| | 21 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Add | | | 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 |
| 22 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Add | | | 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 |
| 23 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Add | | | 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 |
| 24 | Author: | Locke
David Ross
1833-1888 | Add | | | 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 |
| 25 | Author: | Lowell
Robert
1816-1891 | Add | | | 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 |
| 26 | Author: | Lowell
Robert
1816-1891 | Add | | | 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 |
| 27 | Author: | Lowell
Robert
1816-1891 | Add | | | 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 |
| 29 | Author: | Melville
Herman
1819-1891 | Add | | | 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 |
| 30 | Author: | Melville
Herman
1819-1891 | Add | | | 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 |
| 32 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Add | | | 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 |
| 33 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Add | | | 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 |
| 34 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Add | | | 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 |
| 35 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Add | | | Title: | Fudge doings | | | | 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 MUST confess that I feel diffident in entering
upon the work which I have taken in hand.
Very few know what it is to assume the position
that I now occupy; viz., endeavoring to entertain
the public with a record of the observations, fancies,
history, and feelings of one's own family. Many people
do this in a quiet way; but I am not aware that
it has heretofore been undertaken in the unblushing
manner which I propose to myself. “Mr. Fudge will much consult his own advantage
in abstaining from the imposition of any more
of his drunken and impertinent fooleries upon the
society of my daughter. “My dear boy,” she says, “I hope you are quite
well, and have got over the cold in the head you
spoke of. It is charming weather in New-York,
and old Truman Bodgers is dead; died aboard the
Eclipse, which burnt up two weeks ago, and a great
many valuable lives lost, which we regret very
much, making true the words of the Psalmist, which
I hope you read, that in the middle of life death
comes and overtakes us. He has left considerable
property, which your father says will be divided
between Aunt Fleming and myself, which will make
a pretty sum for you by-and-by, being eighty
thousand dollars, as Solomon says, in all. “Cruel! cruel! et vous, mon cher! And can you
think that I would suffer your blood to flow under
the hands of that monstre, whom I will not name?
No! no! I know all. I have detained him, but
only for a little time, perhaps. Will you fly? | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 36 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Add | | | Title: | Fudge doings | | | | 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 SHALL open this volume with a few observations
upon an individual, who may possibly
have important relations with the Fudge family:
I refer to Mr. Blimmer, of Blimmersville. Mr.
Blimmer has a very snug office, full of diagrams
of Blimmersville. Indeed, the plots, sites, buildings,
and accounts, of that prospective town
may be said to fill up the office. There is,
among other charts, a beautiful lithograph of
Blimmersville, very attractive, with a proposed
church, and a proposed clergyman's cottage; both
of them highly picturesque, highly Gothic, and
highly flattering to the proposed Christian feeling
of the township—much more flattering, indeed, than
such buildings are apt to be in earnest. “My Dear Washington:—I cannot pay longer
your frequent drafts upon me. My affairs are not
in so good case as at last writing. Practise economy,
and make arrangements to return speedily,
when I hope you will enter immediately upon some
sound business-calling. “My Dear Washy:—I have very much to tell
you. We are terribly disturbed; you have heard
of Mr. Bodgers' death, and how he left no will, as
any one can find. Your father was made administrator,
with Mr. Bivins, and things were going very
well, as we thought, and Kitty would have had a
handsome slice, which would have made her perhaps
to be considered as a match for you, my dear son,
although she is a cousin, when, on a sudden, Mr. Quid,
the father of the young gentleman you know, called
on Mr. Fudge, and, showing him some old papers
he has, which I suppose are testimonials, made a
