Southern Weekly Post from Raleigh, North Carolina • Page 2

66 31 SWTlItfe: WiE Ell YP0SY gaze upon the fierce flashing eyes of my antag and my mantua maker is overstocked with work. Can you spare a few boors on Saturday to help me with HP sey, Church, Kensett, Richards, Casilear and Gifford attract the attention of all visitors and are estimated variously according to the taste of the connoisseur. I must say however, that I regard the Mount Washington of Cropsey as Gentlemen," said Bowie, placing his right foot upon the gambler's breast, and half extending bis right hand, "this man insulted roe, and I slew him. If any one wishes to avenge his death, let him step out." Saccess attendihe efforts, at home or abroad, to catch the sjimdrel and brin him to condign justicel fi Our city baleen honored by a visit from the LegislaturJwho came upon the usual plea of insrwtinrr til of Klae.kwtdl's lsbilid WILLIAM D. COOKE, 1 JAMES A.

WADDELL.M. D. i of right should be refused when the other is withdraw." Protection was withdrawn, but then it is strange how that would render oaths unavailing. It was understood when the Scots swore allegiance to King George that be was to protect them, but then when he withdrew protection, were, their oaths no longer binding! WTas there any such provision Did they not swear that they would remain faithful arid loyal subiects? If I am under the protection of a man. and swear that I will be faithful to him, does if follow when that protection is withdrawn that mv oath is not still binding? I take the oath for an indefinite time, and must abide the consequnces.

But I contend that protection was only withdrawn from the rebelious subjects, The Scots had not rebeled, and of course, pro tection such as it was was stiH offered to them. Another important consideration is, the cir cumstances under which they came here. They were just out of war, and had fled from oppres sion. They thoht to be from under King George's eye wa liberty enough. They were enjoying happiness on the Cape Fear, Lumber, and Pee Dee rivfrs amidst greater blessings than they had ever before realized.

So they, of course. could not see wrongs inflicted by the King as perceptibly as the other colonies. They ioveH. and it is natural7wh7eB the revolution came, that they should first consult their own interests. And now, if their oaths were not binding, we can only consider them as deluded, and sympathise with their misconstruction of their own welftre.

They did not know the full meaning of the word liberty," they regarded it as an empty name, some tantalizing object that feeble man was struggling after, but never would attain. Thus, I say again, they acted honorably, and honored be their graves. Visit them now, and a more hospitable and liberty-loving people you never saw. They have become naturalized and now appreciate our institutions. And were oppression now offered to us.

they would be first to resist. Taking down the rusty swords of their fathers, not like them to crush liberty, but to-preserve and perpetuate it, they would be first in the field, and exhibiting a bravery only peculiar to the Highland Clans, they would fight while liberty had a Votary or oppression a foe. R. R. The Fete at Paris os Washington's Birth-day.

The fete given by the Americans in Paris, on the 22d of February, is said to have been truly a magnificent affair, and was attended by about 600 persons, of whom nearly 400 were Americans. We select the following particulars from a letter in the New York Tribune In all the grand assembles (leaving out the official reunions at the Tuileries) which have taken place in Paris since the season commenced, this one collected the largest proportion of the diplomatic corps, of the cabinet, and of the high officials of the government. Every legation in Paris, from that of Queen Victoria down to the most insignificant, was represented by a portion or all of its members the cabinet was nearly complete a considerable number of offis cers of the Emperor's house-hold, and of other-high in power, were present, while the demands from the different foieign embassies for invitations for 'distrhguished countrymen were more numerous than the committee felt warranted in supplying. A considerable number of distinguished civilians were also present. In fact, this fete was the great social event of the season, and was the astonishment of all who were present.

Judge Mason, Consul McRae and the Hon. R. M. McLane, were on committee of management; among those present were the widow of George Washington Lafayette, aud three granddaughters of the illustrious friend and companion in arms of Washington, Lord Elgin and lady, and M. Guizot, the great Statesman.

The ball was brilliant, and was remarkable on account of the elegance and costliness of the toilettes and the beauty of the ladies. The room was decorated with the portraits of Washington, Lafayette, Franklin and Pierce. The decorations alone cost 1,200 francs. One of the most remarkable features of the ball, and a subject of general remark the part of foreigners, ws the great beauty of the American ladies, the stateliness of their carriage, and the taste and immense cost of their toilettes Among the ladies were the following Mrs. and the Misses Mason Mrs.

Ridgway, who carried lace for 30,000 francs, and diamonds for Mrs. Leseur, ot Norfolk, also covered with lace and diamonds Mrs. Commodore Stewart; Mrs-Piatt and sister, Miss Ella Kirby, of Cincinnati Mrs. and Miss Corbyn, of Virginia; the Countess Charles de Boigne, an American lady, sister of the Hon. Robert M.

