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Washington — Mount Vernon. Whoever visits Washington for the first time during th« session of Congress has much to observe. It is his own fault if he does not find some one who will give him inform- ation, or help him to amusement among the variety of objects and characters around him. There are always idlers hanging on some petition, who have news to' tell. The representatives and senators from his state will be glad to see him as their countryman, and feel an obliga- tion to render him some of those attentions which he might expect from the consul of his nation in a foreign port. Let him be careful, however, not to look for more than is rea- sonable, for business is very pressing upon a large part of the members, and calls of this kind are frequent. Members have their trials like other men ; and if they grow inatten- tive, or even show a disposition to get rid of you, forgive them. Many a speech is made in th> House and Senate to thin, restless, coughing, and whispering audiences; and talents which have transported their possessor five hundred or a thousand miles to a seat in the government, now, by a strange reaction, will sometimes send fifty or a hundred peo- ple out of the House. Events multiply daily in a country like this ; and time goes on in spite of every thing, though it please only a very small minority at b'^st ; and although commonly nobody can be found who is satisfied in every thing. In the main, the members are about as civil to pe»- 2 10 CITY or WASHINGTON. sons indifferent to them, as other people are whose interest it is on the whole rather to please than to displease ; and will meet you in the rotunda of the capitol by appointment ; introduce you into the library of Congress ; tell what senator is looking out of the middle window, or what distinguished representative is turning over Audubon's Ornithology ; point lo the President's house, llie departments, the patent-office, and the top of the dome, as objects worthy of a visit ; and then entering their chamber, introduce you to a few loungers near their own seals, yawning at the thoughts of another btupid day, or nervous and feverish with anxiety about the country or tliemselves. If it be gloomy weather, late in the session, you feel as if you were in a prison, for the people seem as dissatisfied as convicts. One is lost in tliought about something invisible, another blushes over some newspaper which has attacked him, a third hurries to hear whether you have brouglit any news, and all are either hoping or despairing about soon obtaining their release. The broad staircase on the east side of the capitol, by which you wearily mount from the level of the yard to the floor of llie houses, the rotunda, &c., is n deformity, inter- fering exceedingly with the architectural beauty of the front. It is unprecedented in Europe, so far as I have seen, unless the capitol of Rome should be claimed as an ex- ample, which cannot with propriety be done. The " stairs which lead to the capitol" of that metropolis are made merely to mount the hill, and do not cover a large part of the edifice. I was much pleased with the morning scene from the terrace, and still more with that from the top of the capitol. The view would be splendid indeed if the city were of the size originally expected, or even if the surrounding country were well cultivated. I could not, however, spend much lime in the city, without first visiting Mount Vernon. The very name of that place had long been dear to me. The sound always seemed sweet and solemn to my ears. I have had a peculiar feeling for it ever since the day when !ny father came home with a badge of mourning upon h 8 arm, and said, with a tear in his eye, that General N'OTON. MOUNT VERNON. M people are whose interest ic than to displease ; and le capitol by appointment ; ongress ; tell what senator low, or what distinguished luboii's Ornithology ; point artinents, ihe patent-office, ;cts worthy of a visit ; and duce you to a few loungers it the tiioughts of another rish with anxiety about the ! gloomy weather, late in were in a prison, for the convicts. One is lost in , another blushes over some lim, a third hurries to hear news, and all are either obtaining their release, asl side of the capitol, by he level of the yard to the , &;c., is a deformity, inter- rchitectural beauty of the urope, so far as I have seen, ould be claimed as an ex- iety be done. The " stairs metropolis are made merely cover a large part of the E morning scene from the , from the top of the capitol. ileed if the city were of the 1 if the surrounding country not, however, spend much isiling Mount Vernon. The ng been dear to me. The md solemn to my ears. I it ever since the day when a badge of mourning upon ir in his eye, that General Washington was dead. In the sadness of our house that day I participated as a child, with but few ideas beyond these, that a man, loved and venerated by my father above all others, had left the world, and that such excellence as I could never hope to see was gone for ever. And where did he die ? At Mount Vernon. So sweet a name, asso- ciated with such feelings in the mind of a stripling, I bad always heard with emotion; and it was with a degree of solemnity that it occurred to me at Washington, that I was now in the vicinity of the place. Not falling in company with any persons of congenial feelings who wished to visit the spot, I determined to pro- ceed thither alone ; and mounting a horse, set off one fine morning on that most interesting pilgrimage. A great part of the low level land which extends south from Capitol Hill to Greenleaf's Point, where the East Branch joins the Potomac, is entirely unenclosed and uncultivated, with the exception of a field here and there. I passed a spot, how- ever, which makes the strongest contrast with the general waste appearance of this extensive tract, and indeed with most of the soil in the vicinity of Washington. There foui acres have been enclosed, manured, and cultivated with care ; and now supply the market of the metropolis with a large share of its vegetables, yielding to the proprietor a valuable income. What a lamentable picture is pre- sented by a country like this, worn out by exhausting crops* and abandoned years ago to sterility and solitude ! The road to Baltimore lies through a similar region ; and my whole ride to Mount Vernon ofiered only the sad variety of a few plantations, where the same debiUtating process ap- peared to have been not quite completed. The few crops I saw seemed to say that they were destined to be the last on those extensive fields ; and the scattered habitations of planters and slaves looked as if ready to be deserted, and soon to resemble the ruins seen on former sites, long since abandoned. The people are the first I ever saw who have not energy enough to pull down their old houses. Shrub oaks and other stunted trees have sprung up oa $he deserted fields, and show how slow is nature to recover 12 MOUNT VBRNON. the springs of vegetable life when they have once been cut off. Among these I often paused to contemplate the grand aspect of vhe capitol from a distance, which is visible from a thousand points around. The enormous tolls paid on the road to Alexandria show the inconveniences arising to travellers out of a thin population. Roads and bridges are erected at greater expense, and contributions for their sup- port are divided among a few instead of multitudes. The reconstruction of the long bridge over the Potomac, as I ought to have mentioned, has been undertaken : but it seems to me a discouraging task, especially since the steam- boats carry so large a part of the travellers on the route to Alexandria. Alexandria is a large town, with spacious stores near the water, and in the upper part several streets of handsome and even elegant houses. The view of the city and its environs, from an eminence beyond it, was such as to show its extent and principal edifices, yet not to exhibit any thing of its harbour or the general plan of the streets. After this I had nothing like an extensive or a pleasing view during the rest of my ride, as the season was not far enough ad- ranced to give the woods all their beauty, the late rains had rendered the road very wet, and the habitations of men were few and poor. At length I entered the Mount Vernon estate ; and there was some feeling excited by the thought of the cavalcades and personages that had passed through the same gate. I was also reminded of visits I had made to Roman villas, and the deserted avenues to ancient cities ; and my impres- sions were in some respects similar, though in others very different from any thing I had ever experienced before. The solitude was as profound as that of any deserted region of Italy ; the habitations of men, at many parts of the road, seemed as distant ; and nature appeared almost as much left to herself. But who can describe the difference be- tween the character of Washington and that of the ancient warriors, whose memory we associate with the scenes they visited ? Though our education teaches us far too much to admire them, plain sense as well as Christianity leads us to ^espis will o just e heart i antiqu junctic exert i Th« times reache nearer dwellii offered on to Twor from t what I have ij sloping the pre broad have b of land The moved brow yard er which may g scriplio alone i I appro and ho define t hours i bitter. and his or who( he may TOMB or OKNBRAL WASHINGTON. It OK. they have once been cut to contemplate the grand ice, which is visible from inormous tolls paid on the iconveniences arising to Roads and bridges are ^ntributions for their sup- ead of multitudes. The over the Potomac, as I been undertaken: but it {specially since the steam- travellers on the route to 1 spacious stores near the ital streets of handsome view of the city and its d it, was such as to show ^^ not to exhibit any thing of the streets. After this or a pleasing view during was not far enough ad- beauty, the late rains had e habitations of men were i'^ernon estate ; and there bought of the cavalcades irough the same gate. I 1 riade to Roman villas, nt cities ; and my impres- lar, though in others very ever experienced before, hat of any deserted region t many parts of the road, ppeared almost as much iscribe the difference be- in and that of the ancient ciate with the scenes they caches us far too much to 18 Christianity leads us to despise their motives and to condemn their actions. When will our children be trained up to a clear conception and a just estimate of the character of Washington, in whose heart alone was more real greatness than in all heathen antiquity? His principles and conduct, enforced by the in- junctions of the Scriptures, what influence might they not exert upon the minds and hearts of American youth ! The rear of the family-mansion appears two or three times through openings in tlie foliage, before the visiter reaches it ; and although it is venerable, it shows, on a nearer approach, evident marks of decay. I passed the dwellings of the negroes, wliere an old family servant offered his services as guide; and dismounting, hastened on to get rid of the groups wliich assembled around me. Two ranges of out-buildings, now partly disused, run back from the ends of the mansion and form a court, — in which what messengers have heretofore reined up, what guests have alighted ! The plain piazza in front, with the fine sloping and partly shaded lawn, descending to the brow of the precipice over the Potomac, the clumps of old trees, the broad and winding river below, all appear much as they have been represented for half a century on so many sorts of landscape furniture with which we have been familiar. The remains of the father of his country have been re- moved within a few months from the old family-vault, on the brow of the precipice, to a spot near the corner of the vine- yard enclosure, where the rivev is concealed from view, but which was selected by him during life. A hasty sketch may give better ideas of its appearance than any de- scription. I dismissed my guide, that I might indulge alone in the feelings which had been rising in my heart as I approached the spot I had so long regarded with reverence ; and however difficult it might be to trace their source or to define their nature, I am sure that I have spent but few half- hours in my life in meditations more sweet and yet more bitter. They need not be detailed. Whoever loves virtue and his country, and has done any thing less than his duty, or whoever feels like a son of Washuigton, ho>vever humble he may be, and apprehends how much reason there is to 2* 14 8TEAND0AT CONVBRSATIOIf. moom o«er the loss of his spirit and his prirciples, majr vrell conceive them if he will imagine himself placed alone in a solitary spot near tht* ashes of the dedd. At the same time, to a man of an opposite character any description would of course be lost. I regretted here the want of some truly appropriate national music, when I found myseU' breathing a very soil and plaintive Scotch lament. Of all the poeiry I have seen written on Mount Vernon, none strikes my ear with so much simplicity and sweetness, mingled with so much elevation, as the lines of Brainerd. There is something much more congenial to my mind in the simple and indeed humble depository of the ashes of Washington than in the most splendid monuments of Italy •or even of B]gypt. Where there is no attempt made to captivate the eye, the mind is left at perfect freedom to form her own conceptions ; and it is no disrespect to the greatest artist to say, that a refined and vinubus fancy may tran- scend in its conceptions the work of any human hands. I have no ol)jection to the erection of monuments to Wash- ington ; nay, I hope the day may come when every city, town, and village in the Union may possess one of some sort, constructed in the purest taste : but I feel that any fabric of art in this place would be only an impediment to the mind, whicti, if left to itself, will create the noblest con- ceptions out of nothing. Surely enougli is not made of the memory of Washington in our country, when we rellect what has been and now is the influence of his name in the world. His great example of disinterestedness has done more for the human race than we can possibly ascertain ; and is likely to produce still greater cfiects. His birthday should be observed by our children as a day of becoming joy, and our schools should pour out their young inhabitants to hear his virtues recounted and to sing songs in his praise. I returned from Alexandria to Washmgton in the steamboat. There were several Virginians on boani, of different classes and characters, wlw engaged in conversation on slavery. This subject, which was longregarded as a prohibited one, and by general consent excluded from conversation in all societies, has become the most general topic throughout the state, as IRSATIOIf. ; and hin prirciples, may igine himself placed alone of the dedd. At the same character any description ted here the want of some c, when I found myself ire 8cotch lament. Of all on Mount Vernon, none simplicity and sweetness, IS the lines of Brainerd. >re congenial to my mind depository of the ashes of end id monuments of Italy e is no attempt made to at perfect freedom to form 9 disrespect to the greatest virtuous fancy may tran- : of any human hands. I 1 of monuments to Wash- »y come when every city, may possess one of some nste : but I feel that any be only an impediment to vill create the noblest coa- he memory of Washington vhat has been and now is vorld. His great example ■e for the human race than is likely to produce still lould be observed by our y; and our schools should } hear his virtues recounted ashmgton in the steamboat. 1 board, of different classes J conversation on slavery, ded as a prohibited one, and sonversation in all societies, ic throughout the state, as STKAMBOAT CONVIRSATIOtf. W 18 well known, since the legislature have taken it up as a wrious business of delibertiiion. Virginia has long suffered under this incubus ; and from a mere love of that inaction which its oppressive weight has produced, has allowed it, like a vampire, to overshadow her eyes, and to suck her blood. Nothing but a severe chock can ever effectually arouse men from such a lethargy. " A liitle more sleep, a little more slumber," is a tune marked " Dacapo ad hbitum," and is generally sung over and over for life. Nothing can interrupt it but a louder note on some different key. The cracking of the foundation of one's house, however, a rat- tling among the clapboards and shingles, and an induppres- sible scream of hunger from within, are serious sounds ; and it is no wonder that men begin to look about and talk when things get to such a pass, 'llio further they examine, the more they perceive that time and the elements are poor masons, carpenters, am] providers ; and that Hercules never -works for a man wlio 'ke>eps his hands in his pockets. My Virginia fellow-passengers seemed to me like boys about to sign their indentures to a new trade, or seamen in- specting a ship which they arc invited to man for a long voyage. They had many objections to make against the plan, principles, and aiTangements proposed, but the reasons of their reluctance all seemed to be comprehended in one word, — it looked too much like har- en, but these he had not rds and frivolities of Paris, see how much we gain in iegree as it is, divested of ipt capitals, and capitals icar Baltimore, where he [rapes, and even in making leems, that with all the abundance of indigenous sy, as well as some foreign nch of culture should have ruit is highly esteemed by nported, and abundance of is used by persons who ully furnished with whole- r course pursued to make generally found in our dif- it to the varieties of soil, rhe treatment and culture ). A vineyard of twenty employed only a part of harvest will be great after time, the soil best adapted uch as is to a great extent States, as of little or no rent parts of the country, i shade, but how few per- he pruning or clipping of ations which are indispen' d crop, and the neglect of rope, would cause an im' BALTIMORE. 28 There are several fine sights presented on that part of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad which lies along the Wash- ington road for three or four miles before we reach the former city. In one place it passes a broad and deep valley on the top of a great embankment, while a stream and a country-road cross its route through arched openings far beneath. It is travelled to the " Point of Rocks," on the Potomac. The scenery to Fredericktown, 60 miles, is constantly varying, and often wild and romantic. Ellicott's Mills may be compared with Little Falls on the Erie Canal. CHAPTER III. Baltimore — Route to Philadelphia — Railroadi. Baltimore has as much the appearance of prosperity and enterprise, in proportion to its size, as perhaps any city in America. The broad and straight streets are lined with large stores and dwellings, some of which rival in taste the best in the country, and are thronged with well-dressed and busy people. The monuments, rising high in the air from open squares, give an imposing effect ; while the shipping: ia the river and harbour, and the noble railroads extending towards Susquehanna and the Ohio, with which it is de- signed to open a direct commimication, indicate that the inhabitants have the intelligence and the ability to accomi- plish great things, to promote that commerce which is the main-spring of the city. The number of stage-coaches which arrive and depart is truly astonishing. Scarcely a quarter of an hour passed, when I was so shuated at the Indian Queen as to observe the street, without the alighting of travellers or the strapping on of more baggage ; and fre- quently several stage-coaches stood, at once before the door. The travelling by steamboats and railroads is also wry great ; so that whea navigation is ogen and Congress 34 VALVE OF PUBLIC INTKLLIOENCE. 1 is in session, the place is one of our greatest thoroughfares. The multitudes coming from the West imprebs one with the rapid increase of population in tiio»e flourishing regions. Baltimore has few monuments to public intelligence worthy of the name. There are few ohjecis which I have seen, that convey the idea, so gratifying to a stranger and so honour- able to the citizens, that in this place knowledge is duly appreciated, and useful learning is shared by all classes. I speak of monuments as the Europeans use the word : that is, as public edifices. The. University can scarcely be said to exist in any branch but the medical department, which has above one hundred students. The Athenaeum has 42,000 volumes in its library. Public education is improving rapidly. Four fine schoolhouses have been recently erected. No. 4, in Hanover-street, is a be»'itiful specimen of architecture, being constructed of whitish granite, with a tasteful fagade. These buildings are much more ornamental than the public schools of New- York. May the interior prove but as use- ful, and Baltimore will have abundant reason to value her new acquisitions. There are persons in every considerable community among us, whose real pecuniary interest would be consulted by the cultivation of knowledge ; and from these some ex- ertions might be expected, at least, on the ground of sound mercantile speculation. Although I would wish to see loftier motives than this brought into operation on such a subject, my chief desire is that the important benefits may be at any rate enjoyed. Teachers and booksellers are directly interested in the case ; and one would suppose that men of real literary or scientific attamments would wish to have their merits judged of by an enlightened public, or seek to cultivate knowledge among those around them, that they might enjoy the pleasure of participating. One would think, too, that as public peace and private security can be enjoyed only amid good order, intelligence, and morality, every indi- vidual would feel the elevation of public intelligence to be a matter of personal interest, and lend his voice and counte- nance, if not his purse, to its aid. And as our females are generally more dependant than njen upon the state of socijety around the of intellect occasion to I its favour. i extent, wit ' noble work in possess of the eoun to render tl I for com me money best dation of a memoratin^ There is boat from sides is po exhausting and almost a tree show and there i: be called sc moderate si is excellent remonstrant the continu to slavery, ( How desire displayed o recovered t< One of t are more < aware. At dead of nig with some Some half ( blows whici such inform ensued bet neighbours XLIOENCE. r greatest thoroughfares. est imprebs one with the e flourishing regions, nblic intelligence worthy > which I hre awaiting our arrival ; thing was seen to move arms of the man who boat. The passengers . to the carriages through which had already been )n shore by another, in out speaking a word, the ittached behind, the half- le whole retinue was on little loss of time as I ory. The men and boys been on the spot, halloo- id, it is to be hoped were vish theht nothing worse. Iter than to be thus rid of do without them, m to make upon the route t injured a single valuable I. railroads I do not know, ' are to be in their turn ical or rapid expedient, as tien the great canal was LTS since, competition was e transportation of pas- And in a country where uggestion,. and to push a we are to embrace a new opinion, who can tell what new plans,^ what new enterprises are before us 1 Steamboats, canals, and railroads, in their diiTorent spheres, have done so much to promote brotherly h>ve among our countrymen, and promise so much more, that I look upon them wiih a kind of afl'eciionate gratitude. We formerly thought that the vast extent of our territory would preclude that intimate intercourse between distant parts which is necessary to unity of feeling ; and that the want of a sense of mutual dependunce would foster mutual estrangement : but these improvements have eaten up miles and degrees of space, levelled mountains, contracted plains, dried up rivers, and drank up half the water on our coasts. They have, as it were, made a present of a good pair of seven-league boots to every son and daughter of the United States. And what gadding on a large scale is now per- formed ! What long jumps do we annually make from home to our neighbours of Maine, Michigan, Kentucky, and Louisiana ! It has been said of some of our countrymen that they have no home : but it might be more truly said of them all, that they have half a dozen ; the stage-coach, the canal-boat, the steamboat, the packet-ship, the inn, and now the railroad car. The vehicles for travelling thus furnish us with a practical refutation of all the prognostics that have been proclaimed of evil to our country, from want of intercourse between its different parts, founded on the expe- rience of other nations ; for they have made us to differ from them in this most essential particular. On reaching Newcastle, the cars stop near the steam- boat, the passengers alight upon a wooden stage, and are soon safely embarked, while their luggage is dexterously rolled in upon the forward deck. Cars laden with merchan- dise may be driven into a large store-house, to be protected in stormy weather or at night, and fifty of them may be housed as comfortably and with as little ceremony as an old milch cow in a farmer's barn. Many pleasant little spots of cultivated land are seen along the Delaware, chiefly on the Pennsylvania side ; and on either hand are numerous patches rescued ffom the river PHILA'DCLPIIIA. by stone walls and banks of earth, which exclude the water when it rises, and preserve the crops from overflow. Few travellers know the pleasant scenes which are found a little in the interior, as no great route passes through them ; and many of the inhabitants, being almost cut off from inter* course with the world, are little aflccted by the exciting itv fluences of the day, so irresistible to those who are exposed to them. This is particularly true of a portion of New- Jeraey, not far remote. What a bitter enemy to human im- provement is a pine barren ! It is the best emblem we can show of a real European Ifgitimate. It keeps the people en the borders of starvation, so that let the thirst of the mind for knowledge be never so great, it is always exceeded by the famine of the stomach. It separates men as far asunder as possible, and thus the fire of knowledge, like scattered brands, can never kindle into a ^laze. How these obstacles are to be overcome, by what mei.n8 we can hope to triumph over poverty and distance in intellectnal, as we can in physical respects, ie yet to be determined. Certain it is that this is a question of great importance ; and the success we have had in improvements of less consequence should stimulate our exertions in this. CHAPTER IV; Philadelphia. Philadelphia has beauties and excellences of its own/ None of our other cities has so fine a kitchen-garden n» Southwark, or displays so much of the beauty of utility and uniformity in its streets. In justice, however, I must allow that no suburbs can be more forbidding, and no introduction to a large town less promising, than the access by some of the great routes. I hope the boasted literar}' character of the citizens is not more apparent than real. Whether it be so or not, I sine ; able quality, wli credit of it. Wc ' between the iiiti aggregate shouli better to lalmur the whole stock. Why Philade I am sure I cam Boston, or New within their rci considerable lite the inhabitants strictions which of our advantagi sigh for the time us. It probably gence, virtue, an as the decided cl and total chan^j timidity on one s around, hem in a of any of our citi perversion of the notorious punstei puns in a half twelvemonth. promote solid lea Athenaeum, FranI provide lectures, are of course first must invite the think, more than How anybody cai threading the cro( Boston, especiall) is difHcuit to tell. There is one i the persuasion ah PHILADKI.PIIIA. M I exclude the water n ovcrfkiw. Few h are found a little hrough them ; and :ut off from inter* by the exciting itv e who are exposed I portion of New- lemy to human im- 3st emblem we can keeps the people t the thirst of the is always exceeded aratcs men as far of knowledge, like Maze. How these nei.ns we can hope intellectual, as we :ermined. Certain portance ; and the f less conaequenco Uences of its own.* kitchen-garden n» leauty of utility and ever, I must allow md no introduction access by some of terarj' character of al. Whether it be so or not, I sincerely wish them fen-fold of this commend- l able quality, which they value enough at least to claim the credit of it. We need not wish to institute exact comparisons ' between the intellectual merits of any of our cities, lest the '^gg^^g^^e should reflect upon the country. It were much better to lal)our zealously by combined exertions to increase the whole slock. Why Philadelphia should not be the Athens of America, I am sure I cannot tell, nor wliat should prevent Baltimore, Boston, or New- York. The people have all the means within their reach. Wo are in the habit of attributing considerable literary honour to some of the cities of Europe, the inhabitants of which are bound on every hand by re- strictions which greatly impede them ; while we, insensible of our advantages, so superior in many respects, indolently sigh for the time when learning will take up its abode among us. It probably is in the power of individuals of intelli- gence, virtue, and influence, now living, by only coming out as the decided champions of knowledge, to effect a speedy and total change of things in the United States. But timidity on one side, old habits on another, and business all around, hem in and shoot down all the hopes we entertain of any of our citizens here and elsewhere. Punning is the perversion of the use of words ; and the Philadelphians are notorious punsters. Some of them will manufacture more puns in a half hour than you may hear elsewhere in a twelvemonth. They have some fine institutions which promote solid learning among different classes, such as the Athenaeum, Franklin Library, and sundry societies which provide lectures, books, &,c. In medical institutions they are of course first. The general aspect of the city certainly must invite the mind to study and reflection, one would think, more than that of most other towns in the Union. How anybody can pursue a straight train of thought while threading the crooked lanes and alleys of New- York and Boston, especially with the din of the former in his ears, it is diflicult to tell. There is one reason why I prefer Philadelphia ; I feel the persuasion always upon me that every thing is clean. •0 PNILADELPHIA. The breadth and uniformity of the streets favour cleanlinesf, and a gtiait deal of washing and scrubbing is visible ; for whatever house you enter, you see hydrunta, and tubfl, and baths, and rills of living water, and have the satisfaction of reflecting that hogsheads and rivers of it are daily used lu good purpose. The elevated banks of the Schuylkill are oma»Tiented with several fine public institutions, among which tiie Marine IJospittil is conspicuous. The marble i|uarries, a short dis- tance up that stream, afford most valuable facilities for tho erection of edifices of a beautiful material. A tour of visita- tion to the Water Works, Penitentiary, House of Refuge, &c., out of the city, and the various pul)lic buildings, exhibitions, 6ic. within, will afford any traveller much interest, and he will see and hear things important to be known, loo numer- ous to write or to read. Though the state is sadly de- Acient in public schools, there are some good ones ; and the infant schools of this city have been celebrated. The American Sunday School Union has its centre here ; and the publishing apparatus is very extensive. Tlicy have for several years issued about a million of little volumes annually, and have taken great pains to improve the char- acter of works for the intellectual, moral, and religious instruction of the young. But one who is bound on a long journey must not allow himself to be too long detained by the agreeable objects of, this orderly and well-arranged city. NewVork— /I Whoever vis maker's shop ; e feels on leaving i anew, and belter hears a clicking, every thing he 1 corner but what is no inactivity; ( and mind at once «xcited by the j compelled to bes a man has any s' step quicker in B and if he have i make him keep ] avoid collision w the cross-walks ti Another great about New- York are seen by so lai pression was prod the stage-coaches at irregular houn to witness the de\ six and seven in i the compass, like i point to take the ( rives, the hissing ceases, the depart favour cleanlineM, ling is visible; for iint!i, and tubfl, and ! the siUiflfiiclion of arc daily used to re oma'nented with, whicli tiiG MiiriiiP larrit'H, » s>iort dis- )lc facilities for the . A tuur of visita- uae of Refuge, &c., Idings, oxhibitionSf 3h interest, and he known, too numer< state is sadly de- e good ones ; and celebrated. The centre here ; and iive. Tliey have 1 of little volumes I improve the char- )ral, and religious ley must not allow greeable objects of. ' CHAPTER V. New.Vork-Aclivity of Citizen.-Mcrchnnli-SociotiM- >Stfathbuati, « Whokver visits New. York feels as he does in a watch^ makers shop; everybody .^oes there for the true time, and feels on leavmg it as if he had been wound up or regulated anew, and belter than he could have done it himself. He IT "!•'•'''*'"»; «V' """■■"' °" "" "'^•'» of '"'". «"d finds every thmg he looks at m movement, and not a nook or corner but what is brim-fuil of business. Apparently there IS no mactivuy ; that is, no person is quiescent both in body and mmtl at once. The reason of this is, that the lazy are «xci.ed by the perpetual motion of the busy, or at least compelled to bestir themselves to avoid being run over If a man has any sympathetic excitability, he will inevitably step quicker in Broadway than in an ox-path in the country; and If he have none, a regard for his flesh and bones wil make him keep pace with the crowd with which he moves avoid collision with that which he meets, and hurry ov'; the cross-walks to escape the carts and omnibuses. abou^ New r\' -"".r ":^^' '^"^ " "^^ '""^'^ excitement about New-York is, that the principal vehicles for travelling are seen by so large a portion of the population. Little im- pression was produced on the public in former dayHhTn the stage-coaches took off most of the travellers by night or at irregular hours: but what can be more animating than U^^witness the departure or arrival of the steamboauV a" 8.x and seven in the morning boats start for all quartern of ^compass, .ke so many carrier-pigeons, released from one rTves 11 >" '""f'" '^'y ^''°°««- When the hour a"! Zs;. ih. T'"^ ""'' "^"'"^ ''^ '^^ steam-pipe suddenly ceases, the departing travellers spring on board, their re- MERCHANTS. maining friends fly for the shore, the wheels move as if by instinct, artd boats tear friend from friend. No row-boat is left behina, as formerly, to accommodate those who lag be- hind : the day of toleration for the lazy lias passed ; and all the comfort they receive, when they beg a moment's delay, is an assurance that they will be » in time for the next boat." But in spite of all such warnings, we find the ancient race of the Loiterers not quite extinct. They are found at every Bttamboat-landing in the country punctually at their time ; that is, half a minute at least too late : and if the moment for starting should be delayed until to-morrow or next week, they still would so contrive it as to keep up their consistency. This spirit of delay once detained one of my travelling com- panions a little too long, and separated us for a part of the route on the enjoyment of which we had indulged anticipa- tions, loading one of us with a double portion of luggage, and at the same time depriving the other of a change of raiment. I once saw an orange-seller hurry on shore at the signal for starting, without waiting to give change to a cu«- tomer, whose money he held under pretence that he had no time; and in another instance a man, who meditated a similar trick on his porter, was pulled back by him for pay, and detained on shore, while his spouse was taken to another city without him. One would think, from the activity of the New- York merchant, that he must be wholly absorbed in the pursuit of wealth : but on becoming acquainted with the facts, you often find that he only redoubles his activity in business hours to gain time for some other employment which he prefers. Not a small proportion of the whole number are connected with some society for the promotion of the good of their fellow-citizens as fellow-men, in morals, intelligence, religion, or some other important interests. This is by no means true of all, nor of so many as would be desirable, as is proved by the fact, that numbers are members of two, three, and sometimes more associations. They take their intelligence and activity with them wherever they go ; and therefore in their society or committee-rooms, with the aid of their commercial punctuality, clear-sightedness, and promptitud a saving ol different lu active mer astonish ar mate of it. annually c( objects wo be easily b large shar individuals not merely the prospe( from the e: influential amples of i those who I and anothei es'«d bene! have becom have alreai It is high and emplo} occupy iinpc them for mt great object by the fatlu vantages, th employment they have 1 their philan rity, and pn excellent in sphere. Tl responsible i the good of ( to witness t schools. Bib less gratifyij wheels move as if by riend. No row-boat is late those who lag be- zy lias passed ; and all beg a moment's delay, time for the next boat." B find the ancient race 'hey are found at every mctually at their time ; e : and if the moment 9-morrow or next week, ep up their consistency. 16 of my travelling com- ted us for a part of the : had indulged anticipa- Lible portion of luggage, i other of a change of sr hurry on shore at the give change to a cua- pretence that he had no man, who meditated a ed back by him for pay, spouse was taken to ivity of the New- York absorbed in the pursuit inted with the facts, you his activity in business r employment which he ■ the whole number are e promotion of the good 1, in morals, intelligence, nterests. This is by no ,8 would be desirable, as rs are members of two, itions. They take their 1 wherever they go ; and littee-rooms, with the aid clear-sightedness, and BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. 88 promptitude, generally act with judgment, good effect, and a saving of time, wiiich could not be expected from men of different habits. Tlie amount of business performed by the active merchants of this city in benevolent societies would astonish any one, if it were possible to present a clear esti- mate of it. And on the other hand, an account of the money annually contributed by them for the promotion of similar objects M'ould form an amount probably greater than might be easily believed. In all this the purest motives have a large share of influence. It is only necessary to know individuals personally to perceive that many are actuated not merely by generosity, but by Christian principle ; and the prospects of good to the city, the country, and the world, from the extension of the spirit of benevolence among the influential men of this city, are very encouraging. Ex- amples of the kind encourage imitation, while they reward those who furnish them ; and every year sees one individual and another embarking in the delightful career of disinter- es?^d beneficence, and new exertions made by those who have become more interested or encouraged by what they have already effected. It is highly gratifying also to perceive that the education and employments of multitudes of the young, who are to occupy important stations in society hereafter, are preparing them for more general and extensive labours for the same great objects. The present societies, created and directed by the fathers, have aflbrded their sons, among other ad- vantages, that most important one of useful and improving employment for their leisure. In multitudes of instances they have led to the formation of characters amiable for their philanthropy, valuable for their intelligence and pu- rity, and promising by their practical knowledge, and the excellent influence they already exercise in their youthful sphere. Thousands of them are at this moment active and responsible members of societies, whose express objects are the good of others: and while it is a most agreeable sight to witness their labours in literary associations. Sabbath- schools, Bible, Tract, and Temperance societies, it is no less gratifying to trace out the influence which systematic 34 PROMOTION OF LEARNINO. r beneficence produces upon their habits, minds, and affec- tions, and difl'uses among their family and social circles. And how important are these iniluences in a population ol nearly 250,000 ! But a view of what has been done, and what is doing in this great city by the good and the intelli- gent, leads the mind to consider what ought to be or may yet be effected. And surely, with all the advantages offered by New- York for the procuring and the diffusion of knowledge, more should be undertaken for the benefit of public intelligence. This city should be the centre of learning for the Union. No other place in the country can possibly enjoy the advan- tages she has to become such ; yet some of our cities and villages have turned to so much better account what r.ieans they have possessed, that they have become literary in a tenfold greater proportion. The public schools are the best large ones in the country, excepting those of Boston ; and in some departments are far superior to them. Some of the private schools are good : but the vast majority, par- ticularly of the fashionable ones, are miserably defective. Columbia College and the University are very respectable institutions for the higher branches of learning, while the Mercantile Library Association, the Apprentices' Library, the City Library, the Athentcum, &,c., afford valuable means of self-instruction to their various classes of readers. Un- fortunately, the talents of the learned are kept too much out of sight, and are of course too much underrated by the public, who scarcely know that they exist. Attempts have been made, from time to time, to establish monthly maga- zines of different descriptions, but they have never flour- ished well ; for writers of acknowledged talent cannot be procured without a reasonable reward, and the publishers are not often disposed to hazard a large sum on an uncer- tainty. If such men, however, were employed in writing for publication, how much better it would be for the country than to leave them in the retirement of their families or of their professions. There is, therefore, yet much to be done by the inhabitants of New- York for the promotion of knowledge ; and to the rising ge Hs for t benevole charge o daily inci ening by But 1 seek an ( ill the er to the tn boats wh but of an of the Si friend of than any might wis swell, wii crops, th( There arc a view of of the fint These apparently seem to a ises held tuality, of the anxiel with the s tions, at 1 When yoD appear sti boat, with flying ovei point, and You see t has been e persons wl scarcely n and the lai ARNINCI. habits, minds, and affec- iimily and social circles, lences in a population of what has been done, and the good and the intelli- what ought to be or may iges offered by New- York ion of knowledge, more ;fit of public intelligence, f learning for the Union, possibly enjoy the advau- ,et some of our cities and etter account what r.ieans ive become literary in a public schools are the best ing those of Boston; and lerior to them. Some of ut the vast majority, par- , are miserably defective. Brsity are very respectable lies of learning, while the the Apprentices' Library, (fcc, afford valuable means I classes of readers. Un- arned are kept too much )o much underrated by the ,hey exist. Attempts have o establish monthly maga- lut they have never flour- (wledged talent cannot be •eward, and the publishers a large sum on an uncer- were employed in writing it would be for the country nenl of their families or of o be done by the inhabitants of knowledge ; and to the r NEW-YORK STEAMBOATS. 35 rismg generation, I think, we may safely look for it, as well Hs for the execution of still more extensive projects of Ijenevolence. And on this hope we may rely without the charge of being visionary in any degree ; for the means are ut of the water between the shoal I the first intimation of melancholy comparatively more common, I be- BMII'WRF.CKS. 43 ■lievp, on approaching the shore in the morning, to see some fine vessel lixcd iipoir ilic shoal, with her spars partly tfone, and partly loaded with signals of distress, and her decks cither crowded with anxious sullerrrs, or swept of those who might have tt)ld of the events of the night. Hut i\w danger ai)0vc mentioned is sometimes pa«Med in safety. Son\e vessels ant borne over the shoal with greater or less injury, and landed, not gently, perhaps, but perma- nently, up()ii the beach, which now presents to our eyes so line a sight, so safe and beautiful a walk. Hut ah ! how (lifl'erent a spot to them, when the fury of an ciiuinoctial storm is raging, which every autumn drives back the beach some sixty or eighty feet, so that the slo|)c commences at the sandy elilV itself, over which the billows attempt to break, and which is often rendered almost unapproachable by the spray. When a vessel has once been thrown upon this beach, the danger of sinking is past, and the ocean immediately begins to employ itself actively for the security of the ves- sel and cargo, as well as for the protection of those on board against further damage. The force of the wind, and still more that of successive waves, is employed to push it further and further up the acclivity, and nearer to the dry land ; and after the hull has remained stationary for a short time, a stronger wave rolls in, which rises higher than its immediate predecessors, holds it an instant afloat again, and thrusts it unceremoniously a little further up the steep ; then retiring, leaves it, perhaps, in the spot where it is to fall piece-meal, and where its keel is to decay. Besides the power of the waves rolling in from the ocean, the ship- wrecked vessel and her unfortunate crew find benefit from their retirement : for as each wave flows back again down the descending beach, it bears rapidly over its smooth sur- face cart-loads of the loose pebbles and sand which so much incommode the inexperienced bather. Their quantity, and the size of the beach-stones, are increased by the vio- lence of the waves in a gale, and the process of grinding gravel into sand is vastly facilitated. This mass of moving substances is ready to accumulate rapidly against every J 44 SHIPWRECK!. obstacle that is fixed sumciciiily to resist it in its descent; and no sooner is a vessel left to rest upon tlic bciicl., than a bank begins to be lornied of sand and stones deposited there by the retiring waves. A causey thus self-constructed from the wreck to the shore ban in some instances ollered the crew the earliest means of escape ; and in particular cir- cumslances may have proved their only safety. If a vessel should thus be thrown upon a beach when the tide is near its ebb, and the bank be formed in time to allow the crew opportunity to escape over it to the land at low water, they ' would be saved the hazards attending another llood-tide, the floating of the ship agaui, with perhaps a change of wind that might drive it into deep water and sink it: to say nothing of a prolonged exposure to wet, cold, fear, fatigue, and hunger. The ship which has been thrown upon such a beach as this, nearly at the height of the tide, and for which the sea is rapidly constructing an eml)ankmenl to the shore, is per- haps in tlie most favourable and liopeful condition in which a wreck can be situated. Yet how replete with inconve- niences, with distresses and dangers, is such a situation to those on board ! The disaster may have occurred within a brief hour of the time when the crew had indulged sanguine hopes of escape from serious injury by the storm, or when, after prolonged labours, sufferings, and apprehensions, they have neither physical nor mental energy to endure their present trials, or to avail themselves of any favourable cir- cumstances in their situation. They are probably ignorant of the coast on which they are thrown, and involved in the obscurity of an atmosphere troubled with tempests, sur- charged with mist, rain, or flying spray, and perhaps dark- ened by night. Thus the mariner is often kept in anxious suspense, and apprehends the utmost danger even when his escape is almost secured. Sometimes, acting under ill- founded apprehensions of their prospects, lives have been unnecessarily exposed and sacrificed; boats have been prematurely launched and swamped on spots which in a short time might have been passed on foot dry-shod. But how can men be expected always to form and act upon cor- rect 0| Who our c( ssfely and I miles Sand} few c swam gcner coiisp to oiii Brant said t part c arabh and h salted agree the fa to the H our defective Education— Hell Gate — Long Island Sound. The rapidity of our steamboats and railroad cars d' prive us of a great many interesting sights and ngreeable reflec- tions, and prevent us from becoming particularly acquainted with any part of our country-. The improved vehicles un- doubied ithis evil (the old when t leaving travelle a farme the hea like to or set travellt fast. 1 early ri and su air and on the know i tind m fields i sympa derstai I may any of malad; knowr Even 1 eases, distort on one the th am lia I hi script not tc there loved at on Strang somet r IT RIVER. ins who would prefer to keep mds ; no departures or arrivals L'ks — in short, as if prosperity ty. joy or disappointment were ion of the hands for thousands fter the bustle has passed, and tes empty streets and noiseless id silent wharves, while weary i busy at iheir dreams, and the idants, alone conscious of the forty thousand persons have e has rapidly passed, but in it ty have changed hands ; what been determined upon, which f whole districts of country; ;d by consummate commercial s deed has been done with ; how many a piece of gold In that short space of time shed by parting friends ; how ifho have returned ; how many e soil of America ; how many d his visit to this busy city ! HABITS. 