BY HUGH C. MACDOUGALL
HERE! HERE!!
All those indebted to John Lawrence, Post-rider, and do not settle the same IMMEDIATELY may rely upon having to pay cost!! Otego, Aug. 24.
COMMENT: This was not the first time that John Lawrence had to advertise to collect from those to whom he distributed the mail and newspapers.
CENSORSHIP?
Baltimore, August 6. The Louisiana Gazette, a federal (i.e. Federalist party) print, contains the following paragraph with the annexed note, in writing on the margin of the paper:
``Letters have been received to day from Bayou Sarah and Baton Rouge, stating that the people of those districts in West-Florida, had in contemplation to form a government of themselves, that they had been for some time without law or the semblance of government, and that self preservation drove them to the measure which they were about to take. We are promised extracts of the letters, which, if handed to us, shall appear tomorrow.’’*
* (evidently hand written): ``The letters could not be published, being of too serious a nature to be inserted in a newspaper.’’
COMMENT: West Florida, an area along the coastline of today’s Mississippi and Alabama, as well as that portion of Louisiana (including Baton Rouge) east of the Mississippi River, was at this time still a Spanish colony, though inhabited largely by American settlers. Throughout the summer of 1810, settlers dissatisfied with Spanish rule had been meeting, and on September 23 they would capture the Spanish military garrison at Baton Rouge and declare the independent Republic of West Florida. A month later, the United States annexed most of the territory.
The thrust of printing this article, from the viewpoint of the Otsego Herald, was to demonstrate the refusal of the Federalist Party to publish the truth.
Volunteerism Augusta, (Maine) July 31.
We mentioned last week the conflagration of Mr. Moses Judkin’s house, &c. Fayette. For the honor of the inhabitants of that town, we cheerfully give publicity to the following: Mr. J’s house was consumed early in the morning of the 17th last (Tuesday) — The next day the citizens generally volunteered for the purpose of erecting a new one, and on Thursday afternoon a frame was raised on the former foundations, forty feet by thirty-two. By Saturday evening it was boarded and shingled, and the floors laid, and the house finished in such a manner as to be comfortable for the family, who took possession the Monday following.
COMMENT: Moses Judkins (ca. 1771-1824), described as a ``yeoman,’’ came from New Hampshire and was an early settler in Fayette, Maine. He married and raised seven children, and also served (for 16 days!) in the Militia during the War of 1812. A brief New York Times article, published in 1890, described Judkins’ funeral ``sixty years ago’’ at which four gallons of rum were dispensed to the thirsty pall-bearers.
Major Earthquake in Crete Extract from a letter dated Smyrna (Syria), February 16, 1810. ``About midnight I experienced a considerable shock of an earthquake... I have since learned that the same earthquake was felt, in all its terrific force, in the Island of Candia (the ancient Crete).
``—- That the greater part of the city of Candia, and all its fortifications, are entirely destroyed, and a destructive fire raging at the same time, added to the misery of the wretched inhabitants.
``—- That eight villages in the neighborhood of Candia are but heaps of rubbish, and many thousand people buried in the ruins of their own dwellings, drowned in the rush of water, or perished by the fire, for it seems as if all the elements had conspired in vengeance against this unhappy Island.
``The olive fields are destroyed, and the most luxuriant part of this beautiful island exhibits at present but one wide waste of ruin, devastation, and death.
``The earthquake has been (as letters which are received mention) felt in Cairo, Alexandria, Malta, Sicily, and in all the Islands of (the Greek) Archipelago, in many of which it has thrown down houses, and done other damage.’’
COMMENT: The Greekowned island of Crete, in the eastern Mediterranean, has suffered from many earthquakes.
The 1810 earthquake (estimated at 7.2 on the Richter scale), was followed by two large aftershocks, and created a tsunami — the ``rush of water’’ referred to in this article. It caused over 2,000 deaths in Crete, and wreaked damage all over the eastern Mediterranean.
Storm in North Carolina Wilmington, (N.C.) July 24. On Sunday during a very violent thunder storm in this town, the lightning struck the tenement houses, occupied as stores, by Messrs. C. Nichols, and Harris and Saunders.
It descended the chimneys and set fire to two puncheons of rum, which soon put both stores, with their contents, in a general blaze. Efforts were made, but in vain, to extinguish the fire and save the property.
The conflagration continued with unabating fury, consuming five houses on Market street, until it reached the first range of brick buildings, belonging to Mr. J. F. Burgwin, to which it did considerable injury, but the lofty and solid wall of brick which its eastern end presented, put an effectual stop to the further progress of the fire.
The property destroyed is estimated at 8000 dollars. Itis somewhat remarkable that the houses struck, are low and situated in the lowest part of the town.
COMMENT: Throughout the 19th century, fire remained an enormous danger in urban areas, where it could spread rapidly and where fire-engines were primitive.
Columns
Otsego Herald: Censorship?
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
It is with sadness that we note the passing of long time friend, and distantrelative, Jane Patrick. Over the years we have worked with Jane in a number of organizations including Women’s Club and the Community Advisory Committee at Bassett. And, of course, in later years we joined her, along with the other Dinner Belles, for any number of delicious meals. But we do think that our favorite memory that we shared with Jane was when we discovered, having both married Cooperstown natives, that we shared Cooperstown Christmas plans.
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Up On Hawthorn Hill: Bird Feeder?
Bird feeder is a relative term. At least that is the case around here. A few mornings ago we spotted the first rabbit to visit the feeders. Normally, all we see during the winter are rabbit tracks crisscrossing the gardens.
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From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
My handwriting’s always been an embarrassment. Way back in elementary school, while most of the others were developing a clear, sometimes graceful hand (especially the girls), my penmanship showed no improvement.
