail by ago, Il?c aid ofspccla;
cles slioiild be called in. instead o( being doI
ferred as long as possible.
Dr. II an ( it's Tract on Health.
IjIFI: PitRSKItVKK M ATT It I IPS.? Til tllO
Scientific Anicrican wit find a Life Preserver
Mattress, invented by .Messrs. (loorge
j Sliegog and Martin Cliapin, of ibis town.
' It can be used as a mattress, or worn as a
life preserver, when tho owner desires to
travel. The Scientific American entertains
i vorv high opinion of ibis mattress, and snvs
that every ship and steamboat should use it
in preference to anv other. It says thoiis.
anils of lives may bo saved by it, and that it
can be made at no great expense, and will
endure longer than ton straw matrasses, and
that it is far healthier than a hair mattress.
Tnoarliclo is mndeofsomc kind of stout rloih
as a covering. in the common way, and filled
with granulated cork, to give it buoyancy at
all times, ami to keep it dry. The inventors
have taken measures to secure n patent, and
we trust will realize a fortune.
South Carolinian.
TIIE SEVEN SHILLING PIECE.
AN ANKCDOTi:.
It was during the panic of IS'JtJ. that a
gentleman, whom we shall call Mr. Thompson,
was seated with something of a melancholy
look, in his dreary hack room, watching
his clerks paying away thousands of
pounds hourly. Thompson was a banker
of excellent credit : there existed perhaps in
the city of London, no safer concern than
that of Messrs. 7'lioinpson it Co.. hilt at a
moment such as I speak of, no rational re- J
flection was admitted, no former stability ;
was looked to; a genera! distrust was felt, ;
and every one rushed to his banker's to
withdraw his hoard, fearful that the next
instant would be too late, forgetting entirely
that this step was that of all others most
likely to insure the ruin he sought to avoid.
But to return. The wealthy citizen sat
gloomily watching the outpouring of his gold
and w ill) a grim smile listening to the clamo.
r >tis demands on his cashier, lot although;
lie felt perfectly easy and secure as to the j
ultimate strength of his resources, yet ho j
. r I. _ 1 !
j saw constituent 01 cnnsiuticni rusn in, nno j
J those whom lie fondly imagined to be his
dearest friends eagerly assisting in the run
1 upon his strong box.
Presently the door opened, and a stranger
was ushered in, who after gazing a mo- |
ment at the bewildered banker, cooly drew !
a chair, and abrupt-ly addressed him : " Yoti
will pardon me, sir, for asking a strange
question ; but I am a plain man, and like to
come straight to the point."
' Well, sir?" impatiently interrupted the
other "I have heard that you have a run on
j \ o ir bank, sir."
"Well?"
j "Is it true?"
" Really, sir, I must decline answering to
youi very extraordinary query. It, however,
you have money in the bank ; you had
belter draw it out and satisfy yourself; our
cashier will instantly pay you ; and the
banker rose, as a hint for the stranger to
withdraw "
"Far from if. sir; I have not one sixpence
in your hands."
" Then mav I ask what is your business
hero."
' I wish in know if a small sum would aid
you at I his moment."
" Why do you ask the quest ion?"
"Because if it would, I should gladly pay
in a small deposit."
The money ^dealer started.
' You seem surprised ; you don't know
my person or my motive. J'll at once explain.
Do you recollect some 20 years ago
when you resided in Essex?
' Perfectly."
"Well, then/sir, perhaps you have not forgotten
the turnpike gate through which you
passed daily ? Mv father kept the gale, and
was often honored with a lew minutes chat
with you. One Christmas morning my father
was sick, and I attended the loll bar.
Do von iccollcct it sir?"
" Not I, my friend.*
"No sir, few such men remember their (
kind deeds, but those who are benefited by
them seldom forget them. 1 am perhaps ,
prolix ; listen however a few moments, and (
1 have done."
The banker, who began to feel interested,
at once assented.
" Well, sir, as I said before, I threw open '
the irate for you, and as I considered myself I
io duty bound, 1 wished you a happy Chrst j
mas. "Thank yon my lad," replied von ?
thank yon; and the same to yon; "here is a
trifle to make it so," you threw me a seven
shilling piece. It was the first money 1 ever ^
possessed; and never shall 1 f >rgct my joy ;
on receiving it. I long treasured it, and as ;
I grew up, added a little to if, till I was able j
to rent a loll myself. You left that part of j
the country, and I lost sight ofyou. Yearly
however, I have been getting on, your present
brought good fortune with it ; 1 am now
comparatively rich, and to you I consider I
owe all. So this morning, hearing accieental
v thai there was a run on your bank,
I have collected all my capital, and have
brought it in lodge with you, m case it can
be of any use; "here it is, sir?here] it is,'and
lie banded a bundle of bank notes to the
agitated Thompson. "In a few days I'll call
again,'and snatching up his hat, the stranger
throwing d iwn bis card, walked out of
the room.
