| | 201 | Author: | Jones
J. B.
(John Beauchamp)
1810-1866 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Freaks of fortune, or, The history and adventures of
Ned Lorn  | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was Christmas eve. The snow was descending
rapidly. Gusts of wind howled mournfully through the
streets, and ever and anon they burst from the alleys and
narrow courts in explosions. Many a face was turned
quickly away from the rude blasts of the storm in the
vain endeavor to escape their unfriendly peltings. But
it might not be. Every street had its pedestrians. From
the Delaware to the Schuylkill; from the grimly frowning
Moyamensing prison to the extreme northern limits of the
environs of Philadelphia; human beings might have been
seen passing with unceasing tramp along the pavements.
Some on business; some in quest of pleasure, and others—
poor miserable creatures!—because they were destitute of
homes; unfortunate outcasts, relying upon some chance
occurrence for the means of shelter. And, perhaps, a
majority of these were females, with delicate cheeks and
throbbing hearts; and yet with light and tattered garments;
no sufficient covering to protect their heads from
the howling frost-laden blasts; and no effectual defences
for their feet against the chilling snow. “My dear Ned—I was pained to learn the nature of
your note to Mr. Lonsdale. If I had been acquainted
with the character of its contents, I should not have been
the bearer of it. It was, however, a mere indiscretion on
your part, superinduced by provocations sufficient to have
tempted almost any young man to commit a far greater
extravagance. I have seen and conversed with Lonsdale,
and have undertaken to say that the matter will not be referred
to again on your part. Indeed I have withdrawn
the offensive note, and doubt not the act will be sanctioned
by you, since you have had ample time to meditate deliberately
on the subject. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 203 | Author: | Kirkland
Caroline M.
(Caroline Matilda)
1801-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The evening book, or, Fireside talk on morals and
manners | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | What an old-fashioned word! Yes—and it means an old-fashioned
thing too. A “post-coach” of twenty years ago in
comparison with a rail-car of the present day, is as the “household”
of our great-grandfathers to the “menage” or our time. The keep
of a feudal castle would look rather out of place among the conservatories,
artificial waterworks, and Chinese bridges of a modern
garden; perhaps the household, or citadel of home, has as little
claim to a position of honor among the “refinements” of fashionable
society. What need of walls or intrenchments when we live
for the public? Privacy is but another word for ennui; retirement
has but one meaning or value—that of affording opportunity of
preparation for display. If we would shut out the world, it is only
when nature imperiously demands a moment's respite from its glare.
Happy they whose nerves, like iron, grow the tougher by hammering!
They need lose no time. `I hardly dare take the pen to write to you, John, yet it seems
better than leaving you without a word. I shall not try to excuse
myself, but I feel sure I should never have been happy, or have
made you happy, if I had kept to our engagement only for shame's
sake. I did love you at the beginning; I was not deceitful then;
but afterwards I learned to love another better, and for this you are
partly to blame. You are too grave and serious for me: I have
not spirits enough for us both. I always felt down-hearted after we
had been together, although you were always so kind and good.
Do not fret about this; fall in love with somebody else—somebody
that is gay and light-hearted. I know I am running a great risk,
and very likely shall be sorry that I ever left a man so good as you
are for one who is more pleasant, but not any better, not so good,
perhaps. I would have told you sooner, but could not make up my
mind. God bless you and farewell. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 204 | Author: | Landon
Melville D.
(Melville De Lancey)
1839-1910 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Eli Perkins (at large) | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | PROVERBIAL PHILOSOPHY.
‘If you get the best of whiskey, Eli, whiskey will get the best of you.”
627EAF. Page 009. In-line Illustration. Image of Uncle Consider with his hand on his chin.
“Shoes are worn high in the neck, flounced with
point aquille lace, cut on the bias. High heels are
common in Saratoga, especially in the hop room. Cotton
hose, open at the top, are very much worn, some
of them having as many as three holes in them. Cotton
plows are not seen. My dear Nevy—Yours received. While your Uncle
Consider was in Afriky your maden Aunt Ruth and I
thot wed get up an expedishun
to New York to do sum Spring
tradin'. The stanza—
“I want to be an angel,”
which you have just
sung will not help
you much unless you
change your course of
life. You must commence dressing more like angels
here in this world if you want to be a real live angel
in the next. You'd make healthy lookin' angels,
wouldn't you? Now, wouldn't you? Angels don't
wear pearl powder, do they? and angels don't wear
false braids. They don't enamel their faces and smell
of Caswell and Hazard's cologne, nor bore holes in
their ears like Injuns and put Tiffany's ear-rings in
them! Angels don't dye their hair, nor wear big diamonds,
and have liveries and footmen, like many of
our “shoddy” people. They— I shall never forget how Donn Pirate, a District
of Columbia brigand, and I fell out and had a big
fight. I shall also long remember the terrible thrashing
he gave me. I knew I had been whipped by Donn
because I saw the marks on Donn's face and also
talked with the doctor who sponged him off and put
liniment on him. But oh, it was a fearful castigation!
I never want to be whipped again. If ever any man
wants to continue to serve humanity—wants to make
a martyr of himself—wants to reduce himself to a
lump of jelly like the boneless man in the circus, by
whipping me, I hope he will read this and reflect. My Darling Julia: First let me tell you all about
myself. I'm just lovely, and having such a time!