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In These Otsego Hills: This and that ...
We have found the weather so far this year to be on the unusual side. And while we have no problem with the fact that we have received very little snow, we are of the opinion that what we have had instead is not particularly to our liking either. In fact, we are very hesitant to venture out much as we live in fear that the rain will turn to mixed precipitation which will freeze into a sheet of ice. And we are definitely opposed to encountering a sheet of ice underfoot. In fact, we are so hesitant that we now have taken to canceling our participation in events based on what just might be a dubious forecast.
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Book Notes: Feinstein’s latest is sheer enjoyment
Most people who follow sports have probably heard of John Feinstein. As a nationally known author, sportswriter, pundit and broadcaster, he has brought a unique angle to sports journalism. His groundbreaking book on Bobby Knight’s 1986-87 Indiana University basketball team, “A Season on the Brink,” still resonates today as an all-time classic.
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Book Notes: No Trekkie should miss Shatner’s books
It would be hard to find a television phenomenon as popular as “Star Trek.” Even though it was only on television for three seasons and 79 episodes (1966-69) it attracted viewers and devotees that still follow it passionately 45 years later. The fanatical supportspawned several movies and television spinoffs. Star Trek conventions continue to this day. There has never been anything like it.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Making sense of things
A book I have been reading investigates the various ways over time that we have made sense of the world. It carries the reader through to the present via several seminal classical texts and ultimately aims to suggest a strategy for “ finding meaning in a secular age.”
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In These Otsego Hills: ‘Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.’ − John Adams
Last week we were asked if we would be interested in previewing a documentary, “The Empire State Divide,”produced by the Foundation for Land & Liberty. And we were more than happy to do so as we understood the documentary dealt with the problems that continue to face family farms.
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From Fly Creek: Now wait a minute!
On the ninth day of Christmas, driving down Cooperstown’s Eagle Street, I saw something astounding! No, not “nineladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans” etc. I saw one jogger jogging. And puffing on a cigarette.
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In These Otsego Hills: Goals of the past and goals of the future
We have long subscribed to the concept that we are always more successful if we, number one, set a goal and then, number two, meet it. And this was our thinking when we decided before Christmas to watch at least part of every college football bowl game. It was perhaps an odd, if not completely nonsensical, goal.
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In These Otsego Hills: Not to our liking ...
It is with sadness that we note the recent death of Steve Nagel. The son-inlaw of our late husband’s cousins, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek, Steve was married to the Ecklers’ oldest daughter, Gail. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with the Nagels and the Ecklers in Fly Creek, greatly enjoying the delicious food and delightful conversation.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Of birds and faith
I watch birds quite a bit. Every five days or so I send in a report to Cornell as partof its annual Project Feeder Watch program. The data, collected from volunteers from all over the country, enables scientists to track population trends. I would spend quite a bit of time checking out the visitors to our feeders anyway. Participating in the feeder program makes a personal pleasure that much more meaningful. It is rare that aesthetical and scientific endeavors work in tandem.
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Book Notes: Biography captures the real Stephen Colbert
It would be hard to find a comedian as unique as Stephen Colbert. As the host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central he hasmanaged to leave his mark on the nation’s consciousness in both a serious and humorous sort of way. His unusual wit has allowed him to become American icon. It would be difficult to find another entertainer quite like him.
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From Fly Creek: Christmas and varied blessings
I’m still astounded! The last farmers’ market before Christmas, I was sitting up front, directly under the ceiling heater, shmoozing with the hoi-polloi. (That’s an awkward linguistic mix,but let’s let it go.) As I sipped my hot coffee, a gloved hand came to rest on my shoulder and a warm voice said, “Merry Christmas, Jim.” I looked to my left—it was Santa Claus!
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In These Otsego Hills: Always a learning experience ...
We must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed our 2011 Christmas celebration. We partook of Christmas Eve dinner at the home of Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek and Christmas Day dinner at the home of Sandy and Al Bullard of Milford. We had our usual Christmas Day brunch at home on Pioneer Street, although we must admit it was a tad bit later than usual as, what we enjoyed most about Christmas, namely our granddaughter Abby, took a great deal of time opening her Christmas presents.
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In These Otsego Hills: Coming up ... 2012
Difficult as it seems, 2011 is fast coming to an end. And it is always our hope that as a year draws to a close, the issues which have been in the forefront during the year will be resolved. Unfortunately, we suspect that will not be the case this year. Instead, we are fairly certain that many of the issues that plagued this year, will continue to plague next year. Thus we will find ourselves still musing about the same issues we have spent time with already. And while we have not come toany conclusions about many of the issues, we do think they would all likely benefit from both sides thinking critically about perspective, risk assessment and possible solutions.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Circularity
When she was a puppy my dog Gabby would run in what I described then as “circles of joy.” She celebrated her15th birthday a few weeks ago and despite the inevitable frailties that old age imposes upon all of us, she is doing pretty well.
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Book Notes: Grisham doesn’t disappoint
John Grisham is one of this country’s most popular authors. Every time he publishes a book it’s an instant best-seller. He appeared on the scene about 20 years ago with his tense legal thrillers, “A Time to Kill” and “The Firm,”and hasn’t stopped producing top-notch novels since.
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From Fly Creek: Still singing, beyond our hearing
This column from Christmas 2001 still speaks deeply to me, and perhaps will to you, too. Take it, please, as my Christmas gift.
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In These Otsego Hills: The 2011 Cooperstown Carol
Since 1984, with the exception of one year, 1999, we have looked forward at the end of the year to going through all the issues of the paper in order to glean those news items which have been worthy of note throughout the year and which should make their way into our annual Cooperstown Carol.
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
