I have seen the model of Mr. Rumsey's boat, constructed to work against the stream, examined the powers upon which it acts, been the eye witness to an actual experiment in running water of some rapidity, and give it as my opinion (although I had little faith before) that he has discovered the art of working boats by mechanism and small manual assistance against rapid currents; that the discovery is of vast importance; may be of the greatest usefulness in our inland navigation, and if it succeeds (of which I have no doubt) that the value of it is greatly enhanced by the simplicity of the works; which, when seen and explained, may be executed by the most common mechanic. Given under my hand at the Town of Bath, County of Berkeley, in the State of Virginia, this 7th day of September, 1784. GEORGE WASHINGTON _Sidney Lanier dies, 1881_ September Eighth Ere Time's horizon-line was set, Somewhere in space our spirits met, Then o'er the starry parapet Came wandering here. And now, that thou art gone again Beyond the verge, I haste amain (Lost echo of a loftier strain) To greet thee there. JOHN B. TABB (_Ave: Sidney Lanier_) _Battle of Eutaw Springs, S. C., 1781_ September Ninth Their conduct indeed was exemplary. They had been warned that pillage and depredations would be severely dealt with, and all requisitions, even fence-rails, were paid for on the spot. LIEUT.-COL. G. F. R. HENDERSON, C.B. _Lee and Jackson in occupation of Frederick, Md., 1862_ September Tenth My life is like the autumn leaf That trembles in the moon's pale ray; Its hold is frail, its date is brief, Restless, and soon to pass away! Yet ere that leaf shall fall and fade, The parent tree will mourn its shade, The winds bewail the leafless tree; But none shall breathe a sigh for me! RICHARD HENRY WILDE _Richard Henry Wilde dies, 1847_ _Joseph Wheeler born, 1836_ September Eleventh Long and close association with the white race had its civilizing effect upon the negroes, and it was not long before the two races became warmly attached, both alike manifesting a keen interest in the other's welfare. Thus as economic interests had fixed the system in the laws of the people, the domestication of the race fixed it in their hearts. The abolitionist was right in his position on the ethics of slavery, but more than benighted in his conception of its condition in the South. DUNBAR ROWLAND September Twelfth In conclusion, the Battle of North Point saved Baltimore from a pre-determined fate; it encouraged the rest of the country; it, with Plattsburg, caused the English Ministry to suggest that the Duke of Wellington should take command in America, and it influenced the terms of the treaty of Ghent in favor of the United States. FREDERICK M. COLSTON _Battle of North Point, Md., 1814_ September Thirteenth