Harpers-Ferry free press. [volume], February 12, 1823, Image 4

About Harpers-Ferry free press. [volume] (Harper's Ferry, Va. [i.e. Harpers Ferry, W. Va.]) 1821-1824

Image provided by: West Virginia University

                
POETRY.
FROM MR. CROLy’s ILLUSTRATION OF GEMS.
DEATH.
The Genius of Death is beautifully re
presented in the Gem as a Winged Boy,
his weeping eyes covered with his left
arm, and trailing a torch reversed in his
right hand.
What is death ? ’Tis to be free !
No more to love, or hope, or fear—
To join the great equality:
All alike are humbled there!
The mighty grave
Wraps lord and slave:
Nor pride nor poverty dare come
Within that refuge-house, the loinb !
Spirit with the drooping wing,
And the ever-weeping eye,
Thou of all earth’s Kings art King !
Empires at thy footstool lie !
Beneath thee strew’d
Their multitude
Sink like waves upon the shore :
Storms shall never rouse them more 1
What’s the grandeur of the earth
To the grandeur round thy throne ?
Riches, glory, beauty, birth,
To thy kingdom all have gone.
Before thee stand
The wondrous band:
Bards, heroes, sages, side by side,
Who darkened nations when they died !
Earth has hosts, but thou canst show
Many a million for her one ;
Through thy gates the mortal flow
Has for countless years roll’d on ;
Back from the tomb
No step has come !
There fix’d, till the last thunder’s sound
Shall bid thy prisoners be unbound.
f KUM A J,Ui\UUIN Jr A rLK.
Mr. T. Moore has lately published a third
number of the National Melodies, equal,
if not superior, in all respects, to ei
ther of the former ones. We subjoin
from it the song adapted to the Veni
tian air. It is of that kind in which he
pre-eminently excels,
flow gently here, my gondolier,
So softly wake the tide,
That not an ear on earth may hear
But her’s to whom we glide.
Had Heaven but tongues to speak as well
As starry eyes to see,
O think ! what tales ’twould have to tell
Of wandering youth like me.
Now rest thee here, my gondolier i
Hush ! hush ! for up I go,
To climb yon light balcony’s height,
Whilst thou keep’st watch below.
Oh 1 did we take for Heaven above,
But half such pains as we
Take day and night, for woman’s love,
What angels we should be!
MISCELLANY.
A week’s JOURNAL OF AN ENGLISH COUNTRY
CURATE.
Monday—Received ten pounds from
my rector, Mr. Snarl, being one half year’s
salary—obliged to wait a long time be
fore my admittance to the rector; and
even when admitted, was never once ask
ed to sit down or refresh myself, though
I had 11 miles to walk. Item—the doc- !
tor hinted he could have the curacy filled I
for fifteen pounds a year.
Tuesday—Paid nine pounds to seven i
different people; but could not buy the 1
second-hand pair of breeches offered me
at a great bargain by-the tailor;
my wife wanted a gown very much, and
neither Betsey uor Polly having a shoe to
go to church.
Wednesday—My wife bought a gown
for herself, and shoes for her two daugh
ters; but unluckily, in coming home,
dropt a guinea through a hole (which
she had never before perceived) in hpr
pocket, and all our cash in the world was
gone, except half a crown. Item—chid
my pror woman for being afflicted at the
misfortune, and tenderly advised her to j
rely on the goodness of God.
Thursday—Received a note from an
ale-house at the top of the hill, informing
me that a gentleman begged to speak
with me on pressing business ; went and
found it was an unfortunate member of a
strolling company of players, who was
pledged for seven pence half penny—in a
struggle what to do. The baker, though
we had paid him on Tuesday, quarrelled !
vith us to avoid giving any credit in fu
ture; and George --, the butcher,
sent us word that he heard it whispered
how the rector intended to have a curate
who would do the parish duty at an infe
rior price ; and though he would do any
thing to serve me, advised trie to deal
with Peter —-, at the upper end of
the town. Mortifying reflections thes^ ! j
But in nry opinion, a want of humanity is j
a want of justice. The Father of the
Universe lends his blessings to us, with a
view that we should relieve a brother in
distress; and we consequently do no
more than pay a debt, when we perform
an act of benevolence. Paid the stran
ger’s reckoning out of the shilling in my
pocket, and gave him the remainder of i
the money to prosecute his journey.
Friday—A very scanty dinner, and i
iu^s;civi® tu vvc ui^ asttij avtauu.
itiyg to eat, I might leave something like
enough for my poor wife- an4 children.