Thompson undid the roll; it contained
?30,()()()! The stern hearted banker-burst
into tears. The firm did not require this
prop; but the motive was so noble, that even
a millionaire sobbed-he could not help it.
Tim firm is still one of the first in London.
The ?30,000 of the turnpike boy is now
grown into some ? 200,000, Fortune lias :
well disposed of her gilts.
SOUTHERN PL VNTING-COW PEA
COTTN SEED, Etc.
In your ins* nuinlicr, Mr. Itohinson, I perceive,
notices the I a t a I elfects, in Mississippi,!
nf turning stock into pen ileitis. I have my- [
sell been ;t suH'erer. in the loss of many vain- j
able cattle, from the same cause. The usn* j
nil hazard ?! feeding pens, however, may be
i nineh lessened by proper precautions, in
the first place, i would recommend them/ j
iriufcr Jim as least injurious; and planting
on the same ridge with corn, to induce the
vine to grow on the com stalk, to prevent as
1 much as possible the pods from coming into
contact with tin: ground, which, in wet seasons,
occasions them to rot very early, in
which stale they arc vnison. Ilefore slock
of auv kind is turned into pea fields, ihev
should he hltoraliy fed with corn, lest
they gorge themselves by too heavy a meal.
They should have access to water at all times,
, atu! if tint fields contain none, lliev should In; j
j driven to it thrice a-(Jav. Halt Irecly twice j
i a week, and rigidly exclude horses and ent- ,
lie from Ihc pea fields in wet weather. He!- j
ter that tlioy are kepi on short commons
than feast on food so dangerous. II they
swell, and arc not speedily relieved bv moderale
exorcise, they should lie punctured with
a sharp knife, between the hip and back rib,
sufficiently deep to reach the cavity, which
nine cases in ten, will aflbrd instant relief.
Hogs should never have access to pea
fields, excepting those intended to fatten for
slaughter. To slock hogs, they arc almost
as injurious as cotton seed, on both of which
they will ihrivc for a time ; but half that arc
thus fed, will die as warm weather approaches.
In no country thai / have ever seen, do
hogs thrive so well as in llio vallev of the
Mississippi; and nowhere that I know, can
they be raised cheaper. The woods abound
in mast,and the whole surface of the earth i:
filled with worms ; so that only a sufficiency
of corn, with a little attention to keep then
gentle, is all that is required. I feed mint
in llie evening when they arc penned, anr
turn them out in wood pastures in the day
I would prcforjopen, to enclosed pastures bu
for the burs.
My crop of corn, last season, in Mississip
pi, nearly equalled that of the preceding
year, whilst the cotton crop fell short abou
one fourth. Notwithstanding the fertility
of the soil there, I shall, for the ensuing crop
manure every hill of corn, and if the result
at all equal my expectations. I will give you
the product, I have just closed the operation
of hauling out manure on my fields
here. Of cotton seed, cow-pen, and stable
manure, and ashes. I have taken out 570
four-horse wagon loads, and 2,840 cart
loads. The latter arc rail road carts, with
bodies five feet long, four wide, and one foot
deep. The ashes were obtained by setting
fire to rafts deposited in my river low
grounds, formed by the draft wood brought
down by freshets. The supply is unlimited:
and an experiment made last year with ashes,
induces me to expect great results this
season. AV. Hampton.
Millicond, (S. C.) MarchlOtli, 1849.?
Agri-culturalist.
Women are Rarely Confused.?A
voting gentleman who was in the act of popping
the question to a voting lady, was interrupted
bv the father entering the room
enquiring what ihev were ahout, "Oh replied
the fair one, " sir.?was just explaining
the question of annexation to me and he
is for immediate annexation. "Well, said
Vapa, 'if you can agree on a trcatv, I'll ratify
it.
A Committee?It is proposed in a Coston
paper that every man constitute himself
into a committee, to enquire into his own
conduct, it is believed that the business each
committee, would have to transact, would
keep it constantly and usefully employed.
[From tlie New Orleans Picayune, May 21th.]
FROM TEXAS.
Further Indian Depredations?Murder of Fa
milics?Women and Children carried into
Captivity?Call upon j\[cxico to protect our
Settlements.
By the arrival here yesterday of the steam
ship Globe, Capt. Elery, from Brazos Santiago
the 19th, and Galveston, the 21st instant, we
have received the Brownsville Flag of the
loth and the Galveston papers to the 21st, inclusive.