Flirting in Saratoga ain't like flirting in New York—
in the horrid box at the opera, or on the atrocious stairs
at a party. We have just the whole back balcony all
to ourselves—and then we walk over to the graveyard,
and pretend to go down to bowl, and stray off into
Congress Spring Park. Then the drives! My lovely
phaeton—and Prancer, she's just too sweet for anything!
Now, the idea of calling a horse sweet! Yes, married Brown's Boys. You will see them in
every large city and at every watering-place—men married
to suffering, neglected wives, but flirting with
scores of young ladies. I will try and see you to-night in the piano corner
of the big parlor—at eight. Manage to be there with
Lizzie and Charley, for they are
spooney and we can “shake” them,
and they will take it as a kindness. “Yours informing me that I am engaged in Pottsville
is received. Very well; if she is young and
wealthy I will keep the engagement. In fact, young
or old I'll keep the engagement at all hazards—or
rather at Pottsville. Have no fears about my being
detained by accidents. I have never yet failed to be
present when I lectured. Everything seems to impel
me to keep this engagement. Everywhere here in
Illinois the people follow me around in great crowds
and enthusiastically invite me to go away. Illinois
railroad presidents say they will cheerfully supply
me with free passage on the trains rather than have
me remain in the State another night; and almost
every railroad president in Ohio and Pennsylvania,
including Mr. Tom Scott, has supplied me with
perpetual free passes—hoping I may be killed on the
trains. Gentlemen: I received your note this morning, inviting
me to go up in the balloon. You say you desire
me to go as the representative of the Daily Bugle—to
be the official historian of the first great aerial voyage
across the Atlantic. You also say: [To the Editor of the Daily Bugle.] | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 205 | Author: | Lippard
George
1822-1854 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The midnight queen, or, Leaves from New-York life | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | BY GEO. LIPPARD, ESQ. “Dear Frank,—My sentence expires in two
weeks from to-day. Send me some decent clothes,
and let me know where I will meet you. Glad to
hear that your plans as regards our daughter approach
a `glorious' completion. “I am called away this afternoon to Havana on
important business it admits of not a single hour's
delay—and if I succeed in the speculation which I
have in my eye, I will clear some $300,000. When
you read this, I will be on board the steamer off
Sandy Hook. I will be absent from four to five
weeks. You will at once remove from the house
which yourself and mother now occupy, and take
possession of my town mansion in Broadway. The
servants have the requisite orders; everything will
be at your command. And don't fret yourself to
death in my absence, darling. Yours, &c., &c. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 206 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Divers views, opinions, and prophecies of yoors trooly,
Petroleum V. Nasby | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | I wuz born a Whig. My parents wuz a member
uv that party, leastways my mother wuz, and
she alluz did the votin, allowin my father, uv
course, to go thro the manual labor uv castin the
ballot, in deference to the laws uv the country,
which does not permit females or niggers to vote,
no matter how much intelleck they may hev
in2 em. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 207 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Eastern fruit on western dishes | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | ABOU BEN ADHEM, the Seer of New Jersey,
was sitting one morning in front of his tent,
meditating, as was his wont, when a young man of
prepossessing appearance and good address, but whose
travel-stained habiliments bespoke a long distance
travelled, appeared before him. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 208 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Ekkoes from Kentucky | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | I NEVER wuz so elevated, nor never so cast
down, in my life, ez last nite, and the entire
Corners wuz ditto. The circumstances uv the case
wuz ez follows: Me and a party uv friends wuz a
playin draw poker with a Noo York commershel
travler, I believe they call em, a feller with a mustash
and side whiskers, wich comes South a talkin
secesh and a sellin goods. He made some inquiries
about the standin uv the deelers at the Corners, and
wuz, arter sed inquiries, eggstreemly anxious to sell
em goods, for cash. They wanted em on ninety
days' time, and on this they split. He agreed with
em in principle — he drank to Jeff Davis, and
damned Linkin flooently — but on the cash question
he wuz inflexible and unmovable. To while away
the rosy hours, a knot of choice sperits, him inclooded,
gathered in the Post Orifis, to enjoy a game
uv draw poker. There wuz me and Square Gavitt,
and Deekin Pogram, and Elder Slathers, and the
Noo York drummer. We played till past the
witchin hour of 12 M., when graveyards yawn and
gosts troop forth — when the Noo Yorker suckumd.
His innocent, unseasoned bowels hedn't bin eddicated
up to the standard uv Kentucky whiskey,
wich, new ez we drink it, is pizen to foreigners.
The Deekin and Elder grabbed the stakes wich wuz
onto the table, and rifled his pockets on the suspishen
that he wuz a Ablishinist, and rolled him
out, and while in the very act, Pollock, the Illinoy
storekeeper, cum rushin in, askin us ef we'd heerd
the news. “My dear Sir: My confirmashen by the Senit
uv the Yoonited States to the posishen uv Postmaster
at the Confederit × Roads, wich is in the State
uv Kentucky, being somewhat jeopardized by my
operashuns in the politikle field doorin the past two
years, I hev the honor to explane that, notwithstandin
the fact that I wuz a original Demokrat,
early in the war I took up arms for the preservashen
uv our beloved Yoonion. The precise date I cannot
give, owin to the demoralized condishen uv my mind
at the time; but that yoo kan assertane for yoorselves.
It wuz about two weeks after the fust draft.
