Chapter I: Plopp

* * * * *

The present aspect of the great question is well set forth by a correspondent, 'LEILA LEE,' in the following sketch:--

OUR OLD PUMP.

The writer was once placed in circumstances of peculiar
interest, where a word in season was greatly needed, and that
word was not spoken, because it would have been thought unseemly
that it should fall from the lips of a woman. Our supply of
water had failed. The well was deep, and, like Jacob's well,
many had been in the habit of coming thither to draw. My father
had called in advisers, men of experience, and they decided that
the lower part of the pump was rotten, and must be removed. It
had probably stood there more than fifty years, and had been so
useful in its day, that it was like an old and familiar friend.

The work was commenced, and all the family stood by the closed
window, the children's faces pressed close to the glass, as
with eager eyes we all watched the heavy machinery erected over
the old well. A mother came out of a neighboring house, and
stood with a babe in her arms to see the work. A large rope was
firmly placed around the pump, and made fast to the derrick.
Then came the tug of war, and with a long pull, a strong pull,
and a pull all together, the wooden pump rose up gradually from
its hiding-place of years.

'Oh, mother! mother!' I exclaimed; 'see, the derrick is not long
enough to raise the pump out of the well! Why don't they saw it
off, and take out the old pump in two or three pieces?'

Just then papa screamed to Mrs. Rice, 'Run out of the way,
quick, with your baby!'

There stood all the workmen in dismay. What was to be done? My
father had no idea that he had undertaken such a tremendous job,
and now he was in great perplexity. Who, indeed, could have
believed that the well was deep enough to hold a pump of such
immense size as this, that had become so old and rotten? Oh, for
ropes longer and stronger! Oh, for muscle and nerve! Oh, for men
of herculean strength to meet this terrible crisis! At that
moment, a timely suggestion, from any quarter, would have been
welcome. But, even then, it might have been too late; for the
pump fell with a tremendous crash, carrying with it all the
machinery. Papa fell upon the ground, but the derrick had safely
passed over him, prostrating the fences, and endangering the
lives of the workmen.

This scene, which was soon almost forgotten, is recalled by the
fearful crisis that is now upon us. While we rejoice in our
recent victories, and believe that this wicked rebellion will
soon be subdued, we must rejoice with trembling, so long as
SLAVERY, the acknowledged _casus belli_, still remains. The
unsightly monster, in all its rottenness and deformity, is drawn
up from the hiding-place of ages, and it can no more be restored
to its former _status_, than, at the will of the workmen, our
old pump could be thrust back, when, suspended in the air, it
threatened their destruction. God forbid that our rulers should
desire it! What, then, is to be done? No giant mind has yet been
found to grapple successfully with this great evil--no body of
men who can concentrate a moral power sufficient to remove this
worn-out system, without endangering some interest of vital
importance to our beloved country.

Zion must now lengthen her cords and strengthen her stakes, for
the wisdom of the wise has become foolishness, that God alone
may be exalted. He will surely bring down every high thought,
and every vain imagination, and his own people must learn what
it is 'to receive the kingdom of God as little children.' How
shall liberty be proclaimed throughout the length and breadth of
the land, to all the inhabitants thereof, and, in obedience to
the will of God, this year become a year of jubilee to the poor
and oppressed of our nation? How shall the emancipation of
slavery conduce to the best interest of the master, no less than
to the happiness of the slave?

Probably some very simple solution will be given to this
question, in answer to the earnest cry of God's people. Should
it please him to hide this thought for the crisis from the wise
and prudent, and reveal it unto babes, God grant that it may be
in our hearts to respond, 'Even so, Father, for so it seemeth
good in thy sight.'

* * * * *

The simple solution has already been begun by our Executive, in recognizing the _principle_--its extraordinary advance among all classes will soon fully develop it. In illustration of this we quote a letter which the editor of the New Haven _Journal and Courier_ vouches to come from an officer in the navy, known to him:--

From what we see and know of the operations of the rebels in
this part of the South (the Southern coast, where he has been
stationed), and from what we see perfidious Englishmen doing for
the rebels, we are fast becoming strong abolitionists. We feel
that _now_ Slavery must receive its death-blow, and be destroyed
forever from the country. You would be surprised to see the
change going on in the minds of officers in our service, who
have been great haters of abolitionists; and the Southerners in
our navy are the most bitter toward those who have made slavery
the great cause of war. They freely express the opinion that the
whole system must be abolished, and even our old captain, who is
a native of Tennessee, and who has hitherto insisted that the
abolitionists of the North brought on this war, said last night,
'If England continues to countenance the _institution_, I hope
our government will put arms in the hands of the slaves, and
that slavery will now be the destruction of the whole South, or
of the rebels in the South.' He further said, 'The slave-holder
has, by the tacit consent and aid of England, brought on the
most unjustifiable, iniquitous and barbarous war ever known in
the history of the world.'