63 ER IX. veiling— New- York Harbour— Re- 11 Long Island— The East River— by our defective Education— Hell oats and railroad cars d» prive J sights and agreeable reflec- loming particularly acquainted The improved vehicles un- doubledly have their advantages ; but Avhile I acknowledge this evident fact, 1 am not forgetful of those belonging to the old and slower modes. I am fond indeed, now and then, when time permits, and an interesting region invites, of leaving every thing which modern fashion approves in the traveller, and betaking myself to a country stage-coach or a farmer's wagon, and feel delight in the rattling wheels and the healthful jolting motion of a stony hill ; and sometimes like to mount the saddle, and take the road at break of day, or set off on foot in company with some chance fellow- traveller, to earn an appetite by a long walk before break- fast. I am so unfortunate as to have sprung from a race of early risers, unacquainted with the luxuries of morning naps, and suffer from an infirmity that makes me love morning air and athletic exercise. I can congratulate a city friend on the certain prospect he has that his children will never know so lamentable a state of existence as that in which I find myself, when I hanker after pure breezes and dewy fields in one of my paroxysms, and when so far from finding sympathy for my afflictions, can scarcely make anybody un- derstand what I mean when I talk about it. My city friends, I may well say, have no reason to apprehend that they or any of their descendants will ever be exposed to such a malady : it is not in their blood, and the name of it is un- known in their vocabulary, else so rich in asthenic terms. Even those whose scientific repast it is to converse of all dis- eases, from the corn produced by fasnionable shoes to the distorted spine, and the head deformed in infancy by lying on one side, while the nurse was asleep, and tiie mother at the theatre, even they know not the complaint to which I am liable. I have said a great deal about myself, and the nonde- script disorder with which I am affected ; and yet I have not told the extent to which it sometimes proceeds: for there might be danger that instead of being gratified with my loved country retreats in the spring, I should be packed olT at once, as a confirmed -Bedlamite, to a hospital. To strangers, however, I may confess, that one reason why I sometimes shun fashionable vehicles in my journeys is, that 64 THE EAST RIVER. r I wish to avoid fashionable society, and revive the memory of past days, and of men who have long since ceased to tread the world. I confess that tiiis fact is sufficient to for- feit for me all claim to fashionable esteem. What! prefer the history of our grandfathers, that plain unornamented, unsophisticated set, who were too straight-for' ward to allow of any variety in their existence, and so unde- viatmg m habits as to admit of nothing romantic : that race so profoundly ignorant of modern refinements, so stubbornly attached to simple habits and plain speech, and the least worthy of the exalted, the /asAjonai/c generation which has succeeded it ! These remarks may prepare my readers for my singular voyage down Long Island Sound. This I undertook "in a sloop, which having unloaded a cargo of wood, was on her return to the mouth of Connecticut River. The last time I had come up the Sound I had travelled in a steamboat, and at such a rate as to regret our swift speed, while others around were condemning the machinery, the boiler, the hull, the mechanics who had done their best to produce a racer,' and the master and men who navigated her. Feeling in the humour for an old-fashioned passage through the East River, I was pleased to find a vessel so much to my mind and flattered myself that, with the wind then blowing, I should be able to scan the shores at my leisure. I looked at the round bows of the sloop, and then at tiie old sails and the light-handed crew. By beating with a long leg and a short one, she might tack and tack without making too much head-way, and perhaps reach Throg's Neck in time to wait for the morning tide ; that is, after a passage of about six hours. The steamboat which I might have chosen moved off and out of sight, while our hopeful crew were waiting to see a Frenchman's monkeys stop dancing o. '.}ie dock, after which,— and fifteen minutes spent in rolling up sleeves and shoving the sloop out, — we committed ourselves to the deep. It would take me long to describe the appearance of Brooklyn Heights at sunset, as seen from certain points on the water below, or to convey to a stranger an idea of it* still more along its shades of noon ; lik morning, New-Yorl I expressioi are admit it must gr So far as cidedly of tropolis i£ drum-fish, the mere has Capr Islands, \ of mounta to the cit] mercial ei peets so t she is eq claimed fi never posi York is science, tj world in i The pa circumsta evening, t smooth gr sions, an( western s ing influei its labour! to the eye lencc of tl like tlie a traveller's We look. LIVER. ty, and revive the memory lave long since ceased to liis fact is sufficient to for- e esteem. ur grandfathers, that plain, , who were too straight-for- eir existence, and so unde- thing romantic : that race, refinements, so stubbornly lain speech, and the least \abla generation which has y readers for my singular This I undertook in a argo of wood, was on her t River. The last time I i^elled in a steamboat, and iwift speed, while others inery, the boiler, the hull, • best to produce a racer, ited her. Feeling in the (sage through the East lel so much to my mind, e wind then blowing, I at my leisure. I looked then at the old sails and g with a long leg and a vithout making too much g's Neck in time to wait a passage of about six ght have chosen moved ful crew were waiting to incing o» '.lie dock, after n rolling up sleeves and nitted ourselves to the ribe the appearance of n from certain points on stranger an idea of ita r HBLL GATE. 61 still more delightful aspect to one who at sunrise walks along its then shady paths. Though, like the beautiful shades of Hoboken, they are often crowded in the after- noon ; like them they are unseen and tinthought of in the morning, when only they arc truly delightful. The Bay of New- York is often compared with that of Naples ; and from I expressions I have seen in some of the newspapers (which are admitted to be the most authentic records in the world), it must greatly transcend it in some important particulars. So far as I have been able to compare the two, I am de- cidedly of the opinion that the bay of our commercial me- tropolis is incomparably before that of Naples in eels and drum-fish, . ,d that this point of superiority vastly outweighs the mere circumstance that the latter is thirty miles wide, lias Capri and Ischia, instead of Governor's and Gibbet Islands, Vesuvius in the place of Paulus Hook, and a range of mountains for the Jersey shore. I tlierefore bade adieu to the city with less regret when I recollected that her com- mercial enterprise and prosperity are so great, and her pros- pects so brilliant, as to induce the simple to presume that she is equally peerless in every thing else, and to have claimed for her a character which fate has decreed she can never possess. The truth is, like a village beauty, New- York is believed by her admirers to be the paragon of science, taste, and all things ; because she excels the known world in what they think of greater value. The passage of Hell Gate is very interesting under certain circumstances. When the sun is low, eiiiier at morning or evening, the sloping light has a pretty eflect among the smooth green lawns, the weeping willows, the tasteful man- sions, and the little white boat and bathing-houses on the western shore of the bay. As tlie sloop, imder the clieer- ing influence of a brisk breeze, stretches from side to side, in its labours to stem the current, these objects are presented to the eye under a great variety of aspects ; and the turbu- lence of the water rushing over the rocks at tlie Gate, so like tlie agitated crowd of the city streets, redoubles in the traveller's mind tlie beauties of the tranquil scenes on shore. We look, tlierefore, on the retired retreat of the merchaat 66 THE EAST RIVEB. with some participation of the pleasure enjoyed by the family groups, now and then seen rambling at leisure along the rocks, or seated upon the grass near the margui of the tranquil bay, which often reflects the features of that atlrac- tivp scene* If night begins to close around us, or if a threatening thunder-shower assails us in this remarkable pass, we may have some faint idea of those scenes of dread and danger which have here been so often experienced by vesscU under the equinox, or in a violent hurricane. What a re- verse to the tranquil enjoyments of the summer residence must be presented by the signal of distress heard at night between claps of thunder, or to the gay party on the rocks by the coroner's jury sitting in the arbour, over the body ot some shipwrecked stranger. Kip's Bay reminded me so strongly of the retreat oi General Washington from Long Island, that my imagination depicted several of the painful scenes which followed it, as we sailed along near the spot where they had occurred. The guardian care of Providence over our feeble army was plainly shown at several important epochs of our Kevolu- tionary War, but in no case, 1 believe, more conspicuously than when the British were ready to destroy or to capture it on Long Island. The hasty redoubts and embankments, now fast disappearing there under the plough and the street inspector's rod, attest the zeal with which the patriotic militia of the neighbouring states laboured for the defence of the capital; but nothing can give a lively picture of the trying circumstances of the time but the few aged survivors of that period. , , . • » I was a mere boy," said a venerable friend, » but hearmg that the city was in danger, sat up late at night to cast bullets, and in the morning hurried off without leave, to join the army. I spent part of the first night of my active ser- vice standing sentinel on one of the advanced stations near Flatbush, during a tremendous thunder-storm, the lightning of which shone on the enemy's tents and arms, then in lull view. Of course I had time to make my own reflections on war, and the desperate condition of the country. Witn- AST RIVER. AGRICULTURE. 67 f the pleasuru enjoyed by the 311 seen rambling at leisure along the grass near the margin of the eflects the features of that atlrac- around us, or if a threatening in this remarkable pass, we may lose scenes of dread and danger 10 often experienced by vessel* at violent hurricane. What a re- yments of the summer residence signal of distress heard at night or to the gay party on the rocks ig in the arbour, over the body of le so strongly of the retreat of 1 Long Island, that my imagination linful scenes which followed it, as e spot where they had occurred. )vidence over our feeble army was important epochs of our Revolu- ase, 1 believe, more conspicuously re ready to destroy or to capture it [lasty redoubts and embankments, ire under the plough and the street le zeal with which the patriotic ng states laboured for the defence ng can give a lively picture of the he time but the few aged survivors aid a venerable friend, " but hearing iger, sat up late at night to cast [ig hurried off without leave, to join of the first night of my active ser- 1 one of the advanced stations near ;ndous thunder-storm, the lightning nemy's tents and arms, then in full time to make my own reflections on condition of the country" With- out the aid of a thick mist, which covered the movements of our army, our retreat would have been discovered, and drawn on a general attack, 'i'hc outposts had been ordered to be kept occupied till the last, and then to be given up. While some of the troops were yet waiting to embark, how- ever, Ihe commander of one of them, who had misunderstood the order, marched down to the shore. He was ordered instantly l)ack : and, strange as it may seem, reoccupicd his post witliout tiie observation of tiie enemy. At the battle of White Plains some of our old soldiers were exasperated beyond measure by the conduct of General Lee. " 1 was at the battle of White Plains," said an old countryman, " and for want of a better, belonged to the re- sarve of colours. I suppose you know what that is. Weli in the battle, I heard a kind of a rumpus behind me ; and says I, they're a going to cut ofl'our retreat. I'm afraid they are, says our sargeant. And says he to me, will you fall upon them in our rear? Says I, yes; and in front too, says I: for I was young in them days. Well, just then I looked, and sec his exceilency. General Washington, coming with his life-guard. They were on a brisk trot; and some on 'em had to canter to keep up. He rode right up to Gen. Lee, and says he, general, why don't you fight ? Says he, my men won't stand it. Says his excellency (I won't be sartin he said you lie; but he said), you han't tried em. And there we were all in a hurry to march on ; but he had been bribed with British gold : there's no doubt on't. There wasn't a man there but what would have been glad to have his excellency say the word— and they would have riddled him finer than any sieve you ever see. Every one would have had a push at him : they would have riddled him finer than snuff." Croton River, near which this battle was fought, will be in great danger of being carried to New-York, whenever the corporation shall care one half as much about what their fellow-citizens drink, as they do about getting their votes. The shores of the East River show little improvement in agriculture ; an art in which our countrymen are far in the rear of some other nations. There is every reason to be- 08 THE EAST RIVER. I lieve, that judicious trpatmeiit would soon double the product of these fields. But what is to be expected in a land where learnin(f has long been raneed in array ajfainst tliat most important science, where the collei^es are asliamed to admit even its name on their lists of studies, where its instruments are despised by the student, and the aspirant at book-know- ledge casts from him every mark of that most honourable profession, as 8omethin!» incompatible with his lofty aims ? How can it l)e expected that our fields should be subjected to such systems as the wisest and most enlightened men might devise, while the most frivolous topic has the prefer- ence over agriculture in the company of those whose ex- ample is powerful in socitay; while our children are kept from a knowledge of the plainest of its principles, though drilled for months and years on the Greek particles, or see thousands squandered to make them French parrots and peacocks. Here pardon me for a digression. In the Granditone Academy the pupils were trained to look upon the farmers' sons of that town and county as beings of an inferior na- ture, though the public prejudice against it, which was thus greatly fostered, was constantly counteracting the labours of the principal and teachers ; and I believe that its " liberal friends" generally would have been more unwilling to have a boy skilled in the care of an orchard, or the rearing of fowls, than caught stealing eggs or apples. The manual la- bour schools deserve the thanks of the country for breaking through such miserable prejudices. But they need the active and immediate co-operation of good parents, who should make agricultural, or at least horticultural labour a regular daily employment, for the moral and intellectual, as well as the physical benefit of their children. What youth would not derive real gratification from seeing the shrub or the tree springing from the earth he had softened with that vigorous arm which is now more honourably em- ployed in swinging a fashionable walking-stick? Whose health might not be improved or guarded by the most invigo- rating of all exercise in the open air ? Whose intelligence would not be cultivated by the application of arithmetic to % 9T RIVER. would soon double the product to be expected in a land where Ted iu array ajfainst tliat most coUei^es are asiiamed to admit »f studies, where its instruments and the aspirant at book-know- mark of that most honourable ompatible with his lofty aims ? ; our fields should be subjected est and most enlightened men frivolous topic has the prefer- company of those whose ex- ; while our children are kept lainest of its principles, though on the Greek particles, or see ake them French parrots and ligrcssion. Tn the Granditone iined to look upon the farmers' ity as beings of an inferior na- diee against it, which was thus tly counteracting the labours of and I believe that its " liberal e been more unwilling to have f an orchard, or the rearing of ggs or apples. The manual la- nks of the country for breaking ^judices. But they need the eration of good parents, who • at least horticultural labour a or the moral and intellectual, lefit of their children. What 1 gratirtcation from seeing the rom the earth he had softened 1 is now more honourably em- )nable walking-stick? Whose i or guarded by the most invigo- open air ? Whose intelligence 10 application of arithmetic to PF.TER FRACTICAL's FARM. M the calculations of labour, wages, and prices, the practical observation of plants, animals, and minerals in the great public cabinet and museum of nature ? Whose habits might not be hedged in from evil, if the recreations of the day led to more lofty associations and meditations, tempted him into the fields at daybreak, gave him a keener relish for plain food than the fashiouHble cook can excite with all his sauce and spices, and make him long for repose at the hour which Providence has assigned to it ? It would be well for other places besides the shores of this strait, called the East River, if they were the residence of such men as my old friend Peter Practical, of Study work, who, without the advantages of a fashionable friend to influ- ence him, did, as a man of common sense will sometimes do in his circumstances, train up his sons to "ride horse," as it was called, — nut with a lackey, but with a plough be- hind them ; to rise, not with the headache at eight or nine, to hot rolls and coflee, but with daybreak, to go to pasture, and milk the milk they were to drink for breakfast. They were seen accompanying their father in the spring, planting corn in company, and listening to his remarks and questions, which were full of originality, cheerfulness, and good sense. One had the cattle under his particular care the whole year round ; another was supervisor of the sheep ; a third, who had shown a mechanical turn, was put in authority over the tools and implements ; and little Tom, the fourth, was often heard asking questions of them all, assisting them and his father by turns, studying the habits of the fowls, the sheep, and the oxen, and looking further every day into the various interesting things around him. Every season brought new employments, pleasures, and instructions to them all ; and the father often asked their opinions on such subjects as they could understand, and encouraged them by acting on their suggestions, about the planting of water- melons out of siglit from the road, strengthening the fence where the cattle threatened to get in, or putting scarecrows in a better position. He kept them at the district-school as long as it was open, and made them the cleanest and most pohte children there ; and when the school ceased, he de- 7 70 THK EAST RIVKR. voted an hour at loast in the day to the instruction of his boys, and those of hit* neif^hboiirliood in his own liouse. Scarcely was this practice entirely inlVinj^ed upon even in the midst of phiniins; or of harvest. I never was in a house in which learniri|f appeared to he more liighiy respected. He had a small library, containing solid works of his father's day and his own ; and few j)eople ever treated good books with more regard. Of useless or injurious ones, however, his cjiildren were taught to speak in terms of contempt or abhorrence ; and as the rule of the house on this, as on many other subjects, was to weigh every thing in the balance of practical usefulness, it was easily and generally justly applied. When the Granditone Academy announced that chemistry and mtural philosophy were to be taught there, he sent Richan to see whether he could get any thing out of the instruct ons in those branches which might be turned to account. It was soon apparent, however, that scarcely any thing of these branches was taught, so much time was occupied in the classes of French (thiiugh without any hazard of learning to speak it); of music, without learning to sing; of rhetoric, without getting any thing to say ; and of compo- sition, without obtaining an idea worth writing. Richard, therefore, came home, at the end of one quarter, with little more to communicate than a list of definitions of learned terms, which his father told him were worth about as much as the names of a set of farming instruments to a person ignorant of their forms and uses. Having however been obliged to purchase some elementary woiks on these in- valuable sciences, he brought them home, and from these much important information was derived, and the names of books still more valuable to the farmer, who was soon able to make solid additions to his library, and to put in practice the principles they inculcated. If the propri«!tor of any of these tracts of land along the East River could see the farm of Peter Practical, or even the account of its annual products in cattle, vegetables, fruit, &c., with the simple but judirious and truly scientific means by which extraordinary results are there produced, he would wish that some of his family might take up his resK migl that obse metr the I part can I Inll one pure once bars reaii from T coas ance refuc the t inter lets I of wi the r ally are hous impa vent snoM I frieni a str ward and ; woul N. farm with IT Riven. 10 (lay to the instruction of his ihoiirhood in his own liouse. iiirely inl'iiiijred njxdi even in ivest. I never was in a house to he more liighiy respected, ining sohd works of his father's )eopie ever treated good books 88 or injurious ones, liowever, speak in terms of contempt or ' of the liouse on this, as on eigh every thing in the balance IS easily and generally justly ;)ne Academy announced that )phy were lo be taught there, er he could get any thing out •anches which might be turned parent, however, that scarcely vas taught, so much time was ich (thiiugh without any hazard usic, without learning to sing ; y thing to say ; and of eompo- dea worth writing. Richard, Biul of one quarter, with little list of definitions of learned im were worth about as much ming instruments to a person uses. Having however been imentary woiks on these in- t them home, and from these 'as derived, and the names of le farmer, who was soon able library, and to put in practice these tracts of land along the n of Peter Practical, or even •(•ducts in cattle, vegetables, judicious and truly scientific ' results are there produced, lis family might take up his LONO ISLAND SOUND. 71 residence in the neighbourhood. To this, however, there might be an objection : for it is stated, un good authority, that in one place on Long Island, where an iiileliigent observer would exclaim, " Why is this not the garden of the metroplisT" there has been a secret association among the people, to eflect the exclusion of every person from that part of the country in which Mr. Practical lives. But how can this be eflected ? inquires one of my republican readers. In this way : if a piece of ground is lo be sold at auction, one or more of the society attends, and if it is likely to be purchased by any one suspected of such an origin, he at once outbids him, and the loss is divided among the mem- bers of the association, who appear to believe that what remains to them of their worldly estates has thus been saved from destruction. The northern shore of Long Island, unfortunately for the coasting trade, with few exceptions, is of a uniform appear- ance, and has few harbours where even a sloop may find refuge from a northerly storm. A steep sand-bank boundi the Sound on the south, almost in its whole extent, and long intervals are generally found between the few bays and in- lets that break its uniformity. It is surprising that the cases of wreck and loss of life have not been more frequent ; for the number, variety, and value of the cargoes which annu- ally pass through this great channel of domestic commerce are surprisingly great, and fast increasing. 'I'he light- houses, which, now shine like diamond pins on almost every important headland, do what human precaution can to pre- vent disasters : but what aid can they afford in misty or snowy weather 1 I was reminded of the anxious night once spent by a friend in a steamboat at the mouth of yonder harbour, with a strong gale blowing in, and the vessel, with her head to- wards it, revolving her ponderous wheels with all her might, and yet barely able to hold the station which no anchor would have enabled her to maintain. Not far under our lee was the spot where an enterprising farmer's son, from a retired country town, in a sloop, loaded with wood for New-York, was driven on shore at a high vt LONU ISLAND 80VND. ■prinnf tide in the night, and rrmnined ignornnt of his situa- tion till mornini; broke, and showed them they were safe. The waves which hiid broken over them hiui thrown the vessel up to the verge of u euhivated field, so that with littlo difHculiy they leaped upon the stone wall which surrounded it ; and afier recovering' from rdmost freezing by sheltering themselves awhile behind it, they found comfortable refresh* ments in a neighbouring farm-houst;. With scarcely less suffering, though with better fortune, another friend of mine, of three times his age, and ten times his skill, had conducted his little vessel through these waters in a December niglu, when a heavy fall of rain and snow, accompanied with freezing weather, had rendered it impos- sible to loosen a rope or lower a sail, and a tremendous gale hoarsely commanded liie furling of the canvass on penalty of vengeance. Every brace and halliard had be- come a spar of ice, and the sails could not be cut nut of the yards and buntlines, because ti)e crew had refused to do duty, and gone b»low. The old commander, undaunted by all these difficulties, might have been seen (had there been anybody to observe him), firmly holding the helm, some- times looking in vain through the darkness for any sign of the coast, at other times straining his eyes to distinguish what light-house it might be he saw or thought he saw over the icy tnffrail. The terrors of that night, — tlioiigh the tale I had listened to in the Medilerrancar,, — were strongly impressed upon my mind. New. tur bul N ■tree seen its s inter men* had large try. taste T pleas city I been almo been publi with a sen quadi doub COITlf site c front! the u ings the £ chief able but tl SOUND. nnined ignornnt of his situa- lowed tliem they were safe, over ihetn hiid thrown the ivHted field, so that with littlo stone wall which surrounded dmost freezing by sheltering »y found comfortable refresh* toust. , though with better fortune, times his age, and ten times 5 vessel through these waters eavy fall of rain and snow, ther, had rendered it impos- er a sail, and a tremendous furling of the canvass on brace and halliard had be- s could not be cut out of the he crew had refused to do td commander, undaunted by ! been seen (had there been ily holding the helm, some- he darkness for any sign of ling his eyes to distinguish saw or thought he saw over of that night, — though the diterrancar,, — were strongly NEW-HAVEN. 73 CHAPTER X. New- Haven — Literary aspert — Rpfined Society — Ta«t« in Arrhilte- turn — Uuryinjf Grouml— Frniiklin Inatitute — Painlinjfi of Trum- bull — Ainuricun Taite — Leiirning. New- Haven, so celebrated for the attractive beauty of its streets, the variety and romantic nature of the neighhouring scenery, and still more the literary and refined character of its society — New-Haven it was my lot to visit at a most interesting period, namely, during the ceremonies of Com- mencement Week. The annual celebration of Yale College had been changed this year, but did not fail to collect a large concourse of persons from different parts of the coun- try, with, as frequently happens, some foreigners of literary taste and intelligence. There is scarcely any thing better calculated to give pleasure to a friend of learning than to visit this delightful city on such an occasion. It seems as if New-Haven had been originally planned for the site of a university; and almost as if every public as well as every private house had been erected, every garden laid out, every court-yard and public square beautified, and every tree planted and trained, with direct reference to its appearance and convenience as a seat of learning. The central square, which is a noble quadrangle of eight or nine hundred feet, surrounded by double rows of large elms, and divided by a street that is completely arched over with thick foliage, although it is the site of four of the finest public buildings, and shows the fronts of handsome mansions on three of its sides, affords the university its place of honour, for the six college build-> ings are ranged in a long line on the western side, where the ground is highest, and the elevation superior to the chief part of the city. New-Haven is a place of consider- able business, with the inhabitants of surrounding towns ; but the stores are so remote from this delightful centre, or n NEW-HAVEN. at least so effectually concealed from view, where this fine display of buildinga is visible, that the iden as well as the interruption of business is entirely excluded. It is impos- sible for a stranger to catch a glimpse of the Green, as it is familiarly called, especially from some of the most favour- able points of view (as, for example, the public or the pri- vate doors of the Tontine Coffee House), without experi- encing sensations of a peculiar and most agreeable nature. He looks from under the shade of a venerable elm grove upon a smooth level of green grass, about four hundred feet wide, and eight hundred in length, from right to left. The eye then first meets an obstacle, and falls upon a long line of drooping trees of the same description, standing like a wall of verdure before him, disclosing only the general pro- portions of three fine churches, in different tastes, but at uniform distances, with towers rising to a great height into the air, and giving an interrupted view of tlie university. As for tranquillity, it is unbroken, unless, perhaps, by the traffickers in water-melons offering their cooling wares to abate the thirst of a literary race ; or by the voices of the young treading tlie paths of science, which stretch across the smooth turf up the hill to the colleges, " as plain as road to parish church," and far more easy than the steep of science, as it was represented to them at first starting, in the frontispiece of Dr. Webster's Spelling Book. The periodical ringing of the bells, with the signs of gathering and dispersing classes, the stillness which reigns through this part of the city during the college exercises, and the student-like aspects of those who, at other hours, traverse the Green, have a tendency to direct the thoughts of the spectator to subjects above the common affairs of life, and by elevating the mind and tranquillizing the feel- ings, win from the stranger who visits the place a tribute of praise, the source of which may perhaps be more creditable to himself than he imagines. Many trav- ellers have loved to recur to the beauties of New-Haven, and to praise its neat mansions, extensive and blooming gardens, level lawns and luxuriant foliage, who knew not that the chief source of their enjoyment, during their stay, EN. from view, where this fine lat the iilen as well as the ely excluded. It is impos- >limpse of the Green, as it im some of the most favour- imple, the public or the pri- fee House), without experi- and most agreeable nature. } of a venerable elm grove ass, about four hundred feet ih, from right to left. The 3, and falls upon a long line description, standing like a losing only the general pro- , in different tastes, but at rising to a great height into jted view of the university, ken, unless, perhaps, by the Bring their cooling wares to ice ; or by the voices of the sience, which stretch across e colleges, " as plain as road ore easy than the steep of > them at first starting, in the ipelling Book. ihe bells, with the signs of !s, the stillness which reigns during the college exercises, »f those who, at other hours, iency to direct the thoughts ibove the common affairs of 1 and tranquillizing the feel- r who visits the place a of which may perhaps be m he imagines. Many trav- the beauties of New-Haven, ons, extensive and blooming uriant foliage, who knew not enjoyment, during their stay, RSFINEMENT. 75 had been derived from another and a higher cause. I have often listened with pleasure to the encomiums thus annually poured, like a spontaneous song, from the hearts of many refined strangers on the spot, because, while it recalls to my own mind agreeable impressions, it informs me that my companions hold learning in becoming regard, and rejoice to see it duly honoured. But in praising the fine part of New-Haven, I would not slight the remainder of the city. Many neat and not a few- elegant houses are seen in other streets, especially in this vicinity, shaded by the rows of elms which extend far in every directitm along those which here cross at right angles. Withdrawing northwardly along two of these, to the distance of about a quarter of a mile, you enter the beautiful "Avenue," where are collected the houses of several of the oldest and most eminent of the professors of Yale College, with the chaste and elegant mansion of the Poet Hillhouse at the opposite extremity, rising among the trees of a self-planted wood, on a gentle eminence. Nothing could be more pleasing or appropriate than the aspect of this retired spot, when I proceeded in the twilight to visit one of the professors ; and nothing more accordant with the scene and the vicinity than the intelligent conversation, mingled with the refined hospitality and friendship shown by such of the neighbours as had assembled, to several lite- rary strangers who presented themselves during the evening. One cannot but regret, after seeing such a society, that its influence should not be more extensively exerted to raise the standard of conversation and manners in other places. No one can doubt that there is a large depository of power here which might, by some means, be made to operate upon our country extensively. Much might be done by a periodi- cal publication, devoted not so much to the cultivation of the higher branches of science and literature, with which 80 few have any concern, but to the refinement of social intercourse, the incitement of parents to give a proper do- mestic education to their children, the inculcation of sound principles on this and many other subjects essential to pri- vate and public prosperity and happiness. The cause of 76 NEW-HAVBN. its want is probably to be attributed to the fact, that the members of this society underrate their own powers and opportunities for doing good in such a manner. Those con- nected with the university are generally much occupied with business ; and there is so much refinement around them that they do not, perhaps, feel how much it is needed else- where. Besides, they would be ready to say that Yale College, with the ten large and respectable boarding-schools in the city, are constantly labouring to produce such an effect. But how slight yet how effectual a labour it would be to publish a monthly magazine here, whose influence should be beneficially felt throughout the Union, and which, while it might chastise the follies and frailties of certain in- fluential periodicals now existing, might condescend to in- struct a million of our countrymen in the way to social refinement, the bosom friend of moral and religious improve- ment. A society has been formed in New-Haven within a few months, for the promotion of taste in civic architecture, the laying out of grounds, &c. A stranger would at first be disposed to wonder less that such a subject should have at- tracted attention here, than that there should have been sup- posed to be room for improvement. And yet it was, in fact» perfectly natural that such a plan should have been devised in New-Haven; because improvements are much more likely to progress than to begin. And how important are the objects embraced by this society ! Our best plans of architecture in the United Slates are notoriously defective. We have lived till this time without ascertaining any prin- ciples to be observed in building oar houses, so as to consult the great points that ought to be regarded. How often do we begin to build without a thought even of old Fuller's quaint remark, that light and water, creation's eldest daughters, should first be sought in choosing a position ; and after this, how innumerable are the violations of common sense, taste, and experience committed by every person who con- structs a residence for his family! In fantastical ornaments and preposterous novelties, as well as in fashions condemned by every thing but habit, we often see that obedience to ex- CN. DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS. 77 uted to the tact, that the te their own powers and ch a manner. Those con- generally much occupied ch retinement around them w much it is needed else- : ready to say that Yale spectabie boarding-schools ring to produce such an sfTectual a labour it would ne here, whose influence lout the Union, and which, and fraihies of certain in- , might condescend to in- nen in the way to social oral and religious improve- New-Haven within a few e in civic architecture, the stranger would at first be 1 a subject should have at- lere should have been sup- it. And yet it was, in fact,. should have been devised vements are much more . And how important are ;iety! Our best plans of I are notoriously defective, mut ascertaining any prin- mr houses, so as to consult regarded. How often do lught even of old Fuller's water, creation's eldest in choosing a position ; and violations of common sense, by every person who con- \ In fantastical ornaments II as in fashions condemned n see that obedience to ex- ample which ought to be yielded only to pure taste and sound judgment. The purse-proud descendant of a venera- ble family, to obliterate every trace of an education which he chooses to despise, and with the feelings almost of a parricide, levels the noble elms that defended worthier generations from the storms; before he lays the founda- tion of some glaring structure, which he thinks will capti- vate every eye. Some of our countrymen believe that there is no architectural taste independent of red, green, or blue paint; while others, especially in the capitals, sleep content (half a day's journey in the air,) if they succeed in building more spacious parlours than their neighbours, and in re- moving one more convenience to make room for a few more guests at an occasional winter's jam. Happy would it be, if the society above referred to could teach us how to consult our own comfort, and the benefit of our children, in the plan of a house ; if it could convince some par ;jis ihat our dwellings should sometimes be the scenes of i nostentatious, sincere, and Christian hospitality; but chiefly planned and furnishtd with a serious regard to its great object, — the training of their children. There can be no fireside in a house where every thing has been sacri- ficed, in the plan and the furniture, to the hollow and ruinous ceremonies of fashionable life. The fireside is of but little im- portance, I know, in the view of persons who profess to live only for the present time ; but this is a subject which might occupy the attention at least of some reflecting persons, if it were properly brought up to their notice. How impossible it is to reconcile the demands of fashion and of duty on the family of one of our wealthy citizens ! How much more wise it would be to contract the walls and depress the ceilings of our houses to a reasonable size, and tear ofl" from the furniture of our children's apartments some portion of the silks and gildings with which we early implant false ideas of the world and their own importance, and bring back every thing at once to the intellectual and moral scale on which some of our ancestors ordered their household ! What ages, what centuries of time would be rescued from the cares of spacious and gaudy apartments, the conversa- ■ .■■A-iT,.-Jj;-; U'Sa^- ^ 78 NEW-HAVEN. tions of heartless and formal visiters ; whnt a round of new and nobler topics and daily pleasures might be substituted ; what a revolution might be effected in the occupations and feelings of families ; how many a child might be saved a banishment, who is now annually expelled from the parental roof, to seek afar a guardian and instructer, denied by fashion at home ; how many a fireside might be daily and nightly gladdened with circles of well-taught and affectionate brothers and sisters, instead of being devoted to frivolous morning calls, and trampled by nightly dancers ! Incontestibly many comforts and advantages of different kinds might accrue from the improvement of architectural taste and science, in our country at large. A sightly man- sion may be erected at less expense than is often bestowed on a pile of deformity ; and not only convenience but health may be secured by a judicious plan in building. The plant- ing of trees on private grounds often contributes to the grati- fication of neighbours and the beauty of a town ; and the laying out and decorating of public squares, although so generally neglected among us, might easily be rendered subservient to the improvement of public taste, intelligence, and morality. Whoever has been in Switzerland or other foreign countries, where rural seats are provided at the way- side, near fountains, on hill tops, or under the most venera- ble shades, for the convenience of foot-travellers, must recall with pleasure the agreeable impressions they give of the re- finement of the inhabitants. What a total absence of all such feelings, on the contrary, is caused, as we pass along our own roads, to see no trace of any thing done for the benefit of a stranger ! The road side is often studiously deprived of foliage ; and it is rare that so much as a rock can be found proper to afford a convenient seat. On enter- ing our villages also, is there any little grove, or even a single tree provided with benches, from which one may survey the objects around him 1 A trough may have been placed for the benefit of the cattle, to receive the water of a rill ; but why is man considered as so far beneath all no- tice ? The inn and the drinking shop indeed are open ; but would not their evil influence be diminished, if every village I BURYINO-OROVND. 79 srs ; whnt a round of new irea might be substituted ; ed in the occupations and \ child might be saved a ixpelied from the parental 8tru(!ter, denied by fashion light be daily and nightly •taught and affectionate leing devoted to frivolous ghtly dancers ! id advantages of different irovement of architectural at large. A sightly man- ise than is often bestowed ily convenience but health ,n in building. The plant- en contributes to the grati- sauty of a town ; and the iblic squares, although so might easily be rendered r public taste, intelligence, 3n in Switzerland or other ts are provided at the way- or under the most venera- ' foot-travellers, must recall Bssions they give of the re- lat a total absence of all , is caused, as we pass •ace of any thing done for oad side is often studiously re that so much as a rock 3nvenient seat. On enter- iny little grove, or even a les, from which one may A trough may have been lie, to receive the water of d as so far beneath all no- shop indeed are open ; but diminished, if every village were provided with a little shady green, furnished at least with a few seats in the shade, where the youth and age of the place might meet at sunset in the summer? With how little expense might the spot be beaulifiud, and, if necessary, protected by a keeper ! Winding paths are easily made ; trees are easily planted, and will grow if let alone ; flowers afford a cheap and delightful ornament ; and how easily might tasteful arbours or rotundas be supplied with a vase, a bust, or even a statue, such as native artists can easily produce ! But this fertile subject has led me far beyond my in- tended limits. Let us turn to the decorated ground which shows, alas ! a profusion of marble monuments, a little west- ward of the beautiful Avenue of which I have spoken. In my view, the burying-grouud of New-Haven has been too much praised, as it can lay no claims to an equality, as a mere object of taste, with that great and beautiful depository of the dead of Paris with which it has most frequently been compared. The cemetery of P^re la Chaise occupies a great extent of irregular ground, instead of being a mere plain of limited size ; and in place of small monuments, mingled with many upright slabs, planted in lines par- allel with the straight poplars, which imperfectly shade them, presents a long succession of more costly and tower- ing obelisks, pyramids, and fabrics of different styles, half surrounded by clusters of various trees and shrubs, occupy- ing points favourable to effect. The paths wind over and around many a little eminence, sometimes confining the view of the solitary visiter to objects close beside him, com- pelling liim to think of some individual among the multitudes of dead, and perhaps to read his epitaph: sometimes afford- ing a distant view of the metropolis, and filling the mind with a solemn and instructive lesson concerning the living. This is a brief picture of Pere la Chaise, as the cemetery is familiarly denominated : that is, of the belter ponion of it ; and how'ean a comparison be instituted between its rural scenery and luxurious monuments and any thing we find here 1 Perhaps ail the marble in the whole buryiiig-ground of New-llaven would hardly be sufficient to construct some 80 NEW-HAVEN. single monumenu erected to Parisians. But, for all the purposes for which a place of inierment should be planned and visited, that of New-Haven appeared to me as lar supe- rior to that of Paris as I can possibly describe. One of the most splendid structures in the latter is that of Abelard and Heloise ! What man of intellect, not to say of religion, or even of morality, does not feel insulted by such a fact? 1 will not speak of that large portion of the ground which is dug over once in a few years. The soul which " startles at eternity," goes to the grave- yard to learn something of the import of so dread a word. Trifles, such as wealth, taste, learning (so called), honour that cometh not from God, glory that survives not death, man knows too well to be willing seriously to invesiiga e their nature. If he endures them at all, he seeks ever to mingle with the crowd which proclaims them as worth more than they are. Worldly men, therefore, you find not gomg to the grave, to weep, or even to meditate there. The place then must have a solemn sermon prepared to preach to every visiter, on the end of all things.-of all thmgs but one. It must have thoughts ready to suggest on the imperishable nature of the soul, the superior importance of every thing that may lead it to future happiness, and the danger of for- eettincr its inestimable worth among tlie glare of the baubles tround us. Whatever there be, therefore, in a cemetery, which does not tend to depreciate this world in our esteem, and to exalt the future, is out of place; and whatever the object be, it proclaims that the author of it was entirely ignorant of the task he had undertaken, and had no mind capable of comprehending the subject. While, therefore, I state a plain truth, that i..ere are finer serpentine walks, more costly and splendid monuments in Phre la Chaise, I insist that more judgment, far higher taste has been shown in the New-Ha' en burying-ground. In my view also the same might be saul of every village burying-ground in our country, were it not for the too limited size generally allowed them, and the too common neglect with which they are treated. I speak Irom a deep sentiment of my heart when I say, that a secure enclosure, ;N. COLONEL Trumbull's paintixos. 