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Scholarly Editing

The Annual of the Association for Documentary Editing

2015, Volume 36

Satire in Circulation: James Russell Lowell's "LETTER FROM A VOLUNTEER IN SALTILLO"

Edited by Todd Thompson and Jessica Showalter
Current Witness: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.

Page Images for this Witness:
green text = presence of punctuation variancered text = presence of substantive varianceblue text = presence of orthographic varianceorange text = presence of formatting alteration

SEEN THE ELEPHANT.
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Substantive Variance

LETTER FROM A VOLUNTEER.
IN SALTILLO.WITNESS: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.LATE FROM MEXICO.
From the Boston Courier.
LETTER FROM A VOLUNTEER IN SALTILLO.WITNESS: National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.LETTER FROM A VOLUNTEER,
IN SALTILLO.WITNESS: Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Poetry.
From the Boston Courier.
LETTER FROM A VOLUNTEER
IN SALTILLO.WITNESS: Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Miscellaneous.
From the Boston Courier.
FROM A VOLUNTEER, IN SALTILLO.WITNESS: New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.SEEN THE ELEPHANT.WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.SELECT POETRY.
SOGERING IN MEXICO.WITNESS: Sunbury American (Sunbury, PA), December 23, 1848.No. II.
A LETTER
FROM MR. HOSEA BIGLOW TO THE HON. J. T. BUCKINGHAM, EDITOR OF THE BOSTON COURIER, COVERING A LETTER FROM MR. B. SAWIN, PRIVATE IN THE MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.

–Some pretended Yankee poet, writing home from Mexico, where he has been, thinks the officers at home and the same officers in Mexico, are just as different as "sodgering in fun" and "in earnest."
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Substantive Variance

It gives us great pleasure to introduce to our readers once more our worthy friend, Hosea Biglow, from somewhere "Down East." The letter from his friend Sawin, is certainly the most valuable document we have yet received from the seat of war, and the running commentary of Hosea enhances its value:WITNESS: National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.[Having copied many letters from the army in Mexico, we now add one from a correspondent of the Boston Courier. Without meaning to throw a doubt over his intention to speak the truth, we may say that his own disappointments in dancing and drinking seem to have soured him. For instance, the danger of Col. Wright is charged to the Mexican climate or country, as if it were uncommon. We have known cases in our own happy country where the arrival of the regiment would have been of no avail.]WITNESS: Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.–Some pretended Yankee poet, writing home from Mexico, where he has been, thinks the officers at home and the same officers in Mexico, are just as different as "sodgering in fun" and "in earnest."WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.[THIS letter of Mr. Sawin's was not originally written in verse. Mr. Biglow, thinking it peculiarly susceptible of metrical adornment, translated it, so to speak, into his own vernacular tongue. This is not the time to consider the question, whether rhyme be a mode of expression natural to the human race. If leisure from other and more important avocations be granted, I will handle the matter more at large in an appendix to the present volume. In this place I will barely remark, that I have sometimes noticed in the unlanguaged prattlings of infants a fondness for alliteration, assonance, and even rhyme, in which natural predisposition we may trace the three degrees through which our Anglo-Saxon verse rose to its culmination in the poetry of Pope. I would not be understood as questioning in these remarks that pious theory which supposes that children, if left entirely to themselves, would naturally discourse in Hebrew. For this the authority of one experiment is claimed, and I could, with Sir Thomas Browne, desire its establishment, inasmuch as the acquirement of that sacred tongue would thereby be facilitated. I am aware that Herodotus states the conclusion of Psammiticus to have been in favour of a dialect of the Phrygian. But, beside the chance that a trial of this importance would hardly be blessed to a Pagan monarch whose only motive was curiosity, we have on the Hebrew side the comparatively recent investigation of James the Fourth of Scotland. I will add to this prefatory remark, that Mr. Sawin, though a native of Jaalam, has never been a stated attendant on the religious exercises of my congregation. I consider my humble efforts prospered in that not one of my sheep hath ever indued the wolf's clothing of war, save for the comparatively innocent diversion of a militia training. Not that my flock are backward to undergo the hardships of defensive warfare. They serve cheerfully in the great army which fights even unto death pro aris et focis, accoutred with the spade, the axe, the plane, the sledge, the spelling-book, and other such effectual weapons against want and ignorance and unthrift. I have taught them (under God) to esteem our human institutions as but tents of a night, to be stricken whenever Truth puts the bugle to her lips and sounds a march to the heights of wider-viewed intelligence and more perfect organization.—H. W.]WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
"O,
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Punctuation Variance