That I laid down arms agin ez soon ez the regiment
struck Southern sile will not, when the motives wich
actooated me are known, be allowed to weigh agin
me. It hez bin said I deserted to the enemy, — so
it wuz sed uv John Champe, but history subsekently
vindicated him; he went to ketch Arnold. I will
not stop to reply to my defamers; but ef it comes
out finally that I went for the purpose uv satisfyin
rebels by okular demonstrashun that they hed nothin
to hope for from the Northern Democrats, uv whom
I wuz a average specimen, what kin my enemies
say then? “Hev determined to be President or nothin. Shel
remove Stanton, and immejitly thereafter Sheridan,
and ultimately the ballence uv em. Go on to Noo
Orleens, and make this known to our frends. Draw
on the general fund for expenses. “To the President: Notwithstandin the slite
difference uv opinion that may egzist between us on
certin minor questions uv public policy, and despite
the unguarded expressions I may hev indulged in in
the heet uv debate, I kin trooly say that I hev ever
cherished the most endoorin faith in the rectitood
uv yoor intenshuns, the honesty uv yoor purpose,
and the purity uv yoor motives. I hev a nephew
in my State who desires the posishen uv Assessor
uv Internal Revenoo. He is capable and honest;
and while he hez alluz voted the Republican ticket,
he hez dun it so mildly ez not to be objeckshenable to
those who differ with him. Indeed, last fall he wuz
accoosed, and perhaps justly, uv votin for a candidate
for Congress who wuz a supporter uv yoor
policy, wich, tho I do not in all respecks accept,
hez, I must acknowledge, many pints in it to recommend
it to a discriminatin people. I shood
esteem his nominashen a persnal favor. “To the President: I am, ez yoo are aware,
known ez a Radical; but between generous foes
there kin be none of that terrible spirit uv blind
hate which characterizes some uv my associates,
who shel be here nameless. I will say, however,
that if the Senators from Massachoosets, and some
others I cood menshun, wood resine or die, they
wood confer a favor upon the country. I oppose
you becoz I differ with yoo, ez does my State; but
that opposishen hez never lessened my high admirashen
uv your patriotism, yoor even temper, or the
many good qualities uv your head and heart, wich
shine out so conspickuous. I hale you ez a worthy
successor uv the first A. J. I hed not intended to
mix things persnel to myself in this friendly triboot,
but will do violence to my feelins by observin that
the posishun uv Collector at — is admirably
adapted to a cousin uv mine, whose talence ez a
lawyer hez never bin appreciated by those who
know him best. He agrees with me that impeachment
is not to be thot uv, and that sessions uv Congress,
other than reglar ones, is uselis. Shood yoo
be pleased to make the appintment, I shel be proud
to return the favor in any way possible. Ef it
woodent be askin too much, a son uv mine wood
be glad to serve his country ez a Inspector uv
Revenoo. Inheritin from me devoshun to our common
country, he burns to devote himself to her
service. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 209 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The struggles (social, financial and political) of
Petroleum V. Nasby | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Enclosed find photograff uv myself, ez you desired. To
make a strikin picter, I flung myself into the attitood, and
assoomed the expreshun wich mite hev bin observed onto
my classikle countenance when in the act uv deliverin my
justly celebrated sermon, “The wages uv Sin is Death.” The
$2.00 wich yoo remitted to kiver the cost uv the picter wuz, I
regret to say, insuffishent. The picter cost 75 cents, and it
took $1.50 worth uv Bascom's newest whisky to stiddy my
nerves to the pint uv undergoin the agony uv sittin three
minits in front uv the photograffer. I need not say that he
is a incendiary from Massachoosets. Ez the deceased Elder
Gavitt's son, Issaker, hez expressed a burnin desire to possess
his apparatus, it is probable that public safety will very shortly
require his expulsion. But I hed my revenge — in his pocket
is none uv my postal currency. Sekoorin the picter, I told
him I wood take it home, and ef my intimit friends, those who
knowd me, shood decide it wuz a portrait, I wood call and pay
for it afore he left the Corners. Will I do it? Will this
picter-takin Ablishnist ever more behold me? Ekko ansers.
“To drinks doorin the month uv Janooary at 10 cents per drink,
$30 00.”
“My dear Sir: My confirmashen by the Senit uv the
Yoonited States to the posishen uv Postmaster at the Confederit
× Roads, wich is in the State uv Kentucky, bein somewhat
jeopardized by my operashuns in the politikle field doorin
the past two years, I hev the honor to explain that, notwithstandin
the fact that I wuz a original Demokrat, early in the
war I took up arms for the preservashen uv our beloved
Yoonion. The precise date I cannot give, owin to the demoralized
condishen uv my mind at the time; but that yoo
can assertane for yoorselves. It wuz about two weeks after
the fust draft. That I laid down arms agin ez soon ez the
regiment struck Southern sile will not, when the motives wich
actooated me are known, be allowed to weigh agin me. It hez
bin sed I deserted to the enemy, — so it wuz sed uv John
Champe, but history subsekently vindicated him; he went to
ketch Arnold. I will not stop to reply to my defamers; but
ef it comes out finally that I went for the purpose uv satisfyin
rebels by okular demonstrashun that they hed nothin to hope
for from the Northern Democrats, uv whom I am a average
specimen, what kin my enemies say then? “It's trooly a splendid country! The trade in the skins uv
white bears kin be, if properly developed, made enormous.