McLane's wife, of Paris the Baroness de Cor-vea, an American lady from New Orleans, of Paris Mis. S. Abbott Lawrence, of Boston wife of the artfst Mrs. W. H.

Bar bitt Mrs. Dr. George, of Baltimore Mrs. J. Kennedy Srnytli, of Alabama.

The amusements continued till 4 o'clock in the morning, and every one retired delighted and astonished the success which attended the fete. TrpoGRAPHicAL Ekeors. It is said that accident will sometimes occur in the best regulated families, and so mistakes will happen with the best of printers, especially if they have to decipher the hieroglyphics of such a writer as the editor of the onist and there we stood. The wolf, however, soon sprung upon the log, with his head toward me, advancing several slow steps but I fully be lieved that if I did not turn my eye from his I would be safe! yet the -struggle -was an awful one. or half an hour we stood face to face and eye to eye, with only about six feet to separate us.

The bright sun shone in upon us, with its dazzling light on the one side, and the dark, dense, deep wilderness upon the other side. I saw no living object but my deadly foe, and heard ho sound but the faint and distent reverberations of the oxman's careless voice. But now this kept growing louder and louder: and at last I heard the driver turn around, after un loading his rails. My heart beat violently, and a prayer to God trembled on my lips, but my eye was fixed, and the wild beast remained motionless. At last my deliverance came.

I was set free, and the wolf was shot I can never be grateful enough to my Almighty preserver for shielding me on that day from so great a peril. A MISSISSIPPI FIGH T. Can it be possible that this handsome looking man is the far-famed Col. Bowie whispered Mr. A- in my ear.

"It is Rf TfknYieA on1 km JJ im i vviviq WU1U tMlu 1 us, ana soon we were conversing I have not seen you for some time," said my friend, at length. I am just returning from a trip to the Rocky Mountains," said Really, Mr. I wish you had been along with U9. We had several fights with the Indians, and in one of them I received a bullet in the arm. Unfortunately for my friends, the gamblers, it is nearly healed," and a terrible look passed over his features.

Our party had a most desperate fight with a party of Indians, near Coons Hollow there were twelve to one but we beat them off." At this moment a loud shout caused us to turn our heads: almoit immediately the cry of man stabbed!" reached our ears. Soon the crowd opened, and the gambler came forth. His hands were covered with blood, and in the right hand he bore huge knife, dripping with blood. Suddenly he turned, wiped his knite on the coat of a man who stood near him, and burst into a loud What's all this about exclaimed Col. B.

On hearing this, the gambler thrustthe knife into its sheath and approached us. "Merely a man stabbed that's all," he said. "Any of you gentlemen wish to play cards?" I never play cards with strangers," aid Col. Bowie. Why asked the gambler.

"Because, for all I know to the contrary, the person with whom I am playing may be a gambler," was the instant reply. On hearing this a crowd collected around us. Do you mean to insult me Insult you said Bowie surveying the other with a look of contempt" I insult no man, sir Because you are too mucli of a coward to do said the gambler, sneeringly. Is this gentleman your friend "A new replied Bowie. Well, I l'nsutieUi-iiiin a few minutes azo," said the gambler.

Is this true asked Bowie, turning to Mr. Mr. replied in the affirmative. What is your name asked Bowie. My name is MoMuilen," replied the gambler Ha exclaimed Bowie, with a look of delight; "are you any relation to the duelist that slew Joe Wingo, a year asro "Yes, it whs I that slew him," replied the gambler.

A terrible look passed ovei Bowie's face. Ho he exclaimed. Perhaps jou do not know that Wingo was my cousin." I don't care who he was," returned the gambler. If uu wish, I ill serve you in the same way." Perhaps," continued Bowie, a strange smile creeping over his features, perhaps you do not know that I swore to avenge his death Then step out this way, and fight me like a a man," said the gambler. Grant me one moment," said Bowie perhaps you do not know that my name is Colonel James Bowie On hearing this dreaded name, the gambler staggered back, and gazing Bowie vacantly in the face, he drew his hand across his eyes.

"Bowie! he murmured faintly. "Aye! James Bowie!" returned the other. Come, come, you wanted to fight me two minutes ago I now comply with your request. I am the challenged party, and, therefore, I choose the weapons and the place. Our meeting will take place and our arms shall be the Bowie-knife." "TIave it as you wish," said the gambler, as he threw off his coat.