claim for the whole of the property, and what it all
is, I don't know; and your father is anxious, besides
that; the bank is doing badly, and our expenses
with you and Wilhe are heavy. “My Dear Madam:—Duty compels me to inform
you that the claims of Mr. Quid upon the estate of
your deceased kinsman, Truman Bodgers, Esq., of
which I have already given you brief advisement,
are very strong. He has shown to me, in connection
with my legal adviser, papers which appear to
establish, beyond doubt, the rights of his son, as
heir at law. Deeply distressing as this event must
be to both branches of the Bodgers family, I see
no resource. I would advise you, therefore, to
limit your expenses accordingly, as the usual annuity,
which I believe you have been in the habit of
receiving through the generosity of Mr. Bodgers,
will now be cut off. I trust you will bear the
reverse with resolution. “My Dear Jemima:—I should be very ungrateful
for all your kindness if I forgot to write you, as
I promised I would, and to tell you all about my
country home, which I am so glad to welcome
again. “Letitia, ma Chère Letitia:—After our sudden
parting last summer, so very provoking as it was, I
5*
have been pining away in the Avenue. I am well
enough to be sure, and take a drive every day upon
Broadway with mamma; and the Count is civil and
attentive as usual, and the Spindles are as jealous
as ever (which is some comfort), yet somehow it
seems very dull. Papa has a terribly long face;
more than all, when I ask him for money. Mamma
says he is disturbed about his coal-stocks, and business,
and all that. What a horrid thing business
is! It made us come away from the Springs just
as a good set was forming about mamma; and
there's no hope, I fear, of getting it together again.
How is it, dear Letitia, that people will be very
kind, and chatty, and attentive at the Springs, and
then never come near you in town? I should love
to live at Saratoga, that is, provided the Count
and you, and the rest were there, and the set was
good. “Mr. Blimmer's compliments to Mr. Quid, and
begs to advise him that the instalments now due on
lots Numbers seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty,
twenty-one, etc., in the town of Blimmersville, are
still unpaid: he also begs to advise Mr. Quid
(hoping he will not take offence) of his (Blimmer's)
natural reluctance to place in the hands of
so entire a stranger the original document intrusted
to him by a certain deceased party; he believes,
however, that the writing which he had the honor
to place in Mr. Quid's hands, was a true copy of the
same; and, in the event of pending negotiations
being happily matured, he (Blimmer) would have
no objection to add to it the original instrument. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 37 | Author: | Mitchell
Donald Grant
1822-1908 | Add | | | Title: | Seven stories, with basement and attic | | | | 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 an out of the way corner of my library are five
plethoric little note-books of Travel. One of them,
and it is the earliest, is bound in smart red leather, and
has altogether a dapper British air; its paper is firm
and evenly lined, and it came a great many years ago
(I will not say how many) out of a stationer's shop
upon Lord street in Liverpool. A second, in stiff
boards, marbled, and backed with muslin, wears a
soldierly primness in its aspect that always calls to mind
the bugles, and the drums, and the brazen helmets of
Berlin—where, once upon a time, I added it to my
little stock of travelling companions. A third, in limp
morocco, bought under the Hotel de l'Ecu at Geneva,
shows a great deal of the Swiss affection of British
wares, and has borne bravely the hard knapsack service,
and the many stains which belonged to those glorious
mountain tramps that live again whenever I turn
over its sweaty pages. Another is tattered, dingy—the
paper frail, and a half of its cover gone; yet I think it
is a fair specimen of what the Roman stationers could
do, in the days when the Sixteenth Gregory was Pope.
The fifth and last, is coquettish, jaunty—as prim as the
Prussian, limp like the Genevese, and only less solid
than the English: it is all over French; and the fellows
to it may very likely have served a tidy grisette to write
down her tale of finery, or some learned member of the
Institute to record his note-takings in the Imperial
Library. “You must have thought I treated you very
scurvily. Annie thought it best however that I should
not call at your lodgings. We had been privately married
a year before. Though I ought not to say it, the
colonel's return to life was something of a damper to me;
but he knows it all now, and is thoroughly reconciled.