There is seals there, and walruses so tame that they come up
uv their own akkord to be ketched. “The climate is about the style uv that they hev in Washinton.
The Gulf Stream sweeps up the coast, causing a decided
twist in the isothermal line, wich hez the effeck uv making it
ruther sultry than otherwise. Anywheres for six hundred
miles back uv the coast strawberries grow in the open air. I
recommend strongly the purchis. “To the President: Notwithstandin the slite difference uv
opinion that may egzist between us on certin minor questions
uv public policy, and despite the unguarded expressions I may
hev indulged in in the heet uv debate, I kin trooly say that I
hev ever cherished the most endoorin faith in the rectitood uv
yoor intenshuns, the honesty uv yoor purpose, and the purity
uv yoor motives. I hev a nephew in my State who desires
the posishen uv Assessor uv Internal Revenoo. He is capable
and honest; and while he hez alluz voted the Republican
ticket, he hez dun it so mildly ez not to be objeckshenable to
those who differ with him. Indeed, last fall he wuz accoosed,
and perhaps justly, uv votin for a candidate for Congress who
wuz a supporter uv yoor policy, wich, tho I do not in all
respecks accept, hez, I must acknowledge, many pints in it to
recommend it to a discriminatin people. I shood esteem his
nominashen a persnal favor. “To the President: I am, ez yoo are aware, known ez a
Radical; but between generous foes there kin be none of that
terrible spirit uv blind hate which characterizes some uv my
associates, who shel be here nameless. I will say, however,
that ef the Senators from Massachoosets, and some others I
cood menshun, wood resine or die, they wood confer a favor
upon the country. I oppose you becoz I differ with yoo, ez
does my State; but that opposishen hez never lessened my
high admirashen uv your patriotism, yoor even temper, or the
many good qualities uv your head and heart, wich shine out so
conspickuous. I hale you ez a worthy successor uv the first
A. J. I hed not intended to mix things persnel to myself in
this friendly triboot, but will do violence to my feelins by
observin that the posishun uv Collector at — is admirably
adapted to a cousin uv mine, whose talence ez a lawyer hez
never bin appreciated by those who know him best. He
agrees with me that impeachment is not to be thot uv, and
that sessions uv Congress, other than reglar ones, is uselis.
Shood yoo be pleased to make the appintment, I shel be proud
to return the favor in any way possible. Ef it woodent be
askin too much, a son uv mine wood be glad to serve his
country ez a Inspector uv Revenoo. Inheritin from me devoshun
to our common country, he burns to devote himself to
her service. *
* The Democracy treated Johnson with contemptuous coolness in his last days.
His failure to divide the Republican party made him of no use to them.
“I hev, ez yoo know, the highest possible regard for yoor
Eggslency, and shel regret exceedingly to see yoo deprived uv
yoor high offis; but, reely you kin scarcely eggspect the
Dimocracy to embarrass themselves by espousin yoor coz.
The fact is, no party hevin a fucher before it kin tie itself to a
ded past. The teemster draws a sigh over a ded mule, but ez
a ded mule can't draw his cart, he naturally turns his eyes onto
them still possest uv vitality. I hope yoo see the pint without
my explainin it. Excuse me for comparin yoo to a ded mule,
but the simile wuz the first that segested itself to me. “Wood a regiment uv Irish raised in this place be uv any
servis? Anser! “Since the disgraceful exhibishen yoor friends made uv
theirselves at the Philadelphia Convenshen, I didn't consider
myself bound to yoo. I, ez yoo know, never took any stock in
half-and-half mixters. My defeet by Thurman hezn't increased
my love for yoo and yoors. I hev no objecshen to yoor holdin
yoor seet to the end uv yoor term, but reely it's a matter uv
but little consekence to me. Shood you pass thro Dayton on
yoor way to Tennessee, I shood be glad to extend the hospitalities
uv my humble house to yoo.” “I feel for yoo; that is, I feel for yoo on general principles.
(Thad Stevens, permit me to say, in parenthesis, hez been
feelin for yoo, and hez at last, I am satisfied, found yoo.) I feel
for yoo ez I do for every man who hez a offis and is obliged to
leeve it. Nevertheless, I can't help you. I wood, but yoo see
we hev all we kin do to help ourselves. Uv course yoo don't
expect the Dimocracy to take any part in the struggle between
yoo and Congriss. Elected ez a Republikin, with Republikins
in yoor Cabinet, the Dimocrisy, while they applaud wat yoo
hev done, can't uv course make yoor quarrel theirs. When yoo
leave Washington for Tennessee can't yoo take Concord in yoor
way? I hev no objecshen to minglin teers with yoo.” “Sir: I return the appintment yoo gave me last month
with loathin and skorn. I survived the Noo Orleans and
Memphis massacres, yoor opposition to the will of Congris,
and all the other damnin inquities uv yoor most damnable
administration, but this last attempt to hist Stanton I can't
endorse. Therefore I bolt. Your successor will, I hope, do
me justis, and likewise the Senit.” “Defy Congriss, and let em impeech yoo. Dare em to do
their dirty d—dest. Ef they shood hist yoo, all the better.
It will be an immense help toward the election uv McClellan.