Bowie placed his hand behind the back of his neck, and drew forth a large Bowie-knife. Placing it between his teeth, he threw off his coat androlled up his shirt sleeves. I am ready," he said in a clear, ringing tone. So am exclaimed the gambler, Three cheers for Bowie, were given by tUb crowd. Bowie smiled, while the gambler bit his lips with rage.

Make room here," said Bowie I can't fight without a clear field. Come, Mr. McMuilen, are you ready Yes cried the gambler. Bowie raised his knife high above his head, and sprang upon him. Both struggled for an instant, and then fell to the floor.

They rolled over the deck, the crowd making way for them, until they reached the railing. Suddenly, a stream of blood flowed from the gambler's right arm, and he uttered a cry of pain, Still, however, he did not release his hold. Again they rolled over, and again Bowie plunged his knife into his arm. Suddenly each released his hold of the other, and sprang to his feet With the quickness of lightning the gambler changed his knife from his right hand to his left, and sprang towards Bowie. Bowie met him half-way, and drawing back his arm, he plunged his knife into his body the gambler held up his hands, dropped his knife, and staggered back.

Bowie followed him step by step, still plunging his knife into his body. At the fifth blow the gambler fell dead. "It is oyer," I said, drawing a long breath. I stammered out some answer, and. went linmp nnlv nartlv relieved of my distress.

But on that ensuing Saturday, after I had finished iher robe, she stepped to her closet, and bringing from thence a fleecy white fabric, laid it in my hands. I ought not to take your time without some recompense, especially just now, when it is so valuabe to said she sweetly. 'Perhaps you can make this useful in some way, next 'I could have burst into tears, and fallen on her neck, my heart swelled so high with jojy and gratitude that moment -But I only thanked her as a well-bred girl should, and sobbed out my ecstacies in my own little room. You may believe mi not, but I tell you that the gift of that bat-worn dress was the crisis of my destiny. Without it, I should have sunk into! des pondency perhaps gone back into insignifi- canceV With that, and the encouragement, the success and the brighter prospects that resulted, II have become what you know mel' The angel of Glen Street Setninary the no- i blest girt in the world cried "Yirginia.

But 'how cam you here! and why did yon never 4JsJU this before "TJa mSTIn to fit myself for teaching at the Souths wljere I hope you will some day find me a situation near yourself whose earnings I must appropriate to the education of my brother, the youngest of ithe who are now scattered far: and wide over the world. Our father is no mpre. But, Virginia, I did not tell this story for my own sake. I only meant to show you that I bad a right to know how much a little money jean accomplish. I have seen the day when nve dollars would have seemed to me a fortune whet it would have bought for me more bappi- jne.s, more solid benefit, than will, perhap the fiVe thousand which your father expects to spend on his European tour next year bring to him and you.

I know more than one to whom it would be a fortune now. I how little Nelly Grey is struggling between sensitive- ness and poverty. I know how others aihong us I could name them to you are ruining health and eye-sight, and sinking into despondency, for want of what a few dollars would bring them. They will not complain and therein lies the nobility of their If they are sustained at the sinking point, they, and such as they, will make the standard women, wives, aud mothers, of our age. They are not only here they are scattered over our Northern country.

Ileaven help them 1 Now, Virginia, this Christmas bounty is at your own unquestioned disposal. Will gold thimbles and-pprte-monnaies weigh against the happiness perhaps of a life-time which you can now, in a delicate way, confer upon a few of these struggling I 'Only tell me who, Marion said Virginia, lifting her swimming eyes. I never dreamed before what it was to bejpoor- and a scUool- Christmas brightly one some hearts. Who will win a bke blessing I sisters there, are more wants in the world tHhnJhe want of food and raiment to claim our charity. No fictitious story of school-girl struggles can rival the hundred histories of like trials in real life, to.

whom I have listened. Let education spread her yet widely and in" our blessed land, especially to gather in the 4 who thus shall indeed p-ove 'polished corner-stones in the temple of our liberties. i MISCELLANEOUS. A WOLF STORY. About forty years, ago, when I was a Jittle boy of seven years, my father lived in the prov- Jince of Canada, when the country was new and Klie wolves were very numerous.

My tatner naa bought a new farm, cleared up some of the land, and planted some corn on the new ground which had just been cleared, some distance from the house. Inside of the field a large quantity of rails had been split, which my father wanted to praw to another place, a distance of more a quarter of a mile. It was in the middle of the summer, the cattle were running in the woods, and the man who was drawing the rails with the oxen audsled, over the leaveslhrough the wj)ods got me to watch the gap of the fence, to keep the cattle out of the growing corn. While, the man was gone with the load of rails, I sat down by a large stump on the side of the fence Jtoward the woods. It had got to be about the middle of the afternoon, and the sun shone warmly and beautifully into the side of the woods where I was sitting partly in the shade.