81 •arisians. But, for all the merment should be planned appeared to uie as far supe- isibly describe. One of the alter is that of Abelard and ct, not to say of religion, or insulted by such a fact? I tion of the ground which is eternity," goes to the grave- 3 import of so dread a word. learning (so called), honour ory that survives not death, King seriously to investigate liem at all, he seeks ever to roclaims them as worth more therefore, you find not going ,0 meditate there. The place ■mon prepared to preach to lings, — of all things but one. suggest on the imperishable >r importance of every thing iness, and the danger of for- fiong tite glare of the baubles be, therefore, in a cemetery, ate this world in our esteem, of place ; and whatever the he author of it was entirely undertaken, and had no mind subject. 1 plain truth, that there are os'tly and splendid monuments It more judgment, far higher New-Ha'cn burying-ground. light be said of every village ry, were it not for the too d them, and the too common reated. I speak from a deep I say, that a secure enclosure, a few gravelled walks, shaded by willows, enriched with flowering shrubs, and decently secluded from noise and dust, would furnish every village with a depository for the dead more appropriate, more truly beautiful, and for the living more instructive, than the boasted cemetery of the French metropolis. It is difficult for me to express all the gratification the traveller experiences on entering the Franklin Institute, which is connected with one of the principal inns in New- Haven. Whoever heard, in any other city or country, of such a union ? In a spacious wing of the hotel, over the dining-room, the lodger may cross a passage and enter a fine lecture-room, furnished with seata for two or three hun- dred people, with a desk for a lecturer, having a neat labora- tory and apparatus in view, a niche for receivers, with a flue to take off" offensive gases, a study adjoining, and a private passage to a fine mineralogical cabinet, occupying the third story, to which you are next introduced. This institution is due entirely to the uitelligcnce and liberality of Mr. Abel Brewster, a wealthy mechanic of this city, who pltmned and founded it at his own expense, for the benefit of the citizens. A course of scientific lectures is delivered every winter, principally by the professors of Yale College, to which tickets are obtained for two dollars. The professors and other literary gentlemen of the place afford it their counte- nance and labours ; and the influence upon the inhabitants has been very beneficial, especially those who have not many other sources of instruction. Such an example, from an intelligent and highly philanthropic individual, should provoke to imitation some of those in other places who pos- sess the power of promoting the great interests of the public in a similar manner. New-Haven has been greatly enriched within a few months by the acquisition of some of the invaluable paint* ings of Colonel John Trumbull, which are now deposited in a building erected by subscription in the rear of the College Lyceum. This edifice is itself worthy of particular atten- tion, on account of its neat and correct architecture, and its appropriate plan for the objects designed. It is notorious 8 82 NEW-IIAVEN. that in all the picture galleries of Europe there is not one in which the proper arrangements have been made for the favourable disposition of paintings and admission of light. Numerous windows, generally large, and opening nearly from the ceiling to the floor, give a multitude of cross lights ; or else a portion of the apartment is thrown into deep obscurity. You may walk through the whole gallery of the Louvre, about one-third of a mile in length, and not see a painting in the best light; while in Italy the pictures in private collections are often hung upon hinges, and those of the Vatican, among others, sufler from the evils above men- tioned. Some of the exhibition-rooms in Philadelphia, New- York, and perhaps some of our other cities, are now more judiciously lighted from above. The rotunda of the capitol is a noble specimen of the same kind, reminding one of the Pantheon of Rome ; and although constructed primarily for a difl'erent purpose, affords one of the finest galleries for paintings in the world. After visiting the well-known mineralogical cabinet of Yale College, I entered the gallery >vhere, under the advantage of a light admitted from above, are seen the pictures of Colonel Trumbull ; and it is doubly gratifying to find so many of them deposited in a permanent situation, in his native state, which he has done so much to honour, and to know that this arrangement has been made by the liberality of some of his fellow-citizens. Of the full value of the national paintings of this artist, it will be impossible to judge until time shall have enabled the public more justly to appreciate it. But how happy it is that an ofHcer of Washington's family should have been able as well as disposed to record the principal events of our re- volution in this most interesting and instructive manner, and to preserve the portraits of the most distinguished actors. While on the spot, I could not but wish that a suggestion I heard made some months since might ere long be carried into effect, viz. that lectures should be delivered, to the stu- dents and others, on these pictures, embracing those instruct- ive historical and biographical details in which our revolu- tionary period so greatly abounded, and in which our youth ought to be frequently and familiarly schooled. Iw Hous( furtive chasei appea of tasi have ( Th of af StUCCf appeu stone. white Aprof introd here utterl; taste, its kr whicl Bu Let u on a try. than other princ respe princ else, mast( ancie write butb like 1 or t( Apol have days kVEN. TRUE AMERICAN* TA8TE. 88 es of Europe there is not one enis liave been made for the ings and admission of light, y large, and opening nearly ^e a multitude of cross lights ; irtment is thrown into deep ough the whole gallery of the mile in length, and not see a hile in Italy the pictures in ing upon hinges, and those of I'er from the evils above men* i-rooms in Philadelphia, New- ir other cities, are now more . The rotunda of the capitol le kind, reminding one of the tugh constructed primarily for me of the finest galleries for ter visiting the well-known College, I entered the gallery r a light admitted from above, el Trumbull ; and it is doubly hem deposited in a permanent hich he has done so much to arrangement has been made s fellow-citizens, ional paintings of this artist, until time shall have enabled iciate it. But how happy it is family should have been able the principal events of our re- g and instructive manner, and le most distinguished actors. I but wish that a suggestion I ce might ere long be carried [lould be delivered, to the stu- ires, embracing those instruct* details in which our revolu- nded, and in which our youth liliarly schooled. 1 was exceedingly mortified, however, to find in the State House, a copy of Trumbull's Declaration of Independence, furtively made by a raw young artist, whicii lias been pur- chased by the Legislature, and hung up in the hall. This appeared to mc as discreditable a reflection upon the want of taste and the abundance of parsimony as that body could have cast upon itself. The State House is a beautiful edifice, built on the model of a fine Grecian temple, in pure taste, and is handsomely stuccoed in imitation of granite. These perishable materials appear ill when betrayed under the thin disguise of mock stone. The Gothic Churcli near by already shows the white pine under the glazing of brown paint and sand. Apropos, speaking of the Gothic style, — Why should it be introduced into America T There is not a feature in society here which bears the slightest aflinity with it; and so utterly opposed is it to the principles of pure and refined taste, that nothing makes it at all tolerable in Europe, except its known connexion with the days of semi-barbarism in which it flourished. But it is more agreeable to approve than to condemn. Let us take this favourable opportunity to reflect a moment on a national taste in the fine arts, appropriate to our coun- try. In architecture it is much easier to say what does not than what does suit our circumstances. I will leave that to others for the present, hoping they may apply to it those principles of common sense which I wish to suggest in respect to a sister art. In painting, we ought to fix our principles distinctly. We ought not in this or any thing else, servilely to follow the example of any, even the masters of the art. We are to imitate the style of the best ancient orators, poets, and historians, when we speak and write; but how? By using exactly their words? No; but by saying what they would have .aid if they had been like us, and in our places. So, when we come to painting or to sculpture, we should not merely copy Jupiters, or ApoUos, or Laocoons. Apelles and Praxiteles would not have produced such personages if they had flourished in our days in the Western Continent Long were the arts smoth- 84 KEW-IIAVEN. cred in Europe under the weight of ancient example ; and when West roused up from tiie rcvery enough to tlirow ofl the drapery of antiquity, they breathed more freely. But West went not into tlie proper American domain. He was indeed unfavourably situattd to «lo so, for he was in Europe. We find him therefore, wiien out of scripture and poetical subjects, commemorating the death of Wolfe at Quebec, and making his hero with liis hvst breath applaud a victory in which no principle was involved, and from which flowed no result of interest to mankind. The tale to be told on his canvass was the old bald tale of miUtary adventure: directed by a ministry three thousand miles distant, with money which tliey seem to have expended chiefly for their own credit. Military glory is the highest motive you can attri- bute to any of the personages of whom the groups must be formed ; and the whole work is but the old song of false praise to war and bloody victory. But how different from all this arc the paintings of Trumbull ! How much more appropriate to the principles we profess ! Each of the personages presents an instruct- ive lesson in his history. Here is no son, whose name was inscribed on the army list merely to secure him a pro- fession. The simple insignia of these soldiers were not purchased with money, and no accident or fatality brought them together. The war in which they engaged had not been waged for the exaltation of an ambitious general, or to slake the thirst of any tyrant for blood ; and the actors were not the blind servants of one whose com- mands might not be questioned. Each man had inde- pendently acted in obedience to his own judgment, and in accordance with his own feelings. His education had been such as to strengthen his mind, and to cultivate pure mo- tives ; and the great proof of the patriotism of our army was shown by then- quietly disbanding and returning to their homes when the war had been terminated. Other troops, after obtaining victory, would have considered their own great object yet unaccomplished, wliile their pay was whh- held ; and would have been ready to ravage tlieir country to reward or revenge themselves. But the men whom our preat atta(;l eigne pelle just i whic their It ciali] be s( doub Colh value coun fulnc The difl'e culti Unic stru( nent and inad T schc and plea ing. port ther do, imp hon gen inst rate aga ing. to AVKN. ght of ancient example ; and e rcvory enough to llirow ofl" Y breiilheil more freely. But r American domain. Ho was «lo so, for he was in Europe, out of scripture and poetical df.ath of Wolfe at Quebec, and t breath applaud a victory in :rd, and from which flowed no The talc to be told on his of mihtary adventure : directed id miles distant, with money tpendcd chiefly for their own highest motive you can attri- of whom the groups must be is but the old song of false ory. all this arc the paintings of e appropriate to the principles rsonages presents an instruct- Here is no son, whose name St merely to secure him a pro- ia of these soldiers were not no accident or fatality brought 1 which they engaged had not ion of an ambitious general, ly tyrant for blood; and the servants of one whose com- ioned. Each man had inde- e to his own judgment, and in ings. His education had been tiind, and to cultivate pure mo- ihe patriotism of our army was landing and returning to their een terminated. Otlier troops, hi liave considered their own hed, while their pay was whh- i ready to ravage tlieir country ilves. But the men whom our CAUSES HF LANOriSIIINO COLLKflES. 8S prcat artist has preserved ou his canvass, ma.ntamed the attachment ol children to tlu-ir .ouniry, and vohintanly re- signed that power by which ah.ne th.y nu«hl have com- pelled the satisfaction of their claims, alllumuh they were just and undis,.uted. Posterity will have (he discrnninatum which we want, and apprcnalc such works accordmg to their merits. It has been lamented that some of our states, and espe- cially such as have contained the best of our colleges, should be so parsimonious in rendering them pecuniary aid. No doubt a few thousands of dollars, il conferred upon Yale College some years ago, would have proved ol extreme value to the iiileiests of learning in Coimecnicut and the country. She has had to struggle whh poverty, or her use- fulness, great as it has been, might have been doubled. The legislature of the state has appeared unaccountably m- diflerem to learning, while in possession of means lor its cultivation, 1 suppose, superior to those of any other in the Union. This I attribute to the habit of receiving early in- struction in the district scliools at the expense of a perma- nent fund ; to the division which is ma.le between those lully and those partially educated ; and, perhaps, above all, to the inadequacy of common education. The right of every parent to send his child to a district school is considered as entire as the claim to air and water ; and indeed many resist taking more instruction than they please, as they would object to excessive eating or breath- ing. The people are not called upon to providi! lor the sup- port of their schools, nor obliged at any time to go without them ; and therefore do not often contemplate, il they ever do, the real value of regular education. Besides, the most important part of the instruction is often communicated at home, and this may be another reason why there is no general disposition among the people to be liberal to literary institutions. Practical knowledge is too generally under- rated by men of regular education, and this fosters jealousy against them, and provokes contempt for theoretical learn- ing. Study and work are so entirely separated, in short, as to be kept ignorant of each other; and there has been 8* 80 sAvnnooK point. popiilar ignorance ami jeiilnuHv enoimh to Id this chief literary iiiHliiulion of the Hiult; liiiiLniish for many yrara. Yah' ('ollcia' lias recently rcrciv* d nl)ove one huiidred thou- sand dollars in nubscriplions from it« iilutnni 'ind friends in different parts of the eountry, alilioiijih ahout an equal sum has been contributed at tlie same time for several other insti- tutions in New-Kni{land. While these instances of enlight- ened liberality authorize us to iudulRc hopes that learning will bo supported in the Dnion by the public; the past warns us of the danger which it incurs among a people educated on a defective plan, and i-laims the immediate im- provement of common schools : even those of Connecticut, which have been greatly overrated. Saybrook, on tlic western side of Connecticut Uiver, at its mouth, was the first plac^e occupied by the English in New-England, after leaving the coast of Massachusetts Bay. After repeated solicitations from the Indians, who originally occupied the hanks of this delightful stream, and had been driven from the western shore by the Mohawks, the governor of Plymouth Colony sent Lieutenant Gardner with a few soldiers to oe<;upy this post, for fear lest the Dutch should anticipate him. Ho arrived only a few hours before a Dutch vessel appeared from New-York, which sailed up and founded a settlement at Hartford, under the patronage of the Mohawks. The steamboats stop at Saybrook Point, which is about a mile from the village. Here arc a few houses, several of which receive boarders during the summer season. 1 may give the results of a morning's observations, during a walk I took between sunrise and breakfast time. Saybrook Point is nearly in the form of a circle, being a peninsula, con- nected with the mainland by a very narrow neck, over which the tide sometimes flows, and having a broad and handsome bay of shallow water on each side. The soil is sandy and poor, and the elevation of the highest part, which is near tlie middle, is not above twenty feet. The remains of the fort are on a small spot of ground at the extremity of the peninsula ; but the site of the first fort is believed to have been worn away by the encroachments of the waves. I four castw this ii ■West( have 1 Tndiai to me abund Moun count! bank erect£ inscri standi which Thes ing to the d( Th squan andO than I Than buildi Court yard, three New- in thii well childr I hi affecti refine with I appro licved the eh were )INT. AN OLD matron's OPINIONS. 7» enoueh to let this chief liiiiL'uish for many yrars. (i iil)ov«' one luiiidrrd lliou- I its iiliimni 'mil (ricntis in li(>ii<;h iihout an ciiual sum tiuii^ for several otlicr iiisli- ! tlicsn instances of enlight- idulRc liopes that learning II by the public ; the past it incurs among a people (1 (^luims the immediate im* even those of Connecticut, led. ie of Connecticut Uiver, a» ccupied by the English in le coast of Massachusetts ons from the Indians, who f this delightful stream, and rn shore by the Mohawks, my sent Lieutenant Gardner this post, for fear lest the He arrived only a few hours cd from New-York, which ment at Hartford, under the fbrook Point, which is about arc a few houses, several of the summer season. 1 may observations, during a walk ikfast time. Saybrook Point lie, being a peninsula, con- a very narrow neck, over 's, and having a broad and !r on each side. The soil is on of the highest part, which 3 twenty feet. The remains of ground at the extremity of the first fort is believed to incroachments of the waves. I found an old man iioeing corn on the linnk wliicji slopes eastward a little in its rear. "I siisppct," said he, "that this is the oldest field brtwcen I'lymciiith Colony and the Western Ocean ; for from its situation this woidd naturally have been ilic first spot the settlers would have tilled, as the Indians kept them at first closely confined." 'J'his appeared to mo very probable ; and when I rellrcted what rich and abundant harvests are now growing almost to the Kocky Mountains, it gave me a striking idea of the progress of the country in two hundred years. On the brow of the bleak bank stands an ancient monument, of coarse free-stone, erected to Lady Arabella Fenwick, which iias now no inscription, and is entirely neglected, being barely kept standing to comply witli the rerpiisitions of the deed by which a large tract of land on the opposite shore is held. The simplicity and loneliness of this reliek are very touch- ing to the feelings, when the pure and exalted character of the deceased is called to mind. The land on the Point is laid out in large fields and squares, as it was originally intended for a commercial city; and Oliver Cromwell, with other men then more distinguished than himself, was once, it is said, actually embarked in the Thames to occupy the ground. The foundation of the building which was once Yale College, the cellar of the Court House, and the ancient grave-stones in the burying- yard, ofler interesting objects to the antiquary. Two or three old houses are among the few specimens of early New-England architecture, now observed by the traveller in this state. Captain Doly's house and his portrait, as well as his grave and those of his contemporaries and children, i visited. I had some conversation with an old matron, whose un- aflfected dignity, obliging manners, intelligent remarks, and refined language reminded me of many of those I had viewed with such respect and attachment in my childhood. She approved of my early rising and rational curiosity, and be- lieved it would be better if we were more acquainted with the character of our ancestors and those difficult times which were formerly experienced here. There h«d been a mush- 88 A CONNECTICUT VILLAGE. room race, which had risen after the Revolutionary War, very unlike their fathers, caring nothing for them, and want- ing only to amass money; but she believed times were better now, and it had become quite tlie Aishion to search for amiquities. It seemed to her like the Book ol the Law, which was lost a long time, but was found m the temple in the time of Josiah. CHAPTER XL A Connecticut Clergyman's Family-Wood-hauling-Middletown. In my journey up the river I deviated from my course to visit one of the favourite scenes of my childhood. It was one of the river towns, so like the others iv. its general traits, that to describe it is in some sense to describe all which .eiain their ancient agricultural character. I spent parts of two years there while a boy, in the family of the old clergy- man of the place ; and thus became instructed m the state of society, as an apprentice learns his master's trade, viz. by assisting to carry it on. The good old man, who had lived many years on a glebe of four acres and four hundred dollars a year, w, s considered by his neighbours entitled by his character to the liberal pay of one dollar a week for boarding, lodging, and instructing a boy like me ; and in the plain hospitality which I received at their firesides, I read at once their love for him, and their respect for the learning which I was supposed to be seeking. Some of these men, while they worked the farms of their ancestors, occupied dwellings which had sheltered several generations ; or at least reposed under aged elms where their grandfathers had pursued their boyish sports. I soon began to share the ieeluigs of the family, where every wandering stranger was sure of finding friends ; and through the frequent calls of connexions and brother-clergymen, as well as by visits m fT VILLAGE. fter the Revolutionary War, ; nothing for them, and want- at she believed times were quite tlie Aishion to search er like the Book of the Law, It was found in the temple in ER XI. y—Wood-hauling— Middletown. I deviated from my course to les of my childhood. It was the others iv. its general traits, } sense to describe all which 1 character. I spent parts of I the family of the old clergy- icame instructed in the state earns his master's trade, viz. The good old man, who h.id if four acres and four hundred by his neighbours entitled by ay of one dollar a week for ting a boy like me ; and in the ved Ht their firesides, I read at their respect for the learning eeking. Some of these men, I of their ancestors, occupied d several generations ; or at 3 where their grandfathers had I soon began to share the every wandering stranger was through the frequent calls of ymen, as well as by visits in AN OLD CLERGYMAN S FAMILY. 89 the neighbourhood and the parish, I became acquainted with men, congregations, and things far and near. If it be useful to a mind to contemplate the operations of an important and valuable machine, must it not be an im- proving task to observe the operations of such a society ? I cannot tell exactly how much I was the better for the know- ledge I acquired there of the piety of iEneas, or the purity of the hopthen gods ; but I am sure that the excellent and exalted characters I there saw displayed, whh the daily exhibition of doing good, have had a perceptible inlluence on my life, and ought to have had much more. The old gentleman, besides his pastoral duties, was chief counsellor to old and young in cases of doubt and difficulty, patron- general of learning, and one with whom those minds which wandered farthest beyond the village sphere were fond of comparing themselves. By his kitchen fire, where so many of the families of New-England draw their circles in the winter evenings, I have heard principles avowed, and opinions familiarly expressed, concerning which I have since seen the nations of Europe at war. The very bare- footed boy who spent a week in the house, while his poor wayworn mother was accommodated in the ' linter room' for the love of him whose heart-broken disciple she was, poor little George went off engrafted with views of the rights and duties of man, which certain European sovereigns have re- fused to learn from exile or the sword. He encouraged me at my evening lesson by reminding me that there was no impediment betwet>;i any boy and the highest station of usefulness in the country ■ and when we closed with an hour spent in shelling corn, he would sometimes talk of one of my grandfathers who had loved his books in his youth, or tell tales of his missionary adventures among the Delaware Indians. The means of obtaining an education for the desk in past days were confined, as is well known, to the private in- structions of clergymen, and none of those seminaries had yet an existence which have since done so much for the church, and are doing much more. Our New-England clergymen carefully transmitted their learning from genera- 90 A CONNECTICVT VILLAGE. tion to generation, under the disadvantages to which they were subjected, by their private instructions to young men preparing for their profession ; and although their time was much engrossed with parochial labours, the students were not as mucli as now withdrawn from the world, but more trained to the practice of a science in which theoretical learning alone is of little direct avail in society. For my own part, I felt that the Christian religion was of real value, when I, though a child, accompanied the venerable pastor in some of his visits to the people of his cliarge. Two of these occasions have often since presented them- selves to my memory in a powerful contrast. One of these was the funeral of a young man, who had suddenly died on the eve of remarriage. The mother stood among the mourn- ful throng, with a heavenly calmness upon her face, and seemed to drink in the consolations of the Scriptures offered by my aged companion, like one thirsty for the water of life. In the other case, I found a half-heathen family at their miserable meal, on the outskirts of the parish, with poverty and ignorance written on every countenance, no Bible in the house, and apparently unacquainted with the bearing of its doctrines on that spirit which had recently in- habited the lifeless body now ready for the grave in one comer of the room. Never before nor since have I witnessed equal degradation in a family in that part of our country; and the old pastor seemed as much astonished as myself, for tiiey had kept aloof from all the blessings of civilization around them, and been as mucli unknown as unknowing. From what I heard of the conversation which took place, I received the impression that they had come some months before from another state, where '' ' then enjoyed the bene- fits of intellectual or religious instruction ; and altliough I spoke not a word on the subject, and probably my reflec- tions were not conjectured even by my companion, with all his fondness for youth, and his penetration, 1 believe I left the house a decided, though a young champion for knowledge and refinement. Wood-hauling is a word which requires explanation to such as have not been intimately acquainted with the country VILLAGE. A WOOD-MAULINO. 01 advantages to which they instructions to young men nd although their time was abours, the students were 1 from the world, but more lence in which theoretical , avail in society. For ray itian religion was of real iccompauied the venerable the people of his cliarge. iften since presented them- •ful contrast. One of these , who had suddenly died on \er stood among the raourn- mness upon her face, and )ns of the Scriptures offered le thirsty for the water of nd a half-heathen family at jtskirts of the parish, with on every countenance, no ntly unacquainted with the ipirit which had recently in- ready for the grave in one re nor since have I witnessed in that part of our country ; much astonished as myself, [ the blessings of civilization ch unknown as unknowing, ersation which took place, I hey had come some months B ^ ■' then enjoyed the bene- instruction ; and although I ject, and probably my reflec- 1 by my companion, with all 3 penetration, 1 believe I left aung champion for knowledge hich requires explanation to f acquainted with the countiy villages in New-England. It is the name of an annual holyday, when the parishioners make their contributions of wood to their pastor, and partake of refreshment or a regu- lar dinner at his house. In the visits I paid with my venerable instructer to many a habitation far and near, to give invitations for this muster of the parish, I had glimpses of life among the farmers, and even tlie lawyers' and physicians' households, and thought I grew rich in friends faster than ever before. M. I.evas- seur, while in General Lafayette's train, had not more reason to be pleased with the Americans, than I had to love the people of the parish during this tour of visitation. All the overflowings of their affection towards the good old man they bestowed upon me ; and many a respectful courtesy I saw made by dignified frames which I had seen before only moving to the house of God, and which I had supposed to be thus perpendicular the year round. The farmers' wives patted my head, and stooping down, smiled in my face. The girls brought mc nut-cakes, and the boys chestnuts and apples ; while the old dog or cat was driven out of the warm cliimney-corner, and I was placed on a block to warm my little toes and fingers. I had not supposed there were as many dried pumpkins and sausages in the world as I saw hanging from the kitchen-walls ; and as for cows and beehives, milk and honey, I thought of the land of Ca- naan. To hear such cheerful, laborious, intelligent people talk about the joys of religion and the prospects of heaven, made me love to sit on their settle-benches an ' walk on their sanded floors. Families in affliction, and those in poverty were visited, encouraged, or prayed with, and left without a hint at any inappropriate subject ; but where good mannc- and good memory were not found together, an invitation was elsewhere given by the pastor to the wood- hauling next Thursday, and every face brightened at the wcid. Thursday came at the parsonage, and I helped to twist tow strings to roast the beef and spareribs, while all the tables were set in rows ; loaves of bread were cut so as to appear yet whole ; the great gate, like those fickle peo- 92 A CONNECTICUT VILLAGE. pie whose similitude it is, after having been for a time close shut, was swung wide open; and the farmers and farmers' boys hurried off to the woods with their horse sleds. By-and-by tlicy began to come in, rivalling each other in the size of their loads, the straightness and quality of their wood, their expedition in cutting it, their dexterity in driving up and unloading it. Sleighs came in with bags of wheat and rye or Indian meal, which the miller had to grind and toll for us through the winter ; and butter, eggs, cheese, bacon, heads of fine flax and hanks of yarn were handed in and deposited in cellars and cupboards, with ad- miration at the generosity of friends far and near. Twenty men, old and respectable enough for deacons, were soon assembled ; while there were others in the prime of life, enough to have made one of Colonel Warner's companies at the battle of Bennington. Ah ! how many of those iron- bound frames have ere tliis been shattered by death, as the finest trees of the forest were that day levelled and riven by their hands ! liong Tom Hewitt came headlong down Hewitt's Hill, with his horses' tails sweeping the snow, and pulling the handsomest load of white ash that was hauled that winter. There he had lived, driving such horses, and burnhig such wood, like his fathers before him, with little notice from the world : one of the shoots from a stump of an old family which dated far back towards the first settlement of the township. He looked as wild as any of the Indians his ancestors were reported to have out-ambushed and outrun ; but there was nothing else savage or active about him. The uplands pro- duced more grass than the catde or sheep could eat, and they multiplied and fattened even faster than the Hewitts who fed and slaughtered them ; and this was the simple secret of their being all men " to do in the world." He had more respectability than his apathy deserved, and more in- fluence than he ever exercised. His children were born to ignorance and plenty of bread and milk. They went to pasture in the summer, and ate hasty-pudding and great sweet apples all winter. They never ran away and never died. Their feet were too heavy for the former, and the VILLAGE. r having been for a time len; and the farmers and e woods with their horse come in, rivalling each lie straightness and quality culling it, their dexterity in iighs came in with bags of , which the miller had to ! winter ; and butter, eggs, X and hanks of yarn were rs and cupboards, with ad- ids far and near. Twenty ;h for deacons, were soon thers in tiie prime of life, olonel Warner's companies I ! how many of those iron- shattered by death, as the It day levelled and riven by .dlong down Hewitt's Hill, ihe snow, and pulling the lat was hauled that winter. hi horses, and burnnig such I, with little notice from the itump of an old family which settlement of the township. Indians his ancestois were md outrun ; but there was loul him. The uplands pro- Itle or sheep could eat, and en faster than the Hewitts I ; and this was the simple 3 do in the world." He had ithy deserved, and more in- His children were born to 1 and milk. They went to le hasty-pudding and great I never ran away and never avy for the former, and the A WESTERN SETTLER. 93 air was too pure for the latter. Because Hewitt's ridge was the highest ground in that region, they seemed to think there was nothing above them worth grasping after. They bore the reproach of ignorance from geiieration to generation, because, as the expression was, their family was of poor blood enough : want of education being hereditary among them, which is next to downright vice in public estimation. I am not using language here in its European sense ; for reading, writing, and ciphering are not here called educa- tion. The Hewitts went to the district school every winter, and the teachers were boarded and respectfully treated in their regular turns at their houses ; but none of them got that acquaintance with the world, or what it contains, which so often enlivened their neighbours' conversation, had not a map or a library to show, nor any eminent namesake to boast of, and, to crown all, were not ashamed of their degra- dation. When therefore Tom had unloaded his wood, his next and only thought was that it must be near dinner- time. Charley Crawley was announced as being on his way up the plain. Some pretended to recognise him by his sorrow- ful long under-jaw ; but they in fact distinguished the un- painted dash-board of his pung, which had been broken the week before by his wild son Josh in a high gale, and after- ward mended by him in a low one. The old horse, which was as calm as a wooden clock, with the old man to balance his notions, had been a wild fury on the night of the sleigh- ride, when she set off in the moonlight like a watch with a broken hair-spring, at a rate never designed for him, and soon ran out his career. What Charley had in his pung he was slow in exhibiting, so that the spectators had begun to tire at their posts, when old Captain John, a retired sailor, came up, heralded by his own stentorian voice. His knotty whip made many short fashionable calls on his blind horse, which was proof against such attacks, as much as the sculls of the Hewhls against the wit of the master. The out-door ceremonies were almost completed, when two lines had been formed by the loads of fine wood thrown dex Jusly off the sleds to the right and left, almost the 9 9i MIDDLETOWN. whole length of the yard. The place of honour, that is the vacant spot at the end of this avenue, alone remained to be occupied, having been, with one consent, left for Bill Peters, the most athletic man in the town. He soon came from the farthest wood-lot, and with the largest load, and with a rapidity and skill which excited general admiration, emptied his sled in the very spot designed, without any apparent exertion ; and in a moment more, had disposed of his team, stamped the snow from his boots, and had taken his seat amid the whole party at the table, where a scene of honest hilarity occurred which I shall not attempt to describe. Returning to Middletown — the approach to that city is beautiful from almost every quarter. The river spreads out in the form of a lake, and has the aspect, from several points, of being entirely enclosed by the green and culti* vated hills around it. In Middletown are several neat and even elegant private houses. The view commanded by the eminence on which the Wesleyan College stands, though inferior in extent to that from a hill in the rear, is varied and rich in an extreme. The fine bend of the river just below, with all that art and nature have done for its banks, here presents itself with great effect. Various manufactures are carried on with success, as the small tributaries of the Connecticut furnish much water-power, but no associations exist for the literary improvement of the people, with the exception of a small social library, founded before the Revolution. This is owing, in a great measure, to the emigration of a large proportion of the young men to commercial cities. The people of this place have had their full share in form* ing new settlements at different periods, some near and some far distant. Mr. White, the first settler of that part of the State of New- York long known by the general name of Whitestown, and now embracing several counties, went from this place in 17 — , with his axe only, and began with his owTi unassisted strength to clear a forest, which has now given room to a hundred thousand inhabitants. Human ingenuity and enterprise will be exerted where and when- ever sufficient encouragement is offered. While many GERMAN SETTLERS. 95 ace of honour, that is the ue, alone remained to be isent, left for Bill Peters, He soon came from the argest load, and with a leral admiration, emptied d, without any apparent dad disposed of his team, , and had taken his seat where a scene of honest ; attempt to describe, approach to that city is r. The river spreads out ,he aspect, from several by the green and culti* and even elegant private y the eminence on which igh inferior in extent to d and rich in an extreme, low, with all that art and here presents itself with res are carried on with f the Connecticut furnish ;ions exist for the literary he exception of a small le Revolution. This is .o the emigration of a en to commercial cities. 1 their full share in form' periods, some near and first settler of that part of n by the general name of sveral counties, went from only, and began with his a forest, which has now ind inhabitants. Human exerted where and when- offered. While many have felt the impulse which drove them to a new country far away, some have been attracted by the facdities for manufacturing afforded by the streams, and others have been persevering in digging freestone from the valuable quarries on the opposite bank of the Connecticut. Among the spots of local interest may be mentioned three beautiful little cascades, all within about four miles of the city, one of them in Chatham, on the opposite side of the river. Laurel Grove lies on the way to another, and shades one of the most beautiful winding wood-land roads in New-England ; in the spring enriched for a mile or more with the utmost profusion of those shrubs from which it has Us name, in full bloom. The stream which forms the Chatham cascade proceeds from a pond at the elevated base of a rude bluff called Rattlesnake Hill, in which is a cobalt mine. It has not proceeded above two hundred yards when it leaps from a rock, and falls into a wild little basin : a delightful retreat from the heat of the sun. The pond is one of the head, waters of Salmon River, or the Moodus. That stream, after rushing through many romantic valleys, empties mto the Connecticut, behind a point formed by a sweet little meadow which I had seen before. The country through which it passes was the residence of the Moodus Indiaiis, who had the reputation among other tribes of being sorcerers; and some traditions of them are still found among the white people, to which Brainerd's poetry refers. A small cluster of houses on the road near the pond have something a little foreign in their appearance ; and the names and the dialect of some of their inhabitants excite surprise in the stranger, who knows how homogeneous the popula- tion of New-England towns always is. They are the de- scendants of several German families, brought here some years ago to work the cobalt mine, which was soon found too unproductive to pay the expenses. There are other minerals in the neighbourhood, particularly in a lead mine on the river's bank. I think there can be found no pleasanter route for a trav- eller during a summer tour than along the river towns from Middletown up to Dnerfield. The roads on both sides lie 00 AVENVE8 OF ELMS. chiefly on the fine levels which generally border this king of New-England streams, and the villages are all situated upon them, with the exception of Suffield and Enfield. The occasional interposition of a hill or two, and the cross- ing of a few ravines, afford only an agreeable variety to the journey. The intelligence and good habits of the people, the flourishing condition of the arts, the abundance of the comforts of life, and the homogeneous society, stfll almost everywhere preserved, present at every step objecU of interest to the observing traveller. Here also are seen the birth-places of many of those who have emigrated to other parts of the Union, assisted in clearing the Western forests, and in pressing on civilization far towards the mte- rior of the continent. Here we see schools where men have received the first rudiments of the learning they have afterward displayed on the benches and in the legislatures of states, which, when they were building, were without a name, or perhaps an inhabitant. The limits which I have mentioned include the sites of the first settlements on the river, excepting only the military one at Saybrook. The convenience of travelling is greatly increased by the fine rows of trees, which, with some inter- ruptions indeed, line the roads the whole distance. I have not been able to ascertain whence arose the ancient practice of thus decorating the streets and high-roads ; but from my earliest recollection, the fine elms, spreading their noble branches over my head, excited my admiration. Many of them are of great age; indeed, trunks are standing, and others have been recently removed, which seem to claim a date coeval with, or anterior to, the clearing of the forests. In many places, particularly in some of the villages, the finest trees, of extraordinary growth, form two, three, or four lines, and overshadow the broad path, while their trunks are at the same time so naked as not to shut out the view around. The sight of a fine tree is impressive ; but a journey of seventy or eighty miles through such a grove fosters feelings of a delightful and exalting nature. HarU Har country quiesce prospei ing on. many c days; moderr unknot veneral religioi render) more < opened rcvolut emplo] so mai agencj nomad hammi and m and d( Aftt has be I have Hill, I of the centui descri charai KLHS* HARTrORD. 07 generally border this king le villages are all situated of Suffield and Enfield. I hill or two, and the cross- an agreeable variety to the good habits of the people, le arts, the abundance of homogeneous society, still resent at every step objects vcller. Here also are seen )se who have emigrated to id in clearing the Western ization far towards the inte- ve see schools where men s of the learning they have iches and in the legislatures ire building, were without a ntioned include the sites of r, excepting only the military lience of travelling is greatly •ees, which, with some inter- the whole distance. I have ice arose the ancient practice nd high-roads ; but from my elms, spreading their noble d my admiration. Many of d, trunks are standing, and oved, which seem to claim a o, the clearing of the forests. n some of the villages, the growth, form two, three, or broad path, while their trunks as not to shut out the view e tree is impressive ; but a miles through such a grove and exalting nature. CHAPTER Xn. ' Hartford— Charter Hill, tho Sent of the Willis Family— Public . Institutions— Society — Antiquities. Hartford may be taken as a specimen of the whole coimtry: on every side are seen marks of a former more quiescent state of things, while a hurrying, populous, and prosperous current, which has since set in, is rapidly flow- ing on. A few of the habitations of old times remain, with many of the sound sentiments and excellent habits of former days ; but as the former have been generally improved by modern hands, or at least furnished with comforts formerly unknown, without losing their pristine character or their venerable aspect, so where the good sense, intelligence, and religion of former days arc found, they appear to have been rendered at once more valuable among their contrasts, and more extensively useful through the new channels now opened for their exercise. Every thing indicates the great revolution which has taken place within a few years in the employments of the active people of New-England, where so many hands are now engaged in manufactures, and the agency which has converted the nation into a race of nomades during a large part of the year. The strokes of hammers and the rolling of wheels are frequently heard, and many steamboats and stage-coaches are daily arriving and departing. . , • u « .r ^ After visiting the public institutions, in which Hartford has become very rich, and enjoying more of the society than I have leisure to weigh or estimate, I paid a visit to Charter Hill, until lately the seat of the Willises. It has passed out of the family, after having been occupied by them for a century and a half or more ; and I am the more anxious to describe it because it may soon lose such of its ancient characteristics as it yet retains. The estate lies upon the 9* J 1 INSTITUTIONS. last prominent angle of an elevated range of beautiful level ground, which rises above the south meadows of Hartford, and makes a conspicuous appearance from the river, Us banks, and several parts of the city, while it overlooks a large part of Hartford, and the fertile course of tlie Con- necticut for some miles. The garden occupies the level to the verge of the descent, having the venerable old mansion on the north, and a remnant of the orchard on the east, where I suppose stood in former times a block-house, for defence against the Indians. At the foot of the hill, and shading the street, still stands the ancient oak m Jull vigour, though tradition says that it was left a full-grown tree when the native forest was levelled around it. A smooth and verdant descent, in some places too steep to be safely passed, leads from the elevation towards the level of the extensive meadows below, on one of the upper levels of which the Indians once annually pitched their wig- wams in the summer-season, and where now are seen count- less fields of grass and grain, often divided by fine rows of trees, and occasionally bordered with bowers of native crape-vines. The ancient oak, which has furnished so many Jenerations of sportive children with acorn cups and a really sublime object for their admiration, shows as yet no token of decay, but bids fair to ilourish yet for another century. The charter of Connecticut colony, which owes its pres- ervation to this faithful trunk, seems to have imbued it in return with perpetual life ; and the tree is regarded with peculiar veneration for its connexion with that important event in the history of the country. I did not expect, when I began to speak of Charter Hill, to find leisure to say a word of the people of Hartford or their public institutions, several of which do great honour to their liberality and intelligence. Having a few minutes, however, I wUl say, in the first place, that the American Asvlum for the Deaf and Dumb is the first institution of the kind ever founded in America, and has not only encouraged the establishment of all others existing in the Union, but has caused them to be conducted on one plan, and that probably the best in the world. The Retreat for the Insane NS. tc(l range of beautiful level south meadows of Hartford, carancc from the river, its 3 city, while it overlooks a I fertile course of tlie Con- garden occupies the level to f the venerable old mansion f the orchard on the east, er times a block-house, for Lt the foot of the hill, and he ancient oak in full vigour, 18 left a full-grown tree when round it. nt, in some places too steep n the elevation towards the below, on one of the upper !e annually pitched their wig- rid where now are seen count- •ften divided by fine rows of ired with bowers of native , which has furnished so many I with acorn cups and a really ation, shows as yet no token ish yet for another century, lolony, which owes its pres- seems to have imbued it in id the tree is regarded with nnexion with that important mtry. gan to speak of Charter Hill, jf the people of Hartford or 1 of which do great honour to ,ce. Having a few minutes, first place, that the American lb is the first institution of the and has not only encouraged srs existing in the Union, but lucted on one plan, and that . The Retreat for the Insane HARTFORD. 