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Flag image, and much more, can be found here: Terry’s Texas Rangers
THE TERRY RANGERS. —
A friend has kindly handed us a brief sketch of the Terry Rangers whose achievements in the late war constitute an interesting chapter in its history. Among the gallant members of the regiment was Capt. Griffin, who joined it in August 1861. It was in the skirmish at Woodsonville that Colonel Terry was killed. Gen. Johnston evacuated Bowling Green February 1862, when the Terry Rangers covered the retreat to Shiloh, soon after which the battle of Shiloh was fought. Soon after the victory of Murfressburo was won at which the Rangers were commanded by Forrest.
Subsequently this Regiment joined Bragg at Sparta, Tennessee, and bore a conspicuous part in the battle of Perryville, and afterwards covered the retreat through Cumberland Gap into East Tennessee. Next this Regiment went to Murfreesboro, where it performed nearly all the Post and scouting service, until the attack by Rosecrans which was repulsed successfully and a Confederate victory obtained. It was here that Capt. Griffin was captured, while on out post duty, and taken to Nashville, and after eight days sent to Bowling Green, and thence to Alton, Illinois, thence, in company with 800 prisoners, he was started to Camp Douglas, but made his escape on the way by jumping from the cars in company with Joseph Stewart, another Ranger.
After various adventures Capt. G. finally joined his Regiment again near Shelbyville in April 1863, and was with the Regiment in the battle of Chickamauga, and was promoted to a Captaincy for meritorious conduct in the spring of 1864, by Col. Patterson, and afterwards that honor was confirmed by Gen. Johnston, by whom he was assigned to special scouting service, in which he continued in separate command of his Company to the close of the war. Every surviving member of that Regiment could, doubtless, furnish us with many interesting events of their campaigns which should constitute a portion of the future history of the war.
Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas) Jul 1, 1866
Thomas Harrison (Image from www.terrystexasrangers.org)
We noticed incidentally the other day the arrival of Col. Thomas Harrison. We think his services and record during the war entitle him, on his return home, to a more extended notice.
He entered the service as Captain in 1861, and was, on the organization of that celebrated regiment, the “Terry Rangers,” elected Major. In 1862 he was Lieutenant Colonel. –
In the fall of that same year he was commissioned Colonel. Not many months after his appointment be was placed in command of a brigade, under General Wharton, and very earnestly recommended by Wharton, Polk, Hardee and others for promotion, in terms as highly honorable as a soldier could desire. A miserable intrigue retarded his promotion until a short time before the war closed, when he received the appointment of Brigadier General. During the time he was Colonel, he had the command of a brigade or division. He was always in demand when fighting was on hand, and has fought many times in the States of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and North and South Carolina.
It is believed that he has been under fire a greater number of times than any other officer in the service. It is no compliment to him to say that as commander of a regiment, brigade or division, no officer in the army, known to us, has exceeded him in devotion to the service, in gallantry, or in the judgment with which he fought his command. This at least is conceded by all who have known his history during the war. He had been wounded shortly before General Johnston’s surrender and was not present when that event occurred. He made his way to Alabama, not intending to give his parol, in the hope that Texas was still under arms. –
Finding, however, that our army had been disbanded, he gave his parol. We welcome back this gallant soldier who has won his laurels on so many battle-fields. Whatever has been our misfortunes, we are sure they are not attributable to him. We trust he may yet enjoy many years of happiness; that he may yet be useful to a country for whom he has freely offered his life, and would, as we believe, have freely given it.
The Colonel’s baggage, horses, &c., together with his boy, Jerry, were in Greensboro when the Yankee surprised it. The horse the Colonel had used through the war was saddled; Jerry mounted him and escaped. He made his way to his master in Mississippi, and was much delighted to meet him. He is on his way home by land. We mention this as an incident to show the deep seated affection of thousands of slaves to their old homes and old masters. All the legislation in the world cannot change that feeling. All the fanaticism of the world cannot destroy it.
Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas) Jun 16, 1865
Image from www.terrystexasrangers.org
Terry’s Texas Rangers.
THE MAMALUKES OF THE WAR.
From the Louisville Courier-Journal.It is well known that the late Confederate States cavalry, so-called, were in the main strictly speaking, simply mounted infantry, doing splendid service, it is true, but always dismounting and preferring to dismount and fight, unless the want of time and circumstances prevented. Terry’s Rangers were, however, an exception.
They were organized, armed and equipped and in action specially reserved for regular cavalry charging. Circumstances and the nature of the ground may have sometimes prevented, but this was their forte. Each was armed with a double-barreled shot gun, two revolvers and a ponderous bowie, and adding to courage, confidence, and being most excellent horsemen, they may in truth be said to have been the Mamelukes of the war. They were in many respects a remarkable body of men — remarkable for the esprit du corps, their unwavering confidence in the final success of the cause, their lofty bearing in camp and in field, and the general intelligence of the rank and file. No bills of lading or chimney corner receipts for the cure of whooping cough and measles, or other false or fabricated papers, written, or printed ever passed spy or bummers through lines guarded by ranger pickets; while their reports of the strength, position and movements of the enemy were always timely, valuable, and wonderfully correct.
At Murfreesboro, Friday night, when Bragg was secretly and silently preparing for one if his famous movements to the rear, a ranger galloped up and exclaimed,
“General, the enemy himself is in full retreat.” He was reprimanded and headquarters passed on.
Afterwards Hardee was heard to remark, “not a devil of those rangers but would make at leaset a Brigadier.”
Their excellent material is accounted for by the fact that they were picked men, and the flower of the Texas youth. It had been charged by Union men pending the vote on the proposition for the State to secede, that secession was war, and that having brought it on rich men’s sons would seek place and power, and poor men would have to do the fighting. This aspersion it was important to refute, once for all, and at the first bugle’s blast.
Accordingly, Terry, the Bayard of the State, issued a call which inspired the wildest enthusiasm, and the sons of the most eminent, most influential and most wealthy vied with each other in a zealous and prompt response. In less than ten days the regiment was filled beyond the maximum. Numbers went away disappointed, some dejected, like the Spartans of old, because not chosen to die for their country. At their own request they were sworn in “for the war,” absolutely and without condition, and this months anterior to the call for troops for three years. Each man furnished his own horse, arms and equipments, and in a large measure paid his own way to the seat of conflict. They left Houston, Texas, 1160 strong; 500 recruits were received from time to time, making a total muster roll of 1660 names. They were in over one hundred distinct engagements from first to last, from Woodsonville, Ky., to Graham station, N.C., near which place they fought the last fight of the war, and surrendered, 244 all told, with but one deserter.