I had nearly fallen asleep, when I thought I heard something walking near me in the leaves; its walk wa not that of cattle, cracking the brush under their hoofs, but.it a soft cautious, creeping step. I immediately thought of some wild and sprung upon my feet on turning myself around, fto see what I could discover, I perceived, a jittle more than a rod from roe, a very large wolf beside the log which had been felled from the very stump where I was standing. The wolf was looking directly at me, and had evidently "been watehing' me, and endeavoring spring upon me before I could discover him but the jsly fellow had not quite succeeded. I was nearly half a mile from home, and most of the way: was through the woods, and the man drawing: the rails was "nearly as far off; I knew that an attempt to run would only be an evidence of cowardice; to the sagacious prowler, and would not enable to escape the murderous cruelty of the famishing wolf; but I found deliverance and safety iitthe following extraordinary manner: A few days before, my father had brought home for the children two or three 6inall primers, one of wbicti: he gave to me. It contained an account of a Hottentot and a lion, in which the Hottentot was pursued by the lion until it-was nearly dark, and the lion was nearly upon him.

The man perceived that his escape by runping was impossible, so he turned and faced the lion until, the beast turned and ran back. Remem bering this, I thought that if I looked the wolf I steadily in the eye, I should best be safe I stood, and placed my hands upon the stump was before me, and fixed a IDITOKs. RALEIGH, MARCH 24, 1855. Term TWO DOLLARS FEBANKTJM, in Adtan CLUB PRICES: Three 55 full Eight Copies, 1 12 Ten .....15 Twenty Copies, ..20 (Payment in all cases in advance.) -20, -40. 95" Where a club or eight, ten or twenty sent, the person making up the club will be copy extra.

$3r-Postmasters are authorized to act as Acentu the Southern Weekly Post. Ma. H. P. Doutbit is our authorized agent for States of and Tennessee THE STANDARD, AGAIN.

We lay before! our readers this week, anot: choice article from the Standard. We taken the liberty of italicizing some of the insignificant passages. It is but a re-iteration its former charges with the addition of harmless personalities which we shall be ful not to imitate. There is nothing in i thy of serious refutation, and we uotice not for the purpose of resenting its paltry ratner to invite (he tion of our readers, and of all liberal men parties, to several fasts in the history controversy. Be it remembered, therefore, that the Stajj.

dard has repeatedly charged us with publist at the iN. tJ. Institution lor the Deat Bm and -the party-political and sectarian paper; that it has pertinaciously continued the accusation, notwithstanding our frequent em-phatic denials, and that called upon (or proof, it has not been able to produce, from om columns, "one single paragraph, sentence, or clause of a whieh, fairly interpreted, could justify the charge. Be it remembered, that, according to Standard, the bead and front of our offending has been an assault upon the Democratic Party, and ibis, notwithstanding our constant effort has been to show that the political tendency of the Romish' hierarchy is everywhere hostile to Democratic Institutions. Be it remembered, that the Standard, professing to be a Protestant paper, declares that the Roman Catholic Church is sounder on the slavery question than a majority of the churches of the free States of this and thus, by necessary implication, involves in the odium of the comparison, these churches of the slave States which are connected with them by a community of other principles; and yet that paper declines to discuss with us, whether or rot the Romish Church is, in its principles and policy, as favorable to Democratic Republican institutions as the leading Protestant Churches in the United States?" In other words, the Standard, though ready to point out wherein the Romish Church is more to be commendd than Some Protestant declines to admit the superiority of the leading Protestant denominations, in certain other portant particulars.

Our intelligent readers can make what inferences they We are not anxious as to the i result of this attempt of the Standard, to have imposed upon us those restrictions which the Pope so tyran- Lnically lays upon his own subjects. In this free Protestant couitry, the" liberty of the pess is too highly appreciated byalf partie-, to render it probable that th.s arrogant effort to silence us, will be sustained by public sentiment. Every body knows that our rights are equal to those of the Standard, and" if that, nam conducted by paid printers to the State, may properly carry its laudation the Catholic Church into thousands of Protestant familitj, our paper, which- does nt derive a dollar from the Government or the State, may beexeused for speaking sentiments which, we hold in common with nine-tenths of our fellow citizens. We invite attention to the following manly expression of independent opinion, by the edi- iiwio ui mo jumiiccouuruugu vrazeiie, WHO, feel assured, are as good democrats as any in the State. The Gazette has an article of someJ length in reference to this controversy, but W6 are compelled to limit ourselves to a few brief extracts We would not interfere in the contest ol our brethren in any cause, and we wish them a safe deliverance from the strife but we must say for our friend of the Pott, that his position has been misunderstood.