O,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848."O,WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.
wouldn't I be off, quick time, ef
X
wouldn't I be off, quick time, ef WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
't worn't that
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Orthographic Variance

't warn't thatWITNESS: National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.'t worn't thatWITNESSES: Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.'tworn't thatWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.'t worn't thetWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
I
X
I WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
was
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Orthographic Variance

wasWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.wuzWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
sartin
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sartinWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 They'd let the
X
They'd let the WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
day light
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Orthographic Variance

day lightWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.daylightWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
into me to pay me
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into me to pay me WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
for
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Orthographic Variance

forWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.ferWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
desartin! [1]Desertion rates in the US-Mexico War were high. Of a total 26,922 soldiers enlisted in the regular army, 2,849 deserted; 3,900 of 59,000 volunteers deserted. Whereas regulars who deserted had bounties put on their heads, volunteers could desert or obtain discharges with relative ease, especially before their regiments arrived in Mexico. See Paul Foos, A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair: Soldiers and Social Conflict during the Mexican-American War (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2002), 100–112.
X
desartin! [1]Desertion rates in the US-Mexico War were high. Of a total 26,922 soldiers enlisted in the regular army, 2,849 deserted; 3,900 of 59,000 volunteers deserted. Whereas regulars who deserted had bounties put on their heads, volunteers could desert or obtain discharges with relative ease, especially before their regiments arrived in Mexico. See Paul Foos, A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair: Soldiers and Social Conflict during the Mexican-American War (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2002), 100–112.WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 I don't approve o' tellin' tales, but jest to you I may state
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I don't approve o' tellin' tales, but jest to you I may stateWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 Our ossifers
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Our ossifers WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
ain't wot
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Orthographic Variance

ain't wotWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.aint wutWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
they wuz
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they wuz WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
before they
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Substantive Variance

before weWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.before theyWITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.afore theyWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
left the
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left the WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
Bay state;
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Punctuation Variance

Bay-state;WITNESSES: National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.Baystate;WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Bay state;WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.
[2]A nickname for Massachusetts due to its proximity to several bays.
X
[2]A nickname for Massachusetts due to its proximity to several bays.WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
When
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Substantive Variance

WhenWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.ThenWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
it
X
it WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
was
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Orthographic Variance

was WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.wuz WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
'Mister Sawin,
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Punctuation Variance

"Mister Sawin, WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.'Mister Sawin, WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.
sir,
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Formatting Alteration

Sir,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.sir,WITNESSES: Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
you're middlin' well now, be ye?
X
you're middlin' well now, be ye?WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 Step up an' take a nipper, [3]To drink a small amount of alcohol.
X
Step up an' take a nipper, [3]To drink a small amount of alcohol.WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
sir,
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Punctuation Variance

Sir,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.sir,WITNESSES: Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.sir;WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
I'm dreffle glad to see
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I'm dreffle glad to see WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
ye;'
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Punctuation Variance

ye;"WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.ye;'WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.ye";WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
But
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Orthographic Variance

BntWITNESS: National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.ButWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
now it's
X
now it's WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
"Where's
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Orthographic Variance

"Where'sWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.'Where'sWITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847."Ware'sWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
'Where's
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Orthographic Variance

"Where'sWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.'Where'sWITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847."Ware'sWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
my eppylet? [4]Ornamental fringed shoulder piece on military uniforms in the nineteenth century.
X
my eppylet? [4]Ornamental fringed shoulder piece on military uniforms in the nineteenth century. WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
here Sawin,
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Punctuation Variance

here Sawin, WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.here, Sawin WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.here, Sawin, WITNESSES: Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
step and
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Punctuation Variance

step andWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.step, andWITNESS: New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.step an'WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
fetch it!
X
fetch it!WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
And
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Orthographic Variance

AndWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.An'WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
mind your
X
mind your WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
eye,
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Substantive Variance

eyes,WITNESS: National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.eye,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
be thund'rin' [5]According to Lowell’s glossary in the 1848 book edition, "a euphemism common in New England, for the profane English expression devilish. Perhaps derived from the belief, common formerly, that thunder was caused by the Prince of the Air, for some of whose accomplishments consult Cotton Mather." spry,
X
be thund'rin' [5]According to Lowell’s glossary in the 1848 book edition, "a euphemism common in New England, for the profane English expression devilish. Perhaps derived from the belief, common formerly, that thunder was caused by the Prince of the Air, for some of whose accomplishments consult Cotton Mather." spry, WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
or hang
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Substantive Variance

or d—;nWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.or hangWITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.or, damnWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
ye, you shall ketch
X
ye, you shall ketch WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
it!'
X