Image from terrystexasrangers.org
II.
Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson, at Shiloh, witnessing their charge in column upon a strong position, while Hardee moved in the rear, and which resulted in the capture of Gen. Prentiss and his entire command, enthusiastically exclaimed, “with a little more discipline they would be the equals of the Old Guard.” Tuesday evening at Shiloh, the enemy had passed to within one mile of Breckinridge, who was covering the retreat with the remains of his shattered and wearied division. Midway between, the rangers contesting the ground almost truly inch by inch.The fresh troops of Buell, impatient at delay, and flushed with the hope of overtaking and capturing the gallant Kentuckian and his entire force, which they believed exhausted and a sure prey from hard marching and two days’ desperate fighting, now threw forward two regiments of infantry, supported by one of Ohio cavalry, who, in fine array, came rapidly on as hounds and hunters when their game is at bay. The rangers had suffered a loss of over one hundred, more than ten per cent., in the two days previous conflicts. Wharton, their third colonel since the mournful fall of Terry at Woodsonville, had lost several horses, was twice wounded and borne to the rear the preceding day. Lieut. Col. Ferrill, detached with two companies to burn the white-tented cities, still standing despite the storm that had swept through and over them, was yet absent; so that the whole force left under Major Harrison did not exceed three hundred men.
He had just wheeled from column of fours into line of battle, stretching across the road, and exhorted his men to check their pursuers and give the little army placed in their keeping time to bridge through the mire that impeded their wearied limbs, or opportunity to form if necessary, when Forrest with forty men rode up and lengthened the line to the right. The enemy halted. A level space of some six hundred yards lay between, clear and open except a dead tree here and there on the opposite side. Behind these trees sharp-shooters took post and began to pour in damaging shots just as the command “Reserve fire for close quarters, forward!” passed from right to left re-echoed by subalterns. Horse and rider, though both were jaded, caught new life, and swept onward, straight onward at topmost speed.
The horse, noble everywhere, nowhere bears himself so proudly as in battle. He seems conscious of the danger into which he plunges, but emulous to bear his rider the foremost and bravest of them all; and mortal must be the wound if either foresakes his trust. The well known Texas yell is raised now, and swells louder and louder, and even above the roar of musketry. Horse and rider, one, the other, now in heaps, fall, but the line knits together where gaps have been made, and moves, thunders on into the deadliest sheet of flame. Anon, they waver. The horses falter. A miry bog had impeded the way, but they clear it. At fifty yards the double barrels, loaded with buck and ball, are brought into play, each volley making wide openings in enemy’s line.
Still shouting and “slinging” their guns on the pummels of their saddles, the rangers draw revolvers and make short fire and finishing work, just as the rattling of artillery coming to the enemy’s relief is heard in the distance. One-third of the enemy’s infantry are rode and shot down. The remainder brake and flee through the ranks of their cavalry. These are bowed further and further back, and despite the appeals of their gallant colonel to stand firm, they yield or flee, one, two, and squads at a time — until their leader falls, and the Grey are victorions to the last on Shiloh’s bloody ground.
Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas) Feb 27, 1869
Image from www.terrystexasrangers.org
TERRY’S TEXAS RANGERS.
The Recent Reunion Reminds a Veteran of an Incident at Shiloh.
HEMPSTEAD, Tex., December 20. — TO THE NEWS:
The interesting report of THE NEWS in to-day’s paper of the reunion of Terry’s Texas rangers in Houston last night reminded the writer of a reminiscence of the battle of Shiloh, fought April 6 and 7, 1862, between the forces of General U.S. Grant of the federal army, and General Albert Sidney Johnston of the confederate.
The writer was a private in Captain William Christian’s company, Second Texas Infantry regiment. The battle was planned by General Johnston to be opened on Saturday morning, April 5, at daylight, and the entire army slept on their arms in front of the federal army on Friday night, the 4th. A heavy rain storm fell and the troops were soaked thoroughly.
The plan of opening the battle on the 5th failed on account of Major-general Breckinridge’s division failing to reach the point assigned them in the order of battle. The heavy rains caused the roads to be almost impassable, and the cavalry and artillery made their condition worse than ever. Breckinridge could not come up until twenty-four hours later. This was why the battle was opened on Sunday.
The federal army was encamped between Lick and Owl creeks, extending from Pittsburg landing, on the Tennessee river, over a distance of two miles. General Johnson formed his army into three lines of battle. The first one was composed of Tennesseeans, who made the advance and struck the first line of encampments almost before the men could get out of their tents. The frightened troops then collected toward the second line of encampment, where the confederates encountered the federals drawn up in line of battle, and a furious fight opened all along the line. This was kept up all day until General Johnston in comman after he had been killed about 2 o’clock p.m. Many of the confederates, believing that they had won a great victory, became demoralized and scattered during the night, many plundering the deserted federal camps.
At daylight Monday morning, the 7th, it was learned that General Buell, with 20,000 fresh men, had reinforced General Grant’s whipped army of the 6th. The confederate rallied in every direction, and soon another great battle was in progress. The federals slowly drove the confederates back over the route of their advance the morning before.
The writer had been slightly wounded on Sunday afternoon in the advance on General Prentis’ division, and in company with about 200 stragglers and wounded men, had sought to escape the cannon balls of the federals. While waiting here a dashing cavalryman rode up and commenced a speech.
“Who are you?” several inquired.
“One of Terry’s rangers,” was the reply.
“Oh yes, we are nearly all Texas boys,” was the reply.
“Men of Texas, descendants of the old heroes of San Jacinto and other glorious achievements of your fathers, rally once more and come up here and form into line. I will lead you as an independent company. We can whip the Yankees as easy as yesterday. Come up, I say, and show what Texas boys can do.” {He ducked his head occasionally as a cannon ball whizzed by.}
“I tell you, boys,” said Bill Mathews of the Second Texas, “that fellow is a good speaker.”
“He must be a preacher or a lawyer,” said another.
“He talks well,” several remarked; but the line was not formed.