Think how much yoo kin do for the coz in this way, and stand
firm. Visit Hartford on yoor way to Tennessee.” “Be firm — be firm. The impeachment uv yoorself will
raise sich a storm uv indignashun in the North, and sich sympathy
for Southern Dimokrats, ez to make the nominashun uv
even sich men ez Breckinridge certin. Yoo are, now, uv vast
yoose to the coz! I will meet yoo at Looisville, and accompany
yoo to Tennessee.” The Dimocrisy uv Noo Hampsheer send greetin to Noo
Hampsheer's noblest son, Salmon P. Chase. We forgive and
welcum him. The city is ablaze with enthoosiasm. My old poleece is
now paradin the streets, a cheerin for Chase. Ez I write they
are givin nine cheers and a tiger ez they pass the spot at wich
Dostie wuz shot. Judge Abell desires me to add his congratulashuns. The circle wich hez a interest in the handlin uv ardent
sperits at this place, congratulates the President on his triumph
over his (and our) enemies. Ther confidence in the integrity
uv the Senit wuz not misplaced. They consider the money
they contributed to bring about this result well spent, and will
promptly honor any draft made upon em for means to carry
His Eggslency safe thro the remainin ten articles. Halleloojy! I'll hev my niggers agin! Thank Hevin! My
son Josier is even now findin out ther whereabouts. The
Lord be praised! Hev already subjoogated three uv em.
Selah! Bells is ringin and bonfires is blazin. The Corners congratulates yoo and the President. I commence
work to-morrer on the enlargement uv my distillery,
wich wuz suspended when the impeachment onpleasantnis wuz
begun. All hale! My dear, dear Friend: Absence, it is sed, conkers love,
but that won't work in your case. I had tried to forget yoo,
and hed well nigh succeeded, but in overhaulin some papers
yesterday, I happened to come across some uv yoor notes of
hand for small amounts borrowed uv me at different times, and
I realized to-wunst the force of the old line, —
“Tho lost to site, to memry dear,”
and I bust out into a flood uv tears. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 210 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | "Swingin round the cirkle" | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | NEVER wuz I in so pleasant a frame uv mind as
last night. All wuz peace with me, for after
bein buffeted about the world for three skore years, at
last it seemed to me ez tho forchune, tired uv persekootin
a unforchnit bein, hed taken me into favor.
I hed a solemn promise from the Demekratic State
Central Committy in the great State uv Noo Gersey,
that ez soon ez our candidate for Governor wuz
dooly elected, I shood hev the position uv Dorekeeper
to the House uv the Lord (wich in this State
means the Capital, & wich is certainly better than
dwellin in the tents uv wicked grosery keepers, on
tick, ez I do), and a joodishus exhibition uv this
promise hed prokoored for me unlimited facilities
for borrerin, wich I improved, muchly. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 211 | Author: | Lowell
Robert
1816-1891 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Antony Brade | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Although our story lies at least as much among
grown-up people as among boys, yet we begin it among
these, because our hero happens to be one of them. Dear Jo, or Miss Alcott, — We have all been reading “Little Women,” and
we liked it so much I could not help wanting to write to you. We think you are
perfectly splendid; I like you better every time I read it. We were all so disappointed
about your not marrying Laurie; I cried over that part, — I could not help
it. We all liked Laurie ever so much, and almost killed ourselves laughing over
the funny things you and he said. LITTLE MEN: Life at Plumfield with Jo's Boys.
By Louisa M. Alcott. With Illustrations. Price
$1.50. Dear Miss Alcott, — We have just finished “Little Men,” and like it so
much that we thought we would write and ask you to write another book sequel to
“Little Men,” and have more about Laurie and Amy, as we like them the best.
We are the Literary Club, and we got the idea from “Little Women.” We have
a paper two sheets of foolscap and a half. There are four of us, two cousins and
my sister and myself Our assumed names are: Horace Greeley, President: Susan
B. Anthony, Editor; Harriet B. Stowe, Vice-President; and myself, Anna C.
Ritchie, Secretary. We call our paper the “Saturday Night,” and we all write
stories and have reports of sermons and of our meetings, and write about the
queens of England. We did not know but you would like to hear this, as the
idea sprang from your book; and we thought we would write, as we liked your
book so much. And now, if it is not too much to ask of you, I wish you would
answer this, as we are very impatient to know if you will write another book; and
please answer soon, as Miss Anthony is going away, and she wishes very much to
hear from you before she does. If you write, please direct to — Street, Brooklyn,
N.Y. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 212 | Author: | Lowell
Robert
1816-1891 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The new priest in Conception Bay | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | UP go the surges on the coast of Newfoundland,
and down, again, into the sea. The huge island,
in which the scene of our story lies, stands, with
its sheer, beetling cliffs, out of the ocean, a monstrous
mass of rock and gravel, almost without soil, like a strange
thing from the bottom of the great deep, lifted up, suddenly,
into sunshine and storm, but belonging to the watery
darkness out of which it has been reared. The eye,
accustomed to richer and softer scenes, finds something of
a strange and almost startling beauty in its bold, hard
outlines, cut out on every side, against the sky. “Thinking you may be aware of a little surcumstance
that happened here, and knowing your concern in people's
souls, is my reason for writing, to let you know what,
maybe, will prove interesting. You see I took a notion
to look into this Holy Roman Religion, a might, while I's
about it, and not having any thing partiklar to do till fall
business commences. I think best to inform friends and
all concerned, I may be converted, and I may not: suppose
it ell be according to. I have ben in one of those
Nunneries, ye may call it. Never saw any thing the
kind managed better, in my life. Sister Theresy is as
genteel a lady as I should wish to see. A little accident
occurred while I's holding inspection, as you may say.