09 (which by the way owes its existence chiefly to the enlight- ened philanthropy of the original projector of tiic asylum. the late Dr. Cogswell) has been conducted ever fimcc its foundation on tiie most improved principles, and aided in bringing about an era in the treatment of insanity at which humanity has great reason to rejoice. The learned and persevering gentleman under wiiom this institution rose to an exalted reputation, the late Dr. Todd, is acknowledged to have effectually cured a greater proportion of the cases he has treated than any person in America or Europe. And how consoling is the reflection, that the treatment now dispenses with all the harsh measures, the compulsory means, both corporeal and mental, to which not many years ago the insane were subjected in hospitals, under the most ill-founded theories. How consoling must it be to those Who come hither to intrust their afflicled friends to the skill of the oflicers, to see the comfortable plan and arrangements of their destined abode, the intelligent and gentle manners of the superintendent, matron, physicians, and nurses, and to learn that the female department is under the frequent in- spection of a committee of the ladies of the city, among whom the suflerers of their own sex are sure to find the most delicate sympathy! How interesting it is to every visiter of feeling, to look upon the well-proportioned edifice, the spacious enclosure, and the agreeable scenery around, to reflect that they are all rendered subservient to the restora- tion of the immortal mind to the exercise of its native powers, and the cure of those diseases which invade and lay waste the nobler part of man : the reconstruction of that edifice whose grandeur is most astonishing when it is viewed in shattered fragments ! Marks of unusual refinement and delicacy are found among the society of Hartford, such as we might expect among persons who have in some sense the oversight of so many objects of charitable interest. The ladies do not observe the pupils of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, or hear of or visit the tenants of the Retreat, without feelings of com- passion and disinterestedness ; and the persons employed in those institutions have opportunities for studying the nature 100 MRI. moOVRNlt. of the mind which few others po««.>s9: It .9 nccnssnry for an inteUiKont observer to witness but one lesson m a e hss of r Sand dumb, ,0 see th.t the course ol mstruct.on It develop the fm-ultics of the pupils and espec.uily of lotV'cher.inan extraordinary decree. It was foretold of the Rev. Mr. Gallaudct some years ago, and very «oon after his reti r„ rom Europe, at the eommeneement of ho AmertHH Asylum, that he was in a way to become a d.s^ JlThecl benefactor to his country, by in.roduc.ng nnprove^ S» into the principles of general education And how S has experience proved the foresight of tins r.mark W th a hear? of the iarmest philanthropy, and a mnul at Tnce i'dicious, penetrath.g, inventive, and persever.ng, he has p oduced several books for the elementary mslruct.on of cS Id en in morals and religion, which have taught many a parent "o do what has been for ages considered unpossrble, Snd encouraged them to undertake more, whdc .t has pro- curecl Ibr many a child advantages often denied to persons ^^'mre' Tio be found in Hartford a considerable amount of lUe ary and scientifie knowledge and taste. Bes.de those Sdent7of both sexes who have devoted tnuc to readmg, he collection of specimens, the ^'^=»""g ° ff^ "'''' fj; Washington College, which was ^"f ^^I'^^ed a Jcwjears since, in a commanding situation m the numcd.ate environs has exercised some favourable influence m this respect. Severars hools for young ladies, at ^^^^^^^^^^^^:J^^ also had their share in raising -^^ -PP-^^^ 7^;;;^^;'^^ character of the city. Among them was one ta ght a f|W vears since by Miss Huntley, now Mrs. Lydia H. hi- Snerwho has distinguished herself as one of the best Ee writers of our country, in poetry and prose, and who haTdone more with her pea thar. almost any other of her Bex in the United States, to elevate public sentmren t, and lo show the holy union which exists between religion and puTe,exalted^iterary taste. During a few years m M she was devoted to the instruction of young ladies in £ city she employed her leisure in cultivatmg her owu ^d and heart, Ld in contributing to the enjoyments of a [TRNHY. lOBscss. It is nrcnssary for Dss but one Icmsou in w i'lti88 lilt the course of instruction tlic pupils, and CHpeciiilly of y decree It was foretold of •oarH ago, and very soon after the eommenccnient of the I in a way to become a dis- intry, by introducing iinprove- eneral education. And how lie foresight of this remark '. phihmthropy, and a mind at nventive, and persevering, he r the elementaiy instruction of n, which have taught many a )r ages considered impossible, ertakc more, while it has pro- tages often denied to persons [artford a considerable amount ledge and taste. Beside those vave devoted time to reading, , the rearing of plants, «Sic. was established a few years tion in the immediate environs, ible influence in this respect, adies, at different periods, have y and supporting the intellectual jng them was one taught a few itley, now Mrs. Lydia H. Si- shcd herself as one of the best y, in poetry and prose, and who I than almost any other of her 3 elevate public sentiment, and vhich exists between religion taste. During a few years in he instruction of young ladies in leisure in cultivating her own tributing to the enjoyments of a t> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. ^%^ 1.0 I.I 11.25 ■M 112.2 U IIIIII.6 V ^. Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4S03 \ •NJ \\ ^rse behind our chair, and ;an to lead him on, groping stepping into one mud-hole is silk stockings, sometimes It seemed as if we were $ep hill into some bottom* 3S one wheel would pass I almost to overset us. At ■ind spent a quarter of an I unable to determine what the voices of animals in ared might attack us. At iclared that a sound which distance, could not be the d taken it, but must be the ated that the habitation of proposing to go in search willing to leave us alone ; need each other's assist- r. But it was a long time lin. How long they were )on became impatient and :overed a light among the unks and boughs, made a lOthic arch, and showed a J thousand tall columns on both sides. We discovered Ihcm returning, accompanied by two n>eu, wlio led m oil" the road, and stuck up lighted pine knots to guide uur friends. " Under their guidance we found our way to a log-house, containing but one room, and destitute of every thing except hospitable inhabitants ; so that, although we were admitted, we found we should be obliged to make such arrangements as we could for sleeping. There was no lamp or candle: light being supplied by pine knots stuck in the crevices of the walls. The conversation of the family proved that wild beasts were very numerous and bold in the surround- ing forest, and that they sometimes, when hungry, ap- proached the house ; and there was a large aperture left at the bottom of the door to admit the dogs when in danger from wolves. The floor extended on one side but to within the distance of several feet of the wall, a space being left to kindle the fire upon the bare ground ; and when we wanted tea made, the mistress of the house could produce only a single kettle, in which water was boiled for washing and every other purpose. She had heard of teakettles, but had never seen one ; and was impressed with an idea of the usefulness of such a utensil. When we had spread the table, out of our own stores, and divided tea-cups and saucers, a porringer, «kc., among us, we seated ourselves, partly on the bedstead, and partly on a kind of arm-chair, which was formed by an old round table when raised per- pendicularly, and thus partook of a meal. "We were, however, suddenly alarmed by cries or screams at a little distance in the forest, which some of us supposed to be those of wolves or bears. Our host, after listening a while, declared his belief that they were the cries of some travellers who had lost their way, and pro- ceeded with the gentlemen to search for them. They found our two expected friends, who had followed the path lighted by the torches, but unfortunately wandered from it a little, and soon found before them a wall too high to reach from their stirrups. They attempted to retreat ; but found it also behind them ; and though they rode round and round, feel- iog for a place of exit, could find none, and then began to 10* 110 THE 8PRIN0S IN 1701. call for assistance, hoping that some dwelling might be within the reach of their voices. Being happily relieved and restored to us, the adventures of the evening served as a subject of pleasantry. They had unconsciously entered a pound or pen for bears, by a very narrow entrance, which in the darkness they could not tind again, and thus their embarrassment was fully explained. We slept that night on our luggage and saddles ; but our hospitable hosts re- fused all reward in the morning. "On reaching the Springs at Saratoga, we found but three habitations, and those poor log-houses, on the high bank of the meadow, where is now the western side of the street, near the Round Rock. This was the only spring then visited. The houses were almost full of strangers, among whom were several ladies and gentlemen from Albany; and we found it almost impossible to obtain ac- commodations, even for two nights. We found the Round Rock at that time entire ; the large tree which some years since fell and cracked a fissure in it being then standing near, and the water, which occasionally overflowed, and increased the rock by its deposites, keeping the general level three or four inches below the top. The neighbourhood of the Spring, like all the country we had seen for many miles, was a perfect forest ; and there were no habitations to be seen in all the vicinity, except the three log-houses, which afforded us little more than a shelter. We arrived on Saturday, and left there on Monday morning for Ballston, which we reached after a short ride. But there the ac- commodations for visiters were still less inviting. The Springs, of which there were several, were entirely unpro- tected, on the borders of a woody swamp, and near the brook, in which we saw bubbles rising in several places which indicated other springs. There were two or three miserable habitations, but none in which a shelter could be obtained. There was a small hovel, into which some of the water was conducted for bathing; but as there was nothing like comfort to be found, we proceeded homeward after spending a short time at the place." Such is a brief account of a journey to the Springs in tb» IN 1701. THE PRESS. Ill it some dwelling might be Being happily relieved and of the evening served as a \ad unconsciously entered a rery narrow entrance, which t tind again, and thus tlieir ined. Wc slept that night )Ut our hospitable hosts re- al Saratoga, we found but }or log-houses, on the high now the western side of the This was the only spring re almost full of strangers, ladies and gentlemen from lost impossible to obtain ac> ights. We found the Round arge tree which some years n it being then standing near, lly overflowed, and increased ping the general level three The neighbourhood of the e had seen for many miles, e were no habitations to be t the three log-houses, which a shelter. We arrived on lunday morning for Ballston, tort ride. But there the ac- ire still less inviting. The several, were entirely unpro- voody swamp, and near the les rising in several places, . There were two or three e in which a shelter could be 11 hovel, into which some of ■ bathing; but as there was ,nd, we proceeded homeward the place." journey to the Springs in tb» last century; and how difficult it is to realize that the changCH which have since occurred can have taken place within the life of man ! And yet, where do we look with- out finding evidence of similar, if not e(iual alterations, oftf a eiTectcd in a shorter period ? On the road up Connecticut Kiver, over which I passed at such a rate as to give me little opportunity to record or even to make many remarks, every one must be struck with the size and number of the manufactories which have been multiplied and magnified to such an extent all over the country within a few years. At * • • • I saw the name of John Tympan, an old schoolmate, on a tin sign over the door of a printing-office ; and recollecting that I had heard of his being the experienced editor of the village journal, I revived the acquaintance of past days, and lounged several hours in his room during my stay in the place. The conversations I there held and overheard, with the little I had known of (he press and its appurtenances (viz. public taste and such matters), in pre> ceding years, threw my mind into a train of thought, which, if I were to judge from the well-known soporifio qualities of Mr. Tympan's sheet which I had in my hand, was probably indulged in during a short slumber. First, I fancied I saw all the forms in which the Chinese wooden stereotype has ever appeared, and those through which have passed the type of Europe since they lefl the hands of Guttenburg, Janssoen, Faust, and ShofTer, till they reached those of Firmin Didot and his English rivals. And what a mass was there ! Centuries of black letter, sue* ceeded by the floods of light-faced type which may be said to have been the chief means of " illuminating" the world since the cry for knowledge has extended beyond the walls of convents. And the sight may be better imagined than described ! Then came a whole parque of presses, more numerous than the abortive models of machines in the Patent-office at Washington, presenting all possible applica- tions of the lever, screw, wheel, weight, plane, &e., except the most useful. There was the old Kamage press, the iliot which I recognised as an acquaintance, and I looked upon Xia ROUTE UP CONNECTICUT RIVER. iu lumbering uprights and simple sweeping lever wilh a de- le ^rre^encefbecause its physiognomy re-ved the xm- messions of childhood, when I had contemplated t as the Sr«! though its plan is exploded, and the power of muscle fnd tke ages of days' works' that are now seen to have been lasted u4n it, might have made f.fty canals across Danen. Next camTto my^iew the folios, the quartos, the octavos, and the res of their family down to double twenty-four- ^os, with heir various bindings, gildings, clasps, and em- Zs nTdisplayed, and their fluttering leaves showmg hmt. bossmp mspiaye , ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ Itat theTght; asSed from the books which boasted Ty of revivbg the fooleries of antiquity with Us knowledge. to those monLents of ^o^^"" ^^^^ four^'c bckt giant and the pigmy, the amaranth and the four-o clock He "'AoJ; SSbly may the quaint word, of some of the old books of mv vision be applied to the present times . "Circa hoc etiam tempus," says Caxtor. (in contmuatume Polycronici Banulphi Higden, Anglice a se translat ' qu^ cum^pere ipso prodiit Londini a. 1482 (as) ^^^j^f .'e "Pirra hoc etiam tempus:— also abowte this tyme tne Almavne. Why the crafte is multiplyed thorugh the worme JJrry places,^ bokes be hadd grete chepe and m grete nombre bycause of the same crafte. Like as says an " Anonymus auctor in 1457 •-■ " Printerys^of bokis wer'this tyme mightely muUephed m Maguncie Jnd thurgh out the world; and thei began fns^ andSiev held the craftis. And this time mony men began ?or to be more sotell in craftis and suyfter than ever they '^ Aftef'the'se came such » motley army of mankind as no masquerade ever presented, comFj,sed of the re^der^ of all ages and climes, of all hues and characters. These 1 cannot undertake to describe: but if it be as amusing to oE as it was to myself to fancy their appearance, they mayagreeably fill uj some hour of leisure by recallmg them. Ainei seemed flyiag creakin dence c cylinde presses a few V and sor Muiic — A Tri bratioi Massa Eve and wa ance ol we are sincere! structec cultivat talent Germai skill of readers labour overcoi marks which plant o would 1 m. 'It in nCUT RIVER. 3 sweeping lever wiih a de- lysiognomy revived the im- had contemplated it as the id, and the power of muscle are now seen to have been 3 fifty canals across Darien. >8, the quartos, the octavos, wn to double twenty-four- 8, gildings, clasps, and em- tering leaves showing hints ideas floated through my om the books which boasted intiquity with its knowledge, •n invention, in which the inth and the four-o'clock lie words of some of the old ,o the present times ! lys Caxtor. (in continuatione Anglice a se translati, qua a. 1482 (as) circa a. 1455), ilso abowte this tyme the rst founde in Magounce in ultiplyed thorugh the worlde add grete chepe and in grete rafte." 3 auctor" in 1457: — tyme mightely raulteplied in world ; and thei began frist, id this time mony men began and suyfter than ever they motley army of mankind as , composed of the readers of es and characters. These I : but if it be as amusing to fancy their appearance, they hour of leisure by recalling Mv;io. 113 America suddenly came to mind ; and with it the sky seemed darkened with a cloud of newspapers, which were flyiag oflf night and day from thousands of presses, whose creaking, clanking, rattling, hissing, and groaning gave evi- dence of the gigantic strife going on around us, between the cylinder machines of latest invention and the various lever- presses which call old Ramage their grandfather, with not a few which have steam or mules for their moving-power, and some with asses for their guides. CHAPTER XIV. Muiic — New-England Villages cuntrastcd with Italy on this subject— A Traveller in search of Health — Burying-grounds — Rural Cele- bration of Independence at Northampton — Amherst — Academies of Massachusetts — Exhibition. Every Sabbath on my journey I spent at some village, and was usually much gratified at church with the perform- ance of the choirs. There is scarcely any thing in which we are more apt to indulge false ideas than music. I do sincerely believe that we are rather discouraged thpn in- structed or incited by the example of foreign nations who cultivate this delightful art. Writers tell us of the musical talent of the common people of Italy, Switzerland, and Germany; the genius of their composers, and the native skill of many Europeans with musical instruments. Common readers, therefore, are apt to believe that our countrymen labour under some natural deficiency, which is not to be overconje. When they are further complimented with re- marks on the want of ear in America, or the length of time which will be required to train up a taste for music, like a plant of slow growth, many of them believe that every effort would be in vain, and that every hope of seeing an improve- m. at in their day would be presumptuous. We must there- 114 ROrTE UP CONNECTICUT RIVER. fore transplant sune languishing Italian troupe from the sties of foreign green-rooms, or tow across the Atlantic some second-rate puffer, as windy as a porpoise, to howl and make the grimaces of the rack, and set our pretenders in ecstasies. Now all this is founded on mere mistake. In the first place, the people of Italy, who have the credit of being refined in throat and ear beyond all the rest of the race of men, have no more taste than you or I, nor half as much. They listen to street musicians whom we could never tolerate ; and as for the performances of their masters, they never hear them. The common people of Italy have no training in music except the chanting in their churches and funeral processions, and the strumming of guitars in the streets. The plain matter of fact is, divesting the subject of all poetry — that is, of all falsehood or ignorance— that our farmers' sons and daughters, wherever they attend singing-schools, join the church choir, and practise, as they generally do, at home, enjoy advantages far superior to those of the common people of Italy, who are too ignorant, poor, and degraded to have such advantages in their reach, or to appreciate them if they had. They are not musicians, they do not sing in their churches, the music there being conducted by hired performers, of a character very different from our choirs of volunteers I assure you, and they are not familiarized with refined music. Here is enough to kill one prejudice. As to our natural want of genius or talent, the presumption is entirely gratuitous, and we may challenge the proof, rejecting the idea in toto until it be produced. And so with the doctrine that our progress in this or any other improvement must be slow, because this or that Eu- ropean nation chose to be five or ten centuries ir "merging from semi-barbarism — this is as idle as the other, in all ap- plications. Such a doctrine, although it is swallowed and acted upon every day by multitudes of our intelligent coun- trymen, ought to be rejected, like certain other productions of the Old World which are unsuited to our stomachs. There is no reason why we should not introduce any im- prov ?ment, physical or moral, to be found on earth, com- patible with our state of society. Whoever teaches other- wise and r< tions need; earne no ar divisi( impen of th( direct world, encou Mu speak sion tl toleral When ing, in Ameri be am farm from t we dc have T thougl come ' by per repulsi enrich haven pleasu with tl said th centuri state c Alth cultivg done y on its ] 5TICUT RIVBR. ing Italian troupe from the or tow across the Atlantic indy as a porpoise, to howl rack, and set our pretenders bunded on mere mistake, of Italy, who have the credit ar beyond all the rest of the te than you or I, nor half as musicians whom we could erformances of their masters, Dmmon people of Italy have ! chanting in their churches e strumming of guitars in the fact is, divesting the subject falsehood or ignorance — that liters, wherever they attend rch choir, and practise, as )y advantages far superior to ' Italy, who are too ignorant, :h advantages in their reach, id. They are not musicians, irches, the music there being , of a character very different assure you, and they are not . Here is enough to kill one want of genius or talent, the tons, and we may challenge in toto until it be produced, our progress in this or any )w, because this or that Eu- or ten centuries ir "merging is idle as the other, in all ap- ilthough it is swallowed and itudes of our intelligent coun- like certain other productions 3 unsuited to our stomachs, hould not introduce any im- , to be found on earth, com- ity. Whoever teaches other- Mvsia IIS wise teaches heresy. We have superior means, facilities, and resources, if ihey were properly appreciated, to the na- tions of Europe in general, to effect any improvement we need ; and it is only to believe it, and set ourselves in earnest about it, and the thing would be done. We have no arbitrary government to Ibrbid us, no irreconcileable divisions in society to impede a general co-operation, no impenetrable cloud of ignorance over the public, no lack of the machinery of civilization to rouse the mind or to direct it, no want of intercourse with other quarters of the world, no scarcity of enterprise in undertaking, or of encouragement in success. Music has led me to these general remarks, because in speaking of this art I was forced to lament in her depres- sion the influence of prejudices totally unfounded, and in- tolerably discreditable to our intelligence and feelings. Where do we go without hearing that divine maid complain- ing, in some sick and mournful ditty, of the injustice of Americans ? And the other fine arts, refining as they might be among us, join in the same plaintive tone. Let us not so far ill treat these our true friends, as to turn away any longer from their calls and requests. Landing upon our shores, we do not meet them with smiles and welcome. They have reason to look here for an asylum and a home; but though among the fairest exiles from the old world, they come with their loveliness somewhat deformed or saddened by persecution or restrictions contrary to their nature, we repulse them from our society, which they might so greatly enrich and adorn. « This is not the land for the arts— we have no native talent, genius, or taste." Our eyes look with pleasure on the beauties of nature, and our ears are pleased with the music of our forests ; but wise Europeans have said that we are insensible to beauty and grace, and that centuries must pass before we can hope to arrive at that state of refinement of which they boast. Although the inhabitants of this part of our country have cultivated sacred music for half a century, more has been done within two or three years to place this delightful art on its proper footing than ever before. A society has been 116 ROUTE UP CONNECTICUT RIVIR. \ formed in Boston, called the Massachusetts Academy of Music, by which the German system of juvenile and popular instruction has been introduced in several of our cities, and to some extent in the country, chiefly through Messrs. Mason and Ives ; the success has been astonishing to those who have embraced the common erroneous views about national genius, native inferiority, &c., &c. This important step, to which many of the rising generation will owe great sources of pleasure for life, has been primarily due to Mr. Woodbridge, the enlightened, philanthropic, and persevering editor of the American Annals of Education ; who, afler five years spent in Europe among the literary men and in- stitutions of the Old World, returned to his native country three or four years since to devote himself to the diffusion of knowledge, on some of the most important subjects, for the intellectual and moral benefit of America. All that a friend of the country need wish is, that he may impress us all with the great truths he proclaims as strongly as he has impressed some parents with the fact that their children have flutes and organs in their throats which may be very sweetly and very cheaply played upon. A young man, of sallow complexion and emaciated ap- pearance, who was travelling for his health, was on the route with me. He had enjoyed no advantages of educa- tion superior to those of a district school, until the clergy- man of the village, perceiving in him that insatiable thirst for knowledge which I have so often observed in the young when possessed of true piety, proposed that he should pre- pare for the desk, and ofl'ered him gratuitous instruction. He was the favourite of the whole town, as I learned from other lips than his own, not on account of any external grace or beauty, for in those he was far from being rich ; but because his character was of an elevated kind, and his life one of the most blameless and honourable. No friendly office in his power was withholden from anybody; and how many times in a year may a truly benevolent man confer kindness, if he but seeks for opportunities ! Every one in such a village of farmers knew what his neighbours did, without inquiring from mere idle curiosity. Of course the «arly dutifu were out tl secon self, larly stron; sion, His I abour benev heart, who 1 urged part c ing St a wa^ for he may ] native Th which nothii dices ward assist couraj anddi ourc( but is of not differi of th< hadb that tl spect some notion ncCT RIVIR. lassachusetts Academy of Item of juvenile and popular in several of our cities, and r, chiefly through Messrs. 18 been astonishing to those on erroneous views about ', (Sic, &c. This important g generation will owe great i been primarily due to Mr. ilanthropic, and persevering of Education; who, afler ig the literary men and in- irned to his native country ote himself to the diffusion most important subjects, for efit of America. All that a is, that he may impress us laims as strongly as he has the fact that their children throats which may be very d upon. iplexion and emaciated ap* for his health, was on the 3d no advantages of educa- rict school, until the clergy- n him that insatiable thirst often observed in the young iroposed that he should pre- him gratuitous instruction, lole town, as I learned from on account of any external e was far from being rich ; of an elevated kind, and his nd honourable. No friendly len from anybody; and how ruly benevolent man confer pportunities ! Every one in w what his neighbours did, e curiosity. Of course the ItESPECTABIUTV OF INDUSTRY. nv «arly humble life of this youth were known, as well as his dutiful conduct towards his mother ; and all witnessed and were surprised at th* mental efl^orts it required in him, with- out the aid of conceit or the show of arrogance, to the second rank in society; that is, next the clergyman him- self. As his substitute, he often was called to act, particu- larly in the Sunday-schools. I understood that he felt a strong desire to devote himself for life to some distant mis- sion, but had not yet formed any ultimate determination. His knowledge of such passing information, however, as abounds in the reports and publications of religious and benevolent societies, had at once expanded his mind and his heart, and rendered him an instructive companion to those who had a taste on such subjects. He had therefore been urged by his townsmen to take a journey to a more healthy part of the country, when he was found to be in a threaten- ing state, and was furnished by them with an old horse and a wagon, and such pecuniary means as he stood in need of; for he was looked upon as a kind of public property, and may yet live and recover, I hope, to prove an honour to his native village. This case I mention as a specimen of one of the ways by which deserving youths sometimes rise among us. As nothing in the institutions of the country, or in the preju- dices of the people forbids the exaltation of virtue, her up- ward tendency is in a thonsand cases permitted and even assisted, when in other countries it would be hopelessly dis- couraged or entirely suppressed. The road to usefulness and distinction is not opened to persons of all classes, in our constitution merely; it is not only laid down upon paper, but is familiarly known and trodden. Hence it is a matter of notoriety, that not a few of the men now eminent in the different learned professions, have risen from the workshops of the humbler branches of mechanical trade where they had been apprenticed. From this fact it might be presumed that the useful arts would be generally regarded with re- spect ; and this is true to a considerable extent, although some of our luxurious citizens, among their multiplied false notions, really believe that there is something in exercising 11 til ROVTG UP C0NN8CTICUT RIVER. «n honest handicrafk more degrading than idleness in its genteeler forms. The burying-grounds of New-England are among the most interesting objects to which the traveller can direct his attention. Monuments are to be found, in almost all the older settlements, bearing unequivocal testimony to the learning as well as piety of our ancestors, and the good order which has ever prevailed in their society. I wish, with all my heart, that I could refer to the condition of these venerable memorials as evidence of a becoming regard for Ihem among the inhabitants, and a proper care for their preservation. Unfortunately, quite the contrary is the case ; for ancient grave-stones are often allowed to become over- thrown by the frost, and to lie covered with moss or herbage from year to year. One single person in each village, by proper means, might incite the people to keep their ceme- teries well enclosed, and kept in order ; and nothing but a little spirit is wanting through the country at large, to have the most venerable memorials of the dead preserved from unnecessary injury and from loss. So closely connected are many of these monuments with important events in the history of the country, that we ought to use them as practical assistants in the instruction of the young; and parents and teachers might communicate many lasting impressions to their children, by visiting with them the graves of the good and learned men of pre- ceding generations, inviting iheir aid in deciphering the epi- taphs, enumerating their praiseworthy deeds, and repeating some of their virtuous counsels. Why should such simple and delightful modes and topics of instruction be neglected, while much complicated and expensive machinery is employed to fix the minds of the young exclusively on distant nations and countries ? With thoughts like these, and with many feelings which I shall not attempt to express, I have visited many of the burying-grounds, usually at morning or evening, when the journey of the day had been performed, or before it had begun ; and thus 1 have sometimes obtained the knowledge of facts which I had not been able to derive from living sourc copiei mark grouE scripl positi •erve Mr./ task andh conta genei selvei la most field, less t this I howe taatei dencc In just c bowe the si flowe neath of th< they livelic so pi woul< as w( Nc try h Amh( grazii comn one c TICUT RIVER. rading than idleness in its w-England are among the \ the traveller can direct his be found, in almost all fhe quivocal testimony to the ir ancestors, and the good d in their society. I wish, sfer to the condition of these ce of a becoming regard for nd a proper care for their jite the contrary is the case ; en allowed to become over- jvered with moss or herbage 5 person in each village, by people to keep their ceme- n order ; and nothing but a he country at large, to have of the dead preserved from ss. ny of these monuments with ry of the country, that we assistants in the instruction teachers might communicate eir children, by visiting with d and learned men of pre- ir aid in deciphering the epi- 3Worthy deeds, and repeating Why should such simple and nstruction be neglected, while ive machinery is employed to xclusively on distant nations ind with many feelings which I have visited many of the orning or evening, when the performed, or before it had imes obtained the knowledge n able to derive from living AMHERST. 110 sources. I might here insert a few of the epitaphs which I copied in different places ; but will merely, at present, re* mark, that those who have frequent access to old burying< grounds, may perform a useful task by at least copying in- scriptions, and making drawings of monuments, and de- positing them in some society or institution, to be pre- served or published for the benefit of others. The Ke«. Mr. Alden, some years since, undertook the useful and pious task of rescuing the best epitaphs from loss and obliviou, and his own memory should be honoured for it. The book containing his collection will hereafter be prized by some generation more worthy of its descent than we show our- selves to be. I am obliged to pass, without remark, some of the places most worthy of notice to strangers, and among them Spring- field. I have not leisure to insert all my memoranda, much less to record all the reflections which occurred to me on this or any other part of my interesting tour. I cannot, however, let Northampton pass without some allusion to the tasteful manner in which the Anniversary of our Indepen- dence is usually celebrated in that ancient and beautiful town. In an orchard which extends to the bank of a little brook, just out of sight from the streets of the village, a spacious bower is formed by adding evergreen bushes and vines to the shade of the trees, and sprinkling the dark foliage with flowers. A large table is spread upon the smooth grass be- neath ; and as the decorations of the place employ the hands of the fair the day preceding that of the celebration, and they preside at the entertainment, the scene is one of the liveliest and most appropriate that can be imagined. In so pure, intelligent, and polished a society, a foreigner would find much to instruct him in American manners, as well as to excite his better feelings. No village that I have seen in this part of the coun- try has risen so fast to eminence as a literary place as Amherst. I had admired the bold, swelling, and fertile grazing-country, with its fine views, while it was only a common village. How great has been the change ! On one of the finest eminences stands the college, now one of '\ 130 ROVTE VP C0N.4KCTICVT RITER. the most flourishing in the Union ; and two academies, one for the education of females, are found in other parts of the town. The academies of New-England, and particularly those of Massachusetts, form one of the most important branches of the great machinery of public education. Their history shows the importance of making provision for the in- struction of the yoimg, even if some of the means adopted be not immediately found as useful as might be desired. In Massachusetts there are sixty-two academies, which derive funds from various sources; twenty-one of them from a township of land each, in the state of Maine. For some years they were generally in a condition far from flourish- ing, and some in decay. Public opinion having since im- proved in relation to instruction, these institutions have been rendered extremely efficient in affording it, and will probably become much more ao. There were probably about twenty-five thousand pupils in the academies and private schools of Massachusetts in 1832, out of a popula- tion, according to the census of that year, of a little more than six hundred thousand. Six of the academies are de- voted exclusively to females, and many of them have a female department. The branches of instruction and dis- cipline have been much improved, but not a little remains to be done. One of the greatest evils with many of them is, that they embrace many branches of secondary import- ance, even when the pupils are to devote but a few months to their studies. Comparatively intelligent as the common peo- ple of this part of the country are supposed to be, they are yet unable to appreciate the real acquisitions of their children, or at least generally apprehend that others cannot. They therefore demand visible and tangible signs, to indicate to the senses what without such aid might not be discovered or valued. A picture must be painted, a few tunes strummed on the piano, or a few words of some foreign tongue ac- quired, to bear witness to their intellectual progress — to show that the teacher has returned to the parent a quid pro quo — the value of his money. 1 have often seen such things displayed ; and how much is it like Hudibraa's cul- prit at the bar, — ICVT RITER. ; and two academies, one found in other parts of the ■England, and particularljr w of the most important of public education. Their nakingf provision for the in- ne of the means adopted be as might be desired. In 'o academies, which derive renty-one of them from a ate of Maine. For some condition far from flourish- opinion having since im- m, these institutions have U in affording it, and will o. There were probably )ils in the academies and s in 1832, out of a popula- r that year, of a little more : of the academies are de- nd many of them have a hes of instruction and dis- d, but not a little remains St evils with many of them iches of secondary import- ) devote but a few montiis to elligent as the common peo- re supposed to be, they are icquisitions of their children, that others cannot. They ;ible signs, to indicate to the might not be discovered or ited, a few tunes strummed if some foreign tongue ac- ir intellectual progress — to irned to the parent a quid !y. 1 have often seen such ih is it like Hudibras's cul- XXHIBITION or AN ACADBMY. Itl " Holding up hii hand By twelve freeholder* to be acnnn'd, That by their ikill in palmistry" they might determine whether the charge against him were just or not. Some of the defects of the system may be seen at an ex. hibition, such as I once attended, at an academy on the banks of the Connecticut. The burthen of the evening was formed of several dialogues, or short dramatic pieces, in no way suited to the people or the state of society. A little art, I think, might have fabricated good ones ; but we are still very dependent on foreign ideas and models, especially in literary matters. The audience there assembled would have listened with benefit to any sensible production. There was an old threadbare and antiquated satire on fashions, aimed, like Sidrophel's telescope, at a kite instead of a star — at the forms of dress now long-forgotten, instead of any one of the thousand follies we practise daily in de- fiance of reason— and applauded by the audience like a palpable hit. 'I'he magnificence of ancient heroes was set forth ; addresses were made to engage us : — the Roman Senate, sitting "in cold debate"— (viz. just cracking out cheeks at old steeple-crowned bonnets and hooped petti- coats)—" to sacrifice our lives to honour." Then came up a fearful tragedy, the heroine of which had a provincial tone: "Haow naow! Is that you. Roily T Daniel and the lions in a calico den ; and Joseph, with two front-teeth knocked out, a head taller than all his brethren, and dressed in a white counterpane, are all 1 have to mention, in addition, except the tune of " Farewell ye Green Fields," played by heroes, orators, lions, and prophets, at the close of thi» miserable medley^, IV 'S 1«2 CHAPTER XVI. Fcmnle Character — A Connecticut School — Scenery on Connecticut Kivei—Deerfielil— Turner'* Falls— Enrly State of the Country. ^ How different are our females from most others in the world ! How much is society indebted to their influence ; how large a portion of our intelligence, as well as our vir- tue, do we owe to them as individuals ! What would our country be if they were allowed less influence in society? how much like our coimtry might others soon be if they re- sembled it in this respect ! In what does the excellence of our females consist, whence is it derived, how may it best be extended and perpetuated? Such questions as these force themselves upon the mind of a traveller in our country ; and how important is it that we should be able to answer them ! In what does their excellence consist ? In every thing, some would have us believe ; and indeed it would be diffi- cult to find any thing truly good of which they are not the supporters or the patrons, if not the projectors. Let an in- telligent traveller but observe, and he will find that wherever there is an upward tendency^ a refining process going on, it is promoted by them. They are more dependent than men for their enjoyments on the peace and good order, as well as the intelligence of the society around them ; they are more trained to feelings of dependence, and therefore more readily or more entirely cast their confidence on God. They have more leisure for reflection, and can j,udge with more deliberation and less passion than men, while they have better opportunities to use such means of self-improve- ment as they possess. As they converse more than men, they more frequently bring their own minds and hearts into comparison with others, and find stronger motives for ren- dering them worthy of inspection. The institutions of our country have denied to females the AN OLD^FASHIONKD SCHOOI.. Its XVI. chool — Scenery on Conneeticut -Early Stale of the Country. ^ s from most others in the ndcbted to their influence *, lligence, as well as our vir- ividuals ! What would our d less influence in society? It others soon be if they re- i what docs the excellence is it derived, how may it ated? Such questions as mind of a traveller in our it that we should be able to :e consist I In every thing, ad indeed it would be diffi- of which they are not the I the projectors. Let an in- id he will find that wherever a refining process going on, y are more dependent than s peace and good order, as society around them ; they r dependence, and therefore 1st their confidence on God. lection, and can judge with ision than men, while they such means of self-improve- f converse more than men, r own minds and hearts into id stronger motives for ren- )n. y have denied to females the means of intellectual improvement proportioned to their dc- sires, as well as a proper regard to their sex. In conse- quence, we find that fashion has too extensively occupied the ground, and that attempts have been made to polish the manners and to ensure external gr ices. The exaltation and the influence of females in our country are owing chiefly to their domestic education ; for none other worthy of the name is yet afforded them, with a very few and limited exceptions. Our best men, indeed, have been, to a great extent, moulded at home, into forms in which they have only expanded in after-life. If there ever was a country in which female influence was exercised in proportion to its value, it is our own. And what is the result? Ask the man whose early instructions and examples have implanted and cher- ished every good thing which his mind and heart contain, and whose influence longest remains, even after death has re- moved its source from his sight. Inquire of the father why he labours more cheerfully, values his own character more highly, takes greater pleasure in home, than the men of other countries. Look at our books and newspapers, and see why they are not less pure than they are. You will find, if you have the knowledge and the means necessary to come at the facts, that woman is exercising a control and direction of a most extensive and salutary kind on society. Look where you will, if you see aright, wherever good is to be obtained or to be done, or evil prevented, you will find her or her influence. In one of the towns in Connecticut (I will not at present say which, although I am now out of the state), I stepped for a few minutes into a school-house one day, and was saluted by such a confused sound of voices that I hardly could remember where I was. The teacher was mending pens for one class, which was sitting idle ; hearing another ■pell ; calling to a covey of small boys to be quiet, who had nothing to do but make mischief; watching a big rogue who had been placed standing on a bench in the middle of the room for punishment ; and to many little ones passionately answering questions of "May I go out?" "May I go homer "Shan't Johnny be still?" "May I drink'" tM ROUTI VP CONNICTICUT RITIR. '\ My entrance checked the din, and allowed the teacher an opportunity to raitip an unavailing complaint of the total in- diflerence of the public towards the school, the nf ^'lect and contempt to which those are condemned, by universal con- tent, who undertake the inatruttion of the younf^ ; the manner in which the objects of education are undernitcd, even by the best members of the community, and the innu- merable evils which in this state of tilings befall the children, the parents, and the public. Is it possible, thought I, that in old Connecticut, with her two millions of Hchool-fund, the devotion of her fathers and many of her children to literature and general intelligence, with all her influence thus gained abroad, and the reputation she enjoys fur fostering education, there can be a school like this T Much to my surprise, however, I learnt that there are many more which are not superior to it. And why is it? I afterwards conversed with individuals of the highest character and influence in the place, men of education, and even literary distinction, who had, I doubt not, made public expressions in favour of the universal diffusion of know- ledge ; and yet not one of them could give me any real in- formation in relation to the public schools. They thought them indispensable appendages to society, or rather the ground-work of intelligence; and believed they required great and immediate improvement. But what were their excellencies or deficiencies, or by what means they might be improved, they seemed neither to know nor greatly to care. Indeed, they generally had not any certain knowledge of the number of the schools, their location, number of pupils, or course of studies. Those who had attended to instruction in any form, had devoted a little time to the higher schools in the place, at which a small number of the wealthier parents had their sons and daughters ; and although they had succeeded in placing them on a most excellent footing, they had never thought how easily they might confer equal benefits on a far more numerous and more needy class. They had never considered how important it is to the moral character of children, as well as to their progress in know- ledge, tl occupie( teacher, of a fe' whether would n to vary only ch( or doing difl'erent might b( the foun had nevi lawyer, teachers ized by s ledge in mon sch more sei branch o The s variety, i general f breadths and in su diflferent beds of hills or n the high them aga they son meadows some casi other sea among tl sometime! notched tl tions like over the riCUT RITIR. and allowed the teacher an ig (■unipliiint of the total in- the school, the nf ^')e<:t and idemned, by universal con- ictiun of the younf^ ; the education are undernitcd, a community, and the innu- a( tilings befall the children, n old Connecticut, with her devotion of her fathers and ro and general intelligence, I abroad, and the reputation n, there can be a school like owever, I leiirnt that there superior to it. And why is h individuals of the highest face, men of education, and d, I doubt not, made public iversal diifusion of know- could give me any real in- lic schools. They thought to society, or rather the ind believed they required ent. But what were their )y what means they might ler to know nor greatly to d not any certain knowledge r location, number of pupils, had attended to instruction 1 time to the higher schools I number of the wealthier ghters ; and although they )n a most excellent footing, lily they might confer equal )UB and more needy class, important it is to the moral I to their progress in know- ■CBNtRT. 