Relic on the Lethe

From Winchester News, August 18, 1865 , are two short poems, possibly both by Barry Cornwall, but the first almost certainly is his. This front-page news reads: Should you dream ever of the days departed— Of youth and morning no more to return— Forget not me, so fond and passionate-hearted : Quiet at last, reposing Under the moss and fern.   There, where the fretful lake in stormy weather Comes circling round the reddening churchyard pines, Rest, and call back the hours we lost together, Taking of hope, and soaring Beyond poor earth’s confines.    If, for those heavenly dreams too dimly sighted, You became false—why, ’tis a story old ; I, overcome by pain and unrequited, Faded at last, and slumber Under the autumn mould.   Farewell, farewell ! No longer plighted lovers, Doomed for a day to sigh for sweet return; One lives, indeed; one-heart the green earth covers— Quiet at last, reposing Under the moss and fern. I've been hoping to uncover some local writing talent i...

As we near the end of our text correction marathon for People's Voice from April 17, 1880 , a news bite caught my eye: Dr. Minor, health officer at Cincinnati, found on the Louisville mail boat a lot of yellow fever feathers from Memphis. Dr. Minor ordered them reshipped to Louisville. They are the same lot that were recently sent out of Chattanooga. The brevity of this note implies it was a well-known event. Can we find out the full story of the yellow fever feathers? Detail of "Yellow Jack monster" by Matt Morgan, c. 1873. Courtesy Library of Congress . At a guess, this news bite in the Winchester paper was reprinted from the April 13, 1880 Alexandria Gazette : CINCINNATI, April 13-Dr. Minor, Health Officer, to day found on the Louisville mail boat a lot of yellow fever feathers from Memphis, consigned to a dealer here who had not ordered them, and refused to receive them. Dr. Minor ordered them re-shipped to Louisville. They are the same lot that were recently sent ou...