Punctuation Variance

it!"WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.it!'WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.
Wal as
X

Orthographic Variance

Wal, asWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Wal asWITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.a'l asWWITNESS: Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Wal, ezWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
the Doctor
X
the Doctor WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
ses,
X

Orthographic Variance

ses,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.sez,WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
some pork will bile so, [6]"Some pork will boil so" or "some pork will boil that way" was a nineteenth-century colloquialism that meant "that's just the way it is." but by
X
some pork will bile so, [6]"Some pork will boil so" or "some pork will boil that way" was a nineteenth-century colloquialism that meant "that's just the way it is." but by WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
mighty,
X

Punctuation Variance

mightyWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.mighty,WITNESSES: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 Ef I
X
Ef I WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
had
X

Orthographic Variance

hadWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.hedWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
some on 'em to hum, I'd give 'em linkum vity, [7]Lingum vitae, a tree whose dense, hard wood was used to make, among other things, police truncheons and "billy clubs."
X
some on 'em to hum, I'd give 'em linkum vity, [7]Lingum vitae, a tree whose dense, hard wood was used to make, among other things, police truncheons and "billy clubs."WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 I'd play the rogue's march [8]A tune, of English origin, played when a soldier is expelled dishonorably from the army. Oxford English Dictionary, "rogue's march," accessed August 28, 2014, http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/166894. on their hides
X
I'd play the rogue's march [8]A tune, of English origin, played when a soldier is expelled dishonorably from the army. Oxford English Dictionary, "rogue's march," accessed August 28, 2014, http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/166894. on their hides WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
and
X

Orthographic Variance

andWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.an'WITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
other music
X
other music WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
follerin'—
X

Punctuation Variance

follerin',—WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.follerin'—WITNESSES: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 But I must close my letter
X
But I must close my letter WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
here
X

Punctuation Variance

hereWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.here,WITNESSES: Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
for one on 'em 's ahollerin',
X
for one on 'em 's ahollerin',WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 These Anglosaxon ossifers—wal,
X
These Anglosaxon ossifers—wal, WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
tain't
X

Punctuation Variance

tain'tWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.taintWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
no use
X
no use WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
a jawin',
X

Orthographic Variance

a jawin',WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.ajawin',WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
 I'm safe enlisted
X
I'm safe enlisted WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
for
X

Orthographic Variance

forWITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.ferWITNESS: Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
the war,
X
the war,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.
Yourn, BIRDOFREDOM SAWIN.
X

Substantive Variance

Yourn,WITNESSES: Boston Courier (Boston, MA), August 18, 1847.National Anti-Slavery Standard (New York, NY), August 26, 1847.Liberator (Boston, MA), August 27, 1847.Littell's Living Age (Boston, MA), September 11, 1847.New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, NH), November 11, 1847.Meliboeus-Hipponax: The Biglow Papers. Cambridge: G. Nichols, 1848.Yourn, BIRDOFREDOM SAWIN.WITNESS: Texas Union (San Augustine, TX), October 16, 1847.

Notes

  1. Desertion rates in the US-Mexico War were high. Of a total 26,922 soldiers enlisted in the regular army, 2,849 deserted; 3,900 of 59,000 volunteers deserted. Whereas regulars who deserted had bounties put on their heads, volunteers could desert or obtain discharges with relative ease, especially before their regiments arrived in Mexico. See Paul Foos, A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair: Soldiers and Social Conflict during the Mexican-American War (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2002), 100–112.Go back
  2. A nickname for Massachusetts due to its proximity to several bays.Go back
  3. To drink a small amount of alcohol.Go back
  4. Ornamental fringed shoulder piece on military uniforms in the nineteenth century.Go back
  5. According to Lowell’s glossary in the 1848 book edition, "a euphemism common in New England, for the profane English expression devilish. Perhaps derived from the belief, common formerly, that thunder was caused by the Prince of the Air, for some of whose accomplishments consult Cotton Mather."Go back
  6. "Some pork will boil so" or "some pork will boil that way" was a nineteenth-century colloquialism that meant "that's just the way it is."Go back
  7. Lingum vitae, a tree whose dense, hard wood was used to make, among other things, police truncheons and "billy clubs."Go back
  8. A tune, of English origin, played when a soldier is expelled dishonorably from the army. Oxford English Dictionary, "rogue's march," accessed August 28, 2014, http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/166894.Go back
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