Too far and too fast--it is not Abolition, or the good of the black, but Emancipation, or the benefit of the _white_ man, which is really progressing so rapidly with the American people. But whatever causes of agitation are at work, whether on limited or general principles of philanthropy and political economy, one thing is at least certain--the day of the triumph of free labor is dawning, while the cause of progress

'Careers with thunder speed along!'

* * * * *

It is almost a wonder that the late offer of the king of Siam to stock this land with elephants was not jumped at, when one remembers the American national fondness for the animal, and how copiously our popular orators and poets allude to a sight of the monster. Among the latest elephantine tales which we have encountered is the following, from our New Haven correspondent:--

Dr. H., of this pleasant city of Elms, has been noted for many
years for always driving the gentlest and most sober, but at the
same time the most fearfully 'homely' of horses. His steeds will
always stand wherever he pleases to leave them, but they have
rather a venerable and woful aspect, that renders them anything
but pleasant objects to the casual observer. A few years ago
there came a caravan to town, and several horses were badly
frightened by the elephants, so that quite a number of accidents
took place. A day or two after, old Dr. Knight met Dr. H., and
speaking of the accidents, Dr. Knight remarked that he had not
dared to take his horse out while the procession was passing
through the streets. 'Oh, ho!' said Dr. H., 'why, I took my mare
and drove right up alongside of them, and she wasn't the least
bit scared!'

'Hum--yes,' says Dr. K., '_but how did the elephant stand it_?'

* * * * *

By particular request we find room for the following:--

Hon. ---- then read his Poem entitled the 'Boulder,' which must
be heard before we can form an idea of the genius of the poet.
First we are reminded of the style of the sweet songs of
Pherimorz as his enchanting strains fell upon the enraptured
soul of the fair Lady of the Lake. Then away, on painted wings
of gratified imagination, is the mind carried to the zephyr
wooings of the dying sunset, over the elevated brow of the dark
Maid of the Forest, as she reclines upon her couch of eagles'
feathers, and down from angles wings, hearing the last whisper
of the falling echo from the world of sound.

Whether the wild chaos of storm and whirlwind which madly raged
over the benighted earth before 'light was,' rushed to the dark
caverns where the fettered earthquake lay, when order was
demanded by the Father of Lights, we can not tell; but surely it
is a pleasing thought for the mind engulfed in the unfathomed
darkness of uncreated light, to be brought out and suffered to
rest on the peaceful bosom of the new creation. Whether 'the
world that then was' was overflown and perished by the causes
set forth, we can not tell. We regret that we can not now give a
more extended and particular notice of this poem; let us hope
that ere long we may enjoy the delight of reading its printed
form.

That must indeed have been a poem which could inspire _such_ poetry in others.

* * * * *

The Boston _Courier_ published, over the signature of 'MIDDLESEX,' during the months of February and March, a number of articles entitled, _Through the Gulf States_. So far as we have examined and compared the series, it appears to be a literal reprint, with a few trivial alterations of dates and statistics, of the _Letters from the Gulf States_, originally published in the _Knickerbocker New York Monthly Magazine_, in 1847.

* * * * *

THE KNICKERBOCKER

FOR 1862.

In the beginning of the last year, when its present proprietors assumed control of the Knickerbocker, they announced their determination to spare no pains to place it in its true position as the leading _literary_ Monthly in America. When rebellion had raised a successful front, and its armies threatened the very existence of the Republic, it was impossible to permit a magazine, which in its circulation reached the best intellects in the land, to remain insensible or indifferent to the dangers which threatened the Union. The proprietors accordingly gave notice, that it would present in its pages, forcible expositions with regard to the great question of the times,--_how to preserve the_ UNITED STATUS OF AMERICA _in their integrity and unity_. How far this pledge has been redeemed the public must judge. It would, however, be mere affectation to ignore the seal of approbation which has been placed on these efforts. The proprietors gratefully acknowledge this, and it has led them to embark in a fresh undertaking, as already announced,--the publication of the CONTINENTAL MONTHLY, devoted to Literature and National Policy; in which magazine, those who have sympathized with the political opinions recently set forth in the KNICKERBOCKER, will find the same views more fully enforced and maintained by the ablest and most energetic minds in America.

The KNICKERBOCKER, while it will continue firmly pledged to the cause of the Union, will henceforth be more earnestly devoted to literature, and will leave no effort untried to attain the highest excellence in those departments of letters which it has adopted as specialties.