I tolcl ray wife what I had clone with the
shilling; the excellent creature, instead
of blaming me for the action, blessed the
goodness of ray heart and burst into tears.
Mem. Never to contradict her as long as
I live; for a mind that can argue like
hers, though it may deviate from the more
rigid sentiments of prudence, is even
amiable for its indiscretion ; and in every
lapse from the severity of economy, per
forms an act of virtue superior to the
value of a kingdom.
Saturday—Wrote a sermon, which on
Sunday—I preached at four different
parish churches, and came home exces
sively hungry—no more than two pence
half penny in the house.
But see the goodness of God, the stroll
ing player, whom I had relieved, was a
man of fortune, who accidentally heard
that I was as humane as I was indigent;
and from a generous eccentricity of tem
per, wanted to do me an essential piece
of service. I had not been an hour at
home, when he comes in, and declares
himself my friend, and puts a fifty pound
note in my hand ; and the next day pre
sented me with a living of three hundred
pounds a year.
RELIQUE OF BURNS.
The following lines, in the hand-wri
ting of Burns, were copied from the back
of a bank note in the possession of Mr.
Janies F. Gracie of Dumfries, (Scotland)
and have been communicated to us by
Mr. Jamieson of this city, a countryman
and personal acquaintance of the pdet.
They were evidently an extemporaneous
effusion, and bear internal proof of hav
ing been written at that interesting pe
riod of life when he was on the point of
leaving his country, on account of the un
favourable manner in which his suit to
“ Bonnie Jean,” (his future wife) was re
ceived by her parents.—[./V*. Y.Amer.
YVae worth thy pow’r, thou cursed leaf!
Fell source o’ a* my woe and grief!
For lack o’thee I’ve lost my lass ;
For lack o’thee I ’scrimp my glass ;
I see the children of affliction
Unaided, through thy curs’d restriction.
I’ve seen th* oppressor’s cruel smile
Amid his hapless victims’ spoil;
And for thy potence vainly wish’d
To crush the villain in the dust.
For lack o’thee I leave this much-lov’d
shore,
Never,perhaps,to greet oldScotland more.
R- B-, Kyle.
Extract of a letter from an “Old Maid,”
to the Editor of the Bcnningion Gazette,
dated the 1st inst.
I belong to that respectable sisterhood
vulgarly denominated “Old Maids”—and
have been some time on the wrong side
ot thirty; and having, for several years,
exercised the professions of Mantua-Ma
ker and Tayloress, I have had as good an
opportunity to observe the habits of peo
ple round their family fire-sides, as any
body could have, and I do assure you, on
the veracity of a spinster, that of all the
unhappy marriages that I have wifness
cd, at least nine in ten of them, are caus
ed by bad husbands, men who are unwor
thy the sacred title.
How often have I seen some men, after
spending their day and evening in idle
ness and vice, with a set of worthless fel
lows like themselves, come home late,
and swell and swagger and scold, at their
poor wives, who had perhaps spent a te
dious evening beside a comfortless fire,
and by dint of persuasion and caresses,
prevailed on their half-starved children
to go supperless to bed. I protest, Mr.
Printer, it is too bad to exercise so much
patience and forbearance, and then to be
scolded at after all; and I often think
what poor weak creatures women are to
allow themselves to be cajoled into wed
lock by the men, who care no more for
them than a farthing-rush-light; I am
very, very often provoked at them for
their weakness, “ and wonder,” as the
Poet so prettily expresses it,
“ Aud wonder how our sex can fancy
blisses
vyuiuatu u ucueam uie uiaca, rougn
bearded kisses,
“Of such a bear-like thing as Man.”
More especially as one half the nasty
creatures chew tobacco and smell of rum,
as though nature had not made them hi
deous and disgusting enough.
I thank my stars that I have hitherto
had the courage and fortitude to say NO
to all their solicitations ; that such may
ever be my happy lot, is the present pray
er of your obedient servant,
PRISCILLA PUCKERMOUTII.
P. S. I don’t care whether you put in
the last resolution, as, like our common
mother, Eve, I might succumb under
temptation, should it again come in my
way.
