The journal. (Huntingdon, Pa.) 1839-1843, February 22, 1843, Image 1

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    VOL. VIII. No. O.]
PUBLISHED BY
THEODORE H: CREMER,
T 37.110.
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P0ET7.17.
II A GA R.
She fled, with one reproachful look
On him, who ba.le her go,
And scarcely could the Patriarch brook
That glance of voiceless woe ;
In vain her quivering lips essay'd
His mercy to implore,
Silent, the mandate she obey'd.
And there was seen no more.
The burning waste and lonely wild,
Received her as she went.
Hopeless, she chisp'd her fainting child,
With thirst and sorrow spent,
And in the wilderness so decor,
She rais'd her voice on high,
Arid sent forth that heart-stricken prayer—
" Let me not see him die!"
•
Her beautiful, her only boy,
Her all of hope below!
So long his father's pride and joy,
And yet from him the blow!
Alone she must his head sustain,
And watch his sinking breath,
And on Isis bright brow mark the stain
Of the destroyer, Death!
4 . Let me not see him die," and lo!
The messenger of peace:
Once more her tears forget to flow,
Once more her sorrows cease.
Life, strength and freedom now are given
With mighty power, to one
Who ft ow his father's ro , Jf was driven,
And he—the outcast's son.
How often we like Hagar mourn,
When some uulook'd for blight
Drives us away, no more to turn .
To joys we f.incitd bright.
Forced from our idols to retreat,
And seek the Almighty's care,
Perchance we are sent forth to meet
The desert angel there!
ICEIOZZaLANZIOTTEI.
MARTHA. WASHINGTON.
DT MRS. ,IGOURIVEY
The state of society in Virginia, a cen.
tury since, was unique and imposing.—
The "Ancient Dominion" retained stroll.
ger features of resemblance to the father
land, than anti• of its sisters. rite man.
ners of the ',utility ol England had been
transplanted, with little radical change, to
the territory of Powhattiin :-- A kind of
feudal magnificence, a high and quick
sense of honor, a ;;,onerous and lordly hos
pitality, early characterized a State
which has given to this western empire so
many of its mightiest and noblest names.
One of the most immediate changes ur•
icing ft um the severance from the mother
country, was the breaking doer of that
courtly and almost solemn etiquette which
had marked the intercourse of the higher
classes, " t know your age by the edi
tion of your manners," said a lady of
discernment to a gentleman distinguished
for politeness. " I am certain that you
were educated before the revolution."
But the republicanism which may have
possibly swept with too tell a tide over
our natural manners, had at the period of
which we speak, no existence in Virginia.
The levees of her royal governors, though
stripped of monarchial pomp, displayed a
remnant of those " stately steppings ol
chivalry," with which the titled and val
iant, of a still earlier age, were accustom
ed, in European courts, to pay homage to
beauty and to rank.
It was early in the winter of 1748, that
the levees of Governor Gooch opened with
unwonted splendor at Williamsburg.—
Many of the members of the assembly took
thither with them a part of their families,
;hand this session was graced by the pres.
.Hence of several young highborn maidens,
who had never• before been presented at
mtte,t. One among them was evidently
the theme of general admiration. Some
~.9t.thrlftatelier matrtins criticised her as
THE J.T.I RNAL.
HUNTINGDON, PENNSYLVANIA, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 1843.
deficient in height. But, though some
what beneath the middle stature, she pos
sessed that round and exquisite symmetry,
which the earlier historians have ascribed
to the fascinating Anne Boleyn. A pure
complexion, and clean eye, were finely
contrasted with dark, glossy, and redun•
slant hair. Still, it was found difficult, by
common observers, to analyze her beauty;
fur it rested not on any predominant gift,
but on the consent of the whole person in
loveliness. Grace of movement, and met.
tidy of voice, were confessed to be among
its elements. More of animation was hers,
than is wont to distinguish the modern
southern beauty ; but what chiefly won
old and young, was a bland cheerfulness.
the silent history of the soul's happiness,
and an expressive smile, inspiring every
beholder with confidence, like a beam
Irons the temple of truth.