The lone cavalryman happened to cast his eyes in the direction of the river, and coming down a hill was seen several thousand of the federals advancing with the first two lines having crossed bayonets. “Boys, look out, there they come; save yourselves,” said he, and spurring his horse he made very fast time to the rear.
The writer hopes the gallant ranger may be alive and read this. He will doubtless laugh as loud as anybody.
After General Beaureguard had given the order to retreat to Corinth on Monday afternoon Terry’s rangers were ordered to act as a rear guard while the infantry and artillery could retreat. They formed several lines of battle across the Corinth road and drove back the federal cavalry advance.
True the war is over now, but old soldiers love to talk over the exciting events of a quarter of a century ago. We have all had war enough, and the survivors of the war venerate the star spangled banner as much as those whe met on the battlefields of the war twenty-five years ago.
National decoration day, May 20, shows that, and the gallant men who met each other in the shock of battle now go arm in arm and scatter the flowers of spring over the graves of brave men, not inquiriing whether they once wore the blue or the gray.
SIOUX, War Correspondent.
Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas) Dec 23, 1888
Terry's Texas Rangers Reunion 1902 - Dallas (Image from www.terrystexasrangers.org)
RANGER’S REUNION
The Survivors of the Eighth Texas Regiment Concentrate for Action.
(Excerpts)“Welcome, Terry Rangers.”
This was a voluntary offering to the survivors by the wives of resident Rangers, and hung over the stage at the north end of the hall.“We will do it or die.” — Gustave Cook.
This answer was made by Col. Gustave Cook, commanding, when asked by a general officer if his regiment could dislodge a heavy field battery, with a brigade reserve.“They know no such word as fail.” – John A. Wharton.
Reply of this distinguished soldier when asked if he could hold a position for a length of time against a largely superior force.“You have done well.” – Thos. Harrison.
After a successful charge by the regiment in a critical hour of battle. Revered by the regiment from the fact that he rarely complimented any individual or concerted act of heroism, however great, and that his command was above praise for any action.“If there is danger ahead put the Terry Rangers in front.” — Joseph Wheeler.
This was the universal order of march when there was work ahead or anticipated by this celebrated cavalry general.“Yes, go to sleep; the Terry Rangers are between you and the enemy.” — N.B. Forrest.
This was a reply of this great soldier when asked by a brigade commander if he should unsaddle and rest and sleep.
…..
Capt. Christian proposed — The Memory of Gen. John A. Wharton, Drunk standing and in silence.
Image from www.findagrave.com
A member of the command then read the
FOLLOWING POEM,
which was written for the occasion by Mrs. C. M Pearre of Galveston:Comrades:
A few fierce years we met together
In a desolate land of graves,
Braved shot, or shell, or roughest weather,
Our glorious Southern cause to save,
Together, saw our hopes pass away.
Radiant-colored hopes that beamed
Resplendent on that bright spring day
When o’er us first a banner streamed.Together, saw a strange banner unfurled
With the aroma of blood, suggestive cost
These burning words for a gazing world,
Thy cause, they Southern cause, is lost!
Met wars fiat, as brave men meet,
With folded hands and heads bowed low;
But unswerving eyes on that last retreat
Told our valor to the conquering foe.Then came of years a dreary dearth,
Our manhood in lethargy was shrouded;
When mental chaos by painful birth,
Produced a rainbow all unclouded.
It spanned our glorious country round,
Warmed hostile hearts of each brother,
Who thereon read this truth profound:
This is our country, we have no other!Then brighten the day with joy and mirth,
Let music peal her gladest strains,
Sing the songs of camp and hearth,
Spirit voices may sound the refrains.
Let the sparkling wine go round,
Toast Reunion day in every form,
Until each comrade’s heart is bound
With chords magnetic, true and warm.
Last of all, one toast we will call
(Drink it comrades with bowed head,
Other forms will throng the hall) –
In memory of our “Noble Dead.
Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas) Dec 17, 1876
Image from http://camille-flauntit.blogspot.com
A Cigarette Law.
Since the death of a little boy in Brooklyn, whose fatal disease was plainly traced to cigarette smoking, public opinion has been attracted anew to this subject. Convulsions, a wasting away of the body, with loss of memory and breaking down of the nervous system, are some of the results of the consumption of cigarettes by boys.
The New York legislature has passed a low on the subject that might be taken as a pattern by other states desiring to stop this ruinous practice. That is to say, as far as law can stop anything. Time and again it has been proved that public opinion must enforce a law or it is no good. So ignorant are parents themselves of the deadly effects of cigarettes that in many cases they permit their boys to smoke them at home. Later, when these fair, handsome boys turn out drunkards or opium eaters, or grow into stunted, pale little men, the parents may or may not remember the cigarette smoking.
The New York law is as follows:
“No child, actually or apparently under 1? years of age, shall smoke or in any way use any cigar, cigarette or tobacco, in any form whatsoever, in any public street, place or resort. A violation of this subdivision shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1? and not less than $2 each offense.”It may be remarked that dealers when asked by a boy who comes under the specified age for cigarettes, will tell the boy to send some one older than himself, and then he can let him have the goods.
The News (Frederick, Maryland) Jun 18, 1890
NOTE: Age and maximum fine were illegible, but both had a “1″ then another number I couldn’t make out.
Mr. Groundhog Saw Shadow So Winter Remains 6 Weeks
So Believers In Old Saying Declare: “Tommyrot” Replies Weather Bureau When Asked What It Thinks About Things.
Mr. Groundhog could have seen his shadow at several different times in Edwardsville today, had he been a careful observer. It wouldn’t have been very much of a shadow, it’s true, but a shadow’s a shadow, regardless.
So believers in the story about Mr. Groundhog are convinced that he will return to his burrow and that we’re in for six weeks more of winter weather. Had he failed to see the shadow, the believers assert, spring would be here immediately.
While a limited area in west Missouri and east Kansas had a heavy fall of snow and no sun today, Groundhogs could see their shadows in virtually all other sections of the nation, the U.S. Weather Bureau reported.
Regardless of whether the little Groundhog stays in or out of his hole, he will find his ability as a weather forecaster under heavy fire by scientists and the Weather Bureau.
As far as the Weather Bureau is concerned, the Groundhog tradition is all “tommyrot.”The only way weather can be forecast is by advance information on clouds, air currents and wind directions, the bureau says. And where’s a Groundhog to get that?