The January number commences its thirtieth year. With such antecedents as it possesses, it seems unnecessary to make any especial pledges as to its future, but it may not be amiss to say that it will be the aim of its conductors to make it more and more deserving of the liberal support it has hitherto received. The same eminent writers who have contributed to it during the past year will continue to enrich its pages, and in addition, contributions will appear from others of the highest reputation, as well as from many rising authors. While it will, as heretofore, cultivate the genial and humorous, it will also pay assiduous attention to the higher departments of art and letters, and give fresh and spirited articles on such biographical, historical, scientific, and general subjects as are of especial interest to the public.

In the January issue will commence a series of papers by CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, entitled "SUNSHINE IN LETTERS," which will be found interesting to scholars as well as to the general reader, and in an early number will appear the first chapters of a NEW and INTERESTING NOVEL, descriptive of American life and character.

According to the unanimous opinion of the American press, the KNICKERBOCKER has been greatly improved during the past year, _and it is certain that at no period of its long career did it ever attract more attention or approbation_. Confident of their enterprise and ability, the proprietors are determined that it shall be still more eminent in excellence, containing all that is best of the old, and being continually enlivened by what is most brilliant of the new.

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J.R. GILMORE, 532 Broadway, New York.

C.T. EVANS, General Agent, 532 Broadway, New York.

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* * * * *

PROSPECTUS

OF

The Continental Monthly.

There are periods in the world's history marked by extraordinary and violent crises, sudden as the breaking forth of a volcano, or the bursting of a storm on the ocean. These crises sweep away in a moment the landmarks of generations. They call out fresh talent, and give to the old a new direction. It is then that new ideas are born, new theories developed. Such periods demand fresh exponents, and new men for expounders.

This Continent has lately been convulsed by an upheaving so sudden and terrible that the relations of all men and all classes to each other are violently disturbed, and people look about for the elements with which to sway the storm and direct the whirlwind. Just at present, we do not know what all this is to bring forth; but we do know that great results MUST flow from such extraordinary commotions.

At a juncture so solemn and so important, there is a special need that the intellectual force of the country should be active and efficient. It is a time for great minds to speak their thoughts boldly, and to take position as the advance guard. To this end, there is a special want unsupplied. It is that of an Independent Magazine, which shall be open to the first intellects of the land, and which shall treat the issues presented, and to be presented to the country, in a tone no way tempered by partisanship, or influenced by fear, favor, or the hope of reward; which shall seize and grapple with the momentous subjects that the present disturbed state of affairs heave to the surface, and which CAN NOT be laid aside or neglected.

To meet this want, the undersigned have commenced, under the editorial charge of CHARLES GODFREY LELAND, the publication of a new Magazine, devoted to Literature and National Policy.

In POLITICS, it will advocate, with all the force at its command, measures best adapted to preserve the oneness and integrity of these United States. It will never yield to the idea of any disruption of this Republic, peaceably or otherwise; and it will discuss with honesty and impartiality what must be done to save it. In this department, some of the most eminent statesmen of the time will contribute regularly to its pages.

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N.B.--Newspapers publishing this Prospectus, and giving the CONTINENTAL monthly notices, will be entitled to an exchange.

Number 5. 25 Cents.

The Continental Monthly

Devoted to Literature and National Policy.

* * * * *

MAY, 1862.

* * * * *

NEW-YORK AND BOSTON:

J.R. GILMORE, 532 BROADWAY, NEW-YORK,

AND 110 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON.

NEW-YORK: HENRY DEXTER AND ROSS & TOUSEY.

PHILADELPHIA: T.B. CALLENDER AND A. WINCH.

CONTENTS.

NO. V.

* * * * *

What Shall we do with it? Hon. John W. Edmonds

A Philosophical Bankrupt

The Molly O'Molly Papers

All Together

A True Story. Miss McFarlane

Maccaroni and Canvas. Henry P. Leland

Fairies

John Bright. George M. Towle

The Ante-Norse Discoverers of America. C.G. Leland

State Rights

Roanoke Island. Frederic Kidder

A Story of Mexican Life

Changed

Hamlet a Fat Man. Carlton Edwards

The Knights of the Golden Circle

Columbia's Safety

Ursa Major. H.B. Brownwell

Fugitives at the West. S.C. Blackwell

The Education to be

Guerdon

Literary Notices

Editor's Table

* * * * *

In the next Number will be commenced a new Novel of American Life, by R.B. Kimball, Esq., entitled 'WAS HE SUCCESSFUL?' an account of the life and conduct of Hiram Meeker, one of the leading men in the mercantile community, and 'a bright and shining light' in the Church, recounting what he did, and how he made his money.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote A: An incident that occurred at Palmyra, in Marion County, of which the writer was a witness, may be given as a fair illustration of Benton's insulting and insufferable manner in this celebrated canvass. During the delivery of his speech, in the densely-crowded court-house, a prominent county politician, who was opposed to Benton, arose and put a question to him. 'Come here,' said Benton, in his abrupt and authoritative tone. The man with difficulty made his way through the mass, and advanced till he stood immediately in front of Benton. 'Who are you, sir?' inquired the swelling and indignant senator. The citizen gave his well-known name. 'Who?' demanded Benton. The name was distinctly repeated. And then, without replying to the question that had been proposed, but with an air of disdain and annihilating contempt that no man in America but Benton could assume, he proceeded with his speech, leaving his interrogator to retire from his humiliating embarrassment as best he could. At the close of the address, some of his friends expressed surprise to Benton that he had not known the man that interrupted him. 'Know him!' said he; 'I knew him well enough. I only meant to make him stand with his hat in his hand, and tell me his name, like a nigger.']