'Though she had scarcely numbered
twice eight summers, there was about her
a womanly dignity, which chastened for
ward admiration into respect.
Among those who paid their deco
this lovely young creature, WAS Col. Cus
tis, one of the must accomplished gentle
men of I.is time. His father, the Hon.
John Custis, of Arlington, held the office
of king's counsellor, and was a man of
wealth and distinction. His attendance
at Williamsburg, during the present sea-,
shin, had been somewhat interrupted by
; and while there, the graver du.'
ties of the statesman had so far absorbed
him, us to leave him ignorant what reign
ing beauties had produced sei.sation at
court. Not long after the suspension of
the levees, and the return , 1 the burges
ses to their ironies, the counsellor reques
ted a conversation, in his private cabinet,
with his son, Colonel Daniel Park Custis.
There was a singular mixture of gravity
and condescension in his manner, as he
desired him to be seated, thus opened the
discourse:
" I have for some time wished to see you
on an intxresting subject. Though still
young, I consider you to have arrived at
years of discretion."
The colonel bowed.
trust I have always shown that
goal for your welfare, which is due from
an affectionate father to an only son. 1
am about to give another proof of it. In
short, I wish you to turn your attention to
a suitable marriage."
The colonel bowed.
You know Colonel Byrd, of Westev
er, to be my very particular friend. His
daughter is one of the most beautiful and
accomplished ladies in V,rginia. It is my
desire that you loon with her a mate
uuo
nial alliance."
" My dear sir, I have nut the vanity of
supposing that I could render myself ac
ceptable to Miss Byrd."
" No objection on that head. Her lath•
er and myself have settled it. Indeed, I
may as well tell you that we have had
numberless conversations on this uusiness,
and that you have both been as betrothed
from the cradle. Think, my son, of the
advantages of such a connection, the con
tiguity of wealth and power that will
ulti
mutely pass into your hands."
" A4l;ctinn, 511 7 , seems to me to be the
only bond that can hallow so intimate a
oflion. Not even my reverence for the,
best of lathers could induce me to enter
into it from mercenary motives."
Mercenary, sir; mercenary! Who
ever, before, dared to couple that word
with my name ?" exclaimed the counsellor,
raising himself to his full height, and tix. ,
Mg a kindling eye upon his son._
'ri.en, pacing; the apartment a few turns,
he stopped opposite to hi in, and added,
You speak of the ail.•ction that should
precede nom iage. Have the goodness to
understand that the misplacing of yours
may materially affect your patrimonial in
,
heritance." He seemed to wait for a
reply, but in vain, May I inquire, if
you have thought 6t, th is early, to de
tide seriously on the preference of any
! young lady as a companion for life ?"
" litaye; bir." •
"Nay 1 he layered with a knowledge
of her name f"
Miss Martha Dandridge."
The high•spiriied gentlemen parted in
mutual resentment; but the reflection of a
night restored them to better feelings.—
The father began to excuse the son, by re
calling the warmth of hig. , own early at
tachment; while his sun referred the test
iness of the lather to the harrowing dis
appointment of a long-cherished plan, and '1
to the querulousness of feeble health.—
Still, us it usually happens with proud
men, neither opened his heart to the other;
and a slight, though almost imprecepti
ble shade of coldness gathered over their
intercourse. But this interview served
as a stimulant to the progress of matrimo•
ny. The temporary reserve of the father,
throwing something like gloom over the
paternal mansion, heightened the frequen
cy and fervor of the visits of the lover:—
The gentle object of his preference im
agined no barrier to an alliance, where
eai,tc,i no envious inequality ; and
he forcbme to communicate what would
"ONE COUNTRY, ONE CONSTITUTION, ONE DESTINY."
only occasion perplexity, and what he
trusted would soon vanish like the " base
less fabric of a vision." According to his
happy presuence,the lofty counsellor gave
his consent to the nuptials, and the flower
of the court of Williamsburg become a
bride, in the blush of her seventeenth
summer.