My hat, you may have taken notice to it,” (“Well, this is
a pretty fellow!” said Gilpin,) “it went and come right
out of my hand, away into the middle of the floor, in a
room where they had a young lady sick. Most everybody
carries a few notions in his hat, I guess, and so I
had a pocket-handkerchief, and a knife, and a razor, and
a comb, and what not? and they all went sescatter. Penknife,
one of your Congress knives, present from honorable
Tieberius Sesar Thompson, Member Congress, went
away off under a picture; see it was “Saint Lucy,” right
opposite the bed; same name of your Miss Barbury:
pretty well executed, I sho'd judge; only a might too red
in the face, supposing she fasted as I should say she had
ought to, if she was a Nun. Lucky I didn't wake the
sick, but, most likely, she'd had medcine, as I took notice
to her breathing, ruther heavy and dead. Should judge
they kep her ruther covered up. All I could see was
jest an attom of her face and a might of black hair: should
say she ought to have fresh air. I thought of the shortness
and uncertainty of human life—seemed to be about
eighteen nigh as I could judge; but Father Nicholas,
they call him, that showed me round, seemed to feel bad
about the accedent, and I come away, and took a courteous
leave. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 213 | Author: | Lowell
Robert
1816-1891 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The new priest in Conception Bay | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | MISS Dare had made an appointment with Mr.
Naughton, for a ride to Bay-Harbor, and he set
himself immediately about securing a steed for
his own use on the occasion, Agamemnon, (Dunk,) his own
horse being lame. The Minister's he did not quite like to
borrow. Mr. O'Rourke sent word, in answer to a verbal
request, that “he would as soon take Mr. Naughton on
his own back, as lend his horse;” and the exigency was
met, at length, by the engagement of Jemmy Fitz-Simmons's
white pony, whose regular rate of rentage was
one dollar (five shillings, currency,) a day, and who certainly
made an honest day's work of it, (that is, spent a
fair working-day, or rather more about it,) when employed
to go eight miles in one direction, or ten in the
other. In consideration of Mr. Naughton's being a new
customer, and of his being to ride with a lady, (who
might very likely lead him into that extravagance again,)
Jemmy offered the beast for the day at four shillings instead
of five; and on the other hand, in accordance with
a message that Mr. Naughton had specially enjoined upon
his messenger, undertook to have his pony in the best
trim possible, for the intended expedition. “Then personally appeared before me, Peter McMannikin,
Justice of the Peace, &c. &c. Nicholas Crampton,
a priest of the Catholic Church, residing in the Mission-Premises,
in said Bay-Harbor, and being duly sworn,
doth, upon his oath, depose and say that he, the said deponent,
has understood and believes that a young female
has lately disappeared, and is now missing from the harbor
of Peterport, in Conception-Bay, and that he, the
said deponent, has been, or is suspected by many persons
in said Peterport and elsewhere, of having been or being
concerned, with others, in the keeping of said young person
from her friends; and that he, the said deponent, does
not know, and has no means of knowing, where the said
young person is, nor whether she is living or dead; nor
does he know any persons or person who can give such
information; and that he is thoroughly acquainted with
every part of the Mission-Premises in Bay-Harbor, and
with the building occupied by certain nuns, upon those
premises; and is fully convinced that she is not in or
upon such premises, in any way; and said deponent further,
upon oath, doth declare and say, that if he, the said
deponent, knew where the said young person was, or what
had become of her, or who could give information about
her, he would declare it. “He that once was Mrs. Barrè's husband is a Roman
Catholic priest; but he is a man.—That abominable insinuation
has been followed up to its author, and shall be
put down, whatever it may cost. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 215 | Author: | Melville
Herman
1819-1891 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Israel Potter | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | THE traveller who at the present day is content to travel
in the good old Asiatic style, neither rushed along by a
locomotive, nor dragged by a stage-coach; who is willing to
enjoy hospitalities at far-scattered farmhouses, instead of
paying his bill at an inn; who is not to be frightened by
any amount of loneliness, or to be deterred by the roughest
roads or the highest hills; such a traveller in the eastern
part of Berkshire, Massachusetts, will find ample food
for poetic reflection in the singular scenery of a country,
which, owing to the ruggedness of the soil and its lying out
of the track of all public conveyances, remains almost as
unknown to the general tourist as the interior of Bohemia. “After so courteous a reception, I am disturbed to
make you no better return than you have just experienced
from the actions of certain persons under my command.
—actions, lady, which my profession of arms obliges me
not only to brook, but, in a measure, to countenance.
From the bottom of my heart, my dear lady, I deplore
this most melancholy necessity of my delicate position.
However unhandsome the desire of these men, some
complaisance seemed due them from me, for their general
good conduct and bravery on former occasions. I had
but an instant to consider. I trust, that in unavoidably
gratifying them, I have inflicted less injury on your ladyship's
property than I have on my own bleeding sensibilities.
But my heart will not allow me to say more.