138 ledge, thai they should be kept constantly and agreeably occupied in school, or what aid might be afforded to the teacher, in discipline and instruction, by the introduction k^i. e"y improvements. They had never inquired whether a map, an enumeration frame, or a black board would not be a valuable acquisition, and afford opportunities to vary agreeably the dry routine of the day, in which the only changes often are from doing little to doing nothing, or domg wrong. They had never thought that a few bits of different kinds of wood or stone, or a few shefls or leaves, might be occasionally exhibited with advantage, and made the foundation of a useful lecture of ten minutes. They had never reflected how a frequent visit from a clergyman, lawyer, physician, or merchant might encourage and gratify teachers and pupils ; or how a meeting of teachers, patron- ized by some of the influential inhabitants, might raise know- ledge m public estimation by raising its ministers, the com- mon school-masters. I found a few persons who seemed more sensible, and who had taken active measures in one branch of this subject : they were ladies. The scenery of Connecticut River presents a constant variety, from the intermingling and alternations of ite few general features. These are, the fertile meadows of different breadths which line its banks in so many parts of its course, and in some places form two or three successive levels of different elevations, which arc supposed to have been the beds of lakes successively drained ; the nplands and the hills or mountains. The lowest levels are overflown by the high floods of the spring and autumn, which convert them again into lakes, and leave a rich deposite, though they sometimes destroy extensive crops. The second meadows or the uplands then become the shores, or in some cases islands ; and boats often float where, during the other seasons, the cattle feed in droves, or draw the cart among the hay or corn-fields. The higher levels are sometimes channelled by rills of water, which have deeply notched their edges in the course of time, and left projec- tions like the salient angles of gigantic fortresses, almost over the head of the traveller on the meadows below, ise ROVTE UP CONNBCTICIJT RITKK. and preaenting a pleasing variety of foliage and crops. The light at morning and evening, the winter's snow, the verdure of summer, and the hues of autumn, add their innu- merable changes, so that some of the pleasantest of the scenes may be said to be hardly the same in appearance at any two visits. The trees of the groves, which are thinly ■cattered over the lower levels, are generally of various de- ciduous species, and afford a rich intermixture of hues in autumn ; thus the early frosts often tinge the course of the stream with yellow and red, while the uplands are still covered with deep green. The young crops, presenting their countless rows over the level surface of the meadows in the sloping light, offered me one of the richest scenes of the kind I ever witr essed, as I pursued my way alone to- wards Deerfield. To one familiar with the history of this part of the coun- try, the journey up Connecticut River is doubly interesting ; and, during my short stay at Deerfield, I was more occupied with recollections of the past than elsewhere. This is one of the old settlements, thougli but of the second epoch, and retains more traditions of early events than any other I am acquainted with. When the English from Massachusetts Bay occupied Saybrook Fort, at the mouth of the river, in 1635, and began the settlement of Wethersfield, Hartford, and Windsor, in the following years, little was known of the stream above, except that the Indians reported that they used it in their canoe navigation to Canada, by making a portage between Onion River and the waters of Lake Champlain. Northampton, Hadley, and Greenfield were early settled ; and in 1G60 were greatly harassed by the Indians in Philip's war. In the meadow, which I passed through in approaching this pleasant village, ambushes have been repeatedly laid by the wily enemy in former times, desperate contests have occurred, and not a little blood has been shed. At a visit to the place several years ago, I examined the old house, the only one which now remains of those erected at the first settlement, or previously to 1704 ; the others, ex- cept one besides, having been taken and burnt. The inhabit- ants of this house defended it a long time, until the savages found fasten the h( in the hole ( tomal made right neck bed. •n secon sprinj scent equal are tl isolat Fort, who from learn deriv date, encrf Fr the( Phili point a roil seen term itsell low, forty supp heed the driv< nigh NBCTICWT RITKR. variety of foliage and crops, evening, the winter's snow, the hues of autumn, add their innu- ome of the pleasantest of the rdly the same in appearance at if the groves, which are thinly ;l9, are generally of various de- \ rich intermixture of hues in ts often tinge the course of the d, while the uplands are still The young crops, presenting 5 level surface of the meadows me one of the richest scenes of LS I pursued my way alone to- history of this part of the coun- cut River is doubly interesting ; Deerfield, I was more occupied it than elsewhere. This is one [h but of the second epoch, and irly events than any other I am Snglishfrom Massachusetts Bay the mouth of the river, in 1635, of Wethersfield, Hartford, and years, little was known of the e Indians reported that they used to Canada, by making a portage ihe waters of Lake Champlain. Greenfield were early settled ; f harassed by the Indians in idow, which I passed through It village, ambushes have been inemy in former times, desperate not a little blood has been shed, iil years ago, I examined the old now remains of those erected at iriously to 1704 ; the others, ex- in taken and burnt. The inhabit- it a long time, until the savages INDIAN BATTLB. ttr found entrance through the back door, which was left un- fastened by a neighbour's son, a boy, who having slept in the house on some account, took an opportunity to leave it in the midst of the fight, hoping to find his parents. The hole cut through the front door by the Indians with their tomahawks is slrll to be seen, as well as some of the holes made by bullets which they fired into the rooms on the right and left at hazard. One of these passed through the neck of a female, and killed her as she was sitting in her bed. The uplands rise abruptly on the east, from the beautiful second level on which the village is built. Three or four springs, which have trickled for ages down the steep de- scent, appear to have cut as many deep channels, at nearly equal distances, in the face of the hill. Several projection* are thus left, which from some points of view appear like isolated eminences. One of these, called the Mohawk Fort, I ascended with an esteemed friend from the village, who pointed out many spots which had interest in my eyes from their connexion with early events. From him I also learned, that the spot on which we stood is reported to have derivjed its name from having been occupied, at an uncertain date, by the Mohawks, who are known to have made great encroachments on the Indians of Connecticut River. From Deerfield I pursued the road to Turner's Falls, on the Connecticut, the scene of the final overthrow of King Philip's power. The river comes sweeping slowly round a point, with a tranquil surface, and passing at the base of a round hill of sand, with a narrow swamp on two sides, seems to one descending its current to flow on without in- terruption to a long mountainous range, which here presents itself running north and south. At a quarter of a mile be- low, however, it makes a perpendicular descent of about forty feet, down which, before the dam was erected for the supply of a canal of a few miles, any thing approaching heedlessly went to certain destruction. The sand-hill was the camp or fort of Philip's Indians after they had been driven from the old settlements on the coast ; and during a night of feasting, thev were surprised by a small body of IS. Its ROUTE UP CONNKCTICVT RIVER. volunteers from the towns, principally from Northampton, and many of them destroyed. Great numbers, jumping into their canoes without their paddles, went over the falls. Some of the assailants, however, were killed, principally in the retreat, during which they were hard pressed by the rallying savages. The bones of a man were found a few years ago, in a secluded spot among the rocks below the falls, with the remains of a musket, and a number of silver coins of a period not later than the date of this battle : were doubtless the remains of some soldier engaged in it. Hawing crcsed the ferry to the foot of the hill, I ex- amined the situation of the fort, deserted so long, picked up a few arrow-heads of stone, and bones, took many fine glimpses and several sketches near the falls, and mounting my horse, proceeded by an unfrequented route to Bernards- ton, where I proposed to spend the night. The landlord teemed obliging ; and while my horse was receiving the at- tentions of his boy, I took my seat by a fire. 1 had just begun to feel impatient at not seeing any preparations making for my tea-table, when he came to invite me into an interior room, if I chose to sit by the family fireside. I cheerfully assented, and spent the remainder of the evening (for it was late when I arrived) in a neat little apartment, in pleasant conversation. Some of the older inhabitants of this part of the country have a little knowledge of the early condition of the coun- try; though the changes have been so great, and so many generations have dwelt here in undisturbed security, that it is difficult to imagine what were the trials and difficulties of early times. •' Our meadows now are cheerful all, Our riverH flow in light : But cedars wavM their branches tall As round her cios'd the night. " The path which seeks the lovM abode You knew in childhood sweet, Perchance, was that the captive trod, Mark'd by the panther's feeU" Copiei Thi I HA' long re River, i try, am the pai be give in matt minds < and ae with ta as so amusei ninetee of the are, di gan be law. . cf Eur is the of the and ci for oni eondu< by the hence eomm( looked prodw Fin J_ riCtJT RIVER. icipally from Northampton, reat numbers, jumping into dies, went over the falls. , were killed, principally in were hard pressed by the if a man were found a few mong the rocks below the ket, and a number of silver he date of this battle : were loldier engaged in it. the foot of the hill, I ex- rt, deserted so long, picked and bones, took many fine lear the falls, and mounting equented route to Bernards- I the night. The landlord horse was receiving the at- seat by a fire. 1 had just )t seeing any preparations le came to invite me into an t by the family fireside. I lie remainder of the evening in a neat little apartment, I of this part of the country early condition of the coun- been so great, and so many undisturbed security, that it e the trials and difficulties re cheerful all, ight: ir branches tall 1 the night. ks the lovM abode hood sweet, the cuptive trod, iher'gfeeU" 120 CHAPTER XVII. Copies of ancient Letters, illustrating something of the State of Things in this part of the Country early in the last Century. I HAVE in my possession some old papers, from a fanaily long resident in one of the older settlements on Connecticut River, which afford lively evidences of the state of the coun- try, and circuniPtances of society, at different periotls during the past hundred years and more. A few extracts will here be given, for the gratification of such as may feel any interest in matters of this kind. Our ancestors early made up their minds on certain important subjects, and went immediately and seriously to work. Tliey did not satisfy themselves with talkmg philosophically, or forming theoretical cobwebs, as so many European writers have done, merely for the amusement of a pleasant day. Instead of waiting till the nineteenth century, to ask whether the times, or the spirit of the age, or the march of mind, as the fashionable phrase* are, did not demand the instruction of all classes, they be- gan before the middle of the seventeenth, to require it by law. And what has been the result? While, in the south cf Europe, ignorance is teaching at this day that knowledge is the highway to vice; the poorest inhabitant of this part of the Union has the noble blood of knowledge in his veins, and can trace it through a line of ancestors uninterrupted for one or two centuries. With this come the habits of conduct and of thought, which are cherished and cultivated by the influences of a virtuous and intelligent society; and hence arise those valuable traits of character which are commonly attributed to this people : traits which cannot be looked for under other circumstances, and which cannot be produced by other causes. First comes a plan of a fort, which was ordered to be 12 180 nOVTE UP CONNECTICUT RIVIR. built on the river's bank, with the following directions, ac- companied with a letter dated — " The figure of the fctrt to be built in the Long Meadow^, above Northfield, together with the inner building. " The box a to be placed eastwardly over the river bank ; the passage into the mounts to be from the lower rooms, through the floor of the mount, except that at the norwest angle to be from the chamber through the side of the mount. The eastwardly box to be elevated so as to see from thence over the others. The timbers to be bullet proof. The fort to be twelve or fourteen feet high. The timber to lay the chamber-floor on to be so high that a tall man may walk upright under them. The buildings within twelve or four- teen foot wide. " The inner wall, as well as the fort and mounts, to be made of hewed timber. The housing to be built linto-wise ; the roof descending from the top of the fort. The outward parts of the mounts to be supported by timbers, laid four or five feet beyond the corness of the fort, not to be cut at the laying. The lower timber to be heightened by a short piece, and the floor of the mounts to be level with the highest timber. The end of the floor-pieces to go under the mount pieces. It will be best to fell the timber in the old of the moon. One of the first services will be to cut and dry good timber for fire-wood." « Capt " We have sent Henrick and three men and two squas. "The three men's names are Eraza, Cossaump, and Joseph, whome you must take into the fort, and release of the English soldiery four of your Englishmen, viz. John King to be one of the three men most inefiective, exceept the hired men, as I wrote to you in my former letter — and them you release must leave their guns for to supply the Indians, and we shall see them returned, or a reasonable price for them. And King must leave his gun as others do npon the same terms. This you must be carefuU to take, and keep an exact account of the day of their release, and •f the entry of the Indians, and so of more Indians that may ( them! and ti to ro) in the still » lisht prude Tl haste ingil enter couri No ( "ugg oflSct hend seem spen spec restc to si for 3 it the like! the now fere I p. riCVT RIVIR. le following directions, ac- luilt in the Long Meadovr, tie inner building, hvardly over the river bank ; be from the lower rooms, ixccpt that at the norwest ough the side of the mount, d so as to see from thence to be bullet proof. The high. The timber to lay ;h that a tall man may walk lings within twelve or four- the fort and mounts, to be ising to be built linto-wise ; of the fort. The outward ted by timbers, laid four or lie fort, not to be cut at the be heightened by a short unts to be level with the floor-pieces to go under the fell the timber in the old services will be to cut and three men and two squas. ire Eraza, Cossaump, and nto the fort, and release of our Englishmen, viz. John en most ineffective, exceept I in my former letter — and leir guns for to supply the I returned, or a reasonable i leave his gun as others do u must be carefuU to take, le day of their release, and d so of more Indians that OLD LETTERS. Itl may come; and be verry carefull that the Indians be by themselves, and the English alsoe; that there be no talkmg and tradeing betwixt the English souldiers and the Indiani to royle one another and make a disturbance amongst them in the fort nor out of it, but all to keep their places, and be still and orderly ; the Indians by persuasion, and the Eng- lish by comand. I wish you good success, and be verry prudent in all your management. Yours." The following letter was written, as it would appear, in haste, by the commander of the fort, in the winter succeed- ing its erection. It is inserted here to show that the views entertained by many in this country- in favour of the en- couragement of manufactures are not all of modern date. No doubt it will amuse some of my readers to find such suggestions thrown out more than a century ago, by an officer in garrison, in a small frontier outpost, while appre- hending attacks from Indians, and merely, as it would seem, to occupy a little leisure in the dead of winter. " Sir, Fort *»•*•*, Jan. », 1724-5. " You some time since enquired of me whether I had ever spent any iho'ts upon the circumstances of our gov'mt re- specting their medium of trade (viz.) how they might be restored to their original ; and I should esteem it a risque to show myself to you on that weighty point, were it not for your undoubted candour to all. » And my opinion is, that as much as possible to avoid the emitting such vast quantities of bills would be a very likely expedient; and to prevent that I would propose that the tax on all imported liquors should be double what it is now, and on all other imported goods (that we may be suf- fered to lay a tax upon) in that proportion. The advantages I propose are » 1. All the money we get this way will help to bear the charge of the governm't, and that by the persons naost able to bear it ; for it is they that drink and wear those imported goods that draw all the effects of this country. And 2, 132 ROUTE UP COMNBCTICUT BITIR. This would tend to suppress the import and also the extrava- gance and use of such commodities. And 3. This would tend to promote and encourage those manufactories which would produce the most needful commodities among our- selves. Our governm't I know have done considerable to encourage the raising of hemp, the makeing of duck, good linnen-cloth, &c. And if they had at the same Ume obiig d such commodities and many others to pay custom (when imported) that do not, it would have done well. This would not only help to pay our charge, but it would also greatly encourage the making of such things in this country— for what is made here as good as that which is imported would command as much as that, when the merch't has paid the duty and advanced his 350 p. cenU upon it. And most cer- tainly when any commodity is under such circumstances that two men and a govc'mt get in their several capacities a living by it, another man yt. can procure the same com- modity without the two lattr. encumbrances must be greatly inclined to do it. " If your patience lasts, I would entertain you with one blunder more, which is— I should think it very proper, when the charge is so great, that the country tax should be in proportion ; this has been omitted so long that I think it high time to begin ; for this also would greatly tend to pre- vent the passing of such vast quantities of bills among us, which are now (I suppose purely by their multiplicity) be- come but just half so good as our former mony. It's very strange if the wages of such as go to warr can't be so pro- portioned to other mens' advantages as that 20, 30, or possi- bly the proportion may be 60 or 100 that stay at home can t maintain one to go to warr and pay him down. I am sen- sible it would be dangerous at once to make an act that should be so extensive as to make it appear by what time the whole of the bills now extant should be brought in, for by that, rich foreseeing men will monopolize their coffers fiiU, and thereby extort upon poor people that must pay their rates. Therefore, let us now begin to pay every year's tax within the year, and involve ourselves no farther, for we have as many bills out now as all the country can find out he peoph " W dered shoulc discha or pri( salary propel count! dispos busine more ! of life hetha »Si that k &c., i "I day, a am ab close! been : ness, ' derful my sti receiv sible ( under the p« break accom persoi home OLD LITTERS. IS8 CTICUT KITIR. import and also the extrava- dities. And 3. This would ! those manufactories which ul commodities among our- r have done considerable to 1, the makeing of duck, good had at the same time oblig'd ithers to pay custom (when have done well. This would ■ge, but it would also greatly h things in this country— for that which is imported would en the merch't has paid the cent, upon it. And most cer- s under such circumstances et in their several capacuies can procure the same com- (icumbrances must be greatly would entertain you with one hould think it very proper, hat the country tax should be jmitted so long that I think it so would greatly tend to pre- , quantities of bills among us, rely by their multiplicity) be- our former mony. It's very IS go to warr can't be so pro- itages as that 20, 30, or possi- or 100 that stay at home can't d pay him down. I am sen- it once to make an act that make it appear by what time tant should be brought in, for will monopolize their coffers , poor people that must pay now begin to pay every year's olve ourselves no farther, for iw as all the country can find out how to call in and not ruin a considerable part of the people. " When bills were first made, it should have been so or- dered that yy should always have been equal to silver, or it should be enacted yt any public tax whatsoever might be discharged by any of the country produce at reasonable rates or prices. I know it is objected that this is to make eveiy salary-man a merchant, which is very much beside their proper business ; but there is not one salary-man in this country, but by himself or others does much more than to dispose of his salary when paid in such things, besides the business of his office ; and besides, I think, that man is more likely to be a trader who has none of the necessaries of life, and must take mony and convert into them all, than he that has all those things and but little mony. " Sir, this is the effects of but one half day, and any man that knows me will say it's impossible it should be valuable, &c., &c." Letter from a Lady. Borton, tbfrSSd of Feb., 1763. " Dear M. " I received your obliging letter of the 18th instant this day, and have conformed myself to your words as well as I am able, though not so well as I shou'd be glad to, being, closely confined to the limits of a chamber, where I have been almost three weeks confined by a severe fit of sick- ness, which brought me near to death. Through the won- derful forbearance of God, my life is lengthened yet farther* my strength recovering, and my opportunity for doing and receiving good yet prolonged. But, alas ! I remain insen- sible of my privileges, ungrateful for mercies, unhumbled under afilictions, negligent of my duty ! I find 'tis not in the power of Providence, 'tis not in that of the Word, to break and melt the heart : nothing but a divine energy can accomplish a divine work. It appears to me that never a person had more means used with them to bring them home to God than I have had, but how little do I answer \1* 1S4 ROVTB VP COMNKCTIC«T RIVKR. the just expectations of God and men ! Surely yon will be constrained to pour out your soul before God in my behalf. " I am sorry you should think it wou'd be a trouble to procure the few things you sent for— so far from it, I ac- count it a pleasure ; and think myself more obliged to you for employing me than you are to me for sending them. The respect you show to the memory of my dear and never-to-be-forgotten sister, I return my grateful thanks for. The removal of so great a part of my happiness renders this world more troublesome, and the remaining comforts of life more insipid. I have been more composed since my dear Mrs. was here than before— her company was of singular use to me, as she is now the most intimate friend I have on earth. I much question whether I shall ever see her again, as she has so many friends to visit, and I can see no prospect that I shall ever go so far from home. I have not heard from her since December, which seems an age. " The account you give of the burning of the Orphan House, I am apt to think, is a false report, as we have never heard a syllable of it ; and it looks most likely that we shouM have heard of it by the post. •» Nothing very remarkable occurs to my mind at present. It is a time of general health. Pray when you see Itfiss , offer my respectful compliments to her. •» Company coming in obliges me to close, with the offer of my service whenever you have occasion for it, with the assurance of my sincere wishes for your prosperity, and with my humble service to the good Col., his lady, Mrs. — — , and yourself, in which my mother joins (my father being absent). " I am. Dr. M , " Your most hvmble servant.** Pray favour me with a line ) u often w Tou can. i Erronec It ii correci eountr circun compr render seems one St not al is at ii the ho on the peoplt Gulf < causei the ci home, hence know travel in op< Bui of his low-ii direct with 1 you. perhii sever riC«T RIVKR. I men ! Surely yon will be il before God in my behalf, ik it wouM be a trouble to It for — so far from it, I ac- royself more obliged to yoo e to me for sending them. I memory of ray dear and turn my grateful thanks for. rt of my happiness renders and the remaining comfort* m more composed since my I before — her company was now the most intimate friend Lion whether I shall ever see riends to visit, and I can see ) so far from home. I have mber, which seems an age. the burning of the Orphan ilse report, as we have never t looks most likely that we post. iccurs to my mind at present, ilth. Pray when you see 1 compliments to her. >8 me to close, with the offer lave occasion for it, with the for your prosperity, and with )d Col., his lady, Mrs. , other joins (my father being r. M , our most humble ienrant.** 136 CHAPTER XVIII. Erroneout Opinion* of Foreigners of our Society — A gre»t political Character — Sabbath School. It is not very surprising that foreigners have generally no correct ideas, or at least but very few, in relation to our country. Private and public concerns, past and present circumstances, so intermingle their influences, that a mere comprehension of the political system is quite insufficient to render the operations of society intelligible. Every thing seems at once free and dependent. Prices and opinions in one state afiect those in a neighbouring one, and often, if not always, more or less, those of the Union. Every man is at liberty to speculate in the staple of any town or county, the houses and land, on equal terms with him who was bom on the spot ; and may shoe or shave, feed or clothe the people of any neighbourhood from the height of land to the Gulf of Mexico, if they will consent to pay him. This causes a constant commotion on the routes, and quickens the circulation to fever haste. The people must stay at home, unless they know where they are going, and why; hence intelligence is necessary. They travel because they know something, and they know more because they hav« travelled. And these causes, like many others constantly in operation, are continually increasing each other. But viewed in another light, each man has the peculiarities of his own state, county, and perhaps town, of which a fel- low-traveller may sometimes obtain some knowledge by directing his conversation that way. If you are acquainted with them already to some extent, he will amuse or instruct you. Favourable impressions of public intelligence, which perhaps had been raised in me by accidentally meeting several sensible men, were greatly thwarted by the man- 136 ROVTK UP CONIIICTICVT RIVIR. '\ nera and conversation of a person of a different character on his travels. «^».k There was a talkative young man in the stage-coach, who soon avowed himself, by word of mouth, m the editor of a village newspaper, called the Banner of Principle, or the Disinterested Patriot, or some other great name. His forward manners and flippant speech had got the start of tliis avowal, and already proclaimed him an uneducated, conceited youth, who had been exceedingly flattered some- where, by somebody, not very long ago. as an extraordinary wit He was one of those persons whom to see is to pity, if you have any benevolence left after the suffenngs you endure in his company. He had set out m life wrong, and was travelling rapidly a road which he must mev.tably track back He was living and breathing on mistake: neither he, nor the world, nor their opinbn of him, nor his import- ance to them was such as he supposed. His pretended friends were attached only to themselves, and reaUy exer- cised refined selfishness in enduring his society m order to gain the slight advantage of using him as a tool. He had the misfortune la live m the neighbourhood of an aspiring politician; and having abundance of self^son- ceit, some smartness, and an acquaintance with the lower classes of society, he thought his apparent currency eveiy- wh^re was owing to his own talents. When, therelore. the Tdiwrship of a Newspaper was offered to h.m, he supposed Sie slaUon was but the meed of his merit ; and when I saw him he was already in full business on such slender capital. He had not the penetration to perceive, nor the humility to "sictTny connexioa between the friendly calls of Sqmre Undertow, his confidence in conversing with him on matter, of state, the praise of his first essays, and the whisper that he was the best man in the country to conduct a paper which the friends of principle were about ^o establish; so he was soon set up, like a locomotive on a railroad, and ran rapidly and smoothly along the track which he was no per- mit ed to leave, fancying that while he out-rumbled and out- Sed other machines of his class, he did all, and was reaping aU the glory. He felt potent enough to duitance every ( threw deadly writers peripic and en age of was to mere I langna lay, hi point a most p begun ilang. nothing scope ( and elc the Nn "Oi one of these t his re- using I was m( we wei them t won't I house ' jug- ' fashion road ir improvi a candi valley, the ten sistentl is all b ciety. JTICWT mviR. ton of a different character g man in the stage-coach, ord of mouth, a« the editor the Banner of Principle, or me other great name. His ipeech had got the start of (aimed him an uneducated, exceedingly flattered some- ong ago, as an extraordinary jons whom to see is to pity, eft after the sufferings you lad set out in life wrong, and hich he must inevitably track eathing on mistake: neither inion of him, nor his import- e supposed. His pretended themselves, and really exer- luring his society in order to iog him as a tool, ive in the neighbourhood of iving abundance of self-con- acquaintance with the lower his apparent currency every- alents. When, therefore, the s offered to him» he supposed )f his merit ; and when I saw iness on such slender capital. ( perceive, nor the humility to en the friendly calls of Squire mversing with him on matters t essays, and the whisper that I country to conduct a paper were about to establish; so )motive on a railroad, and ran e track which he was not per- while he out-rumbled and out- liis class, he did all, and was elt potent enough to distance A ORKAT POLITICAL CHARACTIR. 1S7 every competitor, and despised the weak creatures which threw themselves in the way of his intolerable wit and deadly satire. He had formerly read the models of English writers with some pleasure, and attempted to arrange, with perspicuity, force, and harmony, words expressive of just and ennobling sentiments. But now he had learned that the age of improvement had come, and every thing old-fashioned was to be done away. Where would be the use of writing mere truth, when it would produce no effect? And as for language, his readers, and above all his patrons (that is to lay, his payers and admirers), wished him to write with point and pith ; and he had already become a rival of the most popular editors in some of his paragraphs, as he had begun to excel some of the noisiest village politicians in slang. All the old rules of composition comprehended nothing that could equal, or that might not be found in th« scope of one word — personality ; and his model of rhetoric and eloquence was the " saucy," but " successfur' editor of the National Fulcrum or Lever — no matter which. " Our governor," said he, " is an honest kind of a man- one of the old-fashioned sort — too honest, I tell them, for these times ; and his friends think that they can succeed in his re-election, merely because he has done well, without using the means. The article I published last Thursday was meant to lull them asleep, and make them suppose that we were doing nothing to get him out. But we shall show them the next election. The oldest senator in the state won't like to see a new man in his place ; and the lower house will be all one side next session, like the handle of a jug. The present party, in our county, have got all the oId> fashioned people with them, but we're likely to get the rail- road interest, because I say something every week about improvements ; and as we have taken Captain Bog-ore for a candidate, we shall be sure of the iron-founders in the valley. He's rather a hardware character, however, and the temperance people say they can't * swallow* him, con- sistently, because it would be drinking brandy; and he is all but ready to take the head of the anti-temperance so- ciety. That would kill us as dead as a door nail, if he i i m ROUTE UP CONNBCTICVT RIVER. should do it at present, for it's hard work to make all ■oris of our friends believe wh«t we tell them. But, how- ever, Squire Sycophant says he's the only man that can manage the captain ; and as he'll probably be persuaded to be Speaker of the House this year, though he's the most modest man in the Union, I think we shall get along. Now all these difBculties an editor has to be provided against ; and it requires a good deal of tact, I can tell you, to know exactly who to touch up, and who to let alone ; and when to call names, and how to tell a lie all but, and creep out when you are charged with it, and turn the laugh on the other side by giving them a rap over the knuckles. But things will be so in a free country like ours." " Ah !" said a sedate old gentleman, in the stage-coach, "you pay a high compliment to the spirit of popular government. The press, as I argue from your remarks, is rapidly rising in dignity and purity." " Why, yes, that is, it is improving in spirit and life, and it is waking up the people, at least in our section of coun- try, where there are men who never used to read who— now take my paper." The houses at which I spent the night had been duly furnished with the tracts for this month by the Tract So- ciety ; there was a Bible in my chamber, bearing an inscrip- tion to show that it had been presented by the Connecticut Bible Society to the hotel ; and among the newspapers in the reading-room was the last number of a Sabbath-school and a Temperance Journal. Here was new evidence that the spirit of beneficent association was in full operation around me, and turned my mind to consider the amount of ite influence, annually, monthly, and daily, in the country at large. How a connexion with one of these societies tends to give a good direction to the heart, the head, the feet, and the hands ! When a movement has been made for the first time in a village, for the promotion of any such object, by measures never attempted there before, benevolence, activity, independence, and perseverance are often necessary, in a considerable degree, to secure success. It is the nature ol every virtue, as well as of the intellect, to gain strength by Its own similar every ci is a Bib be said port of i tions, so tion; ar busy ma labour < of them practica their ph around t in their and rej system ( come ha elevatioi training And When a he feels of condi and disu similar i and reKi inlerestc feelings sexes, w station, accordin society j not pure And i hedged i takiug w they enj recomm( riCUT RIVER. ■ hard work to make ail we tetl ihem. But, how- e'a the only man that can e'll probably be persuaded year, though he's the mos» k we shall get along. Now IS to be provided against; ct, I can tell you, to know vho to let alone ; and when 5 all but, and creep out when I the laugh on the other side knuckles. But things will .." itleman, in the stage-coach, to the spirit of popular argue from your remarks, juriiy." -oving in spirit and life, and east in our section of coun- never used to read who — t the night had been duly lis month by the Tract So- chamber, bearing an inscrip- resented by the Connecticut I among the newspapers in lumber of a Sabbath-school Icre was new evidence that iation was in full operation il to consider the amount of , and daily, in the country at one of these societies tends leart, the head, the feet, and I has been made for the first lotion of any such object, by before, benevolence, activity, ;e are often necessary, in a success. It is the nature of intellect, to gain strength hy VABBATH-lcnOOLS. 180 its own exertions, as well as to incite spectators to aim at similar objects, and to use similar means. Thus it is that every city, village, and hamha in our country, where there is a Bible-society or a Sabbaih-school, may in some sense be said to have had its Owen and its Raikes. But ihe sup- port of such societies, and the continuance of their opera- tions, sometimes require greater exertion than their founda- tion; and hence we often find individuals, among the most busy manufacturers and merchants, on whom the whole labour of some societies, and not always the least efficient of them, depends. In such persons we often find more practical skill and knowledge in relation to the objects of their philanthropic pursuit, than in the whole community around them. If they find little support or encouragement in their own circle, they seek them in a broader sphere, and regard themselves as connected with an extensive system of beneficence, by which their minds and hearts be- come habitually expanded, and their characters acquire an elevation and a force which, perhaps, no other course of training could confer. And how interesting is this subject in another view. When a youth is connected with an association of this kind, he feels that he is bound to an upright and virtuous course of conduct, and that any deviation from it will be observed and disapproved. He finds his associates also affected by similar influences, and the whole tone of society purified and refined. At the same time similar pursuits, and the dis- interested source from which they spring, establish fraternal feelings as well as mutual respect among the youth of both sexes, which often prevail over all dififerences in profession, station, family, and property. Individuals also take rank according to their characters, zeal, and ability; and each society presents a kind of little republic, in which votes are not purchased, and offices are unpaid. And in this manner not only is the tharacter of the young hedged in from many exposures, but means are afforded for taking with them, wherever they go, the respectable standing they enjoy at home. A Sabbath-school teacher carries a recommendation with him to whatever place he visits, often i 'i f ! } r '40 KOVTE 1TP CONNECTICUT RIVER. of greater value than any letter of introduction. He cannot feign a claim to the name, for nothing but habit can familiar- ize him with the operations of a Sabbath-school sufficiently to converse intelligently on the subject ; and many a little Shibboleth would be detected in any one who might attempt to pass for what he was not. , . . , e u I was once led to reflect on the security which the S>ab- bath-school often gives to strangers, in forming opinions of each other, and exercising mutual confidence, by having entered one myself, where I was received as a fellow- labourer, unknown, and yet well known. Seeing a stranger enter and silently seat himself, one of the teachers immedi- ately directed the attention of the superintendent to me, who advanced with a respectful bow, cordially gave me his hand, and invited me to walk with him round the school. I felt that this was all in order ; and penetrated his hea^^ because I hadioften been placed in his situation, and acted exactly as he had done and imended to do. I saw that he took me for a teacher from some distant town, but received me only in the more general character of a friend of moraU and in- telligence, which I had professed by the fact of entermg his door. His doubts were to be settled, while his first duties of courtesy were performing during our circuit among the classes. Some of his remarks on the course of studies naturally led me to replies, from which he plamly mferred my familiarity with Sabbath-schools ; and were followed by inquiries concerning my own experience on certain pointt in which he had found difficulty. Thus the fact of my being a brother-teacher was satisfactorily established. He then apologized for the vacancy of several seate, by stating that he had recently formed the school, at the wish of the difiVsrent churches in the vicinity, and received teachers as well as pupils from several congregations of different sects, with such recruits as had been drawn from the manufactories on one side and the farm-houses on the other. Without anv knowledge of his sect, or a single attempt to asceriam it, he respectfully requested another stranger to make an address to the school, when it should close, to which he consented. Seeing a class of children without a teacher, :ticvt river. of introduction. He cannot >thing but habit can fatniliar- i Sabbath-school sufficiently I subject ; and many a little I any one who might attempt the security which the Sab- igers, in forming opinions of utual confidence, by having was received as a fellow- 1 known. Seeing a stranger one of the teachers immedi- le superintendent to me, who , cordially gave me his hand, lim round the school. I felt penetrated his heart, because situation, and acted exactly » do. I saw that he took me t town, but received me only of a friend of morals and in- ed by the fact of entering his settled, while his first duties luring our circuit among the is on the course of studies om which he plainly inferred hools ; and were followed by experience on certain pointt lulty. Thus the fact of my atisfactorily established. He ;y of several seate, by stating le school, at the wish of the ity, and received teachers as tngregations of different sects, drawn from the manufactories uses on the other. Without r a single attempt to ascertain mother stranger to make an it should close, to which he f children without a teacher, THI BEAVTUS OF NATtJRB. 141 who had come from some of the poorest dwellings in the neighbourhood, I volunteered to instruct them, and was soon seatetf with the Question Book of the American Sun- day-school Union and the New Testament open in my hands, at the lesson for the day. When the hour had elapsed and the speaker rose, I surveyed the assembly with the reflection that hundreds of thousands of children were thus assembled in the country for similar objects, under the instruction of tens of thousands of teachers. Such reflections are impressed upon the mind more deeply by solitude and agreeable scenery; and nowhere more thaa on the banks of the Connecticut does nature, anin&ate and inanimate, under a pure summer sky, appear in unison with the Christian's Sabbath. It is easy to perceive something of the extensive and powerful influence which such associations are exerting upon the minds and hearts, the manners and habiti of my countrymen, as well as the importance of having such im- provements introduced into the system as might render it more perfect and effectual. Such gratifying interviews may be enjoyed every week. We may part, perhaps, even ignorant of each other's names ; but with such feelings as those of Bunyan's friends, who •' wont on rejoicing, and I saw them no more." Such a morning exercise gives warmth and elevation to the devotions of the day. Much as the scenery of the Connecticut is admired, a great deal of enjoyment is often lost by not having the ad- vantage of the most favourable light to see it in. The broad and level meadows, with all their fertility, and the swelling hills and woody bluffs which by turns interrupt them, often appear tame and uninteresting when the sun is in the zenith ; but when near the morning or the evening horizon, it enhances the richness of one, and shows all the variety of the latter. The time has not yet arrived when the beauties of na- ture are to become objects of general attention and study to all classes ; but we should labour to hasten it, for our own land abounds in them most richly, and the humblest acene can furnish T«>al pleasure to the eye which intelligently 13 142 ROrTE VV CONNECTICUT RIVER. observes it, and may assist in raising the heart to objecij far above itself. " I have inquired of many plain people of good sense," remarked a highly-intelligent and ingenious gentleman, " to ascertain whether there exists among our yeomanry any distinct conceptions of beauty in the objects of nature ; and I fear they too generally look with interest on a fine walnut-tree, merely because they associate with its size its greater value for fuel." And as for hills and streams, he was apprehensive that the first are regarded only on ac- count of the wood or stone they aflbrd, and the other as they contain fish. Certain it is, that while we all possess feelings which sublime and beautiful objects must move, and fashion begins to incline many to talk of scenery around us, as it formerly forbade us to praise any thing American, there is a great, an almost univ ".rsal inattention to the true prin- ciples of taste among our <. ountrymen, which proper means might correct. We have sufficient native talent around us to furnish pic< tures whenever they shall be demanded by public taste, and paid for ; while for scenes, we are abundantly supplied with them, both for landscape and historical painting. When fashion shall once have turned, I expect to see a strong current setting in favour of the ornamental arts ; and I think the great and various changes we have heretofore seen in society, warrant us in the hope that something important is yet in reserve for us on a matter connected with so much that is truly refining. Let our artists, therefore, raise their dejected eyes, and continue to employ their leisure hours in the creations of their rich fancies, or the portraiture of richer nature, believing that the time will come when their produc- tions will be appreciated, and exert their influence upon society. Such reflections as these, and many more, were excited by a visit I made not long since to a young artist, who has devoted such moments as he could spare from a variety of other employments to the study and practice of painting. He has refused, wisely perhaps, to trust to an art so pre- carious for the supply of his bread, but has marvation. n, in forming such a cemetery, ;ated by many villages as well jspects an improvement on the though much more accommo- me other parts of the country In chies, public and private and crowded burying-grounds, would procure interment at 5(1 scene; but in the latter r, except strict precautions be le planned with reference to the and should at once be conve- 1, guarded from injury and every ought not, I think, to be placed they generally are, nor yet too tions of men. If they are con- are regarded with too much in- i often made a thoroughfare and ildren. In some instances new have been chosen ; for there is the burying'ground from the NEWBPAPERl. 