The reader tof the Post will bear testimony that Mr. Cooke, foraome time prior to the organization of the Know Nothing Society, or by whatever name the conclave may be etltd, was the avowed and manly opponent of Jesuitism, regarding the Roman Cathode hierachy aa the roost potent embodiment of opposition to the civil and reli'siou "S0" of mankind that hat ever cursed the earth. And truly we think it will be a dark day when the Demru arrays itself on the side of Romanism-. Such may wer be the care. Ia saving what we do, we eschew all political combinations, and occupy the old stand-points of th Democracy.

We argne that the principles of the! Catholic Church are at a direct aoiais with thosi lmwiMn riamAANMt 1 1 The Garotte further expresses our owl writer, hail flora the land of Jeffersoi not consider oureelf a foreigner on t' count. With Mr. Cooke, we cannot regard this aa oi American politics. farther. The man woo cn( hesitate on points of this character in in danger an ob-scurity most surely have come over his moral vision, that sooedimstne semes that he cannot tell whether to chooaa the liveried slavery of Europe or the freedom of enlightened America.

There can, to onr apprehension, be but one side to this question, and if Mr. Holden has, by any untoward influence, been induced to take the wrong view, he position is a most unenviable one. Our Democracy cannot be questioned it was cradled in the land of Jef-ierson, nurtured, near the scenes that witnessed the declining years of the great Apostle of American liberty, but we never can degrade the political troths we hold most dear so much as to trail our flag in honor of the despotism of the Popish hierarchy. The article of the Gazette is throughout frank, manly, just, and discriminating. That paper perceives tjie point at issue.

No op would more heartily disapprove of the publication of a party or sectarian paper at tliis Institution than ourselves. We have never dreamed of such a thing; It is the unfounded fiction of a disordered imagination, and the Standard mu-t either prove the charge, from our language, or stand condemned before an intelligent people. The Junior begs leave to add a correction in regard to his personal history, about which the Standard expresses such intense curiosity-It intimates that we have been formerly in po- tho of the exhibi ion it is sucn an amazing advance upon any previous work of this able artist while the truly exquisite wor of Durand only rival his usual The same remark is also true of the other landscap- ists. There are a great many portraits in the exhibition, and some of them very admiraoie Baker and Hicks, are the princes this depart ment Several of the beautiful pictures em braced in the collection of Rev. Dr.

Magoon, which I mentioned in a former letter, are dis Dlaved in the exhibition of the Academy, and very justly elicit the praise of all intelligent visitors. I shall take occasion, hereatier, 10 notice the pictures of this season, when frequent visits have familiarized me with their exceuen cies or defects. Mem. It is the middle of March, but we have not yet found it advisable to lay aside our winter wrappings I suppose the woods are Duttinir on their spring livery in your wnere abouts. Accept thereupon, my dear Post, the sincere congratulations of Yours anticipating.

I For the Southern Weekly Port. Messrs Editors The last No. of your valu-uable paper contained an anonymous communication, evidently written by some one who desired to see his name in public print. His endeavor to explain the cause of the organization of two companies, appears to me rather one-sided. It is well known, when the Oak City Guards met for the purpose of electing their officers, that, so great was the desire to be an officer, all could not be elected hence, a dissatisfaction arose among a disappointed few, and, consequently, the meeting broke up in a row." That, probably, was the false step.

It was then geneially understood that no Military Company could be gotten up in this city. To the surprise of many, some patriotic mechanic issued a short notice, calling a meeting, at the Town Hall, for the purpose of getting up a company, to be composed exclusively" of mechanics. And, to their credit, be it said, they succeeded. When, lo the patriotic spirit, which had once been extinguished, in toto, flamed up anew, in the bosoms of the disappointedew, and, on a second attempt, re-organized. Hence, the existence of the two companies.

"Independent Guards," you have taken a step which demands the. admiratiou of your fellow citizens a step which you should have tauten years ago, heretofore, the poor, honest, hard-working mechanic, was looked upon, in many instances, by those a little more favored with the good things of earth, with a cold sneer of contempt, because, and, truly, for no other reason than that of being a mechanic. I am truly glad the day has and that you have realized the position in which you stood, and sincerely hope you n.ay manfully sustain the position you have now taken. Let the good citizeus of Raleigh see, especially her fair daughters, that they have a Company of wkiclk they may weft be proud-'-a Uompaoy composed of the bone and sinew of the land a Company of Mecua.xj.cs and as such, may deserve their smiles and encouragement. Respectfully your, A MECHANIC.