Permit me to assure you, dear lady, that when the
plate is sold, I shall, at all hazards, become the purchaser,
and will be proud to restore it to you, by such conveyance
as you may hereafter see fit to appoint. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 216 | Author: | Melville
Herman
1819-1891 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Pierre, or, The ambiguities | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | “Dates, my old boy, bestir thyself now. Go to my room,
Dates, and bring me down my mahogany strong-box and lockup,
the thing covered with blue chintz; strap it very carefully,
my sweet Dates, it is rather heavy, and set it just without the
postern. Then back and bring me down my writing-desk, and
set that, too, just without the postern. Then back yet again,
and bring me down the old camp-bed (see that all the parts be
there), and bind the case well with a cord. Then go to the left
corner little drawer in my wardrobe, and thou wilt find my visiting-cards.
Tack one on the chest, and the desk, and the
camp-bed case. Then get all my clothes together, and pack
them in trunks (not forgetting the two old military cloaks,
my boy), and tack cards on them also, my good Dates. Then
fly round three times indefinitely, my good Dates, and wipe a
little of the perspiration off. And then—let me see—then, my
good Dates—why what then? Why, this much. Pick up all
papers of all sorts that may be lying round my chamber, and
see them burned. And then—have old White Hoof put to
the lightest farm-wagon, and send the chest, and the desk, and
the camp-bed, and the trunks to the `Black Swan,' where I
shall call for them, when I am ready, and not before, sweet
Dates. So God bless thee, my fine, old, imperturbable Dates,
and adieu! “The fine cut, the judicious fit of your productions
fill us with amazement. The fabric is excellent—the finest
broadcloth of genius. We have just started in business. Your
pantaloons—productions, we mean—have never yet been collected.
They should be published in the Library form. The
tailors—we mean the librarians, demand it. Your fame is
now in its finest nap. Now—before the gloss is off—now is
the time for the library form. We have recently received an
invoice of Chamois—Russia leather. The library form should
P
be a durable form. We respectfully offer to dress your amazing
productions in the library form. If you please, we will
transmit you a sample of the cloth—we mean a sample-page,
with a pattern of the leather. We are ready to give you one
tenth of the profits (less discount) for the privilege of arraying
your wonderful productions in the library form:—you cashing
the seamstresses'—printer's and binder's bills on the day of
publication. An answer at your earliest convenience will
greatly oblige,— “Sir: I approach you with unfeigned trepidation. For
though you are young in age, you are old in fame and ability.
I can not express to you my ardent admiration of your works;
nor can I but deeply regret that the productions of such graphic
descriptive power, should be unaccompanied by the humbler illustrative
labors of the designer. My services in this line are entirely
at your command. I need not say how proud I should
be, if this hint, on my part, however presuming, should induce
you to reply in terms upon which I could found the hope of
honoring myself and my profession by a few designs for the
works of the illustrious Glendinning. But the cursory mention
of your name here fills me with such swelling emotions, that I
can say nothing more. I would only add, however, that not
being at all connected with the Trade, my business situation
unpleasantly forces me to make cash down on delivery of each
design, the basis of all my professional arrangements. Your
noble soul, however, would disdain to suppose, that this sordid
necessity, in my merely business concerns, could ever impair— “Official duty and private inclination in this present
case most delightfully blend. What was the ardent desire
of my heart, has now by the action of the Committee on Lectures
become professionally obligatory upon me. As Chairman
of our Committee on Lectures, I hereby beg the privilege
of entreating that you will honor this Society by lecturing
before it on any subject you may choose, and at any day most
convenient to yourself. The subject of Human Destiny we
would respectfully suggest, without however at all wishing to
impede you in your own unbiased selection. “This morning I vowed it, my own dearest, dearest Pierre
I feel stronger to-day; for to-day I have still more thought of
thine own superhuman, angelical strength; which so, has a
very little been transferred to me. Oh, Pierre, Pierre, with
what words shall I write thee now;—now, when still knowing
nothing, yet something of thy secret I, as a seer, suspect.
Grief,—deep, unspeakable grief, hath made me this seer. I
could murder myself, Pierre, when I think of my previous
blindness; but that only came from my swoon. It was horrible
and most murdersome; but now I see thou wert right in
being so instantaneous with me, and in never afterward writing
to me, Pierre; yes, now I see it, and adore thee the more. “Sir:—You are a swindler. Upon the pretense of writing
a popular novel for us, you have been receiving cash advances
from us, while passing through our press the sheets of a blasphemous
rhapsody, filched from the vile Atheists, Lucian and
Voltaire. Our great press of publication has hitherto prevented
our slightest inspection of our reader's proofs of your book.
Send not another sheet to us. Our bill for printing thus far,
and also for our cash advances, swindled out of us by you, is
now in the hands of our lawyer, who is instructed to proceed
with instant rigor. “Thou, Pierre Glendinning, art a villainous and perjured liar.
It is the sole object of this letter imprintedly to convey the
point blank lie to thee; that taken in at thy heart, it may be
thence pulsed with thy blood, throughout thy system. We
have let some interval pass inactive, to confirm and solidify our
hate. Separately, and together, we brand thee, in thy every
lung-cell, a liar;—liar, because that is the scornfullest and loathsomest
title for a man; which in itself is the compend of all infamous
things. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 218 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Doctor Johns | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | IN the summer of 1812, when the good people of
Connecticut were feeling uncommonly bitter about
the declaration of war against England, and were
abusing Mr. Madison in the roundest terms, there
lived in the town of Canterbury a fiery old gentleman,
of near sixty years, and a sterling Democrat, who took
up the cudgels bravely for the Administration, and
stoutly belabored Governor Roger Griswold for his
tardy obedience to the President in calling out the
militia, and for what he called his absurd pretensions
in regard to State sovereignty. He was a man, too,
who meant all that he said, and gave the best proof
of it by offering his military services, — first to the
Governor, and then to the United States General commanding
the Department. “Dear Father, — I have come away from school.