A village printer received from a dis
tant subscriber a dollar in silver, to pay
a half year’s subscription. The postage
on the letter was § 1 29 1
“ Faith,” said Paddy, “ such a business
a body must have a great deal of, to be
making a living at !”
i
mail, who has been recently appointed to
one of the highest offices in the state, hav
ing been admitted to the Royal presence,
to receive the seals of office* was observ
ed,on his return, to rub his chin in a very
contemplative mood. “ I hope,” said a
friend, “ that you met with a gracious
reception.” “ I don’t know what to think
of it,” replied the new Secretary, “ his
Majesty, with apparently perfect since
rity, expressed a wish that I should fol
low the example of mf late noble prede
cessor—which, I ajn afraid, means, that
nothing could give him so much pleasure
as that I should cut my throat.”
Several reverend characters being in
company at supper, the conversation
turned upon the places of their educa
tion. One had his at Oxford, another at
Cambridge. A young probationer took
the opportunity to mention that he was
educated at both places. “ That reminds
me, said an old divine, of a calf that suck
ed two cows.” And pray what was the
consequence ? inquired the gentleman.
“ The consequence was,” answered the
other, “ that it became a very great, calf.”
Analogy.—A little girl happening to
hear her mother speak of going into half
mourning, said—“ Why are we going in
to half mourning, Mama, are any of our
relations half dead ?”
A Repartee.—While Napoleon was yet
a subaltern in the army, a Russian officer,
with much self-sufficiency, remarked, that
“ his country fought for glory, and the
French for gain.”—“You are perfectly
right,” answered Napoleon, “for every
one fights for that which he does not pos
sess.”
The admired song “ Oh cruel am de
Bullet Ball,” as sung by Sambo Puffy, in
the new opera of Modern Honour.
Oh, cruel am de bullet ball,
Tro’ silk an’ paddin bofe he go;
lie hit de man, and down he fall,
An’ kick and holler, “ loddy, oh !”
No use you dodge, no use you run,
You needn’t trimble, twis’ nor squat,
De bullet ball he ketch you, tnun,
He come so vigorous and so hot.
PETER COIN LAN
HAS received a supply of low-priccd
Flannels, Russia Sheeting, Bur
lasses, Men’s, Women’s, and Boys’ LEA
THER SHOES.
Feb. 5, 1823.
NOTICE.
rgpHE subscriber will leave Harpers
H Ferry early in March; he therefore
requests all persons who have watches at
his shop to call and pay for the repairing
of the same, and take them away. All
watches not taken away before the first of
March, will be sold for the benefit of the
repairer. OLIVER CALAMM.
Feb. 5, 1823.
MORE CHEAP GOODS;
PETER CONLAN
HAS just received the following arti
cles, viz:
Very superior Cassinetts,
Common do. some as low as 50 cts per yd.
Corduroy at 25 cents per yard,
Domestic Shirtings and Sheetings,
Superior Bed-Ticking,
Chain Yarn, various numbers,
Candlewick,
Fine Waltham Shirtings, far superior to
English Power Loom, at 25 cents per
yard—by the piece 23 cents per yard,
Coffee, Tea, and Muscatel Raisins,
Segars, Scotch, Rappee 8c Macabau Snuff.
He has on hand a very complete assort
ment of CLOTHS,to which he invites the
attention of purchasers.
Also, a small lot of CASTINGS, con
sisting of Pots, Skillets, and Dutch Ovens.
Also, a few of Kilgour’s AXES.
Jan. 1, 1823.
r\ i a \ Ar_i
v/ x . vj x . v> x .
I OFFER my services to my friends
and the public generally, as an
Auctioneer ol Jefferson County,
and Hatter myself, from the experience I
have had in the business, that I can sell
property to as good, if not better, advan
tage than any other person in the county.
Those who have property to dispose of,
will promote their own interest by em
ploying me. I can be had at almost any
moment, timely notice being given me,
or left at my house at Harpers-Ferry.
JOHN DALGARN,
Jan. 1, 1823. Constable.
Messrs. Roger Perry and others,
TAKE NOTICE.
THAT, on Saturday the 15th of Feb
ruary, between the hours of 10 A.
M. and 5 P. M. at the house of J. R. Tho
mas at Harpers-Ferry, I shall proceed to
take the deposition of John Sellars, which
deposition, when so taken, I shall offer as
evidence in a case now pending in the
Court of Chancery for this County, in
which I am plaintiff, and you are the de
fendants. PHILIP STRIDER.
Jam 29, 1823.