We deeply Vegrct to learn that, from 1 ho
exposed state of our 1'exas frontier, no troops
r>f that branch of the service which is alone
adapted to cope with the ferocious trihos of
wild Indians in that region of country being
available, an irruption of Camanches has lately
taken place, attended with the most awful dosiruction
of life and property among our defenceless
fellow.citizens. The following, from
the Brownsville Flag of the lGlh inst., tells
the melancholy tale :
"On Thursday last our town was thrown
into great excitement by the arrival of an express
from Palo Alto, announcing the startling
intelligence that a numerous and formidable
band of Indians had just made a descent upon
that place, and had already committed many
acts of startling and savage barbarity. The
stage from Point Isabel had been intercepted ;
and the proprietor, Air. Bangs, and Air. Lotnbardo,
a passenger, were taken prisoners. A
train of transport wagons had also been cap.
tured between Brownsville and Point Isabel,
containing much valuable merchandize.
"Such of our citizens as were able to procure
horses speedily repaired thither, hut their
numbers were too small to do more than defend
the settlement of Maj. Taylor; pursuit was
impracticable. The commandant at Fort
Brown, Col. Alorris, likewise despatched in
wagons some thirty infantry?all his disposable
force, leaving only a guard at the fort?hut
their progress was too tardy to avail anything
against a the so wily and well mounted. There
were no mounted men in the garrison. Before
the arrival of this force the foe had retired;
not, however, until they had perpetrated acts
of savage barbarity, the mention whereof
causes our blood to curdle.
" But partial accounts have reached us of
the acts of the savage marauders. Doroteo
Xamora, a mos* estimable citizen, we regret to
learn, is among iIir slain. Mr. Zamora had
just decided, under I lie treaty, to heroine an
American citizen. One of Mr. Zainora's sons
was hilled at the same lime, another hadly
wounded, and Ins daughter, a girl ahont fourteen
years of age, carried into captivity. At
the rancho Santa Olava two men were hilled
and a woman and two children tahrn captive.
From the rancho de Ins Indio?, Mrs. NVillsey,
the wife of Captain I'enjnmin Willsev, his
luother and sister-in-law were carried ofl" captives.
The aged mother o| Mrs. WilNcy persisted
in liillowing Iter children, and did so for
some distance, regardless of savage mennre,
when the Indians, seizing her, tied her hands
behind her, pierced her with their Inures an I
arrows, and left her on the ground weltering in
her Mood, as they supposed, dead. This poor
woman, however, succeeded in reaching a
i i i most shockinrr -illi!
lietgnooriog i.int.no 10 - ?
mutilated condition, and is now, we understand,
a maniac.
' Tim destruction of property on this river
has heen immense. M e learned today of the
loss of .it-vent} horses hy one gentleman. We
are rejoiced to hear of the esrape of .Mr.
Hang's and lii.s companion from captivity. Tltey
were, however, reduced to a state ol nudity.
The foregoing is lint a laint outline ol'tho
acts perpetrated within the 1:1*1 lew days in out
immediate vicinity.
"The tm?iti<>n of onr officers on this line i*
" I
truly |>:t in In!?placed as tin* y are upon an ex
posed frontier, wit limit tin* moans of alfudief
that protection which their position implies as ji
duty."
Immediately after the intelligence arrived at
Hrownsville the following eoriespondenco pass
od hoUveon li e. civil authorities o| that towi
and (Jen. Avnios, the military commandant a
Matamoras :
nuowNsvn.r.K, May 10, half-past 9 1'. M.
Drrtr Sir : Learning that you are desirous tr
aid us in driving the Indians from the neighbor
hood, and our garrison containing no troop<
except iufunli v. when it is ueei :.sary to have
?? . 1
s dragoons, we beg (o accept your kind and genj
crous offer to furnish us with a party of dnu
i goons for the purpose of fof-cing the Indian* off
i from further attacks on our neighWs.
j The garrison at Fort Drown has already***"
nut n nnrfvnf i n Co nt r V *nlrf!? r? Itrcirlflt dmtrm
t a! of our citizens, some twenty in number,"lists
also pone out on horseback ; but we fear their
efforts will prove ineffectual, and that nothing
can be accomplished unless a force of dragoons
be sent out above to cut the Indians off upon
t I t .j
their retreat to their nation. " ' J .
Your kindness and attention in this matter,
' which we learn has been promptly volunteered
Iiy yourself, will ever be remembered by
i Your&bedient servant; M
L. B.T51GELOW,
Chief Justice, Cameron county, Texas,
t 'I'o Gen. F. Avalos, commanding Mexican
i troops, Matamoras, Mexico.
Brownsville, May 10, -18-19^
Dear Sir?We, the undersigned citizens, .
being appointed a committee to wait ijpoo Col.