I don't know as you will like it much. I walked all the
way from Bolton, and my feet are very sore; I don't
think I could walk home. Captain Saul says he will
take me by the way of New York. I can go and see
Aunt Mabel. I will tell her you are all well. “I opened the Within to see who the boy was; and
This is to say, I shall take him Aboard, and shall be
off Chatham Red Quarries to-morrow night and next
day morning, and, if you signal from the dock, can
send him Ashore. Or, if this don't Come in time, my
berth is Peck Slip, in York. “My dear Sir, — I am sorry that I threw `Daboll'
in your face as I did, and hope you will forgive the
same. “My dear Johns,” (so his letter runs,) “I had
counted on surprising you completely by dropping
in upon you at your parsonage, (so often in my
thought,) at Ashfield; but circumstances have prevented.
Can I ask so large a favor of you as to
bring my dear Adèle to meet me here? If your
parochial duties forbid this utterly, can you not see
her safely on the river-boat, and I will meet her at
the wharf in New York? But, above all, I hope you
will come with her. I fancy her now so accomplished
a young lady, that there will be needed some
ceremony of presentation at your hands; besides
which, I want a long talk with you. We are both
many years older since we have met; you have had
your trials, and I have escaped with only a few
rubs. Let us talk them over. Slip away quietly,
if you can; beyond Adèle and your good sister,
can't you conceal your errand to the city? Your
country villages are so prone to gossip, that I would
wish to clasp my little Adèle before your towns-folk
shall have talked the matter over. Pray ask your
good sister to prepare the wardrobe of Adèle for a
month or two of absence, since I mean she shall
be my attendant on a little jaunt through the country.
I long to greet her; and your grave face, my
dear Johns, is always a welcome sight.” | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 219 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Doctor Johns | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | AUTUMN and winter passed by, and the summer
of 1838 opened upon the old quiet life of Ashfield.
The stiff Miss Johns, busy with her household
duties, or with her stately visitings. The Doctor's hat
and cane in their usual place upon the little table within
the door, and of a Sunday his voice is lifted up
under the old meeting-house roof in earnest expostulation.
The birds pipe their old songs, and the orchard
has shown once more its wondrous glory of bloom.
But all these things have lost their novelty for Adèle.
Would it be strange, if the tranquil life of the little
town had lost something of its early charm? That
swift French blood of hers has been stirred by contact
with the outside world. She has, perhaps, not been
wholly insensible to those admiring glances which so
quickened the pride of the father. Do not such things
leave a hunger in the heart of a girl of seventeen
which the sleepy streets of a country town can but
poorly gratify? “My dear Johns, — I shall again greet you, God
willing, in your own home, some forty days hence, and
I shall come as a repentant Benedick; for I now wear
the dignities of a married man. Your kind letter
counted for a great deal toward my determination; but
I will not affect to conceal from you, that my tender
interest in the future of Adèle counted for a great deal
more. As I had supposed, the communication to Julie
(which I effected through her brother) that her child
was still living, and living motherless, woke all the tenderness
of her nature. I cannot say that the sudden
change in her inclinations was any way flattering to
me; but knowing her recent religious austerities, I was
prepared for this. I shall not undertake to describe
to you our first interview, which I can never forget. It
belongs to those heart-secrets which cannot be spoken
of; but this much I may tell you, — that, if there was
no kindling of the old and wayward love, there grew
out of it a respect for her present severity and elevation
of character that I had never anticipated. At our
age, indeed, (though, when I think of it, I must be
many years your junior,) a respect for womanly character
most legitimately takes the place of that disorderly
sentiment which twenty years ago blazed out in
passion. “Mon cher Monsieur,” — in this way she begins; for
her religious severities, if not her years, have curbed
any disposition to explosive tenderness, — “I have received
the letter of our child, which was addressed to
you. I cannot tell you the feelings with which I have
read it. I long to clasp her to my heart. And she appeals
to you, for me, — the dear child! Yes, you have
well done in telling her that I was unworthy (méchante).
It is true, — unworthy in forgetting duty, — unworthy
in loving too well. O Monsieur! if I could live over
again that life, — that dear young life among the olive
orchards! But the good Christ (thank Him!) leads
back the repentant wanderers into the fold of His
Church. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 220 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Dream life | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | —“My friend Clarence will I trust beheve me,
when I say that his letter was a surprise to me. To
say that it was very grateful, would be what my
womanly vanity could not fail to claim. I only wish
that I was equal to the flattering portrait which he has
drawn. I even half fancy that he is joking me, and can
hardly believe that my matronly air should have quite
won his youthful heart. At least I shall try not to
believe it; and when I welcome him one day, the husband
of some fairy, who is worthy of his love, we will smile
together at the old lady, who once played the Circe
to his senses. Seriously, my friend Clarence, I know
your impulse of heart has carried you away; and that
in a year's time, you will smile with me, at your old
penchant for one so much your senior, and so ill-suited
to your years, as your true friend, —“Dear Madge,—May I not call you thus, if
only in memory of our childish affections;—and might
I dare to hope that a riper affection which your character
has awakened, may permit me to call you thus,
always? | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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