163 church, with those who do not consecrate ground: but in how few instances is taste consulted in the selection of a ■pot, in laying it out, or planting it with evergreens ! — Newspapers are in some senses great pests. The old- fashioned literati complain bitterly that they occupy the places of books such as they used to read and grow wise with, and ask, What is it but newspapers which makes our young men different from what they used to be ! If they would listen to one of this class, so far from perfection as I allow, I would say, it is owing to many other causes besides this. So far as newspapers have an evil influence, it is attributable to their quality, not to the fact that they are newspapers ; and the evil of the bad is partly owing to our fathers' neglect in not providing good editors, nor taking timely precautions to secure a good public taste. The neglect under which news- papers 80 long sufllered now appears to have been almost criminal : it was at least short-sighted : for if tlieir present importance had been foreseen, and if proper mearfures had been taken, they would have been better, and sources of much more good and far less evil than now. But as for getting along without them, under the present and the probable future state of things, it is out of the ques- tion. Every man, at least in this part of the country, who has any regard for his character for common intelligence, or any curiosity or taste, or who has a wife, son, or daughter possessing these qualities, must have the affairs of the county, State, Union, and oniverse laid before him every week at least. And this is done for from one and a half to two and a half dollars a year. Multitudes obtain with this a vast amount of matter relating to doctrinal and practical religion, the movements of the clergy of their denomina- tions, the growth of churches, the operations of their Bible, tract, missionary, and temperance societies, &c. &c. But to go further into particulars— the public affairs of all nations, the effecte of the enterprises of distinguished indi- viduals, the opinions of new books in both hemispheres. The people of this country exercise an habitual censorship over their fellow-men — many of them daily, multitudes of them weekly, as they seat themselves to peruse their news- 164 BOSTON. papers ; and feel at the same time a degree of self-respect, as well as regard for good or wise men, however distant, who seem in some sense to be labouring in their various spheres partly for their gratification or improvement. W hen Humboldt was scouring plains and ascending mountains, in many an humble habitation was his progress watched; and tow-wicked candles, lighted as the farmers families assemble at evening, will show the columiis which shall speak of Don Miguel's fall, and Captain Hall's adventures in his pursuit of Parry. It is a great consolation when we see the paltry and often the vicious stuff with which many of our public papers abound, that after all so small a portion of the community read it. What is professedly political has charms for but few, if we except such things as are personal in their bearing on individuals known to the readers. Marriages and deaths induce hundreds to take them up, where tens are attracted by what is called the original arUcles, most of which have as much originality as an echo. The most ▼irulent, tasteless, and sottish papers are generally those which are supported by some party, and these are often taken for appearances, and not to read. The learned must consent to share in the burthen of the charge of the public ignorance and want of taste. They who are familiar with the state of things in Greece and Rome, and all other countries on the face of the earth, ought to have had skill to foresee that our circumstances, so differ- ent from those of any nation before us, must require a dif- ferent treatment to produce any desirable effect. They are a venerable set of men, I allow— highly respectable; some of them know law, some physic, some history, Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and what not. There are those who have waded deep into the most important branches of knowledge (I use branches in the southern sense), and are actuaUy f,wimming in a surfeit of science, who, I fear, have not siifficiently thought how they may convey a few drops to their thirsty fellow-citizens. Is not the idea still too prevalent, that there is no way to learning except the royal road ? Is there not a tiresome long toll-bridge across that stream which separates N4IIANT. 106 ne a degree of self-respect, wise men, however distant, I labouring in their various ion or improvement. When and ascending mountains, was his progress watched ; id as the farmers' families V the columns which shall 1 Captain Hall's adventures 1 we see the paltry ind often iiany of our public papers 1 portion of the community political has charms for but ;s as are personal in their to the readers. Marriages take them up, where tens are le original articles, most of ity as an echo. The most papers are generally those party, and theie are often I to read. [> share in the burthen of the e and want of taste. They ite of things in Greece and in the face of the earth, ought t our circumstances, so differ- before us, must require a dif- y desirable effect. They are —highly respectable; some of some history, Hebrew, Latin, I are those who have waded branches of knowledge (I use i), and are actually twimming I fear, have not sjifficiently r a few drops to their thirsty !a still too prevalent, that there \ie royal road ? Is there not a IS that stream which separates tke land of ignorance from the domain of knowledge, oter which all are required to pass, while none are permitted to use the humble stepping-stones or to attempt the ford be- low t Cannot some means be devised by which some of the important principles, now wrapped in volumes and con- cealed in foreign words, may be put into the possession of those who most need them for frequent and practical use ! Have the Medes and Persians any law requiring every indi- vidual who would know how many bones there are in his foot, or what fiddle-string it is that vibrates when he knocks his elbow, to go through a regular course of study at a medi- cal college? If they have, by the way, it is violated, and will be set at nought, I trust, still more, by the Penny Maga- zine, Penny Gazette, et omm id genus of publications which have begun to appear, I had almost said, since I began to pen this page. In these things the English have set us a good example; which, as we are such "legitimates" m literary matters as to admit no improvements except through the royal road, there is now hope we shall benefit by it. CHAPTER XXTI. Nshant— Plymouth— Principles of the PilgrimB— Their Inititutions— Exnuse for not knowing more — Lyceums. Nah&nt is the first great fashionable retreat our coast presents, beginning to follow its devious line from the eastern part of the country. There many a citizen, many a young person educated in our fashionable schools, is for the first time introduced to the ocean, and taught, by a glance, how great are objects he knows not, how small many of the ac- quisitions the giddy world admires. I do firmly believe that a misguided parent, who has had the folly to bring up his child in the way he should not go ; who has taught his son or his daughter to admire the false glitter of wealth, and to IS ICO NAB ART. neslect the search after intellectual and moral cnjoymenta, —many such a parent, by bringing hia child hen, has ex- posed him to a scene that can counteract at once the very nrinciples of his education, implant new ideas, lead him to think his parent superficial, and drive him to other sources of instruction. There is an appeal, a warning, a monitory voice in the sea, when its waves are dashed agamst the rocks, which affects the old and even the accustomed mmd with awe ; but to the young, the inexperienced, it addresses itself with a tone which enforces attention, and makes an impression no human power, perhaps, can ever entirely AflRCfi ••Unfall'n, religious, holy sea!" I A scene like this is best calculated for the retreat of one who has forsaken the paths of righteousness, and wishes to retrace his steps. Vice never chooses a place where such reproaches are sounded in her ears. It is also one of the most favourable situations for implanting salutary and last- ing impressions in the young. Scenes like this are, per- haps, liable to as few objections, even when strictly regarded, as any can be, for the establishment of houses of general resort: for as the objects of nature offer a good deal of at- traction, even to the less estimable class of visiters, they substitute reflections harmless, if not useful, for many of the unbecoming games and occupations in which hours are usually occupied in public places. The man of business is not attracted to the billiard-table to fill up a blank left by his abstraction from his desk ; but he seats himself on some of the resting-places arranged on the most advantageous points of view, and gazes in admiration on a horizon more extended, on objects more elevating than he finds elsewhere. He indulges in reflections ennobling to a mind borne down with daily cares, while he is refreshed by a pure and kindly breeze, that comes with health and rational hilarity ou its wings, to repair the wastes that necessary labour has made upon his frame. Of the sea serpent I have nothing to say. Plymouth I visited with becoming reverence, on account U the memory of our forefathers. What » dreary scene must t this Bf poor, shore, wise theii tot! Il lish or t Teli T. jtual and moral cnjoymenta, ^ing his child hert, has ex- counteract at once the very ilant new ideas, lead him to 1 drive him to other sources ipeal, a warning, a monitory ves are dashed against the d even the accustomed mind B inexperienced, it addresses 3es attention, and makes an perhaps, can ever entirely culated for the retreat of one righteousness, and wishes to chooses a place where such ears. It is also one of the implanting salutary and last- . Scenes like this are, per- 1, even when strictly regarded, shment of houses of general ature offer a good deal of at- imable class of visiters, they , if not useful, for many of the ipations in which hours are lea. The man of business is ble to fill up a blank left by but he seats himself on some d on the most advantageous admiration on a horizon more ating than he finds elsewhere, lobling to a mind borne down •efreshed by a pure and kindly ih and rational hilarity on its lat necessary labour has made nothing to say. ecoming reverence, on account kthers. What a dreary scene TBI 'i'lLORIMfl. 187 must the coast have presented to them when they landed on this spot in December, IB'iO ! The soil is sandy, thin, and poor, and a range of low hills gives an uniformity to the shore, to which nothing but some important historical event ugh to send out smigrants to the West, they would have flowed in one undistmguished mass with those tides of emigration from other quarters, which, however strongly contrasted with them now when thev meet, are soon and materially purified by the mixture. Had the Pilgrims acted like most other planters of colonies, in respect to public education merely. Bunker HiU would have had no name, and the United States no being. There are many things to be seen in Boston, some ol which I know but little about, and too many more 1 had not the taste, or knowledge, or sagacity to observe or take pleasure in. I am no English tourist, and therefore cannot pretend to know every thing. If I had the wonderful facdi- Ties possessed by some of those men and women who survey the United States through their blue glasses, and then write things of which none of us natives ever heard, I might have had more to say. How pleasant must travelling be to such ffentrv ! A person with their talents might sit m his hotel, or sleep in the steamboat, and make books, whose ongmality at least would never be doubted : whereas such people as I can never say a thing of any place or object, w"hout havmg everybody who is acquainted with «/^«!^>™' ''^fats a fact;" and can never indulge in a reflection, but he first plain, merely sensible person who reads it wiU say, That » true— very good— he thinks as I do." Now this is no way to make a book, that's very certain What gratification can it be to anybody to be told that things around him are what they know them to be; and that they and their neighbours have done exactly what they have, and can do so and so, and no more nor less? But, ah! when shall we equal the English! "Kara avis m terris"— now and then we find one of these rare fowl- not so rare, however, now as they once were-some thmk there are quite enough of them. One of them, I 'ecollect, was at a hotel in New-York some months ago, where ho save out that he was collecting remarks, and every day tooK out his memorandum-book and pencil at table. Two or three persons, who appre.uated the importance of hw under- taking, were so obliging as to render him a^f^'a^^* ! *°J out of respect to his future readers, never aUowed him to 16* 170 1IAS8ACHVSSTT8. take any thing but the choicest bits from that great newa- market; and, indeed, generally took the trouble to stall- feed the cattle and pigeons before they brought them up. Under their hands our steamboats, race-horses, whale-boats, and spinning-wheels improved more in speed than they had done in years before ; and the march of mind in the United States was equalled only by the progress of the pumpkin- Tines in the meadows. Had the wonders he heard been communicated to him in a different manner, he miglit have questioned the statements ; but they were introduced casu- ally in common conversation ; not narrated to him as prodi- gies, but mingled with the concerns of the day, and heard by others without surprise, and often without remark. This intelligent foreigner faithfully noted every thing, and must have taken a vast fund of available merchandise home to England. His friends grieved the less at his departure, because they cherished the hope of seeing him ere long ia a book. As yet, however, they have been disappointed. Among the various travels in the United States since pub- lished in Great Britain, they have not found his name ; and although several of them have borne strong marks of his character, and were to a great degree composed of materials like those which he collected, they are at once so like and unlike the valuable mass with which he was supplied, that they were inclined to suspect he had sold his notes " in lots to suit purchasers." It is impossible to travel far in this state, and, indeed, in some of the other states also, without perceiving signs of the recent impulses given to public instruction. In some places the old school-houses have been replaced with conve- nient and handsome edifices ; evidently planned with some regard to their importance, the public convenience, and the principles of taste. In others large buildings have been erected for public lectures, libraries, and cabinets of natural history. And if we had time enough to inquire into the state of public intelligence, we should find considerable im- provements made within the last three or four years. The associations for literary improvement, which have multiphed ao rapidly, though varying in size, unportance, and plaOi are knc of good plied tc acter, n meanin lence, 1 scale pected such as or the ' So n ties for ence to ciate iti effort 1 meetin( lage ly probabl ble, wii stances hear, y where\ ties, gi ments < tion of "That commi is peril subseq takes disclos concer to a St travell other i discusi would about opport !TTS< bits from that great newa- took the trouble to stall- fore they brought them up. s, race-horsea, whale-boats, [jore in speed than they had narch of mind in the United ! progress of the pumpkin- ihe wonders he heard been ■ent manner, he might have they were introduced casu- ot narrated to him as prodi- erns of the day, and heard often without remark. This loted every thing, and must lable merchandise home to i the less at his departure, pe of seeing him ere long in ey ha^'e been disappointed, the United States since pub- ve not found his name ; and borne strong- marks of his legree composed of materials ihey are at once so like and which he was supplied, that e had sold his notes " in lots in this state, and, indeed, in I, without perceiving signs of public instruction. In some ive been replaced with conve- evidently planned with some public convenience, and the i large buildings have been aries, and cabinets of natural 3 enough to inquire into the : should find considerable im- ist three or four years. The ement, which have multipUed size, importance, and plan^ LYCEUMS. ITl are known by the general name of lyceums, which is a word of good, sound, and classical origin ; and although often ap- plied to societies of a different and generally a loftier chay- acter, may, perhaps, as well as any other, be used in this meaning. The career of knowledge, like that of benevo- lence, however humble the agents embarked in it or the scale of their operation, offers innumerable and often unex- pected gratifications. I have attended several meetings of such associations, and cannot easily describe all the ways or the whole extent in which I received gratification. So many meetings have been held, so many little socie- ties formed, and so many measures taken with direct refer- ence to the diffusion of knowledge, that those who appre- ciate its value are sure of receiving support in any judicious effort they may make in its favour. Suppose a public meeting is called in the village of Newtown, to form a vil- lage lyceum. The bell is rung in the meeting-house, and probably the minister, the teachers, male and female, assem- ble, with many or few of the people, according to circum- stances. The ladies sit at some distance, near enough to hear, yet far enough to show that modesty actuates them wherever they go. Some person, familiar with such socie- ties, gives a statement of their plan and effects, and com- ments on the advantages offered by the village for the forma- tion of a similar association. It is unanimously resolved, " That it is expedient to form a Newtown Lyceum." A committee is then appointed to form a constitution, which is perhaps presented to the same meeting, or if not, to a subsequent one. On the articles, probably, some discussion takes place ; and I can answer for it that they sometimes disclose both talent and eloquence, and always some facts concerning the state of society which may prove instructive to a stranger. I have wished that some of the well-meaning travellers who have told such ridiculous tales of us on the other side of the Atlantic could have listened to a few such discussions, even in our most obscure villages ; for they would have heard our plain country-people talking togethei about themselves, and that affords one of the best possible opportunities for learning their condition and character. 17« MASSACHUSETTS. " I had no notice, gentlemen," remarked a middle-aged man from another town, " that I was to address this meet- ing. I was passing through Newtown, and attracted here only by learning at the tavern that a lyceum was to be formed. I will mention briefly that the lyceum of Oldtown, of which I had the honour to be secretary, has been very use- ful, a» it is generally believed, in affording harmless amuse- ment as well as useful inslrnction to different classes, par- ticularly the young. The funds are derived from the sub- scriptions of members, at half a dollar each, and a quarter of a dollar for minors, who however are not entitled to a vote. The officers are a president, vice-president, record- ing and corresponding secretary, treasurer, and librarian, who, with five others called curators, form the board of directors, three of whom make a quorum for orduiary busi- ness. We have collected a library, by loan and gift, of books which could be spared by the members of the society ; and thus each volume being made accessible to all, is as it were multiplied by two hundred, which is about the number of our members. One or two lectures on different subjects are delivered every week in the winter when the weather permits, by volunteers — professional gentlemen and farmers; and occasionally we are favoured with some friend from a neighbouring lyceum, with an essay which has been well received there. We send a delegate every quarter to the county lyceum (where your delegates, I hope, will hereafter attend), and hear interesting reports from him of their pro- ceedings on his return. Our schools have been much im- proved° as the teachers are interested in introducing every im- provement in discipline and instruction which they can ob- tain ; and I must do most teachers the justice to say that they are true friends of knowledge and republican institutions. And while I am on this point, allow me to remark, gentle- men, that we have it in our powe •, though but humble indi- viduals, by pursuing a proper course of operations in the society which exists around us, to effect what the govern- ments of some countries of Europe are endeavouring to do, but cannot fully accomplish, with all the means in their pos- session. We can raise the standard of our common schooU to the ] vidual. general can be any oth past ye tion; a zme, p that it educati of the I the pri render! the im now b< done b emulat "M awake systen raise spcct, of thei exhibi of a 1 the mi the c( librar Weii alone been ought spect( also t aid ¥ foreig jects fusioi inhai lETTS. 1YCEVM8. 173 1," remarked a middle-aged I was to address this mect- ^ewtown, and attracted here that a lyceum was to be that the lyceum of Oldtown, secretary, has been very use- n affording harmless amuse- on to different classes, par- is are derived from the sub- " a dollar each, and a quarter iwever are not entitled to a ident, vice-president, record- iry, treasurer, and librarian, curators, form the board of I a quorum for ordhiary busi- library, by loan and gift, of Y the members of the society ; ade accessible to all, is as it d, which is about the number lectures on different subjects the winter when the weather sional gentlemen and farmers; ared with some friend from a I essay which has been well delegate every quarter to the !legates, I hope, will hereafter eports from him of their pro- schools have been much im- rested in introducing every im- nstruction which they can ob- lers the justice to say that they 'e and republican institutions. i, allow me to remark, gentle- owe.-, though but humble indi- r course of operations in the IS, to effect what the govem- lurope are endeavouring to do, rith all the means in their pos- andard of our common schooU to the highest grade, and carry their benefits to every indi- vidual, A monarch can do little for this object without the general and hearty co-operation of his people ; and if that can be secured by us, we need not despair for our want of any other influence. The Fr.;ach government, during the past year, established a splendid system of public instruc- tion ; and the semi-weekly paper and the monthly maga- zine, published by the minister of instruction, inform us that it expressly avows, as essential principles, that religion* education is inseparable from intellectual ; that the interests of the state require that every child be instructed ; and that the profession of a teacher, in every department, must be rendered respectable in the eyes of the public. Through the investigations made, the best systems in Europe may now be obtained from France ; and nothing remains to be done but to educate teachers enough, and to excite proper emulation among the people. " Make the results of education known, and you will awaken interest in schools : show parents and teacliers better systems than they have, and they will wish to obtain them : raise the salaries of teachers, treat them with due re- spect, and you may have good ones. In many points men of their practical knowledge will easily improve by the mere exhibition of apparatus, or by witnessing the management of a model-class for a half hour. Encourage, therefore, the meetings of common school-teachers in the town and the county, for thus, still more than in the case of the library, the information of each becomes the property of ^^.1. We must remember that our schools should never be left alone by the good and the intelligent, until they shall have been placed on the best possible footing. Our teachers ought to be retained permanently in their profession, and re- spected as highly as any members of society. They ought also to be put in pos. ession of every improvement for their aid which is known in the worid. Our commerce with foreign nations is never made subservient to its highest ob- jects so long as we do not by means of it promote the dif^ fusion of useful knowledge; and intellectual must go hand in hand with reUgious. And mark the tendency of frequent -JS IH ROUTE TO PROVIDENCE. r association ! It is only the extension of that principle on which true friends receive mutual benefit from conversuig on a topic with which they are partially acquainted. They share the whole stock with each other, and at the same time are stimulated to obtain and communicate more m future. By such remarks as these the individuals present feel encouraged to further the good objects by such means as are in their power. The stranger departs, but some one or more he leaves behind are prepared to act on a committee to procure lectures for the winter, or to solicit the loan of books, to visit the schools, to collect minerals, to make a map of the town, to correspond with some other society, to collect historical facts of the region in which he dwells, or to raise funds to procure a philosophical apparatus, or possi- bly to erect a building for the society. The meetmg has convinced some individual at least that he could do more than he before believed ; and more than one are now started on a career in which the example and support of others, with success in new exertions, will probably display to themselves powers of mind and means of usefulness, as well as of enjoyment, of which they have before been quite un- suspicious. /. • 1 In a country like this, where such a state of society has been established, great advantages are enjoyed by parents in rearing their children. And of this many of our emigrants appear sensible ; for some of them send theu little ones from the South to be educated among the scenes and moral influences of their infancy. No higher expres- sio'i of attachment and veneration can be paid to their na- tive land than thi», by such men as have done what they could, to improve the intelligence and morality of the regions where they dwell. Education is a staple commodity of Massachusetts and Conrecticut, and more or less so of some of the other northern states. A child here is as sure of good examples, and good intellectual and moral instruction, as he would be of having rice enough in South Carolina, Bugar-cane in Louisiana, or Indian corn in Ohio. The route from Boston to New-York, through Providence, is interesting on several accounts, but is well known; and besides, time to dreadful can use ent day : general ever, It 1 New.1 NoTii tion and irears. cept the extensiv Bunker' on a 1 not op( markers have n( )b's, in difTei What S' travellir riving a mission porters up or ( arms, o: How y( as they aboTB t OYIDENCE. TRATBLllRS. 17S :ten8ion of that principle on tual benefit from conversing 1 partially acquainted. They li other, and at the same time >mraunicate more in future." the individuals present feel od objects by such means as iger departs, but some one or )ared to act on a committee to ,er, or to solicit the loan of collect minerals, to make a d with some other society, to region in which he dwells, or losophical apparatus, or possi- J society. The meeting has least that he could do more more than one are now started imple and support of others, )n8, will probably display to id means of usefulness, as well ley have before been quite un^ besides, if I should stop to speak of it, I should not find time to complete the remaining part of my tour. It is a dreadful thing for a writer to have more materials than he can use ; an evil, fortunately, not very common at the pres- ent day ; for if we may judge authors by their books, they generally want nothing more than something to say. How- ever, it is my chance this time to suffer under a surfeit. here such a state of society advantages are enjoyed by ren. And of this many of oin for some of them send their be educated among the scenes r infancy. No higher expres- ration can be paid to their na- men as have done what they nee and morality of the regions ion is a staple commodity of ut, and more or less so of some A child here is as sure of ellectual and moral instruction, rice enough in South Carolina, Indian corn in Ohio. New-York, through Providence, ;ovmts, but is weU known ; and CHAPTER XXni. New- York— Hotels — Sculpture— South America— Dr. Sweet — Foreign Inventions. NoTHiNQ is more remarkable than the rapid multiplica- tion and extension of hotels in New- York within a few years. About six or eight years ago there was none ex- cept the City Hotel, which was considered as affording very extensive, and at the same time genteel accommodations ; BunkerV, Washington Hall, and Park Place House being on a less extensive scale. The American Hotel was not opened without some anticipations among idle re- markers that the city would not support it ; and yet we have now the National, the Adelphi, the United States, Webb^s, the Franklin, and, without mentioning many others in different streets, lastly, the moose, the mammoth. Holt's. What scenes of bustle arc presented at the doors in the travelling-season, especially at the hours of steamboats ar- riving and departing, which now occur with but short inter- missions! How roll the coaches to and from; how the porters jostle you and one another ; how the strangers pour up or down the side-walks, with their great coats on their arms, or pack their wives and children hastily into coaches. How you can instantly distinguish these birds of passage as they stop at the comer before you, and survey the houses aboTB them from top to bottom^ and then gaie at the crowd 176 MIW-TOmK. Tushing by them, m if hunting for a needle m a hay-mow; What a difference it must make with them m respect to the pleasure of their journey, and the information they may carry home, whether they find a bed to lodge m or not ; and whether comfortable things befall them or otherwise. As we pass them in the street, it seems but a matter of litUe concern whether they are lodged here, or there, or nowhere ; whether they are treated honestly or have their pockets picked. But it is much to them. O this familiarity with crowds and bustle, this packing down of human flesh m cities like jerked beef, makes us in some respects wonder- fully selfish and indifferent to our species. Speaking of hotels— Holt's is the mammoth of them all. Seeking a friend one day, a gentleman traced him to Holt's, inquired for him at the bar, and was told that although not in his room, he was somewhere in the house. " That was what I was afraid of," said he—" I shall never find him. If he had gone out I would have given him a fair chase through the city, with some small hope of finding him : but in such a boundless labyrinth as this I wUl not waste time in searching for him." , u • • This hotel is sometimes called Holt's castle; but it is rather the castle of indolence, or more properly that of glut- tony. " The refectory," " hot coffee," " the ordinary," " pri- vate dining-room," &c. &c., these are conspicuous words blazoned on the doors and along the passages. Labourers, horses and carts are often seen lining the curb-stones, toil- ing and groaning even m removing the refuse and fragments of those enormous feasts which are daily consumed in this surfeit factory. A steam-engine puffs and perspires all day to raise aloft tons of food, merely for hundreds of trencher- men to bring it down again ; and, to judge from the smoke and hissing, one would think the inroads of hunger were more difficult to resist than the current of the Hudson or the Mississippu r m ^ „ This pile of granite is in one sense a temple of " 1 aste; and what species of taste that is, the spectator may judge from any commanding view within some miles, by the broad banner that floats on ite top, bearing an enormous green roomE painti views ticula is cal our c abroa Flore palac most and i and tioni: coun IK. for a needle in a hay-mow: with them in respect to the the information they may bed to lodge in or not ; and ill them or otherwise. As earns but a matter of little I here, or there, or nowhere ; istly or have their pockets 3m. O this familiarity with ig down of human flesh in IS in some respects wonder- lur species. is the mammoth of them all. itleman traced him to Holt's, and was told that although vhere in the house. " That he — " I shall never find him. lave given him a fair chase lall hope of finding him : but as this I will not waste time illed Holt's castle; but it is jr more properly that of glut- coffee," " the ordinary," "pri- these are conspicuous words ig the passages. Labourers, 3n lining the curb-stones, toil- ving the refuse and fragments ch are daily consumed in this ne puffs and perspires all day rely for hundreds of trencher- and, to judge from the smoke i the inroads of hunger were s current of the Hudson or the le sense a temple of " Taste;" lat is, the spectator may judge ithin some miles, by the broad ), bearing an eaormous green SCITtPTURl AS AM AMUSEMINT. 177 turtle \ The si^ht of such an ensign .« not a ^•^f^'Jy- inir one to a man oi letters, unless mdeed he be suffering under a paroxysm of hunger, to which his tribe are said to be rather predisposed. Under other circumstances, he ex- claims, O that my countrymen would content themselves wiA moderation in their animal enjoyments, and sacrifice more to the mind ! .i this bar were converted into a library ; U tomes of knowledge were put in the place of bottles aiid de- canters, and the halls were furnished with food for the in- tellect, what a splendid university would this be ! I have been visiting some of the artists and exhibition- rooms ; and having already indulged in a few remarks on paintings and painters, I might apply some of the same iriews to sculpture ; but shall not stop here to be very par- ticular. I would briefly remark, that taste or genius, as it is called in sculpture, need not be of so gradual g^wth in our country as many persons think. Many of our travellen. abroad will tell you, that an hour spent in the "^"-e"™ «[ Florence, or in the select society of Apollo and Co., in he palace of the Vatican, would be sufiicient to convert the most rude taste to something very refined and intelligent, and as for genius, did not Canova grow up m a few years ; and was not his life more than long enough to revolu- tionize the w«rld of artists? Even in the most refined countries, every new generation must be educated to refine- ment. We have, therefore, only to use the proper means, and in a very short time might have taste and gemus, and the results of both combined. It is a slavish doctrine too, that no artist can be worthy of respect who has not worked in Rome. Let not our youth be discouraged. Take a chisel, look at a man, and make the rock look as much like him as yon can. But the rock is hard. Then take plaster, or common red clay from a brick-yard. It will wash off from the hands of genius— Canova used it often. Set about gravely to do what you have attempted when a boy with the snow. Try to make a man— it is not so puerile a businesQ, neither is it eojerj difficult. You are not to be perplexed with colours, lights and shades, or in any way required to make a flat surfao* 16 m MEW-TOnS* look like what it is not. You may measure etery part, turn it this way and that by moving the block on which it stands, and alter, remould, and begin again. Nothing is spent but a little leisure time, a little attention and ingenuuy, for which you will be more attentive and ingenious here- after, and a better judge of other people's work. The clay is as good as it was before, and you art not obliged to show your work or to try again. You are already like an artist in one respect; you have failed in your first attempt to do as well as you wished. Even if you had tried to chisel a Btone and broken it, your tool, or your skin, I dare say Canova and Thorwaldson themselves have done worse. There have been fewer good sculptors than good painters ; but sculpture is a much more natural and simple art than painting. It has its peculiar principles, and in certain de- tails there are more niceties ; but in general this is not the case. For example— there must be caution used to guard against any unmeaning, incorrect, or ridiculous effect in every point of view from which a statue or group is to be seen : while a picture has but one side. But how natural is the attempt to mould a material mass into the form of humanity ; and how much better do even children succeed in making images of snow than in drawing men with coal or chalk ! And how much more readily do the uninstructed express their opinions of statues than of paintings, because they feel better competent to judge ! I need but remark in addition, how Mr. Augur has astonished us ell with hia ♦' Jephtha and his daugliter," because he had independence enough to act on these principles, and with extraordinary taste and perseverance. (How strangely I forgot to speak of Augur with praise while at New-Haven !) And how has the Scotch stone-cutter, Thom, with the coarsest stone, and in spite of his degraded subject, viz. a low ale-house group, imitated nature almost to perfection, without the benefit of instruction or a single model. I have said a good deal about taste, perhaps, to very little purpose, yet I must express my displeasure for that shown by many of my countrymen in several recent instances. While works of real merit, recommended by patriotic, or at least exhibi talent, up in crowd are m dccidt moral has ir cept t comp( of the flowe could the s( trary, wouh lectu! detes this ] purit; sente fectic Fron and acqu tion,' used F( will so c in m cern B layr fiUS[ won and sent K. 1 may measure etery part) ring the block on which it begin again. Nothing is ttle attention and ingenuity, tentive and ingenious here- r people's work. The clay ou art not obliged to show )u are already like an artist in your first attempt to do f you had tried to chisel a I, or your skin, I dare aay selves have done worse, culptors than good painters ; latural and simple art than inciples, and in certain de- ut in general this is not the ist be caution used to guard ect, or ridiculous effect in a statue or group is to be one side. But how natural rial mass into the form of • do even children succeed in n drawing men with coal or : readily do the uninstructed >s than of paintings, because idge ! I need but remark in astonished us ell with hia ecause he had independence pies, and with extraordinary IT strangely I forgot to speak Vew-Haven !) And how has , with the coarsest stone, and t, viz. a low ale-house group, ection, without the benefit of It taste, perhaps, to very little ly displeasure for that shown in several recent instances. 'ommeDded by pathotici or at FALSI TASTE AND IMMORALITY. 179 least respectiible historical associations are offered for exhibition almost in vain ; while artists of extraordmary talent, pure chara<-ler, and commendable intentions are shut up in humble corners by public neglect, wo can rush m crowds to see a poor and meager composition, whose merit* are merely of an inferior order, and whose tendency is of a decidedly corrupting character. 1 speak of the » great im- moral painting" of Adam and Eve in Paradise. This picture has imleed a scripture subject, but that is Us only merit, ex- cept the mere mechanical execution of the figures. 1 he composition has not the essential quality of a just conception of the scone portrayed. There is no Eden, unless a few flowers on a green bank may express it; and no one could ever judge of the artist's intention or his subject, if the serpent and the apple were withdrawn. On the con- trary, every thing else, except the nudity of the personages, would lead to a very opposite idea. And as to the intel- lectual character of the piece, how mean, as well as how detestable, appears the character of the mind expressed in this palming ! Such an artist would make the Ldcn ol purity a mere Mohammedan paradise. Nature is repre- senled as destitute of beauty; and man, in his state of per- fection, as devoid of every exalted and ennobling sentiment. From woman, every intellectual trait seems to be removed ; and how insufferable is this, ia such a scene, where the acquisition of knowledge was the great instrument of tempta- tion,— the object to which she had yielded, and which she used as the ground of her argument with Adam ! For my own part, this miserable failure of a foreign artist will ever be doubly displeasing to me, because it has been so extensively rendered popular by the notice of men who, in my opinion, ought to have possessed more taste and dis- cernment. J .u Because it was a scripture painting, fathers and mothers, laymen and clergymen, crowded to see it, indifferent or un- Buspicious with regard to the impression which their example would have on virtuous and blushing youth, and on immoral and debased members of society, who rejoice when evU sentiments are allowed to walk in the sunshine. '«K 180 NCW*YORK. • Encouraged, I supponf , by the Roldcn success of the pro- prietor of this painting, Hughes, a man of extraoriluiary talent as a sculptor, has produced a far more decent, yei a mean subject, which addresses itself to a somewliat simdar taste. His skill ought to be bestowed in a more worthy manner before it receives general applause. The arts arr infernal demons when allied with immorality or even will. debased sentiments. While we are crowding to Europe, or sendmg our children thither, to run through the great travelled routes, to sec ■ights and learn to talk of things because they have been visited and talked of before, but generally with very little conception of why or wherefore, our country is an object of well-defined interest to many intelligent foreigners. 1 have fallen in with several gentlemen of education from South America, who are looking upon our society with par- ticular curiosity. Our southern brethren, in their zeal to learn the art of conducting a country upon our principles, chide our indifference ; and in the preference many of them •how for subjecuj substantially important, might make us ashamed of our blind admiration for the splendid imsel of Europe. While we are reading of feudal castles, or recall- ing with misplaced enthusiasm our visits to foreign capi- tals or courts, they are asking admission into our printing- offices, or observing the apparatus and exercises of our «ol- leges and schools. They are attracted by these things, be- cause they are in search of means to effect a definite object, and one on which the prosperity and indeed the existence of their country depends. The apparatus with which the flovemments of European countries are carried on is too expensive for them— it is entirely out of the question, both because it is too dear and because it is not at all appro- priate to their condition or designs. In looking over the Old World, therefore, they see, as we ought, that there is nothing appropriate to their use except certain scattered in- stitutions, or methods here and there, and these generally not the eaudy machinery, sustained with treasures, exhibited with pomp, and disguised with forms. What is worth knowmg in Europe is generally that which it is not difficult to learn: IK. c golden success of the pro- 's, a man of extraordinary ed a far more decent, yet a itself to a somewhat similar bestowed in a more worthy ral applause. The arts arr ■ilh immorality or even with irope,or sending our children eat travelled routes, to sec ngs because they have been mt generally with very little »re, our country is an object ,ny intelligent foreigners. 1 rentlemcn of education from ig upon our society with par- rn brethren, in their zeal to country upon our principles, the preference many of them y important, might make us ition for the splendid tinsel of Ig of feudal castles, or recall- n our visits to foreign capi- ; admission into our printing- itus and exercises of our «ol- attracted by these things, be- ans to effect a definite object, rity and indeed the existence le apparatus with which the mntries are carried on is too irely out of the question, both because it is not at all appro- lesigns. In looking over the 36, as we ought, that there is ise except certain scattered in- 1 there, and these generally iiot d with treasures, exhibited with ms. What is worth knowing rhich it is not difficult to learn: ■OCTM AMKRICANI. Ill what we should look upon, few eyes :ire likely to discover. The youth Amerii^ms liave .•oniesled the point for liberty and indfpciulriicc for twenty years or more with prejudice, ignorance, and iminoralily; and niiiny of their statesmen, as well as other virtuous citizens, have been forced to the conviction that they nuist by some means instruct their countrymen and render them virtuous, or their past labours and trials will be unavailing. Let Europe be at peace, and permit only the coiwurrence of such circumstances as may be imagined, and fleets and armies will cross the Atlantic to recover those immeasurable and splendid regions to the dominion of despotism. Men who have sacrificed fortune, endured wounds, imprisonment, and exile, the loss of friend* and families for the benefit of their country, are ready to part with all that remains rather than be ultimately defeated of their objects. When therefore they see by that means so simple and economical as the propagation of knowledge, the encouragement of virtue and industry, their point may be gained, they look upon the steps by which this may be effected with an interest which might excite some of our talking but inactive friends of education and public industry, and arouse them from that lethargy which so extensively prevails in the United Slates. Some of these South Americans having visited several of our institutions, celebrations, public, and Sunday-schools : "To think," remarked one of them, "that one-third of the capital of my country is invested in the convents ! How much more truly great are such monuments as your public school-houses than any of the edifices of Europe ! Whi e seated in the teacher's desk, after a silence, he exclaimed; " If I could learn the art of instruction here, I should desire no higher honour than to devote the remainder of my days to teaching the poor." This gentleman has since beeii called to the presidency of Mexico by acclamation, restored peace in the midst of civil war, held that office for a few months, and retired to private life. " What have we here ]" said another, as he entered an infant-school, while the pupils were marching to drafts—" a military parade commanded by women? This is the way 16* 182 SEW-TfOBK. y will not meet. The mis- from his tutors and from his eted at ail, can be corrected D come into use within a few . Our scenery, history, and attention than they once did. A fashionable mother near me has supplied herself with a map of the North lliver, to trace out some of the finest country-seats upon the banks; and yonilcr is a youth in huml)le life, who is de<'ply absdrhed in ri'iulinLf of the events which occurred here (hiring the Hcvolulinn. indeed, I have often been forced to conleHs that ihire is more sound taste and judgment displayed, even on literary mailers, by the humble, than by the lofty in society. But tlierc are certainly some points in which we might pursue a diU'crent course with reason and advantage. Here is a wealthy merchant, who, though he owes his fortune to the habits of industry and economy he learned in a little country town, and the intelligence which he caught by contagion in a so- ciety where it prevailed, has trained up his sons to habits of extravagance and idleness, whioii have already begun to un- dermine it. A disrelish for every rational employment, and the restraints they have found in decent society, have now caused their separation from the family — family circle I can- not call it ; for fashion draws up her votaries in a half-moon» with all faces gazing on the wonder of the day, be it what it will. The daughters — with heads garnished without, and empty as the gourd-shells their father used to drink out of— what will be left of you after the thunder-storm of death shall have cleared away, which must in his turn strike the main pillar of your house ! Heartless, headless, and help- less by education ! Fashion has not only trained your feet in Chinese shoes, and blown through your brains like a bird's egg, but has taught you crooked paths, and poured poison into your hearts. O for a cup-full of that good counsel which your grandmother used to pour out like water ; O the influence of her example upon you for an hour ! Would there not be some Ihtle hope of your breaking through the great system of imposture which all things seem combin-> ing to play before your eyes! A youth from Scotland, on board, is hastening northward, the sooner to turn westward, and to feast his taste at Niagara. F'ancies concerning the giant of cataracts he haa indulged in among his native hills ; and the secret of his curiosity, as I believe is oflen the case, appears, ta be ta *•% 194 nrOBON RITRR. compare the reality with the creation of his imai»inalion. I am prepared to find him nt first diaappointed, and afterward more than gratified : for 1 doubt not lie has heaved Ossa on Peiion to make the cataract rush from between two moun- tains, as that is liie way cascades do in Scoihind ; and it would be natural for a stranger to look for striking features in the scenery of the tremendous verge. 