March, 1855. For the Southern Weekly Post. THE SCOTCH TORIES. I am pleased to see in Dr. Caruthers work that he defends these men.

The epithet tory is applied to diem, and always with scorn. Simply because they wers tories, we are accustomed to look. upon them with hatred, without asking why they acted the part they did Those of them who had not sworn alligance to King George, but fejw in number, probably deserved all they have received those who had, I contend were justifiable in the course they pursued. An interesting volume could be written in their defence, and it is to be hoped, for the sake of their descendants, that some abta man will yet write it. I hope that a few observations, suggested by reading Dr.

Caruthers "work, and some made by himself, will not beseemed inappropriate. It is a questiou of grave importance whether under any circumstances a man is justifiable in breaking his oath. If it is ever justifiable it is only in extreme eases, when his own life, or the lives of others depend upon it. This was not the case with the Scots; they stood an equal chance of losing their lives on either side, and if they temained neutral they could not be faithful to King George. So taking the course whither conscience pointed them, they made valid their oaths The Scotch are a truth-loving people they have always exercised a strict adherence to it.

They could not break their oaths without sore compunctions of conscience and thus the sin BnrltiY lnttA' lustf maalnS A-lt-T." V. if a man steals a pin, believing that it is theft, the sin is as great as if he had stolen a fortune: Could they have been sincere that their oaths were not binding, then the case would have been different. Lovej of truth seems peculiarly characteristic of the Scotch. Only four cases of perjury, sayp Dr. Caruthers, occurred in a whole century in the high court of Edinburg.

Their oaths are like their loved presbyterianism, first at heart and last at hazard. They are also lovers of the bible, and I have seen it suggested, perhaps justly, that they believed from the principles therein inculcated that a monarchical government is best. If so, they would have proven traitors to their own opinions if they had taken up arms against their King. They showed from their bravery that they were sincere, that they were not tories because they thought it the stronger side. The spirit of Bruce and Wallace still survived.

They proved themselves to be brave on every occasion they were ever ready to face death they never retired ingloriously they were first in battle and last on the field they acted nobly under all circumstances, and we would call them nobleman, yea patriots, but for one slight cause, they happened to be on the wrong side. is contended that "allegiance and protection are in their nature reciprocal, and the one COMMUNICATIONS. METROPOLITAN CORRESPONDENCE LETTER LXXXVII. New York, March, 17, 1855. Bain vs.

Snow The reward of reticence Startling new from Europe Report of the death of Nicholas, the Rus sian Czar Credibility of the rumor The new Emperor, Alexander the Second Hie probable policy A curious mistake The murderer of BUI Poole His fight Puv suit Grape shot A legislative frolic "An important Missionary Convention Agnes Strickland's Life of Mary Stuart Mr. Pume's Travels in Europe and the East A Long Look Ahead Israel Potter An Inaugural Address Pictures at the National Academy's Exhibition. Mr Dear Post We are favored, to-day, with a rain falling upon about three inches of snow, which surprised us during the night. You may imagine the condition of our streets, and the crowded state of our omnibuses and railroad cars. There is' an angry torrent in every gutter which finds vent at all, and where there is not a torrent there is a treacherous lake, which tyads CTrbst.nnt(VCirbstoTiB aprH wnt fA.

JnreitKiless into the Efc tempt to ford it without having his legs encas ed in india-rubber boots. I said nothing about the affairs of Europe in my last letter, and behold how my forbearance is rewarded on the startling intelligence, which I have to comment upon in this letter 1 It is probable that every one of your readers, and mine, well know, before this letter meets their eye, that the Emperor of Russia is dead. They will know, at least, that this is the accredited report brought by the Africa. The timid and especially some of those who were taken in and done for by the Sevastopol hoax are slow of belief in this new and startling event. But it would seem, from all the circumstances in which this report has reached us, that there is no ground at all for their incredulity.

It comes in no questionable shape and by no questionable medium. Besides, it was not altogether unexpected. We had learned beforehand, that the Emperor was sick alarmingly sick with Influenza and it was not an unlikely thing that his illness would prove fatal to him amid the great excitement of his mind consequent upon tiie circumstances in which he was placed. He died, it is said, of an apoplectic stroke, aud yet the report speaks of his dying farewells to his family. The apparent incongruity of this leads some to question the rumor.

lean easily suppose that the Influenza had brought him to death's door aud in that condition he would, of course, take formal leave of his family and attendants and, that having done this, the fatal bio was something iu the nature of au ajo-plectic stroke. At all events I believe that Nicholas Russia is no more. He has laid down the imperial sceptre, put aside the purple of authority, and bowed his haughty neck to a greater than himself to the autocrat, Death It is almost impossible to form any satisfactory opinion as to the effect this sudden event may have npem the waKUCJAr "bfeifcg VagS fdl-ptm the destinies of Eurooe. The new Czar, Alexander Secoud, is now about thirty-seven years of age and is said to be a man of good intellectual capacities, but' of more amiability than sternness of will. It is not probable, however, that he is so deficient in energy as not to arise with the emergency to something like the position in which he is placed.