Anyway the tradition is an old one originating centuries ago in Germany. February 2 also is Candlemas Day, being the 40th day after the birth of Christ, on which, according to levitical rules, the purification of the Mother and the presentation of the Son to the church should occur.
Image from http://glengreen.com
As Candlemas Day was regarded as the half of winter, it became everywhere a great day for weather forecasting. In Germany two proverbs developed from Candlemas Day prognosticians:
“The shepherd would rather see the Wolf enter his stable on Candlemas Day than the sun.”
“The Badger peeps out of his hole on Candlemas Day and when he finds snow walks aboard; but if he sees the sun shining he draws back into his hole.”
The superstition of the Badger on Candlemas Day came to America with early German pioneers. But as the Badger, even in its distinctive American variety, is little known east of the Mississippi river, the fable was transferred to the Woodchuck or Groundhog and to farmers of the middle west Candlemas Day became Groundhog day.
And as the Groundhog is a Woodchuck, it all leads back to the debatable question of:
How much weather would a Woodchuck forecast,
If a Woodchuck could forecast weather?
Edwardsville Intelligencer (Edwardsville, Illinois) Feb 2, 1929
Image from www.belarusguide.com
The Groundhog Story.
February 2, or Candlemas Day, was a favorite holiday, marked by public gayety and ceremonies in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is still marked there by the closing of banks and offices, but not otherwise, outside of the reading of Church services. In the Church Calendar it is known as the Feast of Purification of the Virgin, and was first instituted by Pope Sergios about the year 684 A.D. The popular name of the day is derived from the early custom of lighting up churches with candles and carrying these in procession on this festival.
As to the weather superstition that gives to Candlemas the name of “groundhog day,” that is a world wide fable. In Germany it is the badger that breaks his winter nap on this day to essay the thankless task of weather prophecy; in France and Switzerland it is the marmot; In England the hedgehog. — The Housekeeper.
Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) Feb 3, 1909
Image from http://wanderingdruid.blogspot.com
MUCH-NAMED FEBRUARY 2.
Otherwise Known Throughout the Country as Ground Hog Day.
February 2 is a much named day. It is Candlemas Day, Purification of the Virgin Mary, Presentation of Christ in the Temple and colloquially in England the Wives’ Feast, but the name that is possibly most familiar to us is Groundhog Day. The celebration of Candlemas is observed in the Angelican, Roman, Greek and Lutheran churches, its principal feature being the distribution of candles and a procession of lighted ones. It is more than probable that it is from this custom that the name Candlemas Day originated. Some authorities claim that the institution of hte feast antedated the manner of celebrating it, claiming that this festival was first observed in 542, during the reign of Justinan, whereas the first procession of lighted candles did not occur until the seventh century. Another authority while giving the honor of originating the celebration of the day to Justinian, says Pope Gelasius, in the latter part of the fifth century, had the first procession of lighted candles. The ceremonies of Candlemas Day in England have been very much modified since the time of the Reformation. an order of Council, passed in the second year of the reign of Edward VI., abolished the candle carrying in that country. At Rome, however, quite late in our century, the candles were blessed and distributed with much pomp and ceremony, accompanied by a great procession of ecclesiastics.
Unlike the majority of weather prognostications taken, as is a usual custom, from these set days, Candlemas weather signs go by contraries. Fine weather betokens a continuance of winter and cold days, while an inclement day is a sure promise of an early spring and bright summer. Our well-known name, particularly among our rural and foreign population of Groundhog Day for the second of February, comes from an old proverb the early Germans brought to America from their Fatherland, that “the badger peeps out of his hole on Candlemas Day, and when he finds snow shining he draws back into his hole.” East of the Mississippi the badger is scarce and little known, so the farmers transferred the mantle to the woodchuck, or ground-hog.
Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) Aug 19, 1899
THE GROUND HOG’S INFLUENCE.
Discussion of the Weather Brings Up a Host of Recollections to Two Old Timers. — Mr. Isaac Baker and the Ground Hog Recalled.
Looking around for an item and seeing quite a large crowd on the South Side, we made inquiry and found that the excitement was in relation to the ground hog.
“What is ground hog day?” asked one.
“Well,” said another, “ground hog day was formerly called Candlemas Day. This day, which occurred on the 2d day of February, was observed by the early churches with great pomp and ceremony. The 2d of February was then the last day of the year, according the old calendar, and on that day immense processions would move with candles, as the masses then believed that the candles would keep away evil spirits. So that the 2d day of February has been observed from the time of hte Romans down to the present day, as the regulator of the weather. The Scotch used to say that a fair Candlemas Day meant a long winter. They used to sing –
If Candlemas be fair and clear
There’ll be two winters in a year
In Germany, France and England they noticed certain animals that would come out on that day, and if it was bright enough to see their shadow they would go back and stay for weeks. The Germans watched the badger, the French, the marmot, the English, the hedge hog, and the Americans the ground hog. My friend, I.W. Baker, used to express his surprise that people were so superstitious about his hogship, and at last he got to joking with the farmers about the ground hog. His jokes then got in the newspapers, and since then there’s no name mentioned in Licking county as much on ground hog’s day as Baker’s. Isaac was one of the most pleasant and agreeable men I ever met. He was a good conversationalist and always had at his tongue’s end a good supply of jokes.”
“Yes,” said another, “he was always a pusher, and a splendid business man also. He came here about 1833. I remember him showing me a blooded animal that he rode from Hardy county, Va., to Chicago and the Western States, and back to Newark, the entire distance amounting to over 2,800 miles. He was offered land in Chicago then which was a mere swamp for a song, and if he had but laid out two or three hundred dollars he would have been worth his millions to day. He kept a dry goods and clothing store where Ambach formerly kept, for twenty-five years. He used to handle the best horses in old Licking county, and sent droves over the mountains. I remember we used to have big times on New Year’s. Why, in those days many years ago, every house had its Tom and Jerry, hot whiskey punch and egg nog, and by the time we made our rounds we were usually jovial and happy.”
“Yes,” said the other, “I remember some gay sleigh rides we had with Isaac. We used to get up dancing parties and drove two, four and often six horses to a sleigh, and we didn’t care if the thermometer was away below zero, if the robes wouldn’t keep us warm we always took something along that would. We’ve had many a pleasant drive and dance in the old hospitable halls of the late Hon. Wm. Stanberry, and we always closed those festive scenes with that grand song familiar to all, “Auld Lang Syne.” I hear Isaac is still sell and hearty, in old Virginia. I would like to see the old gentleman again and talk over those happy old days,” and the old timer wiped away tears which would come at the memories conjured up, whether from happiness or sorrow, we did not know.