Their residence was a retired and ro
mantic mansion on the banks of the
Pamunkey. It reared its white walls amid
a profusion of vines and flowering trees.
Broad plantations and the wealth of Vir
ginia forests variegated the grounds.—
Rural occupation, and the delight of each
other's society, prepared for them what
they deemed a paradise. In visits to their
favored dwelling, the counsellor learned
to appreciate the treasures of his new
daughter. Her excellence in the respon
sible sphere to which she was introduced,
won his regard; and with the ingenuous.
ness of an honorable mind, when convin
ced of error, he sought every opportunity
of distinguishing that merit, which lie had
once been reluctant to admit. When he
saw the grace and courteousness with
which she maintained a generous hospital
ity ; the judgment far beyond her years,
displayed in the management of her ser•
vants ; the energy, the early rising, the
cheerful alacrity with which she regula
ted and beautified the internal mechan
ism of her family ; the disinterestedness
with which she forgot herself, and sought
the good of others; but, above all, her un
tiring devotion to her husband, and to the
little ones who sprung up around her; he
for ied in the sentiment of his son, which,
indeed, be had always believed, though
lie was once in danger of swerving front
it, that strong personal affection is essen
ttial to the basis of matrimonial happiness.
But the scene of exquisite felicity was
not long to last. The death of her two
eldest children prepared the way for a
deeper loss of her beloved and estimable
husband. In the trying situation of a
young. beautiful, and wealthy widow, and
a mother, she was still enabled to conduct
herself with unvarying discretion, and
faithfully to perform every importast duty.
It was in the spring of 1758, that
two gentlemen, attended by a servant,
were seen riding through the luxuriant
scenery . with which the county of New
Kent, in Virginia abounds. The most
striking figure of the group was tall, grace
ful, and apparently twenty-five or twenty
six years of age. He would have been
held a model for statuary when Rome was
in her best days. His companion was an
elderly titan, in a plain garb, who, by the
lamililiarity with which he pointed out
surrounding objects, would seem to be
taking his daily rounds upon his own es
tate. As they approached the avenue to
an antique mansion, he placed his hand
upon the rein of his companion.
" Nay, Colonel Washington, let it
never be said that you passed the house
of your lather's friend without dismount
ing. I roust insist spun the honor of de
taining you as my guest."
Thanks to you, dear sir, but I ride in
haste, the bearer of despatches to our
Governor in Williamsburg, which may
not brook delay."
"Is this the noble steed which was
given you bv the dying Braddock, on the
fatal field of Monongahela I and this the
servant which he bequeathed you at the
same time?" .
Washington answered irithe affirmative.
"Then, my dear Colonel, thus 'counted
and attended, you may well dine with me,
abil by borrowing somewhat of this fine
moonlight, reach Williamsburg ere his
excellency shall have shaken 011 his morn
ing slumbers."
Do I understand that I may be excu
sed immediately after dinner?"
" Certainly,'
" Then, sir, I accept your hospitality ;"
and gracefully throwing himself from the
charger, he resigned the rein to his En
glish servant, giving , at the same time,
strict orders as to the hour when he must
be ready with the horses to pursue their
journey.
"I am rejoiced, Colonel Washington,"
said the hospitable old gentleman, thus
fortunately to have met you nu my morn
ing ride ; and the more so, as I have some
guests, who may make the repast pass
pleasantly, and will not fail to appreciate
our young and vulliant soldier."
Washington bowed his thanks, and was
introduced to the company. Virginia's
lar.famed hospitality was well set forth in
that spacious baronial hall. Precise in
his houshold regulations, the social feast
was closed at the time the host had pre•
dieted. The servant also was punctual.
He knew the habits of his master. At the
appointed moment he stood, with horses
comparisoned,at the gate; and much did
he marvel, as iistening to every footstep
that paced down the avenue, he saw the
sun sink in the west, and yet no master
appeared. At length orders came that the
horiett should be put up for the night.—
Wonder upon wonder I when his business
with the govarnor was so urgent I The
sun was high in the heavens the next day,
ere Washington mounted for the journey.