[Footnote B: See Historical Mag., Vol. 4, p. 230.]

[Footnote C: Among the cotton lately arrived from Port Royal was a number of bales marked with the form of a coffin. It was the growth of 'Coffin's Island,' which is usually of the highest grade.]

[Footnote D: The palmetto is a straight, tall tree, with a tuft of branches and palm leaves at its top. The new growth is the centre as it first expands somewhat resembles a cabbage. It is often used for boiling and pickling. The wood of the tree is spongy, and is used for building wharves, as it is impervious to the sea-worm. It is said that a cannon ball will not penetrate it. It is a paltry emblem for a State flag, as its characteristics accurately indicate pride and poverty. When used for wharves, it, however, becomes a veritable '_Mudsill_.']

[Footnote E: Before 1700 a colony from Dorchester, Mass., made a settlement on Ashley River, and named it for their native town; afterwards, they sent an offshoot and planted the town of Midway, in Georgia. For more than a century they kept up their Congregational Church, with many of their New England institutions. Their descendants in both States have been famed for their enterprise, industry, and moral qualities down to the present day.]

[Footnote F: The Barnwells can trace their pedigree back about one hundred and fifty years to a Col. Barnwell who commanded in an Indian war. Subsequently the name appears on the right side in the Revolution. This is a long period to trace ancestry in Carolina; for while nearly all New England families can trace back to the Puritans, more than two hundred years, the lordly Carolinians generally get among the 'mudsills' in three or four generations at the farthest.]

[Footnote G: Some thirty years ago, R. Barnwell Smith made a figure in Congress by his ultra nullification speeches, and was then considered the greatest fire-eater of them all. He was not 'to the manor born,' but was the son of a Gen. Smith, who founded and resided in the small and poverty-stricken town of Smithville, N.C., at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. As his paternal fortune was small, and some family connection existed with the Barnwells, he emigrated to Beaufort, and there practiced as a lawyer. He was followed by two brothers, who had the same profession. He was the first who openly advocated secession in Congress. They have all been leading politicians and managers of the Charleston _Mercury_, which, by its mendacity and constant abuse of the North, and its everlasting laudations of Southern wealth and power, has done much to bring on the present war.

Desirous to stand better with the aristocracy, some years ago the family sunk the plebeian patronymic of Smith and adopted that of Rhett, a name known in South Carolina a century previous.]

[Footnote H: During Nullification times the Fullers were Union men. Doctor Thomas Fuller, who, a short time since, set fire to his buildings and cotton crop to prevent their falling into Yankee hands, is well known as a kind-hearted physician, and better things might have been expected of him.

His brother is a celebrated Baptist clergyman in Baltimore. He was formerly a lawyer, and afterwards preached to an immense congregation, mainly of slaves, in his native place.]

[Footnote I: Many years ago the Elliots were staunch Union men, and Stephen Elliot, a gentleman of talent, wrote many very able arguments against nullification and in favor of the Union. He always thought that Port Royal must some day be the great naval and commercial depot of the South. He may yet live to see his former anticipations realized, though not in the way he desired.]

[Footnote J: An Inquiry laid by me it few years ago before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania elicited information as to several of these 'gates' in that State. I have not the work by me, but I believe that FALES DUNLAP, Esq., of New York, asserts on Rabbinical authority, in an appendix to _Sod or the Mysteries_, that the Hebrew word commonly translated as 'passover' should be rendered 'passing through.']

[Footnote K: _Robertson's Lectures and Addresses._ Boston: Ticknor & Fields.]

[Footnote L: The negro whippers and field overseers.]

[Footnote M: Referring to the common practice of bathing the raw and bleeding backs of the punished slaves with a strong solution of salt and water.]

[Footnote N: _Words to the West. Knickerbocker Magazine_, Oct., 1861.]

[Footnote O: _Continental Magazine_, March, 1862. See article, _Southern Aids to the North_.]

[Footnote P:

Don't speak of quacks; just take your dose;
Why should you try to mend it,
If Doctor H---- concocts the pill,
And _Parsons_ recommend it?

See _Amer. Jour. of Sci._, Vol. xxx., 2d Scr., pages 10-12.]