Newark Daily Advocate (Newark, Ohio) Feb 28, 1887
THE OLD GRAVEYARD.
A Spot of Peculiar Historical Interest.
There is a great deal of historic interest attached to the old Presbyterian graveyard which has lately been purchased by the Salvation Army. In 1782 the first Presbyterian church ever built in this county was here erected. It was a very plain stucture of bricks, supposed to have been brought from England. It had a brick floor, high backed pews and a very lofty pulpit. The congregation was composed of Scotch settlers from Pennsylvania with a considerable German element; the first pastor was Rev. S.B. Balch, who was followed by Revs. David Baird and Cunningham Sample. Next came Rev. Samuel Knox from Ireland, a man of rare literary talents, who during his pastorate here was president of the Fred[er]ick Academy. He was the great grandfather of Rev. Wm. Ould, the present incumbent of the church. He was connected by marriage with the McCleery family of this city, who about two years ago removed the bodies of Mr. Knor [Knox?] and wife to Mt. Olivet cemetery. Rev. Patrick Davidson came next who was also president of the Frederick Academy, and it was during his pastorate that a new church was contemplated.
The present site was purchased about the year 1819, though the edifice was not commenced until 1825 and dedicated in 1827. To go back to the old churchyard with its fallen gravestones and sunken graves overrun with myrtle, we find that Rev. Mr. Davi[d]son was buried here in 1825. Among the sleeping dead were members of our prominent families whose sacred dust has just been carefully reinterred in Mt. Olivet. It has been told by an old resident, that Episcopalians and Presbyterians worshipped together in this old church, and their Sunday schools were united until the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Hamner.
Gov. Thomas Johnson (Image from www.knowledgerush.com)
One of the most historical events celebrated in this antique church occurred February 22nd, 1800, when Thomas Johnson, first Governor of Maryland, delivered a funeral oration in memory of George Washington.
George Washington (Image from http://shopyield.com)
Eight thousand persons were in attendance. It was one of those masterly orations which have been handed down to posterity. Gov. Johnson was a personal friend of Gen. Washington, and this oration was the last official act of his life. He said: “So strongly was Washington’s dear image imprinted on my memory, that I can now see the manly form and graceful attitude, his piercing blue eyes softened by modesty, innate sweetness and harmony of soul. Let us imitate his example, remember his patriotism, his courage on the field of battle and death, and like him to render up our swords to the country from which we receive them. We are professing Christians, let us live so that at death we may say like Washington, ‘I am not afraid to die.’”
The News (Frederick, Maryland) May 9, 1887
The Presbyterian Church image from: (Google Book LINK – limited preview) “Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian Church 1780-1910″ starts on page 448
Title History of Frederick County, Maryland, Volume 1
Authors Thomas John Chew Williams, Folger McKinsey
Edition reprint
Publisher Genealogical Publishing Com, 1979
ISBN 0806379731, 9780806379739
Length 1724 pages
*****
More About Samuel Knox by Bernard C. Steiner in the Maryland Historical Magazine – vol.4; 1909 (Google Books LINK) pg. 276
Image from www.gono.com
Curious Names.
BY WILLIAM B. HINCKS.
And article in a recent number of Hearth and Home quoted a number of the queer names found in the official registry of births in England and Wales. Perhaps it is not generally known that our own census returns furnish appellations quite as extraordinary.
Bildad Bishop 1870 Census CT
Witness such remarkable compounds as Nancy Yancey, Phoebe Beebe, Bildad Bishop, and others, which occur more frequently than might at first be supposed.
Phoebe Beebe 1870 Census NJ
The exploits of the valiant Preserved Fish, whose standard was a cod fish rampant, are chronicled in the Knickerbocker’s “History of New York.”
Preserved Fish 1870 Census NY
NOTE: Preserved’s father’s name is Served Fish!
Preserved Green 1880 Census RI
Less known to fame is Mr. Preserved Green, at the present time a resident of Rhode Island, whose development, to judge at least from his name, must have been checked at an early stage of his career.
NOTE: Preserved Green was a clergyman, according to the census record. His neighbor was German Potter, who also had a son named German. Living with Preserved Green was a Freeborn Potter (and wife and children,) who must have been a son-in-law or possibly just boarding with the Green family.
Waitstill Hastings 1880 Census NY
Some instances are found in which the first name and the last name are of contradictory meaning, as in the case of a New York gentleman whose parents christened him Waitstill Hastings, and that of the learned member of the Texas judiciary, Judge Pleasant Yell.
Pleasant Yell 1870 Census TX
In other cases there is a sort of humorous coincidence between the person’s name and his occupation — notably in that of a Connecticut butcher, whose sign displays the fierce inscription, I.B. Savage.
NOTE: I couldn’t find Mr. Savage on census records, although there was an Isaac Savage.
Consider Tinkler 1860 Census IN
The daily papers tell us that one Consider Tinkler, a Communist, has just been pardoned by President Thiers. It is hardly necessary to add that he was an American.
NOTE: I am not sure what is meant by “hardly necessary to add” and who it refers to, but Tinkler, “the communist” was born in Canada, according to census records.
Federal C. Adams 1880 Census OH
Nowhere else than in New England would parents be likely to bestow upon their children such Christian, or rather unchristian, names as Federal Constitution and Fourth of July.
Notice: Federal’s father was a John Q. Adams! They must have been quite the patriotic family.
July 4th Woods 1880 Census PA
The recipient of the latter was a girl who, on growing up to years of discretion, wisely preferred to sign her name “Julie F.” We have heard too, of an unnatural parent who called his son Almighty Dollar, but this case is not so well authenticated.
Lots of males named Dollar, but I couldn’t find the Almighty Dollar. This one though, is pretty good:
Dollar Cash 1880 Census PA
NOTE: Mr. Cash lived in Standing Stone, PA, and he was a stone-cutter.
Dollar Quarter 1880 Census MA
NOTE: And Mr Peter Quarter has three sons, oldest one is George (how boring) but then he got creative with the younger ones: Dollar and Prosper.