Morris, to ascertain whether be would Regard
it as an infringement on your part, with Cbmmand,
by rendering us some timely assistance,
owing to the sudden descent made rtpon th?
section of the country by a large bod?
ans, take this occasion to say that we did call
accordingly, and that Col. Morris stated "that,
if lhi? piti-jpna r?p?irpit ff_ Inacmiiph bp tin d
no cavalry, lie would throw no obstruction in
the way of your proffered assistance, nor vroold
he regard it as an interference with bis cororr.and.
Cornelius Peterson, R. W. Macfcay,
J. J. Jacobs, J. M. Ah rams,'
P. Maxan, G. Goodman,
J. Ilowlett, Robert B. Gage-, ~
John E. Garey. .!
To Gen. Avalne, commanding Mexican troops
at Matamoras.
__ . -i \>
Bank op the Rio Gkatvotc, 7
12 o'clock at night. ' T
Dear Sir?Your note requesting ray fAffstaiice
with a party of cavalry to act against the
Indians, has been received.
1 am now ready and disposed to furnish ywt''
and to march with all the force of which I ^
dispose; but I have to observe to ymi that (
cannot move any of them without receiving acommtinication
from the military commandant
of your department, authorizing me Id pa??
troops from Mexico to the other side of the
river, as it would be to furnish reason of complaint,
or comprise me, when my object is to
comply with my duty as a soldier, and fulfil that
of good neighborhood.
In such circumstances I have only to sty
that I am waiting with my troops on (he shore
of the river for your answer to this, and for Use
above mentioned authorization, which I con*
sider indispensable to enable me to furnish the
requisite force, notwithstanding my good disposition
to do so.
Taking this opportunity to assure you of my
high consideration, I remain yours* &c.
FRANCISCO AVALOS,
To the Hon. I. B. Bigelow,
Chief Justice Cameron county.
Brownsville, May 11,1849.
Sir ?Your communication of this morning
has just been received, in which you have
been pleased to say that with the written authorization
from the commandant of this department,
the necessary force is at our disposal*
The commanding officer of this department
declines any interference in the matter?thus
placing it out of our power to accept the use of
your cavalry.
Be pleased, sir, to accept our (hanks (r* the
prompt manner in which you have answered
our communication, and the lrest wishes of our
follow citizens (or your health and happiness1
am, dear s'r, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant*
ISRAEL B. BK?BLOW, ' * '
1
Chief Justice of Cameron Conttfy.
To Gen. Francisco Avalos, Matamonfr, Mexico.
We Icarn that a lew hours after the call (fan
Mexican cavalr/, well equipped, were waitingon
the bank of the rrvcr for the military- commandant
on onr side to sanction their crossing;
and remained there several hours, but In consequence
of the decision of the commanding
officer at Brownsville, they could uot interfere.
Oregon Corn.-?Through the politeness of '
' our neighbor, .Mr. Robert Bryce, wo have received
a small parcel of Oregon Corn, as coming
from our very respected friend, Mr. Lemuel
(1 lymph, of Newberry, who imported a barrel
of it to plant as an experiment. The grain
bears some resemblance to the yellow goun).
seed. It is longer and fuller, however, and is
said to contain a fourth or a third more nutriment
than the gourd-seed. The cob is represented
to be very small, and comes to maturity
very early. We are preparing a small patch * .
to plan tit ; and should it ever matuie, our friend
( lymph shall hear from us again through the
columns of the Banner. Meanwhile, \y?e retura
our thanks to tho donor, for his valuable com- '
pliment.?Palme/to Slafc Banner.
___
Drcvr.ut or the Hon. Charls Fisher.?
This community i< again called upon to mourn
the death of one of her oldest and most valued
i citizens. The Southern mail of Sabbath even.
ing last brought 'he painful intelligence of the
death of the Hon. Charles Fisher. He died
on the evening of Monday 'he 7th ult., at HillsI
borough, in the county of Scott, in Mississippi.
, His health, as we learn, having become unsettled,
under an attach of tho lungs and liver,
he had undertaken the journey to his home in
this place. Reaching Hillsborough, be was
unable to proofed further. There ho laid him *
down to die ; those who would have rendered,
wdh gteatest tenderness, the mournful services
which his expiring nature require ; yet, wick
> was tlie excellent character of the deceased,
that we doubt not his lied watt surrounded by
many warm hearts, and skillful hands, and Hitt
i he received all that attention his situation re
qureil. In the death of Mr. Fisher it is not only
t this community which have sustained a loss;
i hut the State and Nation. The great interest
of these, ho was not less capable of promoting,
t than he was to them zealously devoted. In thn
councils of the former lie served long ; hi the
i Halls of the latter ahlv?in both efficiently, and
t with great credit. And whilst we leave to an
abler pen the task of pronouncing a fitting enlogy
on the character of the deceased, we were
> iintrno to ourselves and to his memory to any
less than we have offered?an bumble testimo.
< nv to great worth and eminent ability.
' CtiroJina Watchman.