No explanation was given. liut it was
rum: ed that among the guests was a
beautiful and youthful widow, to whose
charms his heart had responded. This
was further confirmed by his tarrying but
a brief space at Williamsburg, retracing
his route with unusual celerity, and be
coming a fru - lent visitor at the house of the
late Colonel Custis, in that vicinity, where
the following year, his nuptials were cel
ebrated.
Ileaceforth, the life of the lady of Mount
Vernon, is a part of the history of her
country. In that hallowed retreat she
was found entering into the plans of
Was! ington, sharing his confidence, and
making his household happy. There, her
only daughter, Martha Custis, died in the
bloom of youth ; and a few years after
when the troubles of the country drew her
husband to the post of commander-in-chief
of her armies, she accompanied him to
Boston, and witnessed its siege and evac
uation. For eight years, he returned no
more to enjoy his beloved residence, on
the banks of the Potomac. During his ah
sence.,trie made the most strenuous eftbris
to discharge the added weight of care, and
to endure, with changeless trust in Hea—
ven, continued anxiety for the safety of
one inexpressibly dear. At the close of
each campaign, she repaired in Compliance
with his wisha, to head quarters, where
the !idles of the general officers joined her
in forming such society as diffused a cheer.
ins influence over even the gloom of the
winter of Valley Forge and Morristown.
The opening of every campaign was the
signal of the return of Lady Washington,
(as sl.e was called in the army,) to her do.
mesticcares at Mount Vernon. "I heard,"
said she, "the first and the last cannon of
the revolutionary war." The rejoicings,
which attended the surrender of Corn
wallis, in the autumn of 1781, marked for
her a season of the deepest sorrow. Her
only child, Colonel John Custis, the aid
de-camp to Washington, became, during
his ar!uous duties at the siege of York
town, the victim of an epidemic fever, and
Idiem at the age of twenty-seven. Ile was
but a 'Noy of five years, at the time of her
second marriag e, and had drawn forth
strongly the affection and and regard of
her illustrious husband, who shared her
affliction for his loss, and by the tenderest
sympathy strove to alleviate it.
At the close of the war, a few year,
were devoted to the enjoyment and em
bellishment of their favorite Mount Ver
non. The peace and returning prosperity
of their country, gave pure and bright in
, gredients to their cup of happiness. Their
mansion was thronged with guests of dis
tinction, all of whom remarked, with ad
miration, the energy of Mrs. Washington,
in the complicated duties of a Virginia
housewife, and the elegance and grace
. with which she presided at her noble
board.
The voice of a free nation, conferring
on General Washington the highest honor
in its power to bestow, was not obeyed
without a sacrifice of feeling. It was in
the spring of 1789, that, with his lady, he
bade adieu to his tranquil abode, to as
stnne the responsibility of the first presi
dency.l In forming his domestic estaia
lisliment, he mingled the simplicity of a
republic with that degree of dignity which
he felt was necessary to secure the re
spect of older governments. The furni
ture of his house, the livery of his ser
vants, the entertainment of his guests,
displayed elegance while they rejected
ostentation. lu all these arrangements,
ISlrs. Washington was a second self. Her
Friday evening levees, at which he was al.
ways present, exhibited that perfect..eti-
(plate which marks the intercitarse of the
dignified and high bred. Commencing at
seven and closing at ten, they lent no more
sanction to late hours than to levity. The
first lady of the nation still preserved the
habits of early life. Indulging in no
lindulence, site left her pillow at dawn, and
alter breakfast retired to her chamber an
hour, for the study of the scriptures and
devotion. This practice,it is said, during
the long period of half a century she nev
er omitted. The duties of a Sabbath
were dear to her. The president and her:.
self attended public worship with regular
ity, and in the evening he read to her in
her chamber, the scriptures and a sermon.
The spring of 1797 opened for them
with the must pleasing anticipations. The
cares of high office were resigned, and
they were about to retire for the remainder
of their days, to the beloved shades of
NI mint Vernon. The new turf springing
into fresh greenness wherever they trod,
the vernal blossoms open to receive them,
the warbled welcome of the birds were
never more dear, as wearied with the toils
of public life, and satiated with its hon
ors, they returned to their rural retreat,
hallowed by the recollections of earlier
years, and by the consciousness of virtue.