The author of that interesting book, “Old Landmarks of Boston,” speaks of the singular juxtaposition of names in the ancient burying-ground at Copp’s Hill, and informs us that Mr. John Milk and Mr. William Beer repose there side by side, as also Samuel Mower and Theodocia Hay, Timothy Gay, and Daniel Graves, Elizabeth Toot and Thomas Scoot, Charity Brown, Elizabeth Scarlet and Margaret White, Ann Ruby and Emily Hone.
Google Books has it online: LINK (the above section is on pg 206)
Title Old landmarks and historic personages of Boston
Author Samuel Adams Drake
Edition 5
Publisher Roberts brothers, 1876
Our Puritan ancestors had an affection for Scriptural names, and allowed few to remain unused; and it might be inferred from such examples as Mahershalalhashbaz Dyer and Ananias Concklin that the stock was sometimes almost exhausted.
Usual Peach 1850 Census OH
Note: Usual didn’t seem to be all that “usual” of a name. I only found a few of them.
Exercise Still 1850 Census IL
This guy, evidently, can sit still and exercise.
Next to Scripture appellations, the names of virtues, abstract qualities, and the like, were most in use among the early inhabitants of New England; and boys, when baptised, were called by such names as Comfort, Consider, Difficulty, Exercise, Fathergone Joy, Justice Pardon, Praise God, Seaborn Wait, or Usual;
Mindwell Voter 1870 Census ME
This next one is too funny:
Pity Date 1870 Census LA
while upon the girls were bestowed such as Content, Deliverance, Desire, Experience, Mindwell, Makepeace, Pity, Peaceable, Rejoice, Relief, Remarkable, Submit, Silence, Thankful, Wealthy — most of them manifestly inappropriate to the young ladies of the present day. — Hearth and Home.
Submit Paine 1860 Census ME
Poor girl, I wonder how her husband treated her?
Silence Horn 1870 Census PA
An example of an oxymoron name.
Wealthy Savage 1870 Census CT
The wealthy Savage above, and below, the love Savage:
Love Savage 1860 Census NY
Edwardsville Intelligencer (Edwardsville, Illinois) May 29, 1873
Image from www.superstock.com
CUTS THROATS OF THREE CHILDREN AND KILLS HERSELF
Insane Mother Seeks to Burn Home to Cover Evidence of Awful Crime.
Cedar Rapids, Ia., March 31. — Suddenly becoming insane after a long illness, Mrs. John Lynch cut the throat of her five weeks old baby and her 3-year-old son this afternoon. Failing to catch the three elder children she then set fire to the house and cut her own throat.
The farm house is five miles from this city, and was burned to the ground. Later the three bodies were found in the ruins. The husband was in the city at the time of the tragedy.
The two oldest children, who escaped, state that they tried to prevent their mother from setting the house on fire, but that she beat them over the heads and shoulders with a stove poker until they were compelled to jump out of the window, and flee for their lives.
A third child had his throat cut, but is still living. It was rescued from the kitchen by a neighbor who saw the smoke.
The Carroll Herald – Apr. 7, 1909
From: The News (Frederick, Maryland) Mar 28, 1924
Intriguing comment [excerpt] left by Astri on a previous post about Robert Burns and Auld Lang Syne:
I just discovered at a local Robbie Burns party celebrating his birthday last night, here in western Canada, what I, for 3 or more decades, have loved and sung in Norwegian as an old Norwegian folk song. This is “Jon Anderson, Min Jo”.
Last night at the party, I discovered the English-language song called “John Anderson, my Joe” – to nearly the same tune (some of the ancient natural-scale tones common in the Norwegian folk music had been anglicized or ‘normalized’ according to english folk tunes) and with basically the same verses, in English.
I said to my friend driving home in the car, “I wonder if Burns heard this song and ‘lifted’ it for its beauty and lovely sentiment,” ~ maybe while travelling in Norway, or in a pub meeting Norwegian travellers (brought together by the prospect of beer, ever-alluring to both our peoples, from early days of mead-making and viking-travel, on doubt!)!
It would be interesting to find out when the Norwegians first started singing this song. Might turn out to be one of those chicken/egg things, but I would be interested in finding out more. I tried searching the Norwegian title, and I only got 2 hits, neither of which gave any information.
This comment jogged my memory of a temperance poem I had previously posted, which turned out to be a parody of “John Anderson, My Jo.” I decided to see what else I could dig up on this same poem, being it is Robert Burns’ birthday. Evidently, this poem was so popular, it was parodied quite a bit. Below is a sample of what I found:
From the Murder by Gaslight blog (link below)
Looking for a sausage vat picture for this first parody, I was surprised to find the above image actually took me to a blog post about the murder referenced in the parody! Link: Louise Luetgert: The Sausage Vat Murder
Rather sick sense of humor, I think:
SAID IN FUN.
John Anderson, my Jo, John,
When you and I first met
We loved each other well, John;
But not, already yet;
We had a little spat, John,
Not many months ago,
And you boiled me in a sausage vat,
John Anderson, my Jo.
The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska) Oct 21, 1897
Image from http://minhhanhdp.brinkster.net
SAID IN FUN.
John Anderson, my Jo John
When we again prepare
To kill the boar black pigs John,
That scent the perfumed air,
We’ll bribe our fellow men, John,
With cash before we go,
To haul them to the slaughter pen,
John Anderson, my Jo.
The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska) Nov 22, 1897
Image from http://dmgrant.files.wordpress.com
I saw the great regatta go
A half a mile from land;
The sons of Eli tried to row
Their boat to beat the band.
The oars sank deep, the men perspired,
I heard them puff and blow –
Too slow the pace, they lost the race,
John Anderson, my jo.
The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska) Jul 10, 1909
*****
Now, for a couple of advertisements:
The Ohio Democrat ( New Philadelphia, Ohio) Oct 18, 1888
Image from http://oldrecipebook.com
SKIDOO!
John Anderson, my Jo, John,
When last it was we met,
Our winter supply of Coal, John,
Hand not been purchased yet.
“It’s time you was skidooing, John,”
I hear all the wise people speak –
There should be something doing, John,
Then do it now — this week.No.2 Chestnut . . . $5.75 the ton
UNION COAL CO. 119 Main St.
The Fitchburg Sentinel (Fitchburg, Massachusetts) Jun 25, 1906
*****
A political parody:
John C. Calhoun (Image from www.historycooperative.org
JOHN C. CALHOUN MY JO.
A COMIC POLITICAL SONG.