It has been said that the new Emperor was opposed to the policy of his father and of the Grand Duke Con-stantine, his younger brother a man more like his father, perhaps, than Alexander. But even if this were true, I do not think it improbable will suddenly alter the policy of the recent administration. Respect to the memory of his great father would, perhaps, make him deliberate in any changes in the Magesterial staff. They will take place naturally enough but hardy of a suddeu. Tb is, however, is spec ulative oirly.

Meanwhile, many anticipate a to tal invasio of the present 6tate of aSairs with fresh diplomacy and a speedy adjustment of the difficulties. To this, however, England would scarcely submit in the present dishonored condition of her army, if indeed that be not itself the unhappy reason why she must succumb to circumstances and accept a peace what she failed to conquer The king of Prussia is the uncle of Alexander, and this may induce a new coalition which, may give new aspects to the strife. Time alone can disclose the facts but I am not inclined to think that the war will be speedily terminated. Mediations may arise and diplomacy make new exertions but beyond them all, there seems to me, a long pro-pective of sanguinary and fatal strife. Quite a number of daily papers of this city have displayed their ignorance of Russian affairs by proclaiming Prince Constantise, the younger brother of the Grand Duke, Emperor in the stead of his father.

Thi error is certainly amusing enough in those who are so fond of ridiculing the ignorance which English and French journalists display concerning our national affairs. No little excitement prevails here, touching the flight and concealmeut of Baker the murderer of Bill Pool. At first, it was the current belief that the criminal had sailed in an American brig for the Canary Isles. Then it was reported that he had quitted the brig in the harbour and landed in New Jersey and so universal became the conviction that be was concealed somewhere along shore that the determina. tion to pursue the brig by a swift steamer was abandoned.

Now the popular vane of feeling has shifted again, and Baker is on his voyage io the isles of the singing bird. The Grape Shot significant name is to go in pursuit of the fugiti ve. This is a steamer owned by Mr. George Law, who takes the responsibility of sending her out on this quest, manned and amply provisioned. Besides a sufficient crew, she will carry a police force to arrest and take care of the fugitive if they can find him! My own opinion is, that Baker is still in the country, which his character no less than his crime 1 disgraces.

he has gone, the probability, is, that the Grape Shot will overtake the brig which is an ordinary vessel bearing the name of Isabella Jewett and bound for Patmos, without any intermediate port but in reality enjoy a great annual frolic. Our excellent Governor Clark did not allow himself to be iuced from his post of duty by the flatteringii dtation of the Ten Governors." A large nurnb of our law-makers did come, however, and had a grand Bachanalian spree, on Tuesday last, in which some of them proved, beyond a doubt, their admirable qualifications for a place 'in tome of the Slate houses on Blackwell'8 Island rather than for a seat in the State Hons at Albany. When will these disgraceful aodj Vhiah freaks of the Ntw York Legislature come to an end! During this week there has been an exciting session of th Board of Managers of the Amer ican Baptist jMijsioDary Union called for spe cific purposes, ahd those of great moment to the reioto 5 Missions. The great point which seemsb te the pivot upon which all the others turn, is rVe relation of the missionaries in the foreign 1i 3 to the Board of Managers, and bfBourse st' iugh that Executive body to FronT all.the appear that mere aas oeen a aemewncy tu energy and authority of the Executive arm, of which the Missionaries (who, after all their self-sacrificing piety, are but men at last) have taken advantnge, and have, at length, beceme somewhat impatient of any wholesome discipline turbulent we should call them in any other cause! and have thus put the usefulness and perhaps the very existence of the great Society in ieopardy. As the result of five days' deliberation, important measures have been resolved upon which re-clothe the Executive arm with power, and rebuked, though in affectionate words, the insubordination of the subjects of its discipline.