But in two years, Washington was no
more. The shock of his death, after an
illness of only twenty-four hours, fell like
a thundei belt upon the bereaved widow.
The piety which had long been her strength
continued its support, lint her heart droop.
ed; and though her cheerfulness did not
utterly forsake her, she discharged her
habitual round of duties, as one who felt
that the "glory had departed."
Haw beautiful and characteristic was
her reply to the solicitations of the highest
authority of the nation, that the remains
of her illustrious husband might be re
moved to the seat of government, and a
marble monument erected to mark the
spot of their repose:
" Taught by the great example which
have had so long before me, never to up
pose my private wishes to the will of my
country, 1 consent to the request made by
Congress; and in doing this, 1 need nut,
/ cannot, say what a sacrifice of individual
feeling I make to a sense of public duty."
The intention of the Congress of 1797
has never been executed, nor the proposed
monument erected. The enthusiasm of
the time, passed away, and the many and
conflicting cares of a great nation turned
its thoughts from thus perpetuating his
memory, whose image, it trusted, would be
ever enshrined in the hearts of a great
people.
Scarcely two years of her lonely wid
owhood were accomplished, ere the lady of
Mount Vernon fotkid death approaching.
Gathering her family around her, she im
pressed on them the value of that religion
which she had tested from her youth on
ward to her hoary hairs. Then calmly
resigning her soul into the hands of Him
who gave it, at the age of seventy, full of
years and lull of honors, she was laid in
the tomb of Washington.
In this outline of the lineaments of Mar
tha Washington, we perceive that it was
neither the beauty with which she was en
dowed, nor the high station which she had
attained, that gave enduring lustre to her
character; but her Christian fidelity in
those duties which devolve upon her sex.
These fitted her to irradiate the home, to
lighten the cares, to cheer the anxieties,
to sublimate the-enjoyments, of him who,
in the- expressive language of Chief Jus
tice 51arshall, was, "so favored of heaven
as to depart without exhibiting the weak
ness of humanity."
LIST OF TAXABLES
AND OF DEAF AND DUMB, BLIND PERSONS,
AND SLAVES, IN THE SEVERAL COUNTIES
OF PENNSYLVANIA : FROM THE RETURNS
MADE TO THE GOVERNOR, IN THE YEARS
18423; READ IN THE HOUSE OF REP
RESENTATIVES, JANUARY 12, 1843.
COUNTIES.I Ta xa-i Deaf dzi Blind
bles. numb.
Adams
Allegheny
Armstrong
Beaver
B Be le( rk li t :rd i
Bradford
Bucks
Butler
Cambria
Centre
Cheater
Clarion
Clear lield
Clinton
Columbia
Crawford
Cumberland
Dauphin
Delaware
Ede
Fayette
Franklin
GI eerie
luntingdun
iidiana
Jefferson
Juniata
Lancaster
Lebanon
Lehigh
Luze - rne
1 coining
M 'Kean
Mercer
Mifflin
Munroe
Mont'ry
North'ton
City
INN co.
Perry
Pike
Potter
Schuylkill
Somerset
Susque'na
Tioga
Union
Veriango
Warren
Washington
Wa±ne
West'nd.
Wyoming
York
387646
Kr We n
table, that
reference
cote in r
Mifflin
count
[Wno&E No. 370.
correctly, as only containing one slave,
whereas, in, the .15pited States Census,
that countris statald as holding within its
borders, no less than twelve human beings
in bondage. !Hs complained, too, that
Philadelphia city is put down ate decrease
of over 800 tumbles, when by the census,
and beyond a doubt, there is a large in
crease. It is insinuated, we,know not on
what good ground, that fraud has caused
'this result —fraud fur the purpose of de.
priving, the city of her fair share of repre
sentation in the legislature.—Pa. ml.
The Tolls.