Tune – “John Anderson my Jo.”John C. Calhoun my Jo John, I’m sorry for your fate,
You’ve nullify’d the Tariff laws, you’ve nullify’d your State;
You’ve nullify’d your party, John, and principles, you know,
And now you’ve nullified yourself, John C. Calhoun my Jo.Oh! John how could you look into the face of Henry Clay?
The glory of the Western World, and of the World away;
You call’d yourself his ‘master,’ John, but that can ne’er be so,
For he ‘would not own you for a slave,’ John C. Calhoun my Jo.The Father of the Tariff, and patron of the Arts,
He seeks to build his country up in spite of foreign parts;
And Harrison will soon upset the little Van & Co.
And renovate the ship of State, John C. Calhoun my Jo.John C. Calhoun my Jo John, ambition in despair
Once made you nullify the WHOLE, the HALF of it to share;
The ‘whole hog now you’ve gone,’ John, with Kendall, Blair & Co.’
But ‘you’ve got the wrong sow by the ear,’ John C. Calhoun my Jo.American mechanics, John, will never sell their votes
For mint drops or for Treasury bills, or even British coats;
They want no English coaches, John, while servants they forego,
For their carriage is of Yankee stamp, John C. Calhoun my Jo.Oh! John he is a slippery blade with whom you’ve got to deal,
He’ll pass between your clutches too, just like a living eel;
You think he’ll RECOMMEND you, John, but Van will ne’er do so,
For he wants the fishes for himself, John C. Calhoun my Jo.John C. Calhoun my Jo John, if this you dare to doubt,
Go ask the LIVING SKELETON who deals his secrets out;
His favorites are marked, John, the mark you cannot toe,
And you’ll soon repent the bargain made, John C. Calhoun my Jo.This is dirty business, John, go wash your little hands,
And never bow your knee again to cunning Van’s commands;
‘How are you off for soap,’ John, I cannot say I know,
But ‘your mother does not know you’re out’ John C. Calhoun my Jo.The brave sons of the South, John, will never own you more,
And Benton’s Mint Drops will not save — you’re rotten to the core;
The people will no power, John, on such as you bestow,
And you’ve jump’d your final sumerset, John C. Calhoun my Jo.Then better men, my Jo John our sad affairs will fix,
Republicans in principle, the Whigs of Seventy six;
The offices they’ll purge, John, Swartwouters all must go,
And Sycophantic fellows too, John C. Calhoun my Jo.The farmer of North Bend, John, will plough the weeds away,
And the terror of Tecumseh then will gain another day;
America will flourish John, mechanics find employ,
And our merchants will rejoice indeed, John C. Calhoun my Jo.John C. Calhoun my Jo John, when one term shall expire,
He’ll drop the reins of power and with dignity retire,
To look upon a smiling land, that he has rendered so,
And every Whig will cry AMEN, John C. Calhoun my Jo.MIDFORD BARD.
Poet’s Garret, Baltimore, January, 1840.
Huron Reflector (Norwalk, Ohio) Mar 7, 1840
Francis Scott Key
This last one is not a parody, but rather interesting, if Francis Scott Key actually penned these additional verses:
JOHN ANDERSON MY JO.
A Pipe Creek Man Awakens a Reminiscence of Francis Scott Key.
A correspondent of the Washington Evening Star writes: In your issue of Saturday you publish an added verse to Burns’ “John Anderson, My Jo,” written by a lady from Georgia.
Mr. Francis S. Key, the author of the “Star Spangled Banner,” wrote two additional verses to Burns’ poem, and not remembering having seen them published, I send them to you.
Mr. Key writes:
“There ought to be another –
John Anderson my Jo, John,
From that sleep again we’ll wake,
When another day’s fair light
On our opened eyes shall break.
And we’ll rise in youth and beauty
To that bright land to go,
Where life and love shall last for aye,
John Anderson, my JoOR
John Anderson, my Jo, John,
One day we’ll waken there,
Where a brighter morn than ever shone,
Our opened eyes shall cheer.
And in fresh youth and beauty
To that blest land we’ll go
Where we’ll live and love forever,
John Anderson, my Jo.”Pipe Creek, October 13, 1842. B.
The News (Frederick, Maryland) May 21, 1885
Robert Barclay, County Pioneer, Dies at Huron
Funeral Services to Be Conducted at Stockton Thursday.
Stockton, Minn. — (Special to The Republican Herald)– Funeral services for Robert Cochran Barclay, one of Winona county’s pioneers, who died May 24 at 8:30 p.m. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W.H. Buck, Huron, S.D., will be conducted Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Stockton Methodist church. The Rev. R.J. Potter of the McKinley Methodist church, Winona, will officiate. Burial will be in the Stockton cemetery. The Veterans of Foreign Wars will have charge at the grave. The body is to arrive at Lewiston tomorrow.
Mr. Barclay who was 92 years old, had been ill since February 1. Death was due to the infirmities of age.
He was born at Clarion, near Pittsburgh, Pa., January 6, 1844, and was a member of one of the last of the old pioneer families of Winona county, having come to Minnesota territory in July 1854. Winona was then a small town located near where the steamboats landed. V. Simpson had a large warehouse and A.B. Smith a hotel where the Barclays stayed a few days while waiting for the ox teams to come for them.
Image from www.rootsweb.ancestry.com
Indian Village Near Elba.
There was quite a large settlement at Minnesota City at that time and also a large Indian village of more than 500 teepees at Elba where there were Winnebago Indians. There were no towns at Stockton, Lewiston, Utica or St. Charles. Mr. Barclay’s father, Arthur Barclay and his wife, Lilly Hineman Barclay, came to the United States from Raphoe county, Donegal, Ireland, in 1833. They worked in the coal mines near Pittsburgh for a few years and then came west by river, down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Dubuque, Iowa. There Barclay left his wife and smaller children while he and his two older sons joined a party of men which included Robert Crooks, John Bole and Alec McCully, who had heard about Minnesota.
These men bought land at $1.25 an acre from the government and built their homes in Elba township. The Barclays built the first house in Elba township, and as the other men were not married they lived there until the spring planting was done. Mr. Barclay sent for his family at that time and they came in July, 1854, by steamboat and from Winona by oxen to Knopp’s Creek up Gilmore Valley where trees had been cut to let the teams through to the open prairie.
Image from www.northeastiowarcd.org
Recalled Big Catch.