There have been some powerful revelations of human infirmity among the miss.onaries in India but it was impossible to listen to the whole proceedings of this great Missionary Couneiland not feel that it is GOD'S cause and that men of God are concerned in its advancement. The American Baptists have certainly performed, under God, a glorious work in Burmah and the end is not yet. I have before me several books, the recent issues of New York publishers, and I will devote a little space to a record of the impressions which a hasty examination of them has left upon my mind. Messrs. Harper Brothers rapidly gather-ins about them their old and gigantic engines have issued, this week, the fifth volume of Miss Aines Strickland's Queens of Scotland.

It contains the Life of Mart Stuart -which is unquestionably the 'most remarkable and fascinating biography which has ever proceeded from the pen of its accomplished author. Travels in Europe and the Easti is the title of another work just issued by the same publishers, in two handsome 12 mo. volumes. They contain a narrative by Rev. Samuel J.

Prime, (one of the editors of the Xeto York Ghrtrrf-kii land, Ireland, Wales, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Palestine and Egypt. If this be' not an attractive and appetizing bill of fare for hungry readers, where, I ask, will you find one among the multitudinous books of travel Mr. Prime is, if you will excuse the pun, a pritne traveler. He had his eyes about him wherever he went, and did not depend upon Guide Books for his impressions nor has he re-hashed the observations of any of those who went-before him. The consequence is, that his books are fresh, and since he combines a cultivated taste and a well informed mind with a keen and watchful ye, it is not at all surprising that his narrative is felicitous and charming.

The reader will find it so beyotid a question nor will he grow weary, as is too often the case, long before the vast journey is accomplished. The book is not professional, but contains the author's views of men and things from a stand point, which every intelligent reader nay occupy in 'common with him. The numerous beautifully executed wood engravings wbich illustrate the text, are a charming addition to the merits of these delightful and instructive volumes, which I take a most cordial pleasure in commending to the reader. A Long Look Ahead, or The First Stroke and the Last," is a new book from tho press of Derby. It is written by A.

S. Roe, the accomplished author of two othei books which found a largo circle of gratified readers. Their titles were "James Moritjoy" and To Love and to he LSved." They were both delightful stories, eminently calculated to impress the yong mind with lessons of wisdom and virtue. Of equal, if not superior merit, is this later and longer sto-fry, in which the reader will find much to admire and nothing to condemn, so far as its moral tone is concerned. WfJVy, Tear.

-f -Exile, is a republkatKw.ffom the pages of Putnam's Magazine. It is a story of our revolutionary history in which Paul Jones plays a conspicuous part. Coming from the well-known and admired pen of Herman Melville, of delicious Type-memory, it will find a very large number of new readers in its present form. Mr. Sage, a well-known bookseller of Rochester in this State, has just published, in a neat form, the Inaugural Address of President Anderson of the University of Rochester.

The theme of the address is, The end and Means of a Liberal Education" It is a beautiful and valuable contribution to the great 6ause of Education, and abounds equally in profound thought and felicitous illustrations. It should be read carefully by every teacher and by every earnest student in our land and no one who thus reads it will fail to gather from its pages precious lessons of wisdom. The bad weather of the week has somewhat hindered the public attendance upon the Exhibition of the National Academy of Design. There are two saloons-both of which are filled with pictures the majority of them confessed ly worthy of the public admiration. There are no historical subjects of any importance in the collection, an omission which fairly indicates that we have no great historical painters among as.

In landscape the works of Durand, Crop- the Whole -3r lary JJnioT -J iiugrnjiuHsu errors IB some OI oar Desl editorials. Not long since, we stated that our friend, Martin, i of Augusta, had thrown up his Foreign Mission, and accepted, in lieu of it, the heart and hand of a lovely young lady in Georgia. Instead of 44 lovely," our printers made us say lively." Last week we wrote a review of Cotton Mather's "Magnalia," and we were translated Magnolia." This would be a new work, and some of our contemporaries might enquire for it at the book stores, as the student did for Modern An-tiquities." But, generally these mistakes are of little consequence, and if noticed at all, the reader can correct them. We have not, therefore, thought it necessary to. point them out The mistake of last week was the most natural one imaginable for for the printers to make; for we make all of our a's o's, and not nnfrequently our o's are a'.

We remember, not many years ago, a motion for a nonsuit was moved against us by our friend, General Thompsoh, for writing the name "Ligon" in our declaration, Lagan." Judge Evahs waspreiding, and refused the motion on the ground that the hierogloyphic answered as well for one name as the other. If we had written a fair, plain hand then, we should have gone out of court with an important suit, at the expense of our client. So it is, sometimes, an advantage to write a bad hand. It is said of Napoleon that he designedly wrote an illegible hand, in order to conceal bis had orthography. That is another very considerable advantage to some persons.

But, unfortunately, they wh spell badly, most generally write a very legible and..