We find the subjoined positive and
comparative list of tolls, with remarks, in
the Pittsburg Advocate, and we copy the
whole, with a view of calling the attention
of the State authorities to a subject so
vital to the interests of the Conimonwealth.
It is not necessary . to eiamine and com
pare the items—it is enough to know that
the tolls Over the Pennsylvania works are
too high, far too high ; and, as a conse
quence, freight will seek another channel.
The Canal Commisaioners, we think, have
the care of this matter; but, unfortunate
ly, they are
. too dependent to act with an
enlarged policy that will overlook the
consequences of the first year's operation;
in order to secure a permanent benefit.—
The Legislature should, therefore take
the matter in hand, carefully eiamine all
the relations of the question, and place
the tolls at a rate that will enable the
transporting merchants here to compete
with those o another U. S. Gus.
CANAL TOLLS.
At the first opening of our State works,
a complicated system of tolli was adOp 7
ted, and has been continued to the present
time. By this scale of tolls, articles
carried upon our canals and railroads are
divided into one hundred and twenty
classes, scarcely any two of which pay the
same rates, and'each article his subject to
pay six distinct items of tolls, viz:
'roll on the railroad on the article di
rect.
Toll on the car containing the same.
Toll for motive power on railroad on
the article direct.
. .
Tull for Motive power on railroad on the
car containing the same.
Toll on canal on articles direct.
Toll on bruit containing the same.
As the tolls on cars and boats are the
same, whether they are full or empty, it
is impossible to determine the actual cost
per 100 lbs. on any article, until in reach-
es its destination. For example, if there
be 2b tons of groceries in a boat, the cost
Of tolls from Philadelphia to Pittsburg is
cents 4 mills per 100 lbs;if she has 12
tons, it amounts to 67 cents 2 mill per 100
lbs. And further, if the boat
. returns
empty, ,the mere tolls on her amount to
more than $34, or 61. S 6 per ton, which
is, of course, chargeable to the tolls on
'Slaves
..,
3 1 the single carpi.
9 The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com
-1 pang divided all articles into four classes,
1 1 and make a simple charge per IGO lbs.
Has any person sufficient ingenuity to
2 1 suggest a single reason why this classifi
cation ahould riot be estimated on our
31 works ?
Steel from Madelphia. to Pittsburg
pa y s a toll of 54 cents per 100 lbs.
ardware and cutlery from Philadel
to Pittsburg, pay a toll of 47 cents per
100 lbs.
Why should raw material pay more than
the manufactured articles
Glassware pays a toll of 54k cts per 103 lbs
China and queensware 43 do do
. .
How can this descrimination against
the article we export be explained ?
Castor oil pays a toll of 62 cts per 100 lbs.
All other oils, 41 do do
Why this difference?
Butter and cheese pay a toll of 82 cents
find 5 mills per 100 lbs.
Lard and tallow, SO cts 6 m. per 100 lbs.
Bacon, 31 do 5 do do
Pork, 29 do 8 do do
can any perscin assign a reason for these
differences?
Wheat, barley, fruits, &c, pay d toll of
39 cents per itio lbs.
Flour, 26 cents per 100 lbs.
Can any one. (except the miller, who is
thus afforded a monstrous advantage over
the farmer,)' justify thisl
Let these evidences of (lie necessity
for a thorough revision of our entire sys
tem be examined and considered. The
mere examination of the subject will lead
to the discovety of very rainy other in
consistencies.
We would mention a single fact or two.
showing the absolute necessity fur .large
and decided reduction in the rates of tolls.
Dry goods anti groceries pay a toll of
62 cents per 100 lbs, on the Pennsylva
nia Canal.
The rates of waggon carriage from Bal
timore to Pittaburg, is 75 cts. per 100 lbs.
The cost of transportation truM Bald.
more to Pittsburg, by way of the Baltimore
and Oaio Railroad, is about 80 cents pet
100 111 S. on drY goods, ai:d about 70 ,:t.nts
on I,ca:•v articles: :
e above
it dow:.
is Liu
ts pu'