'Ihus he will be disappointed, if not disatlccted, by the first view. The imagination is a most wonderful architet^t. I remember that the cathedrals of Trance, when 1 visited them in my outh, appeared much too small : and when I stepped out of St; Peter's, and looked at the blue sky, 1 thought— " Paltry liide insect ! Poor man, is this then all you can do r A heathen writer says, that the nature of the gods was lamentably degraded by the sculptors of Greece, be- cause the representations they gave of ihcm in marble were much less ethereal and pure than the conceptions of the com- mon people, and declares that the mind of an uneducated man, if left to form its own views, would have created far supe- rior characters. This is a fine, and I doubt not to a degree a just compliment to the powers of the imagination. We might find evidence of its skill within us daily, if we took the same pleasure in studying its capacities and condition as we do those of our pockets. Scotland and the Scotch have much to interest Americans. To say nothing of our obligations to them for poetry and prose, we owe them for the testimony they have borne to the worth of knowledge and virtue. Wherever we find a Scotchman, we find a man trained to principles of probity, industry, and economy, which would enrich any land on earth, and with a respect for knowledge which would exalt it. I speak here in general terms, without regard to indi- vidual exceptions. The banks of tiie Hudson are much more delightful than is commonly supposed, even by those who feel familiar with the scenery of that beautiful stream. I had been a frequent passenger in the steamboats between the city and Albany, from the early days of steamboat travelling, before I was induced to explore the banks, as I have since done at r.R. lion of his imagination. I lisappoiiiled, and afterward not iie lias heaved Oaea on h from between two moun- C8 do in Scoihind; and it look for siriliing features s verge. 'I'hiis he will be by the first view. The ul iiri'hitert. I remember tvlirn 1 visited them in my I : and when 1 stepped out he blue sky, 1 thought— in, is this then all you can lat the nature of the gods e sculptors of Greece, be- nve of ihem in marble were 1 the conceptions of the com- mind of an uneducated man, uld have created far supe- ind I doubt not to a degree a the imagination. We might IS daily, if we took the same es and condition as we do much to interest Americans, ons to them for poetry and istimony they have borne to irtue. Wherever we find a led to principles of probity, would enrich any land on lowledge which would exalt •rms, without regard to indi- B much more delightful than those who feel familiar with eam. I had been a frequent etween the city and Albany, loat travelling, before I was , as I have since done at IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 ^^ I ^SS^^ Hi 1^ mil < I.! 125 ti& 2.2 2.0 L25 1 1.4 M ^ 6" — ► Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 v V •^ \\ lV ^1\ ^^^ ^f^ & kx ^ fjy' 4\% <;c m CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques man thei fiea! ther enjc R tifu] it ii cesi glin onlj ofti stea aflb find hav varj tion I plac evei nem ?art qua! felk go. by 1 cont emi a k If I or i woi twe! mys 1 ode affli trav THE MOUNTAIN H0U8B. 195 many intermediate points. While on my annual tour, I therefore feel desirous of informing others who may this peason purpose to pass along this route, that by allowing themselves a little more time, they may greatly enhance the enjoyment and advantages of travelling. Much of the course of the Hudson certainly offers beau- tiful or striking scenes to the eye of every passenger. But it is to be remarked, that the breadth of the stream ne- cessarily tames many features, and shades or excludes many glimpses of grandeur and beauty which are fully disclosed only on a nearer view. The picturesque and varied ieatures of the eastern shore of Haverstraw Bay, seen from the large steamboats, which slide along under the western banks, aflford a striking case of this kind. There the traveller may find a delightful retreat for a few days or even weeks, if he have so much time at his disposal, and enjoy extensive and varying views upon the broad expanse of water, from eleva- tions of two or three hundred feet. I always count more on a person who has visited such a place as Catskili Mountains by design, than on a common every-day traveller. Unless his ascent to that noble emi- nence has been the effect of an accidental attachment to a ;>arty bound thither, or to the mere dictation of some ac- quaintance, who has been obliging enough to save the lazy fellow the trouble of determining beforehand where he will go, we have reason to presume that he has been attracted by the love of what is truly fine. It is humiliating to the conceited and the proud, to the worldly wise and to the eminent — in money, to contemplate scenes which pronounce a kind of anathema upon the common objects of devotion. If I were rich and purse-proud, or the occupant of any office or station obtained by chicanery or flattery, certain I am I would as willingly have my character sifted by a jury of twelve freeholders, as stand and think of my motives and myself in the presence of such a scene. The rigorous climate of the Mountain House has been oflen blamed for forbidding the approach of the gay and affluent, who form such a figure in the annual crowds of travellers. But if the scene were as flattering to per- 106 CATTSKILL MOUNTAIN*. sons of that description as their mirrors and their dependants, the Pine Orchard would be as much resorted to as Saratoga Soon after my arrival, while I stood on the projecting shelf of rock, which actually overhangs for some distance the precipice just in front of the hotel, and commands the valley of the Hudson for sixty or seventy miles, with the uplands beyond, and several summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts, admiring the serenity of the fiky, I observed a cloud, shaped like a mushroom, and like it white as snow above and dark below, moving slowly down from the upper part of the river's course. None other was in sight, and this was at least a thousand feet below me. I soon per- ceived that it was charged with lightning, and pourmg down a plentiful shower. Like a vast watering-pot it drenched the acres, the miles over which it passed ; and with a glass I could imagine some of the feelings of the in- habitants of the farm-houses and villages over which it sue- cessively moved, as they were involved in its shadow, awed by its thunder, and in turn restored to the light of the sun. The habitations of men appear from that eminence like the shells and coats of insects ; and it costs an exertion to real- ize that human interests can be of importance enough to claim serious attention to those things on which wealth or subsistence depends. Man has become a microscopic ob- iecf and how paltry seems the least diminutive of his race ' And the importance of a claim to this or that speck of earth or water called a home-lot or a fishing privilege, appears consummately ridiculous. Poor creatures, why not learn to be content with what is necessary, assist those wha are in want, and turn to subjects worthy of attention and love» But it is the vice of the insect that he prefers the ground, and refuses to spread the wings with which he might fly to a loftier and purer region. " De gustibus non disputandum," said the aeronaut, whose pig squealed as he rose in the a'.r, and tried to nose his way through the bottom of his parachute. The singular cloud pursued its way slowly down over a space, I presume, of twenty mUes, deluging the country, aa laf not cloi Dui tere aim beg smR fielc and in h the} viev steri cam glini wrai raini theii belo quar nabl whic ofth and and Al been flash hour of b light by th aeria A nighr queni first I the h L tVNTAIN*. nirrors and their dependants, luch resorted to as Saratoga 5 I stood on the projecting )verhangs for some distance he hotel, and commands the r or seventy miles, with the summits in Connecticut and renity of the sky, I observed m, and like it white as snow slowly down from the upper ne other was in sight, and feet below me. I soon per- with lightning, and pouring iike a vast watering-pot it over which it passed; and )me of the feelings of the in- id villages over which it suc- involved in its shadow, awed stored to the light of the sun. r from that eminence like the id it costs an exertion to real- be of importance enough to se things on which wealth or is become a microscopic ob- ihe least diminutive of his ' a claim to this or that speck )me-Iot or a fishing privilege, ous. Poor creatures, why not is necessary, assist those who )ject8 worthy of attention and he insect that he prefers the id the wings with which h© T region. " De gustibus non aut, whose pig squealed as he »se his way through the bottom id its way slowly down over a niles, deluging the country, as, SVNRMI SCENE. 197 I afterward learned. Where all the water came from I could not imagine; neither could I see whence came all the clouds which afterward overspread the valley of the Hudson. During a thunder-storm, which threw its lightning and ut- tered its thunders over a great space beneath us, we enjoyed almost uninterrupted sunshine. At length a commotion began among the clouds in the south, where a cluster of small and rounded eminences, like the hills of an old corn- field, showed the Highlands (now robbed of their sublimity); and a wind blowing through that pass, rolled up the vapours in heaps, like snowballs, increasing as they proceeded, till they were all flying northward, as if in haste to escape from view. Their forms and agitation reminded me of the con- sternation of a panic-struck army : and a few small clouds came pouring over the heights above our heads, and min- gling with them, like timid confederates afraid to await the wrath of some unseen conqueror. Almost all this time, two rainbows of the brightest colours stood just before us, with their feet planted upon the green foliage, fifty yards or more below the precipice, forming arches which approached three- quarters of a circle, with the most splendid colours imagi- nable, especially about the key-stone. The glittering aspect which the landscape afterward assumed, with the motions of the sails on the river, the singing of the birds around us, and the colours of the sky in a beautiful sunset, left the heart and mind in a lofly tone to await the solemnities of night. After a period of calmness all around, when the air had been undisturbed for about two hours, lightning began to flash, and thunder to roll beneath us ; and during several hours, the whole valley seemed overflowing with the sounds of battle. The evening passed amid the comforts and light of the great parlour, in a social circle, now enlarged by the addition of several friends unexpectedly found in that aerial retreat. A few glimpses at the moon and the landscape, after mid- night, from the window of my bedroom, occupied my fre- quent waking moments ; and as soon as I could perceive the first blush of dawn, I dressed, and hastened to the roof of the hotel, to watch the approach of day, to a scene whose 198 CATTSKILL MOUNTAINS. whiteness made me suppose it had been covered with snow. There was more subhmity to be feasted upon every moment that passed, than some people witness in their whole hves. What a grovelling soul that must be which prefers a morn- ing slumber to such a sight ! When the spirit of a man is once roused, his senses oppose no resistance to his wd». Let a spark of glory, from such a scene, once kmdle his heart ; and sight, hearing— his whole animal nature— are roused and ready to do their parts. Let the master but appear, and the slaves will obey. Thp fresh and unbreathed morning air, the glowing east, the boundless scene, made me feel as if released for ever from weariness and care. As the light increased m the sky to a broad glow, it gave something of its hue and bnlhancy to a sheet of whiteness which overspread the whole yaUey of the Hudson, for not less than twelve or fifteen miles in width and thirty or more in length. How so heavy a snow- storm could have prevailed there in summer, I could not divine ; but every hill and wood was covered, and nothing could be discovered below the higher uplands except the course of the river, like a dark line traversing the scene from north to south. A bright red glare at length lay across the whole vale between me and the sun ; which, when he rose, was increased almost to the glitter of polished metal. The beams struck upon the neighbouring heights, and the few remaining trees of the ancient pine orchard near me, which once stood in rows, as if planted by the hand of man. The birds chirped, and the cocks began to crow at the base of the mountain ; and peak after peak grew bright, till it became broad day to the whole world around. I was now surprised to see something like a white sheet lifted gradually up from the opposite bank of the Hudson, showing a few fields, houses, roads, and wood-lots beneath it; and gradually mile after mile was thus slowly laid bare by the removal of a thin covering of dense white mist, which was slowly rolled off clean by the south wind, and revealed to my eye many of the hills and valleys, the farms and vd- lages, the meadows and slopes of three counties, the abode of some thousands of inhabitants. Ml lOONTAINS. I had been covered with snow, je feasted upon every moment I witness in their whole lives, lust be which prefers a morn- When the spirit of a man is se no resistance to his will, uch a scene, once kindle his lis whole animal nature — are ir parts. Let the master but bey. morning air, the glowing east, e feel as if released for ever the light increased in the sky ithing of its hue and brilliancy ih overspread the whole valley lian twelve or fifteen miles in Bngth. How so heavy a snow- there in summer, I could not rood was covered, and nothing he higher uplands except the lark line traversing the scene tit red glare at length lay across and the sun ; which, when he the glitter of polished metal, neighbouring heights, and the ancient pine orchard near me, as if planted by the hand of ind the cocks began to crow at nd peak after peak grew bright, he whole world around, se something like a white sheet ; opposite bank of the Hudson, }, roads, and wood-lots beneath mile was thus slowly laid bare ering of dense white mist, which by the south wind, and revealed 1 and valleys, the farms and vil- pes of three counties, the abode itants. A GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 199 All these sights, and more, were offered to my view, and all their indescribable impressions to my mind, in the short space of twenty hours, which limited my visit. A ride of two miles took us to the lakes and the cascades, and gave us a sight down the Clove, — a deep and declining mountain- pass through which the stream that flowed beside us pur- sues its headlong way, after its two leaps of 175 and 85 feet. CHAPTER XXVI. Method and Eflecta of labour-saving in teaching Latin — A Frontiers* man — Early History — Conversations on Health and Dress. What were the real, bona fide effects of my grammar-school education T What were the results of my study of Virgil T to confine the question to one point Truly, truly, it is difficult to answer. To what extent my mind was increased in vigour or capacity by it, I cannot tell : perhaps as much as might be wished — for a giant is not sensible of his own growth. I am sure, however, that I was often filled with disgust at a language which I ought to have been made to love ; viewed with jealousy and resentment my teacher and fellow-studente ; had paroxysms of misanthropy and of dis- gust towards learning ; and formed many erroneous opinions about the objects and enjoyments of life ; and often vacil- lated widely in my views of virtue and vice. Some very painful retrospects have often occupied my mind since I spent an hour in a Latin school, some time ago, and witnessed a number of boys engaged in my former em- ployments ; and to-day something happened, or was men- tioned in conversation, which has recalled them. My ap- parition, in the seat of an examiner, at the school of which I speak, seemed to strike a chill through the warm and in- genuous hearts of the pupils ; ah ! how lamentably abused by undeserved harshness ; how intoxicated and debased by 1 SCO HUDSON RIVER. turns with that fatal spur, emulation; that alcohol of the 3el^^ that labour-saving instrument to which the .gnorant and he indolent teacher ever resorts, because it easily ex- dtes tharatlention which he ought .o produce by displaying the attractions and the practical use of learnmg. One interesting vouih, at the head of his class, mtox.cated ^ith prle, and desperately fearing a fall "from h.s h.gh Is 17' shewed extreme agi.atio., in his eye, h.s cheek, and S voice ; and experienced emotions more exhaustmg to is mind, have no doubt, than the labour of mastering three Ses ons. Another, smiling with the consc.ousness o a task well performed, and the anticipation of a successful JecUatir, faUed through an amiable diffidence to retain his presence o mind; and from one accidental error fell into a ?abTrS f om which he could not recover his way, and SnEg into his -eat, with swelling veins, sobbed and wep Si th?close of the exercise. A third, after passing unliurt Ac o^ell of construing and parsing was treated with a contemptuous expiession by the t^-her for a pal ly /auU in not discriminating between "the use of the poets ar^d "Dosition" in giving the rules for scannmg; and I saw his evrgenL, an irrifable temper, which ought to have been sv tema "cally pacified by a judicious treatment, rise and dreht feelings almost lo desperation. This was as much asTcould bear, and I was glad to retreat from such an in- tellectual and moral inquisition. ... l^ Ashort interview with one of those active beings who have shared in the excitement and labours of our new and distant setllemenls, or beat the bush m advance of civili- an, conveys more lively ideas of what is actually going on there, than reading all the essays and stat.sucs m the world Now and then we meet a stray one in this part ol Te country. He looks l.ke a wild bird in an av.ary, or amiS a yard of domestic lawls: so regular and orderly and stZid do we all feel in his pro.ence. Two or three such characters I have fallen in with; but it is impossible to get a regular narration out of them .>f greater length than a few minutes. They have brou^^ht their restless aclivuy along with them, and seem physically unable to be quiet. One on boa kne t mo: low setl eve a s bar viti up, wo cir( ifl his ev< pel lOM th( an; th< inf pri sh< II Oj ye g" wl cu to fel yf dc at CO RIVER. lulation; that alcohol of the ;riiment to which the ignorant resorts, because it easily ex- dght to produce by displaying il use of learning. • head of his class, intoxicated earing a fall " from his high tioii in his eye, his cheek, and motions more exhausting to I the labour of mastering three ng with the consciousness of e anticipation of a successful imiable diffidence to retain his one accidental error fell into a lid not recover his way, and elling veins, sobbed and wept A third, after passing unhurt I parsing, was treated with a the teacher for a paltry fault ;n " the use of the poets" and s for scanning ; and I saw his per, which ought to have been . judicious treatment, rise and iesperation. This was as much lad to retreat from such an in- on. ne of those active beings who nt and labours of our new and the bush in advance of civili- ideas of what is actually going he essays and statistics in the neat a stray one in this part of ,e a wild bird in an aviary, or vis : so regular and ordnily and presence. Two or three such with ; but it is impossible to get lem »)f greater length than a few jrht their restless activity along ically unable to be quiet. One A BACKWOODSMAN. 201 of them attracted my attention a« soon as I saw him in the boat. He had been everywhere — why, or how, I never knew. " Was you ever in St. Louis ? New-Orleans ?" — " Ah, mon ami !"—" At Detroit?"—" There's a rough set of fel- lows. I was one of the first on the Upper Huron. It's getting settled now fast with people from New- York."— " Have you ever been along to the north of Lake Superior 1" He was a short man, in a bluejacket, with both hands on a double- barrelled rifle, and a powder-horn and shot-bag next his vitals. The outer rim of his eyelid was perpetually drawn up, lest it should intercept any of the view ; for a good woodman's sight, I believe, sweeps three-quarters of a circle without moving the head. His feet were restless, as if he had been used to long grass and snakes ; and although his age was probably fifty, every nerve was full of activity, every limb of vigour, and every mo'ion and word of inde- pendence and fearlessness. " Out on the Mississippi they are an active set of fel- lows," said he ; " they can build steamboats and launch them, and run them, and blow them up about as quick as any other people. ' Shoal a-head !' you'll hear 'em sing out • How do you know?' — ' Why, she ripples.'—' Well, sit on the safety-valve, and jump her over !' That's pleasant sail- ing enough, to be sure, where you find the watermen enter- prising so ; but it's cruel to see the deer come down to the shore to drink, and not stop to go after them with your rifle. I like the ground, I tell you. First I began along Lake Ontario. There's some woods there, but not much game ; yet I thought it was fine fun to be all alone with my old gun. It was not very long, though, before I was off": and where do you think I was next? Why, after being at Cin- cinnati and St. Louis about one thing and another, I got out to Green Bay, among the Indians. There's a set of honest fellows for you. You needn't have anybody to go with you and say this is Mr. such a man. All you've got to do is, if you come across a bear or a deer, just shoot them, and leave them on the ground ; and the first wigwam you come to, say, ' Friend, I've come among you for a little 18 i 202 HUDSON RIVKR. 1 while to stay; I Jon't want any thing but just to shoot my rifle once in a while— There's a bear or a deer just back in the woods, which any of you can have if you want it. i tell you what, if they won't treat you like the biggest rnan . And you needn't do any more than this: the story will go before you ; and wherever you come they know you ; and how you can shoot a bear, or a deer, as the case may be. Well, then I thought I would go where there wasnt so much civilization ; for I wanted to see more of the Indians ; and I've been through that country all along a good piece north Qf Lake Superior." . , ,. . ..a^u •»Do you know that district 1" inquired a listener. Ask inv Bun," repUed the speaker. " I was there six weeks, all alone, among as good game as ever fell under a muzzle. That's the life : get two or three days' provisions of venison or bear's meat on your back, shot-bag full, powder-horn full ; and then, if you meet an Indian, or a white man, or any thing, you can befriend them. But you want to know some- thing of folks before you can trust them. The Green Bay Indians,— I should feel safe among them to lie right down on the ground, in the woods, between two, and sleep all night. Why, a man would be a great deal safer so than he would be in Broadway, in New-York, with fifty dollars m his pocket, at eleven o'clock at night. » They are good fellows ; but I'm ready to shoot with any of them -.—walking, running, swimming, diving, flying, any way. I've shot with Egg Harbour fellows on the wing, and I'll try with an Indian any way he likes, till they come to a Bitting mark and a dead rest ; and then I've done with him. After the capture of the forts on the highlands by the British, in 1777, and breaking the chain stretched across the Hudson, at West Point, they sailed up ; and, as I have been informed, burnt a brig in Saugerlies Creek. They had a man on board, of Dutch extraction, who pointed out the dwellings of persons particularly obnoxious to the enemy. On passing the house where Washington had been quartered, they fired a shot tlirough the roof. They burnt a brig, loaded >vilh tea, in Saugerlies Creek, and Mr, Liv- ingston's house opposite and several others. sc re ar in m Sti bl w re tt P< ol til w T Pi c< b( si P' e t( h tl Si ^^ tl C f( g I f r e ii f IVKR. y thing but just to shoot my a bear or a deer just back can have if you want it.' I It you like the biggest man ! than this : the story will go , come they know you ; and a deer, as the case may be. [ go where there wasn't so 1 to see more of the Indians ; intry all along a good piece r inquired a listener. "Ask » I was there six weeks, all 8 ever fell under a muzzle, ee days' provisions of venison lot-bag full, powder-horn full ; dian, or a while man, or any But you want to know some- trust them. The Green Bay mong them to lie right down I, between two, and sleep all a great deal safer so than he ew-York, with fifty dollars in It night, ut I'm ready to shoot with any swimming, diving, flying, any irbour fellows on the wing, and ly he likes, till they come to a and then I've done with him." forts on the highlands by the ng the chain stretched across they sailed up ; and, as I have in Saugerlies Creek. They ch extraction, who pointed out particularly obnoxious to the se where Washington had been tlirough the roof. They burnt Saugerties Creek, and Mr. Liv- , several others. FASHIONABLE ILt HEALTH. 203 Saugerties, and the banks of the creek behind it, were settled by French Huguenots, who emigrated, after a long residence in Holland, bringing many Dutch connexions and the Dutch language witli them, but a good deal of intolligence. Another settlement of the same kind was made below, at the Strand, one of the landings of King- ston ; after which at the village of Kingston itself, and Mar- bletown. They chose the best soil. A German settlement was made west of the Catskill Mountains,. At Tappan was a real Dutch settlement; and Newburgh was a colony of Irish. "Intelligence," regretted a fellow-passenger, who spoke from personal knowledge, "is at a low ebb. The intelligence of the original French faded away amid their scattered set- tlements and the dangers and trials of their situation, along with the language. The schools have been few and poor. The academy, founded at Newburgh many years ago, has produced considerable eflects. Governor Clinton there re- ceived an important part of his education, as well as a num- ber of other gentlemen distinguished in the learned profes- sions. He probably learned here, from observation, the im- portance of public education, of which he became a most efficient advocate." " See how much better I feel already," said a young lady to her father, as they sat down at breakfast ; " I feel quite hungiy, and have no doubt that by the time I have been at the Springs a week or two, if I have exercise enough, I shall have strength sufficient to set off for Niagara." — " Well," replied tlie father, who seemed to be absorbed ill thoughts of his business, which he had reluctantly left at the city, as it would appear, to attend his daughter on a tour for pleasure, under the pretext of health, — " Well, if you get cured of your dispepsia, or whatever h is, it's all I want. I am hungry, too : I believe this air is good for us both." Neither of the two had sagacity enough to perceive, that rising two hours earlier than usual, with the excitement and exercise they had experienced, were the chief causes of the improvement of their appetites and the cheerfulness of their feelings ; and that a more reasonable system of life at home would have had nearly the same effect on them every day. ! 204 HtDSON RIVER. 1 And thii is the simple truth in respect to a large majority of those who travel lor their health every season. They might avoid the symptoms from which they suffer, by following a few of those simple rules of nature from which we never can deviate with impunity ; or if they have become enfee- bled or diseased by conformity to the examples of fashion- able life, might thus soon and effectually recover a sound state of health. No apology can be necessary for my quoting here the adage so worn out by frequent repetitions in my youthful ears, because now it is entirely obsolete among many circles, and will sound like a perfect novelty. " EBrly to bed nnd early to rise. Will make you healthy, wealthy, and wue. Retire and rise early; aim low in matters of show; and in things of solid worth let none shoot at a higher mark than you. Plan something useful every day ; do something good every hour, and love something good every moment. Re- ject the foolish conceit, that any thing like useful labour can be dishonourable. Introduce your hands and feet to such services as they were designed for; while you occupy your mind with the contemplation of subjects worthy of its na- ture, and your heart with those pure affections on which alone it can thrive. .,,.,,. n. How I pitied this poor, puny, spoded chdd ! Every one, even the plainest of these doctrines, had been effectually shut out from her education. Thousands had been expended on teachers, books, and instruments ; but it seemed as if not a pennyworth of good discipline or instruction had reached her head or her heart. Amid a lively conversation on various topics, of no par- ticular interest, I heard one remark which startled me :— " New-York," said a female voice, " is a city of the greatest taste in America." The speaker was a milliner, who was on her return to a country-town, with all the latest fashions, and I know not how many hundreds of dollars worth of silks, velvets, plumes, laces, plush, ribands, and straw. She had been requested, as she declared, by several of the ladies IIVER. respect to a large majority of W every season. They might li they suffer, by following a nature from which we never r if they have become enfee- to the examples of fashion- effectually recover a sound r can be necessary for my ni out by frequent repetitions I now it is entirely obsolete sound like a perfect novelty. r to riie, y, wealthy, and wise." low in matters of show ; and le shoot at a higher mark than irery day ; do something good ng good every moment. Re- ly thing like useful labour can your hands and feet to such d for ; while you occupy your of subjects worthy of its na- )se pure affections on which y, spoiled child ! Every one, octrines, had been effectually Thousands had been expended ments ; but it seemed as if not ine or instruction had reached on various topics, of no par- remark which startled me: — ■oice, " is a city of the greatest aker was a milliner, who was irn, with all the latest fashions, hundreds of dollars worth of dush, ribands, and straw. She sclared, by several of the ladies A TALKINO MILMNER. 205 of Iter neighbourhood, to make inquiries about the materials, form, and texture of l>onnets, hats, handkerchirfs, aiuJ even dresses and shoes. As an aiicidentai want of sfiine of the refinements of speech migiit have rendered her iniimrtancc among her own society sdmewhat doubtful, sho took tho pains to mention names, charai-icrs, and connexions, with the exact nature of the commissions nhv bore, and a viiricty of interesting matter relating to ways and means by whirli she had been enabled to accompliMii them. I might have wondered, 1 suppose, why so many Sfdale, judicious, (lis. interested, and even literary ladies could feel so mucli anx- iety to possess such objects ; or to obtain this or that isolated fact or opinion from New- York milliners; but I was aston- ished to learn, that the rapid narrator had met so many per- sons like herself in the city, bound on similar errands, and loaded with just such commissions, from towns and villages cast, west, north, and south. •' The improvements in naviga- tion," as a lady remarked, *• were of great consequence ; for, instead of being, as formerly, two or three months behind- hand in the fashions, we may now wear such hats in June as the Parisians have in May; and so be only about four or five weeks behind them all the year." A very interesting publication, also, had been commenced some time since in New- York, in French and English, expressly for the diffu- sion of intelligence in relation to dress ; each number of which contains several fine-coloured engravings of costumes. So meritorious a work as this, and one, if possible, in ad- vance of the spirit of the age, would, no doubt, meet abun- dant support ; and was worthy of the broken-down French fancier who was to be the editor. Here, thoiiprht I, us 1 turned uway iVoni tlio hrurinff of such intellectual conversation, here is bdiayed one of tho co^-wht't'ls orsociety. Here is one ot'lliose gruat counteract- in!; iiilhiciices which cause so mucii waste of power in our machine. Whoever has turned a crank, or juilled or pushed, to aitl the advance of iiul.>lic intelli;j;enee, ir.orala, or liapi)i« ness, and wrwise have over- whelmed me at the thoughts of what a day was before me. 208 PRiriLEOES OF JURORS. •Gentlemen of the jury!' The other eleven rose, and I for an instant kept my seat. If they were gentlemen, I cer- tainly was not. An old beagle of an usurer was brought up, from one of the dark retreats of misery, to prosecute a pale and ragged man for the recovery of a debt. The coun- sel for the defence pleaded that the note was tamted with usury, and brought up a witness to prove it. He swore that the plaintiff's wife received an unlawful mterest for the money in her husband's presence, and that this was Uie common manner in which they conducted business. We were filled willi indignation ; and to express our reprobation of sucii an enormity, found a verdict for defendant without leavin? our seats. We had not learned a lesson which I was afterward taugiit in an inferior tribunal; but after re- ceiving a shilling a man, sighed and prepared to try a long case which had been long in court, and had a long tail to it. A question of the genuineness of certain signatures occu- pied us a time ; during which I was struck with two kinds of sagacity; that of the bank clerks and others m judging of handwriting, and that of counsel in leadmg them to nul- lify their own testimony in the eye of a juryman. Several of the moBt acute of the former had previously exammed about a dozen specimens, and fixed on a portion of them as genuine. Several of these had now been withdrawn, and decent imitations put in their place. The witnesses, m- cautiously perhaps, by turns, selected what each supposed to be genuine, while the counsel kept careful notes of their different opinions, distinguishing the specimens by private marks. The confused result, when read to us, overthrew the whole force of their testimony, and in my mmd human iufalUbility received a blow from which it has never recov- cred This part of the trial was serious, and that on several accounts ; but when we withdrew to the jury-room, and were locked up together to determine on damages, I was compelled to laugh in tUt: midst of my vexalion. Among twelve men there were immediately p"^'^'"- •" ^^ '"^ "7"® opinion. Of the rest, one had slept througii the whole trial, and the other knew no difierence between the coun- sel's peroration and the judge's charge. It was even doubt- F JURORS. le other eleven rose, and I they were gentlemen, I cer- 3 of an usurer was brought Its of misery, to prosecute a jovery of a debt. The coun- it the note was tainted with s to prove it. He swore that n unlawful interest for the ;nce, and that this was the y conducted business. We tid to express our reprobation verdict for defendant without not learned a lesson which I ferior tribunal; but after re- id and prepared to try a long ourt, and had a long tail to it. 3S of certain signatures occu- I was struck with two kinds clerks and others in judging )unsel in leading them to nul- j eye of a juryman. Several ner had previously examined fixed on a portion of them as ad now been withdrawn, and r place. The witnesses, in- selected what each supposed sel kept careful notes of their ing the specimens by private , when read to us, overthrew mony, and in my mind human om which it has never recov- as serious, and that on several hdrew to the jury-room, and determine on damages, I was nidbt of my voxalion. Among .liateiy provfi to be ton of one had slept througii the whole difierence between the c.oun- e's charge. It was even doubt- SARATOOA BATTLE-OROUND. 209 fill whether he had yet found out that we were on ' an action of trover:' though it had been most solemnly repeated so often expressly for our edification. Both of them found a fine fire of hard coal burning, and said, in conscience, give a ver- dict for plaintiflf. A new-light republican, not many years since from England, took advantage of the occasion to open a debating-club, professing to have just become a little bee- headed on the subject ; and in spile of every thing, began with a regular peroration, and proceeded through an ha- rangue, which consumed time and patience, as the steam- boats consume fuel. For my part, I made reflectiona during the five hours we spent there, which I have never since re- peated with equal solemnity. After all, thought I, what is liberty, if a man is liable to be torn from business in the day-time, and from family and home at night, because a stranger in his country, five or six years ago, did commit forgery ; because two or three lawyers have chosen to give the question all possible doubtfulness ; because two out of twelve men have no understanding, or no honesty, or no warm clothing : for by this time I began to perceive a dis- position in the dissentients to yield their point, and observed that the fire had sunk, and the snow-storm had begun to chill the room. They soon agreed on a verdict. I visited the battle-ground on Bemis's Heights in com- pany with several friends more familiar than myself with the circusmtances of the campaign of seventy-seven, and a guide who professed to have been in the action. The ele- vation of the ground is much more considerable than I had supposed. When we began to ascend from the bank of Cummingskill, the road was so narrow and steep, and often so much overhung by trees, as to be at once laborious and gloomy. The impressions were increased by the recollec- tion that Burgoyne's army had marched up the same path in the anticipation of further success, and a final victory over the country. The whole field of battle, then covered with forests, except two cleared fields, is now unincumbered except by a few fences and scattering trees ; and we were shown the line of the British, with the routes by which Morgan, Arnold, and our other officers assailed it at difierent 1 210 SARATOGA BATTtE-OROUND. periods of the action, and with various success. I hate the details of slaughter, ever since I have overcome the savage and heathen impressions 1 received with my " bberal educa- tion." I learnt to admire them from the notes of admiration with which the classics abound for those notorious butchers, who in former times did so much busmess under different firms :_Alexander, Hannibal and Co., Caesar and brothers I therefore did not regret that the battle on this ground amounted only to a matter of a thousand or so killed on both sides-a mere skirmish, in the opinion of an European. General Wilkinson tells facts which show, that there was excitement enough here to raise in some mdividuals the most barbarous and blood-thirsty spirit. Our guide appeared sometimes at fault, but never being disposed to acknowledge it, generally found a reply to every question. Two of the party differed about the spot on which General Frazer fell, and inquired of him-" Where >.^s General Frazer wounded ?"—« Let me see, said he, 1 believe in the bowels, pretty much." I heard the late General Van Cortlandt, a colonel in the New-York hne, and participator in this battle, say, that he WHS not brought into action until late in t;»e^ftern°«» "^ J^^ 29lh of September, when he was ordered by Arnold to take post beyond the left of our line, and engage in action or not, as he might judge proper. He engaged a regiment of Hes- sians, of whise shirt guns our soldiers did not think much, and drove them back. One of his officers was wounded by his side, and he placed him upon his horse. While pur- suing, he met a regiment of British light infantry on Ins flank, and partly in his rear, advancing and tirmg, but w l- out seeing them in the darkness. He halted m a foot-path nearly parallel to them, about a foot lower than the surface of thJ ground, ordering his men not to fire ti I they should see the enemy's flash, and then aim a little below it. Di- rectly the flash was seen all along their line, the fire was im- mediately returned, and this checked them. He then went round to his ofiicers, and ordered them to withdraw quietly, and leturned to camp. After an engagement of an hour and a half, he had lost one man to every five and a halt in ms rLE-OROVND. various success. I hate the I have overcome the savage ived with my " liberal educa- from the notes of admiration for those notorious butchers, much business under different and Co., Caesar and brothers. lat the battle on this ground f a thousand or so killed on n the opinion of an European. vv'hich show, that there was aise in some individuals the sty spirit. imes at fault, but never being (nerally found a reply to every ifl'ered about the spot on which quired of him—" Where was -"Let me see," said he, "I much." an Cortlandt, a colonel in the itor in this battle, say, that he ntil late in the afternoon of the was ordered by Arnold to take le, and engage in action or not, ie engaged a regiment of Hes- ir soldiers did not think much, of his officers was wounded by 1 upon his horse. While pur- f British light infantry on his advancing and tiring, but with- icss. He halted in a foot-path ut a foot lower than the surface nen not to fire till they should hen aim a little below it. Di- along their line, the tire was im- checked them. He then went dered them to withdraw quietly, r an engagement of an hour and to every five and a half in his HEVOLUTIONARV ANECDOTES. 211 regiment. Colonel Cilley lost but one out of seven in five or six hours. While in the vicinity of Bemis's Heights, I was reminded of several anecdotes I had lieard at different periods, and from different persons, relating to the battles here and at the Wallomsac, the last of which is usually called tlie battle of Bennington. What must have been the state of the country, when the panic caused by the desertion of Fort Ticonderoga was such, that although a long delay took place before General Burgoyne began to march from Whitehall, he met no opposition until he reached this spot. Exertions were made by the patriotic who were yet undiscouraged, to raise the people in arms ; but how was it to be expected that the militia could stop the course of an army, before which regu- lar troops had fled out of the principal fortress of the coun- try? The history of the time has been written several times, and narrated a thousand. I will therefore leave my readers to books, and only repeat two or three tales I have heard from private sources. Word of mouth has oilen a charm, because it conveys feeling, and that everybody can understand. " My father," said a gentleman I once conversed with, ♦♦ lived in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, when the news came that the Hessians were going to seize the stores on the Wallamsac Creek, and all the force of the country was wanted. He was a hardy farmer, and well-known there- abouts, so that he had been chosen captain of a company of old men, exempt from service by age, which had been raised for any case of extremity. This company, which was called the ' Silver Grays,' in allusion to their hoary hair, set off for the scene of action immediately, and was on the ground on the morning of the battle, in time to have a part assigned in the attack made upon the intrenched line of the enemy. On account of the respectability of the company, they were left to choose their place ; and agreed to attack the tory fort, as a redoubt on an eminence was called, which had been entrusted to the Americans accompanying the Hessian troops. The captain informed his men that it was his in- tention to approach their object through a ravine which he 212 KEVOLUTIONARY ANKCDOTE*. Observed led in that direction, to enjoy all the shelter it micrht afford. ' Captain,' said a large and powerful man, in Se prime of life, stepping forward, pale and trembhng, ' I am not going to fight: I came to lead back the horses. •Go. Ten,' sfi d the captain, with indignation ;' we shall do betuj without a coward in our number.'— ' Deacon -, saia he U, a little old man, shrivelled with age, 'you are too fee- ble to bear the fatigues of the day.^ It is my pleasure that vou stand sentry over the baggage.' „,„„„:„„ "•With your leave, captain,' said the old man, stepping forward, and making the soldier's sign «[ /espect to a s^ perior, with as much the air of a youth as he could,- Twith your loave I will have a pull at 'era first. "The company expressed their admiration at his spirit, and under the feelings it produced, succeedmg as it did the SLlay of arrant cowardice in a younger man, they marched Z\i quick step towards the enemy. When they reached the end of the ravine, the captain intended to form and at- tack, supposing they must yet be at some distance from the redoubt.^ InstLd of this, on looking up he found himself 31st at the base of it, and the tories taking aim at h m ?rom above. In an instant he lay upon the ground, a bu let having passed through his foot; and a friend near him ran U> raise him, supposing him killed. He sprang upon his feet, howeve'r, Z jusf then seeing a red-coat hurrying across a field at a distance, a thought came into his head to Tcourage his men, and he cried out-' Come on, they run thev run:' The old men climbed up, jumped mto the for^ Sn a moment the Silver Grays had complete possession of it without the loss of one of their number. aJu five years ago I obtained a few facts from the late Colonel Ball, of Ballston, relating to the early h^tory of the Springs and the neighbouring watenng-place. fhe vi lage of Ballston Spa lies within the limits of the township of Milton adjoining that of Ballston. This region was named after the father of my informant, who removed hither ?rom W stchester County, in 1769. and built the first house on the banks of Kayderos, or Kayderoseras Brook, the frame of which was standing near the academy. w tl S' s] 1( C Ii fs fr tl P P tl r ANXCDOT£l> , to enjoy all the shelter it a large and powerful man, in •ward, pale and trembling, ' I » lead back the horses. ' Go, lignation ; ' we shall do better nber.' — ' Deacon ,' said ed with age, ' you are too fee- day. It is my pleasure that gage.' 11,' said the old man, stepping er's sign of respect to a »u- • of a youth as he could, — a pull at 'era first.' their admiration at his spirit ; luced, succeeding as it did the a younger man, they marched enemy. When they reached ptain intended to form and at- t be at some distance from the looking up he found himself the tories taking aim at him e lay upon the ground, a bullet ot ; and a friend near him ran 1 killed. He sprang upon his n seeing a red-coat hurrying I thought came into his head to ried out — ' Come on, they run, mbed up, jumped into the fort, Grays had complete possession of their number." tained a few facts from the late lating to the early history of the ig watering-place. The village I the limits of the township of Ballston. This region was r informant, who removed hither n 1769, and built the first house s, or Kaydcroseras Brook, the g near the academy. LXnVBI TIME. 313 At that time, the low grounds near the Springs of Ballston were covered with a forest, and the old spring (the only one then known) was overflown by the brook when it was much swollen by the rain. The deer used to come to lick at the spring ; and he has been there in his youth to ambush and shoot them. It was not uncommon then to meet deer in looking for stray cattle ; and the Indians often came from Oneida to hunt, in bodies of two or three hundred. No Indians, however, had their residence in this vicinity. His father, at an interview with Sir William Johnson, once heard from him the particulars of the wound which he received in the battle of Lake George, in 1755, which was in the front part of his thigli, and remained open till he died. Two physicians afterward recommended to Sir William to visit the Spring, the water being celebrated at Albany and Sche- nectady as good in some diseases. Sir William, tlierefore, sent about ten men to clear a road for his carriage, or liiter, from Schenectady to the Spring, under the direction of Mr. Ball ; and my informant dined with him in a large marquee, pitched on the level border of Ballston Lake. Near the same place were the log-houses of two men named McDonald, who had settled there about seven years be- fore his father's arrival. The company afterward pro- ceeded to the Spring, where Sir William used the water, but without any material benefit. While speaking of old times, I may mention, that a few years ago, a small image of a man, made, I think, of bone, with garnets for eyes, was found near that little lake, bear- ing a strong resemblance in form and appearance to such as have been taken from some of the western mounds, accord- ing to Mr. Atwater, and tending to confuse us still more in our conjectures about the origin of the former inhabhants of this part of the country. Leisure time — here is a portion of existence which is to be carefully regarded and watched over, whether it belongs to individuals or to communities. What progress in know- ledge might the most humble, even the most busy person make in llie course of his life, if he were to pursue some judicious plan for the occupation of his leisure moments ! 