Mr. Barclay often spoke of the groves of trees, large oak trees, flowers, birds and wild game. He often recalled catching three brook trout July 4, 1855, in the Whitewater which weighed nine pounds.
In there first years there, the nearest grist mill was at Decorah, Iowa, and they drove there with their first wheat to be ground into flour. There was a good road most of the way, the road going near the present site of Chatfield. There were eight children in the family, two girls and six boys. When the civil war started one son was in the United States army and two other sons enlisted. Then Robert ran away from home and enlisted. He was brought home twice by his father who finally consented and he joined the same company in which his brothers were enlisted.
Image from the back cover of Brackett’s Battalion: Minnesota Cavalry in the Civil War and Dakota War by Kurt Bergemann.
They were in the four companies of cavalry, known as Brackett’s battalion of the Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry. In 1864, the battalion was called back to Minnesota to defend the frontier from the depredations of the Sioux Indians. The battalion was mustered out of service May 16, 1866, at Fort Snelling, and had the distinction of having seen the longest service of any volunteer organization in the Civil war.
Last Survivor.
Mr. Barclay was the last survivor of the battalion. After the war, he returned to his father’s farm and worked there until he married Madoliene O’Callaghan of Stockton, June 17, 1875. She died April 2, 1935, at Huron. They bought a farm near Stockton and lived there until 1893, when they moved to Winona to reside. They moved to Huron in 1920.
Mr. Barclay was a member of the Masonic lodge for 61 years, a member of the Killpatric post, G.A.R., and had been a member of the John Ball post, Winona. Survivors are four children, Thomas H. Barclay, Jacksonville, Fla., and Hugh C., Robert M., and Mrs. Buck, Huron, and five grandchildren, Gladys Farrell, Merle Barclay, Harold Barclay, Richard Barclay and Cloyd Buck.
Winona Republican-Herald – May 26, 1936
Doings in our School House.
Under this head, we find in the N.Y. Spirit of the Times some humorous reminiscences by ‘Nix of Cowanus,’ from which we extract the following spicy paragraphs:
‘First class of vagabonds rise!’ thundered our old schoolmaster. Well, the vagabonds did rise –
‘Now answer every question correctly, or I’ll break every bone in your bodies,’ was the next pronunciamento of the old autocrat of our red school house.
Image from the 1865 edition: Google Book LINK
‘John Brown what do you understand by accoustics?’
‘Why, a stick to drive cows with, I suppose.’
‘Get out, you young vagabond! Did I not see you reading about the science of sound?’
‘Guess not — that was about Sylvester Sound, the Somnambulist.’
‘It was, eh? Sarah, you are John’s younger sister?’
‘Yeth thir.’
‘What is accoustics?’
‘I know, thir — it ith, it ith the art of making a noith and hearing a noith.’
‘You are right. Explain it.’
‘Yeth thir. If you tick your finger in your mouth and then pull it out suddenly, the cold air rushes into the vacuum, and produtheth a sound that thrikes upon the tympan of the ear which maketh the thound audible, and is denominated the thrence of a couthitixth.’
‘You are quite right, Sarah. John, can you now tell me what is meant by the science of accoustics? Be careful, sir, or you’ll feel my stick.’
‘Yes, sir. A cow sticks your finger in her mouth — kicks over the pan, which sounds awful, and is called the science of a cow’s kick.’
‘Well, John, you do credit to your teacher. — You may take your books and run home.’
Ninepence (Image from http://wildwinds.com)
‘Willy Chase, what is the currency of the United States?’
“Cash and money.’
‘What are its denominations?’
‘Coppers, bogus and Bungtown cents, pennies, fips, pics, four pence hap’nys, levys, ninepences, and shinplasters.’
‘That will do.’
‘Jones, what is the standard weight of the U.S.?’
‘Scale weight and a little longer.’
‘Samuel, how many kingdoms are there in the material world?’
‘Four.’
‘Three, only three.’
‘Four, I think, sir.’
‘Well, name them — what are they?’
‘Mineral kingdom, animal kingdom, vegetable kingdom, and kingdom come.’
Image from http://2.bp.blogspot.com
‘Now, how many kinds of motion are there?’
‘Four.’
‘No, only two; voluntary and involuntary.’
‘Simon says there are four.’
‘What does Simon say they are?’
‘Point, point up, point down, and wig-wag.’
‘You rascal! I’ve a mind to wig-wag your jacket! Hadn’t you better describe the motion of my stick?’
‘I can, sir.’
‘And its effect?’
‘Yes, sir. Up stroke, and down stroke — the up stroke regular and easy, the down stroke spasmodically electrifying, and its effect strikingly indescribable.’
‘You understand that, I see.’
Image from http://farm2.static.flickr.com
‘George Smith, do you recollect the story of David and Goliath?’
‘Yes sir — David was a tavern keeper, and Goliah was an intemperate man.’
‘Who told you that?’
‘Nobody. I read it; and it is said that David fixed a sling for Goliah, and Goliah got slewed with it.’
‘Wasn’t Goliah a giant, a strong man?’
‘Yes, he was a giant, but he had a weak head.’
‘How so?’
‘Why to get so easily slewed.’
‘Yes George, that was undoubtedly owing ot the strength of the sling. Wasn’t David a musician?’
‘Yes sir — he played psalms on the harp; a favorite instrument with the Jews, and at the present day it is called a Jewsharp. I have one in my pocket — here it is. Place it in your mouth thus — breathe on the tongue gently, then strike it with your fingers this way — and the psalms, in harmonious corncob fructify on the ear as natural as thunder.’
‘That’s sufficient — you can pocket your harp.’
Image from www.alphastamps.com
‘Jane, what is time?’
‘Something that flies, any how.’
‘How do you make that out!’
‘Why, tempus fugit.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Latin; it means that time flies, and how can time, if it flies, be anything else than something that flies?’
‘Excellent. What is the meaning of requiescat in pace?’
‘Rest quiet cat in peace.’
‘Well, Jane: at Latin you are perfectly au fait — which translated, means perfectly awful; it is a great phrase from the classics, and applicable to this class particularly. Now take off your jackets, and I will give you ‘reward of merit.’ Those who get more than they merit, can keep the overplus as a token of my special affection for them; and those who get less, can have the mistake rectified by mentioning it to me.’
Huron Reflector (Norwalk, Ohio) Dec 25, 1849