I can show him a rent-roll from my little ventures hereabout,
that is larger than his colonel's pay. We are all
at Clumber Cottage—happy of course. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 39 | Author: | Neal
John
1793-1876 | Add | | | Title: | True womanhood | | | | 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: | On a cold, bright clear day, in the troubled winter of 1857-8,
when the great city of New York seemed to be struck with
paralysis, and the “boldest held their breath” for awhile, a
large crowd were gathered just outside of the Park; while, on
the opposite side of the way, there was another and yet
larger collection, filling the street and side-walks, and surging
and struggling about the open doors of a theatre. “Dear Elizabeth, — I hope to be at home to-day. Be of
good cheer. The gentleman who hands you this — Mr. Winthrop
Fay — is my legal adviser just now. He may desire to
see Julia by herself. Whatever he advises, you will be safe in
doing. On the card of Mr. Fay was written: “You may look for me
within the hour; and it may be well for Miss Parry and Mr.
Maynard to be prepared for a short drive. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 40 | Author: | Parkman
Francis
1823-1893 | Add | | | Title: | Vassall Morton | | | | 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: | “Macknight on the Epistles, — that's the name of
the book?” Sir: I am a native of the United States, who, for the
past four years, have been a prisoner in the Castle of Ehrenberg,
confined for no offence, political or otherwise, but
on a groundless suspicion. I escaped by the assistance
of a soldier in the garrison, and have made my way thus far
in the dress of a peasant. I am anxious to reach Genoa, or
some other port beyond the power of Austria, but am embarrassed
and endangered by my ignorance of the routes and
the state of the country. Information on these points, and
the means of communicating with an American consul, are the
only aid of which I am in necessity; and I take the liberty
of applying to you in the hope of obtaining it. By giving it,
you will oblige me in a matter of life and death. The people
of the country cannot be trusted; but I may rely securely on
the generosity of an English gentleman. Dear M.: Uncle Sam in a deuse of a hurry. Ordered to
the island this afternoon. Off for Mexico to-morrow. Sorry
not to see you, but haven't a minute to spare. Good luck. —
Au revoir. Dear Sir: You cannot have forgotten some interviews
and correspondence which formerly passed between us concerning
a person who soon after was unfortunate enough to
fall under the notice of the Austrian police. Nothing has
since been heard of him, and it is commonly believed here
that he is dead. It is my desire to have this opinion confirmed;
and having found you honorable and efficient on another
occasion, I cannot doubt that I shall find you so in this.
May I beg your services in the following particulars? I heard all. I have learned, at last, to know you. These
were your bad dreams! This was the cloud that overshadowed
you! No wonder that your eye was anxious, your
forehead wrinkled, and your cheek pale. To have led that
brave and loyal heart through months and years of anguish!
— to have buried him from the light of day! — to have
buried him in darkness and despair, if despair could ever touch
a soul like his! And there he would have been lost forever,
if you had had your will, — if a higher hand had not been
outstretched to save him. One whom you dared not meet
face to face; one as far above your sphere as the eagle is
above the serpent to which he likened you! You have taught
me how sin can cringe and cower under the anger of a true
and deeply outraged man. That I should have lived to hear
my husband called a villain! — and still live to tell him that
the word was just! My husband! You are not my husband.
It was not a criminal, a traitorous wretch, whom I
pledged myself to love and honor. You have insnared me;
you have me, for a time, safely entangled in your meshes.
The same cause which led me to this yoke must withhold me
from casting it off. I cannot imbitter my father's dying moments.
I cannot bring distress and horror to his tranquil
death bed. For his sake, I will play the hypocrite, and
stoop to pass in the world's eye as your wife. For the few
weeks he has to live, I will lodge, if I must, under your roof;
I will sit, if I must, at your table; but when my father is
gone, let the world impute to me what blame it will, I will
leave you forever. You need not fear that I shall expose
your crimes. If he could spare you, it does not become me
to speak. Live on, and make what atonement you may;
but meanwhile there is a gulf between us wider than death. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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