YY i jjLilJ’ LA yf AmilO
RE again receiving, from N'ewYorkj
Plain and Cord Velvet, *
Green Silk,
Bleached and unbleached Sheetings sni'
Shirtings,
Plaids,
Flag and Black Silk Handkerchiefs,
Men’s, Boys’ and Girls’ SHOES, and
Water-Proof Hats,
As also, Molasses, Brandy, Raisins, &c.
Jan. 29, 1822.
GOODS AT AUCTION.
THE subscriber will offer for sale, on
Thursday the 20th day of Feb
ruary, at the store-house lately occupied
by Charles Wager & Co. almost every
article of MERCHANDIZE, (the pro
perty of said Wager, dec’d) embracing
the following articles, viz:
Superfine Cloths and Cassimeres,
Black, White, and Fancy Vesting,
Fine Hats, Irish Linens,
C-ambricks and Fancy Muslins,
Domestic Shirtings, Canton Crape,
Bombazetts and Calicoes,.
Men’s and Women’s Hose and Gloves,
Ginghams, Shawls, Handkerchiefs,Stc.Scc
Ninety days’ credit will be given on all
sums above ten dollars, the purchaser
complying with the usual conditions.
adm’r of
CHAS. WAGER, dec’d.
Jan. 29, 1823.
Dr. GODFREY WEISE,
iENDERS his thanks to the public,
JL (that is, the punctual part,) for the
liberal encouragement he has received
since his residence at Harpers-Ferry, and
iuforms them that he has replenished his
store with an excellent assortment of ge
nuine and fresh
Sundry Other Useful Articles,
which he will dispose of on very reason
able terms for cash.
EDWARD WAGER
Drugs and Medicines,
AND
DRUGS.
Aloes,
Alum,
Antimony,
Aquafortis,
Alcohol of Wine, ;
Aromatic Bitters,
Anti scorbuticTinc.
Balsam Copaivae,
Columbo Root,
Camphor,
Calomel,
Cremor Tartar,
Cold pressedCastor
Oil, :
Castile Soap,
Coperas, j
Copal Varnish,
Epsom and Glauber;
Salts,
Flower of Sulphur, !
Gum Arabic,
Gum Copal,
Gum Shelac,
Gum Guaiac,
Gum Tragaranth,
Gum Gamboge,
Gentian Root,
Gum Elastic,
Ivory Black,
Ipecacuanha,
Isinglass,
Indigo,
Jalap,
Liquorice Balls*
Lichen Islandic,
Laudanum,
MercurialOintment
Magnesia,
Manna,
Nutgalls,
Oil of Cloves,
Oil of Lemon,
Oil of Burgamot,
Oil of Lavender,
Oil of Wormseed,
Oil of Mint,
Oil of Spike,
Oil of Vitriol,
Opium,
Peruvian Bark,
Pearl Ash,
Paregoric, |
Rhubarb, ^
Rosin,
Sugar of Lead,
Snake Root,
Sponge,
Senna,
Spirits Turpentine,
Spirits Hartshorn,
Compound Spirits
of Lavender,
Sweets Spirits of
Nitre,
Tartar Emetic,'
Allis,
Fennel,
Caraway,
Coriander, and
Worm
J
SEED.
SPICES AND PAINTS.
Cinnamon,
Cloves,
Cayenne Pepper,
Mace,
Nutmegs,
Saffron,
Fig Blue,
Prussian Blue,
Indigo,
Rose Pink,
£ Urom Yellow,
£ King’s Yellow,
5 Red Lead,
Verdigris,
Vermilion,
Log Wood,
Red Saunders,
Madder,
Aronetto, &c.
PATENT MEDICINES.
Lee’s Family Medicines,
Judkins’ Ointment, Bateman’s Drops,
British and Harlaem Oil,
Godfrey’s Cordial,
Horwitz’s, Anderson’s, and Wilkin’s An
ti-Bilious Pills,
Opodeldoc, Henry’s Tooth Powder,
Sing’s Itch Ointment, &c. See.
SUNDRIES.
Ladies’ Toilet and Sewing Boxes (French
manufacture,)
A large assortment of French and Ger
man Toys,
East India and Ground Crackers,
Razor Strops, Fishing Lines and Hooks,
Violin Strings, Durable Ink,
Shaving, Almond and Rose Soap,
Wash Balls, Blacking Balls,
Pocket and Pen Knives,
Preserved Ginger, Snuff,
Hard Soap and Dipt Candles, and many
other articles which need not be named.
The health of Dr. W. having been re
stored, he is now prepared to render his
professional services to those who may
think proper to employ him.
’ Jan. 29, 1823.