19 S14 THB SPBIN«I. What misery and ignorance, what sufferings and crimes might be prevented if provision were made •ne^'X !»' «8« or town for the useful occupation of the unemployed t.me of those who most need some arrangemenu for the pnr- ^ We have often evidence presented of the great amount of leisure time at the command of different individuals. Look at the libraries of monkish manuscripts m Europe, and those innumerable collections of paintings, as well as the millions of pictures scattered through the old world, from the pencils of artists who laboured for the mere gratification of taste, or by a desperate hope borne up against every discouragement. Listen to, or rather think of the thousands of tales which are told over and over again by the populace of every coun- try in their imervals of labour; and think of the wear and tear of tongues, and ears, and feelings required to carry on the titUe tattle of four or five contmenta. And' why the "busy member" is not worn out, or at least tired, is a great wonder. It is like the ocean, fretting rocks into pebbles, and grinding them to sand, with an exertion of force which mieht be employed to construct temples or pyramids. Lei- sure time should be first guarded against injurious employ- ments, and then, if possible, against those which are merely harmless. Let the parent and the teacher act on this simp e principle, and he will lay a basis which must bear a noble Structure. Even in a single day, a single mdividual may thus accomplish much; how much more a parent with a reck : how mnny useful and icli Bland forward in the pano- ith voices that remind us by leyed a(!cent» of ancient times, lated trumpets which sounded noble languages, like two fer- mc pure and lofty fountain. Think of the fine, sonorous )l(len and diamond tips on the proi(! poets, and engrave them L'mbcr the abundant supply of grasp every verb in the lan- »nd on tlie plough, or a gentle or the richer ilian silken tie )n home, we can guide them and under ground." R XXVIII. r. Sweet, the natural Bone-setter^ Travellers. and how rapid indeed is the led into a common remark, that to race with the former. Part t in conversation with a friend 1 European tour, has taken me ind, revived the memory of so led me with so many new ideas, d been quadrupled in duration, g, an ennobling, an exalting, as nent, when properly used ; and lias been successful above most PIETY AND rORIION TRAVgL. 919 others in making the best use of his opportunities. I saw him before lie sailed, nay, I knew him. He had long made up his mind that this world is a place of pasnage, a thorough- fare to a belter, abounding with enjoynients which nuiy be- come sources of aculo and lasting pain, and wiih trials which may l)e converted into joys of the most exijuisite and laming nature, lie was a Ciiristian, and 1 had seen the fact established by severe alliiclions. Having viewed and re- viewed Willi him, in aniicMpation, the temptalions of Kiirope, and in(lul(,'ed, at partinjf, in reliance on him wiio can aid and preserve, il was nut strange that 1 should fetl deeply inter- ested in every thing he saw and fell during his absence, on ground which I iiad passed over. Christianity has a thousand charming smiles, tones, alti- tudes, and actions at home : but how it strikes us to see it deveIoi)ed abroad and among foreign scenes ! Her spirit, fit for every climate and society, blesses all which she visits. It is particularly delightful to trace her course through a region of ihe earth like Italy, which has so long been regarded by us as devoted to the enjoyments of taste. Taste there appears ranged side by side with her, in scenes peculiarly appropriate to display her nature and to exhibit her superiority with advantage. What a pity il is that reli- gion, in her unostentatious but not unfrequent visits fo that attractive land, should not have become more an object of attention to our countrymen ! If we could be furnished with her views and reflections among the monuments of antiquity, we should find that mere antiquarian knowledge has not equal power to render interesting the dust of past genera- tions, or to enlighten the gloom of decay. Among the numerous visiters to Italy who speak our language, there are annually to be found some of a most de- voted religious character. Some are driven by shortened incomes to consult economy abroad ; others go under the advice of physicians ; some travel to improve their minds, that they may become more useful to the world ; and some are borne in the trains of more gay or ostentatious friends, on whom they are dependant. But amid so many memorials of the past leading to contemplation, and such a flood of i- \ 220 THE SPRINGS. ignorant and trifling minda devoted to the present, how in- teresting do such individuals appear. Whatever their age» their costumes, or the motives of their journey, they are alike in most important respects. They regard things around them as they really are, not as they pretend to be ; they discriminate between the right and the wrong use o| the enjoyments which are offered to them, and derive real happiness from things neglected by the crowd, while they are not disappointed by unreasonable expectations founded on an erroneous estimate of others. They do not of course underrate the importance of times that are past, because they regard the present as of most consequence to thena- selves, but draw lessons from former generations to exalt or to purify their own thoughts and actions to-day. A young Christian in Italy, who thus pursues the great objects of his life, has to encounter obstacles and discouragements, and to overcome difficulties which require great decision, resolu- tion, and perseverance, and rapidly ripen his heart and his mind. Indeed, the older and more experienced, while sur- veying the scenes which Italy presents, feel that there they need peculiar watchfulness and care over their feelings, because external attractions are greatly increased ; whd© the external aids of Christian society are at the same time removed. Whatever alarms the Christian's fear, or awakens his self-suspicion, tends to exhibit more clearly his Christian character; and whatever removes the tarnish from such metal as that of which it is formed, polishes pure gold. Superior worth and solidity therefore begin to display them- selves by a surface of superior brightness, and under such circumstances real religion assumes a peculiar nobleness both in aspect, language, and demeanour. " I found, in a small circle of religious travellers at Na- ples" said my friend, " a new tone of manners and conver- sation. I was received among persons accustomed to eti- quette with the greatest frankness and familiarity; and had never realized so strongly the force of a favourite expres- sion of the New Testament: 'Where the spirit of God is, there is liberty.' I found access not merely to their lodg- ings and their acquaintance, but to their hearts. And the PRIN08. PIETY AND FOREIGN TRAVEL. 221 levoted to the present, how in- appear. Whatever their age» cs of their journey, they are ispecw. They regard things ire, not as they pretend to be ; 6 right and the wrong use of fered to Ihem, and derive real jted by the crowd, while they asonable expectations founded ithers. They do not of course r times that are past, because »f most consequence to them- n former generations to exalt ts and actions to-day. A young pursues the great objects of his es and discouragements, and to require great decision, resolu- rapidly ripen his heart and his d more experienced, while sur- [taly presents, feel that there ess and care over their feelings, 1 are greatly increased; while m society are at the same time the Christian's fear, or awakens thibit more clearly his Christian emoves the tarnish from such is formed, polishes pure gold, therefore begin to display them- rior brightness, and under such assumes a peculiar nobleness td demeanour. le of religious travellers at Na- Bw tone of manners and conver- ong persons accustomed to eti- [ikness and familiarity; and had the force of a favourite expres- t : ' Where the spirit of God is, access not merely to their lodg- >, but to their hearte. And the formalities of fashionable intercourse, with all the falsehood of selfishness, being discarded, it was delightful to observe how the mind made progress in knowledge, while the heart found full exercise for its affections. Less swayed than other travellers in matters of taste, by current ideas, their opinions of scenes and objects in nature and art were gen- erally more just, because more independent; while their impressions were more distinct, and their descriptions more vivid. la relation to men, also, they had generally some- thing new and valuable to communicate : for having their attention directed after what has merit, or to discover per- sons on whom they might confer benefits, they were often found to have observed characters which others pass by witliout heeding. False opinions are abundant all around them, and are so much in vogue, that some will receive and pass them off as sound, for mere fashion's sake ; but they feel like Bunyan's pilgrims in Vanity Fair ; and when such wares are offered them, are ready to reject them and to ex- claim,—' We buy the truth.'" What a contrast, what a delightful contrast it seems, after witnessing the gaudy and pompous, but unmeaning cere- monies of a Neapolitan carnival, or having the hermit of the grotto of Posilipo shake his box of coppers at you, to close the day with a circle of Christian friends, where the fire of the purest love consumes all memory of difference in sect and country, among those who possess one faith and one hope. The different ways in which persons of exalted character are affected by foreign travel are often various, but almost always important. One receives an impression, from the majesty of some ruin, of the transitory nature of life ; while his companion is reproved by it for the little he has accom- plished. Some have made the people, whom they have seen degraded to the dust, the subjects of their daily prayers ; while others have been filled with the idea that America possesses incalculable advantages for establishing a name and a praise in the earth. One will ever after regard in a more important light all the means by which intelligence is diff'-sed, and fix much of his attention for the remainder of 01 /' 222 TBI SPUHOt. his life on the minds and hearts of the young, and the books, the examples, and schools by which they are to be edu- cated; while to another will afterward seem eye' P«"f"» those powerful motives to action, which are excited by the contemplation of heathen magnificence among the unmean- ing splendour with which a degenerate taste endeavours to eclipse it. . ■, e <«.<> Nothing is pleasamer than to meet with a person ol true piety, who has returned from a foreign tour, with such im- pressions as we must expect them to bring horn*, whea their circumstances have been favourable for receiving them. Ig- norance of foreign languages and habits, too rapid travel- line, or infirm health, may prevent them ; but if circumstances have been favourable, you may see a gratifying change m them, and every thing they can control around. One such person will spice the conversation of a whole neighbour- hood, and sometimes turn the minds of hundreds into better channels. His library is placed on a new footing, he re- views and improves some of his old opinions, he looks upon things about him with new eyes, for even trivial affairs re- mind him of great duties heretofore underrated. The trav- eller, perhaps, who passes the residence of such a man, even years after his death, admires some mstituiion for public benefit which owes its origin to his piety and his foreign tour. , , Many persons have probably seen in the newspapers ad- vertisemente of " Dr. Sweet.-Natural Bone-setter. It is not everybody who has met him, or any of his remarkable family. How many there are of the name, or how inany there have been famed for peculiar skill in anatomy, I have not been able to ascertain, because there is uncertainty anU some discrepancy among the family traditions. One account I have heard, says, that the ancestor of the American Sweets was a celebrated surgeon to the king, regularly bred to the profession in England, but disaffected on some account, and a volumary exile to the colonies, who chose one of the islands in Providence River, in Rhode-Island, for his abode. There, .devoting himself to the education of his children, he taught them the principles of his own science, which they after- b si CI tl ai in w m ol di Ol d( so ac al It' be w; tei dii thi an su II ac pe pa do lat an am Ye ne^ 'Vf PMNOf. 18 of the young, and the books, jy which they are to be edu- l afterward seem ever present !tion, which are excited by the ignificence among the unmean- legenerate taste endeavours to I to meet with a person of true n a foreign tour, with such ini- them to bring homts, when their jurable for receiving them. Ig- es and habits, too rapid travel- svent them ; but if circumstances nay see a gratifying change in can control around. One such srsation of a whole neighbour- le minds of hundreds into better )laced on a new footing, he re- f his old opinions, he looks upon eyes, for even trivial affairs re- retofore underrated. Tlie trav- the residence of such a man, [j, admires some institution for its origin to his piety and his ably seen in the newspapers ad- 3t,— Natural Bone-setter." It is t him, or any of his remarkable are of the name, or how many peculiar skill in anatomy, I have because there is uncertainty and le family traditions. One account ancestor of the American Sweets lo the king, regularly bred to the disaffected on some account, and mies, who chose one of the islands )de-Island, for his abode. There, ucation of his children, he taught B own science, which they after- A If ATCRAL BONI'SETTBR. MS wards made a study by means of his library. From this beginning, the family are said to have had a strong propen- sity to anatomy; and for several generations, if we might credit report, individuals of both sexes have often amused themselves in childhood with dislocating the joints of kittens and chickens, and setting them again ; and more humanely, in mature life, while engaged in the labours of the field or workshop, by reducing displaced bones to their sockets for miles around, and for prices so low that the mere mention of them has often excited the patient's laughter. The pro- duction of this latter symptom is perhaps the most extra- ordinary fact relating to their practice, and gives them a double claim to their surname. The individual of this family whom I met with this sea- son, was of a different branch, and had only the following account to give of his history. " The Sweets, I believe, have always been bone-setters from before the memory of man. It's a natural gift, for wise purposes bestowed, and should be employed with a proper sense of dependance. My father was a physician, and the first surgical operation I ever at- tempted was at fourteen years of age, when I reduced a dislocated thumb for a patient who applied for aid during the absence of my father. After this I felt somewhat bold, and made a number of successful experiments, studying such scientific books as I could obtain. I believe the skill I have is in a great measure a natural gift, and that I am accountable for the use of it. I have set a good many poor people's bones for nothing ; but I calculate to make the rich pay for it, though not very exorbitantly." " Well, doctor," said a man who recognised him, " how do you find them at the South f You've been to the South lately, haven't you ?" " Why, yes, I was down into the State of New-Jersey, and in Pennsylvania some :— why, a good many lame hips, and so on." " Well, did you go among the broken bones in New- York ?" " Yes, I find, wherever I go the second time, that they get new bones out about as fast as I put 'em in, so as to keep nil ' '-J^^V 324 THI 8PR1M0S. me to work. But I like it well enough as long as the floors don't break down. When I was at Danbury, in Connecti- cut, they'd got wind of my coming, and collected all the sufferers they could find in the neighbourhood mto one room. It was up stairs, over a hatter's shop; about fifty men were assembled there together, full half of them, as was said, being patients, and the rest spectators. The doctors had come to see me work ; for they didn't believe I could do any thing or knew any thing. Well, as there was a good deal of work to be done, and no time to spare, I ad- vanced to a man in the corner that had his shoulder out, and had been pronounced incurable. I took hold on it and set it, and told him to put on his hat, which he did ; and this elated him so much that he began to whirl his arm round for joy, and to show how well he felt, rigiit before the doctors and all, when I began to feel the floor sway away under me, and down we all went into a heap, maimed ones and all. I slid and fell, as we reckoned afterward, about twenty- seven foot, and got up among the rest in the hatter's shop. What was wonderful about it was, that though the floor set- Ued down principally at one corner, while the opposite one didn't give way, it held together, and so kept us out of the hatter's kettles, which were full of hot water ; and though a large square cast-iron stove fell down among us, it didn t hurt anybody. There were only three or four bones put out by the accident ; and when I had set these and the old ones, hips, shoulders, elbows, and all, I had to set off" for another town, where I had an engagement to do more work of the like nature. They had a proper laugh at the doctors at Danbury, telling them they had set the trap to kill me ; but I told them that if they had known the danger, they would not have put their own heads into it." There is a class of single gentlemen found among the great swarms of travellers which every year pass over our country, who seem to be ever in search of solitude and tranquillity, as much as others are for crowds and tumults ; and who, although they are often borne along by the cur- rent, actually enjoy many hours of loneliness. They are generally individuals who have had more than common ex- ■'''■^- ■• — ■■II PRIMOS. 11 enough as long as the floors was at Danbury, in Connecti- joming, and collected all the the neighbourhood into one ;r a hatter's shop; about fifty together, full half of them, as nd the rest spectators. The work ; for they didn't believe I iny thing. Well, as there was me, and no time to spare, I ad- •rner that had his shoulder out, curable. I took hold on it and his hat, which he did ; and this B began to whirl his arm round 1 he felt, rigiit before the doctors ;el the floor sway away under into a heap, maimed ones and ckoned afterward, about twenty- ig the rest in the hatter's shop, it was, that though the floor set- ; corner, while the opposite one ;ther, and so kept us out of the full of hot water ; and though a fell down among us, it didn't e only three or four bones put irhen I had set these and the old ITS, and all, I had to set off" for an engagement to do more work ad a proper laugh at the doctors hey had set the trap to kill me ; ley had known the danger, they ivn heads into it." ^le gentlemen found among the which every year pass over our ever in search of solitude and hers are for crowds and tumults ; e often borne along by the cur- hours of loneliness. They are have had more than common ex- MODGBT TRATBLLERS* 22ft perience in ihe world, and yet through the influence of good education or good early examples, have a taste that seeks something superior to its follies. Their previous life has ren- dered them thoughtful without souring their tempers, and dis* posed them to shun rather than condemn the society they cannot approve. I speak not here of the solitude which re* tires to its chamber, and when it has shut the door, re- proaches Providence for embittering what discontent re* fuses to enjoy. Those of whom I speak are found on the hdl-tops at sunrise, in a sultry hour among the shady rocks and wilds, or meditating in the fields at eventide. Isaac Walton describes your true angler as very humane and friendly. He and his anglers were drawn from persons of this class. It is not angling they seek,— it is the enjoys went of solitude, or rather the society of nature { and the fishing-rod is only an apology for staying from home by the day or the week. We are to blame for rendering field* sports in some measure necessary to many persons of in» telligence, taste, and leisure. We OMght not to reproach them for being found in solitary scenes, even though they are unarmed with guns or fishing-tackle. As it is not law- ful to kill the inferior animals for sport, but as it is perfectly proper and indeed useful to frequent our wild scenes, and to enjoy the beauties of nature, we ought to furnish the fairest and finest with things necessary to comfort and con- venience, and rather approve than despise those who select them for reading or meditation. To no unknown individual in Italy do I feel more obliged, than to him who constructed a rustic seat on the tall rocks opposite the falls of Terni, thatched it with boughs and cushioned it with leaves ; and no example should I sooner recommend to the friend of that class of travellers of which I am speaking. Their choice of the retreats of the forest and shore, as I remarked, is owing to their love for the spots where the fish and the birds resort, and not to the love of slaughter, although there are persons of a different character who delight only in the shedding of blood. These tasteful travellers may be distinguished from the common herd by an experienced eye. They keep, as it 20 ■1^; I SS6 THE SPRINGS. were, alonir the green maririn of the road, while ihey pur- Tts general 'course , they .a.uler a .ttle up the cj^l Talleys and streams that open to the right and left, and the IWe of the trees and the dashing of water are for them. While others, perhaps, of their own party, are complammg of coarse food and hard couches, the.r appetites are sharp- enedTy exercise, or they are enjoying refreshing slumbers •" I ZZ It; in a house when the family returned from their annual tour; and from their conversation found, that wh e soTe of the individuals brought back only records of wasted tTme! and the observations of the most common mS a barren as the beaten roads they had passed over others had come home with a store o^ --J^^' sket t might serve, like a hortus siccus, or a well-filled sketch- book for the gratification of themselves and heir friends for a year to come, and the value of which might last for a "t maTofus t brought up unfit for the wodd we live in thaTa great part of society, in their pursuit of happiness, se'emt s?lnd Ufe either in seekin, for the knowledge they ought to have imbibed in youth, or amid the frivolities or the V ces which are its only substitutes. This appears to be a general picture of society among us. We do not strongfy real Jthe fact unless we travel , and then we find our own mindsand those of our companions belraymg at eve^ step some strong evidence of deficiency. I sat in an elegant Soad-car, wi^h a large company of travellers several of whom were unknown to me. Why were we silent after a few remarks on indifferent topics? Because we were igno- rant. When we had seated ourselves at the dinner-table, however, there was no lack of conversation or of cheerful- ness? and I presume the chief part of .he pleasure enjoyed ly ihe party that day was during the time devoted to eating. There we were at home. Ah ! how much of the enjoyment of home then, with the mass of P«°P'«' "« *^. ^"J^^^, connected with a source not more exalted? Some of us had been curious to know some simple facts concerning dif- ferent objects aroun-:, but .ither presumed on the ignorance ■^ IN08. »f the road, while they pur- wander a little up the cool to the right and left, and the liing of water are for them, own party, are complaining les, their appetites are sharp- enjoying refreshing slumbers then the family returned from heir conversation found, that brought back only records of at ions of the most common 1 roads they had passed over, I store of recollections, which ecus, or a well-filled sketch- ihemselves and their friends alue of which might last for a up unfit for the world we live ■, in their pursuit of happiness, eekinfr for the knowledge they )uih, or amid the frivolities or substitutes. This appears to ciety among us. We do not ;s we travel ; and then we find r companions betraying at every deficiency. I sat in an elegant mpany of travellers, several of Why were we silent after a jpics 1 Because we were igno- il ourselves at the dinner-table, of conversation or of cheerful- lief part of the pleasure enjoyed uring the time devoted to eating. i\\\ how much of the enjoyment IS of people, are we to fear, is 31 more exalted ? Some of us ome simple facts concerning dif- ither presumed on the ignorance PAGAN SOVOATION. of our companions, or feared to expose our own by making them subjects of conversation; and so we jogged on in silence, M truly travellers as the horses which drew us along, and domg what only fashion saves from ridicule: that is, coursing over the country without definite object, and with- out the least chance of intellectual improvement. On reach- mg the place where we were to separate, I felt so much ashamed of my companions, that I was determined to avoid bidding any of them farewell: but I found they had appa- rently formed the same resolution about me, and thought me, as I appeared, and as I greatly fear I am, as great a dunce at travelling as any of them. Oh, had I been taught,. in my childhood, what I so much desired to know, the names, nature, and uses of the tree* and plants by which we passed that day, or the composition of the soils which produced them, or a little of the princi- pies of engineering to understand the constructions and exca- vations of the railroad, or been informed of the history, pro- ducts, or inhabitants of that part of the country in such a manner as to feel an interest in them ; or had any of my companions come so furnished with materials for conversan tion, that day had not been the source of pain rather than of pleasure, nor have become the cause of so much sell* condemnation. CHAPTER XXIX. ^hl TVmn?'^"^S E'^"'"""" !" a Christian Land-Improvemrot. Pron!?^F.?"""t~^""/S*' °^ '"'empewte H«bit. in our Country- fal rLo.^ *" V "' f^-^'g" Travel-Our own Moral and Phy.i, hom^Pi •'"'~^^''^t''«*"'=* "f 8°"^ Men in making TraveU al home Pleasing and C«eful-A CSrd-party in a Steamboat. I CAN hardly read a prospectus of a new academy, or see the advertisement of a college, without being reminded in a pamtul manner of the perversions practised in my own edtt. THE SPRINeS. cation. Truly 1 was led by a thorny, a crooked, tnd a dan- ferous way! Why I did not turn back, and run out of that mud road, I can hardly tell. I remember I was strongly tempted, when I found some of my favourite companions de- ■erting it one after another, and saw the grassy walks of agriculture, and the sparkling paths of. ^usmess some times offering strong attractions. It is high time that we should realize that certain sorts of knowledge may pervert the heart while they fill the head. Look at history, fo r ex- .mple, and vemember, that not we, but some of the worst men of heathen times are in fact, at this moment, teachmg our children their own views of past events, m our own ■chools and under our own eyes. Do we not put the classi- cal writers in the place of schoolmasters and parents, and make the young admire what they commend And whose views do the ancient writers maintain? All of them the views of heathenism; and not a few of them are mere echoes of the selfish or profligate rulers ;*h» Patronised them to secure their praise, and dictated what they shouW withhold, what record, and what pervert. 0««ht not such pernicious influences at least to be counteracted t Ought S^Uhe teacher who enlarges on the beauties of Virgil and Caesar, Ovid and Horace, to condemn the pnnciples and ^:re's they so often applaud, and --«» f y^"-- ideas which the pupil must otherwise imbibe T S"™«;'J^ or other is to be taken of history by every one who reads. There is a right and there is a wrong vew, and they are Sy inconsistent with each other The splendours of Greek and Roman heroes long absorbed my mind ; and for years I had no taste for the view of history given by the Spti res. The superintending power o the Creator was not present to my mind when 1 read of Juno and 'TupU*', Sie Fates and Fortune. It has cost me long and violent struggles to divest myself of the ta.te, as well as of some of the views, which I imbibed from my education at a gram- mar-school and college. , , • .u ..»»„i. But now, how sublime as well as how lovely is the aspsct which history presents ! Miserable, undefined Fortune has bteeu baniphed^and pains my heait no longer with the gloomy SPRINeS. a thorny, a crooked, and a dan- »t turn back, and run out of that . I remember I was strongly of my favourite companions de- er, and saw the grassy walks rkling paths of business some- nions. It is high time that we Boris of knowledge may pervert head. Look at history, for ex- i not we, but some of the worst in fact, at this moment, teaching ews of past events, in our own 1 eyes. Do we not put the classi- schoolmasters and parents, and hat they commend? And whose »rs maintain? All of them the d not a few of them are mere profligate rulers who patronised ie, and dictated wliat they shouW d what pervert. Ought not such east to be counteracted? Ought ges on the beauties of Virgil and , to condemn the principles and pplaud, and correct the erroneous St otherwise imbibe T Some view [ history by every one who reads, ere is a wrong view, and they are each other. The splendours of I long absorbed my mind ; and for the view of history given by the itending power of the Creator was firhen 1 read of Juno and Jupiter, It has cost me long and violent If of the taste, as well as of some )tbed from my education at a graw- as well as how lovely is the aspsct Miserable, undefined Fortune ha» my heait no longer with the gloomy TEMPERANCE. 329 reflection that the disposer of my lot is bhndfolded; while the God of Abraham presides over the destinies of n:aii, whose interests are as important as they were in past ages, and none more so than my own. I am now able to enjoy greater pleasure in contemplating nations at peace, ami ob- serving the progress of .efii.ement, than I ever derived from the confused noise of the warrior and garments rolled m blood. Just and delightful pictures of peace and its bless- ings we find in the Scriptures, at! war we see tn its own deformity. Then let us not pi > < . i scenes of carnage and barbarity, of pollution and crime, to our children, at least without removing a part of ih-v. false veil whicii heathen poets and historians have spread over them. If our parents and teachers had taught us less of strife and the dehghts of victory, certain it is they would have had less difficulty in governing us, and we less in controlling ourselves. There is one continual source of pleasure to the traveller in our country, let his course be turned in almost any direc tion : that is, the evident decline of intemperance, bven when I have been passing through places with which I was least acquainted, the evidences I have found of the diminu- tion of this evil have seemed like springs in the wilderness v but in regions which I had known in less favourable times,, the changes are so evident and so numerous as to excite great pleasure, I hope not unmingled with gratitude to Hinv who has said to the flood of devastation, " Here shall thy proud waves be stayed." How many a pang of keen sym- pathetic misery hare I been spared on my tour, by the par- tial scotching of that serpent, that infernal demon, whiclv was so lately ranging unchecked through our country r How blessed is the deliverance from such a monster! It is with anguish now that I recall the days when l so often dreaded to inquire, in a family circle, or in a public festival, for some one I missed from his place, lest the mention of his name should wrest from tortured lips a confession thaf would scorch the cheeks and scarify the heart. The late prevalenceof intemperance- 1 trace m part to the- broad foundations laid in the times precedmg oup own^ The close of the war left the country in an immoral cott- 2Q* m ■■ -rTO^iJ vmjriPW^^ r sso THE spr.ixo*. dition. The (lisbaniling of iJu; imny converted our villn(?es almost iiilt. camps, so far as llie habilH of men were con- cerned , and the vicious jtiaciiceH of at.itiiers co-operatmg with the desultory employment of leisure time, which is natu- rally produced l.y a long period of war and public calannties, stamped a low character upon »oci(!ty thiough a great part of the country. I'ublic calamities had proved fatal, in a thou- sand instances, to private fortunes ; and many of tho^^e per- son*-, who miglit otherwise have possessed the means ol ob- taining an education, were cut oH' from it by poverty, or by the prolonged depreciation of learning in the public estimation. Gunpowder, bayonets, soldiers, and military skill wt^re ob- jects of praise and admiration ; and as taste and literature could mit purchase these, they were but lightly estenned. Of course, peace found the country abounding in many young and empty heads, and, what was worse, with morals corrupt beyond their years. It was the tendency of such a state of things to honour the tavern and to break up the family cir- cle ; and in many a town and village the former was the great resort of fathers and sons, while the mothers were too often left to solitary regret and tears among the broken fragments of the latter. Who does not remember some- tiiing of such a stale of society? Who, at least, has not perceived traces of it in the Bacchanalian stories, and tne tales of village wit, whose narration to a later generation has often served to depict the tavern in colours and asso- ciations too attractive to the children of a reformed or so- bered father? To the discredU of a state of society now fast wearing out of fashion, a large part of our traditionary narratives and humour, and sketches of local biography, are mingled with the oaths and intoxication of the inn, or the more dangerous language and example* of fashionable dinner-parties and driaking bouts in city life. I know a large town, now distinguished for its orderly as well as intelligent and refined society, in which, forty years ago, or even less, social evening parties among parents of both sexes, were unknown ; and where a father of a family, who set the example of assisting to entertain the female visitew of his wife, had to bear the brunt of all the tavern- -r- T le army converted our villnijes ll\e hiil)il» of men were eon- •tices of aultliers co-operating il of leisure time, which in natu- iil of wiir ami public calamities, »ii society tliiough a great part iiies had proved fatal, in a thou- tunes ; and many of iho^ie per- ave possesHcd llie nieanH of ob- l oH'Irom it by poverty, or by llie irniiig in the public ettiiniation. ■rs, and military skill were ob- un ; and as taste and literature iiey were but lightly e»te» ined. juntry abounding in many young was worse, with morals corrupt the tendency of such a state of and to break up the family cir- and village the former was the ons, while the mothers were too , and tears among the brokea Vho does not remember some- aciety? Who, at least, has not the Bacchanalian stories, and se narration to a later generation the tavern in colours and asso- e children of a reformed or so- redit of a state of society now , a large part of our traditionary sketches of local biography, are id intoxication of the inn, or the ! and examples of fashionable bouts in city life. w distinguished for its orderly as led society, in which, forty years veiling parties ansong parents of ; and where a father of a family, assisting to entertain the female bear the brunt of all the tavem- PLKASIRKS OF CANAI. TIIA\ KI.MMI. 231 haunters of the place, that is, of all the fathers of his ac- quaintance, as a bold and preposterous innovator. Such a fact will hardly be credited ; but those who can recollect some years i)ii(k, will be forced to admit its proliability. in liints like those was plained the habit of intemper- ance, 1 might rather say the fiishion of intoxication: that bitter root which has yielded such deadly fiuit, and has been now, at last, partly plucked up with sue h diflicully. Let us not overrate the iinportmice of a tour in Europe, so niii(!li as to lose our relish for the enjoyments ollered us by a journey at home. " And what are these enjoymfiils !" asked I of myself, as I seated mvself a little before sunrise on the deck of a common freiifht-boat, on the Cliamplain Canal, and prepared to set oil" for a visit to the next village. Certainly, thought I, as I inhaled the fresh air, and heard the birds begin to chirp at waking, liner dewy mornings or a purer ether can nowhere be found than what our own hills and valleys allbrd. Yet nothing is less known, scarcely any thing is more seldom enjoyed, by those of our country- men who talk most of the beauties of nature in Scotland or Italy. " Of all scenes in the world," exclaims Americus Frenchificatus, " nothing can compare with sunrise on the Alps !" Of course, this personage, who had returned from a voyage, enriched with half a dozen mispronounced French words and a pair of moustaches, claimed to indulge in a foreign rapture as he pronounced this exclamation. — " But, my good sir, have yon ever seen a sunrise in the White Mountains of New-Hampshire ?"—" No."— " Have you ever seen one in any part of America?" — " No :— they are not fit to be seen." — " And you, I suppose, are fit to judge of them ?" And who is not like this gentleman, if not in foreign polish, in his contempt for home, and in foolish, degenerate, luxurious habits? The hotel I had left was full of travellers, yet I alone had opened my eyes to the finest part of the day, and my lungs to the purest air. The boat, though rough and offering no accommodations, in the mean time had been sliding smoothly over the shining surface of the canal, and had brought me into a beautiful grove of forest trees, whose numberless stems, like the in- r •ft CANAL rxcumioK. „umer»hle column, of some extensive »«•"?>'• ^"«/'"'^- fully reflected below, while their th.ek canopy of fol ajte aUo app'^-ared repeated apparently from nn 'i;"-'"- ^^^^'^JJ ,n e was the mirror over whu-h they hu.)?. Why, I M nleir, is travelling <.n onr eanaU eonnulered so wean««mc S'^ Is itute of interest? Here are noble P"'J"«;.»;>"- «{ nl ure multiplied around, silence and so .tude undisturbed ITL attling of wheels, and perfumed a.r unmn.gled w.th oHhe forests; the retreats of wild animals are a ,■ os ex pose.l to our view, and the nests even of rare '''^' ^ »;»"J over onr heads. How can the puhl.c. how can some of my friends most distinguished for taste, prefer the crowded Itar-nrch, the dusty and thickly inhabited road w.th the heal o? the sun during a midday ridet Alas ! a httle reflec- tion reminded me that our education does not prepare us for Th " enjoyment of scenes like those through which I was passZ^ Who knows .he nature and uses of tins fine tree ; ?.ho can teU the varieties of this ; how few, indeed, are there Trnor^ men of education who can discr mma.e betweerj Tan^plants of marked and even opposite peculiarities! mh the exception of those practical men whose bus.- Te s intioduce them to such things, few have taken the nans to inquire at all into the important study of botany; S as o? zoology, ornithology, &c, still less are they Tnown, though the forests and fields are stocked with various Sr and qfiadrupeds. The frivolities of life devour ten Umt theamount of hours which would be «"fficient to give th^ yonng such knowledge of these and other subjects as would render them capable ofderivingenjoyment and benefit from travelling. What more natural and easy, than to lead chTd rent^ L gai^en or the field every d;^ t-h ^^7 to observe leaves and flowers, fruits and seeds, animals and bids and relHte or read to them sketches of ther nature and h sto'ry T But, no ! The father is too fond of his money- mS his wine, or his politics; and the mother of her dres ef Parties, or novel-reading. And unfortunately such haWu a?e by no means confined to the more frivolous of society. KXCVRBIOK. ) extensive temple, were failh- jeir thick canopy of foliujre also ly from nn immrnHe depth, so lich tlicy hun)r. Wliy, I sisked can.iU consideri'd so woiirisomc Here are noble produciions of ilence and solitude uiuiisiurbed id perfumed air unmingh-d with ten introduce us to the hca:ta of wild animals arc air ost ex- iiests even of rare bin s hang :he public, how can some of my for taste, prefer the crowded lliickly inhabited road, with the dday ride T Alas ! a little reflec- cducation does not prepare lis for like those through which I was nature and uses of tliis fine tree ; r this ; how few, indeed, are there who can discriminate between md even opposite peculiarities ! lose practical men whose busi- such things, few have taken the » the important study of botany; hology, &.C., still less are they and fields are stocked with various rhe frivolities of life devour ten which would be sufficient to give e of these and other subjects as e of deriving enjoyment and benefit ore natural and easy, than to lead »r the field every day, teach them irers, fruits and seeds, animals and J ihem sketches of their naturo and i father is too fond of his money- politics ; and the mother of her ■reading. And unfortunately such confined to the more frivolous of DIITIK9 or TUAVELLEBS. 238 How easy would it be for parents to teach their chadreii, a>one of my fellow-travellers taught me. Seating hiinsell Jy my side,^he remarked on the peculiarities of the variou species of trees we pas-ed on our way, touching tjpon heir s ze, .oils, uses, ages, nodes of propagation, and capacity r improvement, the value which some of then, would bea in other countries, the superiority of some of »!•« , P«^e. known in different climates, &c. Aic; until my mind was filled with admiration at the vast an.l interesting variety pre- sented by the subject, and with respect for one whose mem. cry was stored with such valuable facts, and who was dis- posed to communicate them. It may be set down as one of the crymg sins of this coun- try, that good and intelligent men refuse to acknowledge their duties to the public. Whether at home or abroad, most of them seem to think there is no virtue in the world but modestv ; and under her broad mantle, I fear they some- times hide Iheir indolence, private taste, personal vanity, and what not. Now, to say nothing of the modes in «h.ch Lawyer Loveall, Dr. Dogood, Judge Generous, Mr. Good- neighbour, Farmer Friendly, and other characters of the Tke nature, some, if not all of whom we find m every vil- lage and town, might contribute to the gratification, mstruc- S and improvement of their own circles at home why should they be so insensible of the claims which society has npon ^them when they go abroad? Put them a, strangers, into a steamboat's cabin, or a «'age.coach, a canal packet, or a railroad-car, and they are as silent and timid as mice. They do not feel the ««?">«' P^" -^^ respectability of virtue or knowledge, nor realize that t is their business to appear as their ad^^cates, by exhibiting them in their own proper nature. They do "Ot "^^e a" early opportunity to use language and express sentiments which Jliall betray their own characters, but generally eave it to others to give a tone to conversaiior, which sometimes becomes annoying to them, while it is useless or worse than useless to the company. I have often seen the young or the ignorant, or such as were comparatively so, court the con- versation of those whose respectable appearance promised '\ t84 CANAL BOAT. Bomething superior to themselves in m.nd or in heart , and have observed with pain that the privilege has been too often denied. I hax J seen men of distinction, accidentally discovered by fellow-travellers, and treated ^f respect and deference, yet disposed either to be personally flattered, or to affect cold indifference-too seldom, at least, showing a philanthropic desire to make every advan.age subservient to the benefit of others. In short, I am persuaded that one great reason why there is so much that is frivolous among fravelling parties, and why there is any thing offensive, is, that those whose duty it is to prevent it are too mdif- fereiit about their obligations, or neglect to seek proper op- portunities and means. ,■ i i • .,„ Many persons meet on their travels who have little leisure or opportunity elsewhere to devote to the society of ^Irangers ; and to some of these such interviews have proved highly gratifying and permanently beneficial. But many a ride or excursion has been rendered irksome by a general silence among fellow-travellers, or the want of that rehnement of manners and conversation which ought to have existed. 1 know that there are subjects, very excellent m themselves, which would be inappropriate for topics in a mixed com- pany; and that those most forward are often the most con- ceited and shallow-minded of their party. But I am favour- ing a just medium. I can, perhaps, show something of my meaning by a real case. Cards were once called for on board of a boat, where none objecting, a party or two sat down at whist, who filled the cabin with their voices for a couple of hours, i or want of a timely word of disapprobation from a few of us present, which would have sufficed, we were condemned to listen a long time to such things as the following; and were after- ward annoyed by the effects of the liquor, to which the game conducted some of the players. " I've won two hands of Mr. Jones." " Ah ! so you have." "That'll answer. That's one over— I've a mind to Let that fellow be. We want four to begin with— six round." " Now, look, hold on your hair 1" kL BOAT. selves in mind or in heart ; and ihal the privilege has been too men of disiinclion, accidentally jrs, and treated with respect and ler to be personally flattered, or -too seldom, at least, showing a ;e every advantage subservient to ihort, I am persuaded that one 10 much that is frivolous among y there is any thing oflTensive, t is to prevent it are too indif- ns, or neglect to seek proper op- lieir travels who have little leisure devote to the society of strangers ; ih interviews have proved highly r beneficial. But many a ride or red irksome by a general silence r the want of that refinement of which ought to have existed. I cts, very excellent in themselves, iate for topics in a mixed com- it forward are often the most con- 1 of their party. But I am favour- i, perhaps, show something of my i for on board of a boat, where two sat down at whist, who filled for a couple of hours. For want )robation from a few of us present, J, we were condemned to listen a its the following ; and were afier- flfecls of the liquor, to which the the players. )f Mr. Jones." lat's one over — I've a mind to let It four to begin with — six round." (TOur hair l" CARD PARTY. 838 ' " Ah ! I think I'll stand that, sir." "It's astonishing! eleven, eight, thirteen; I never saw such dealing !" " After this hand—" " Bless my stars !" " Cut 'em." " What do you say!** " Cut 'em !" "That's over." " Now I want a ten." " Mr. Jones, advise 'em." " Ten, there's twenty, dub, dub, dub ; hold on to that !" "I, O, U — come, lay your hands there — plaguy luck as ever anybody had !" " You a notion of turning in, captain ?" "What sayr "Notion of turnin' in?" " No, not yet." " Well, I think I shall have to pretty soon." "Ha, ha, ha! We begin to feel dreadfully here! Twenty :— four, ten and four is fourteen, and six is twenty, air." " Play up all round !" " How's that ?" " O, if I could have got ten then !" " We're entitled to the deal !" "Ten! ha, ha!" " Cut 'em again — go ahead — split 'em — that's right.'* " Now, if I can get an ace — fourteen." " Give us one apiece." " Give me a couple apiece." "Hold on— there we are— play up — that helps the bank." " I hope luck won't go against me all the time." " Who's got a good hand ? Them that ha'n't, say so." " Eighteen, nineteen, play twenty." " Hold on — hold on — what have you got now ?" " Give me a fish." I SS6 WHITBHALI" "Stop, Btop, Stop!" ^ " Give us a tish." •» My next deal." " There's your two fish." ♦• I commence to deal thoie." " Stop !" " Turn 'em right over." ♦» We are three, sir." » Take 'em-thal's right." •• Yes." " What do you want V* " Lrther lay— O take one of them from the pack." " That'll be too much." "I'll bet he don't get iu" •• I'll bet he don't too." "Well, I'll bet he du»." CHAPTER XXX. Whitehall-Story of Sergeant Tom, a Creature of t^. R*'"'"'*?""" lS Georgel^Charming Scenery.and intererttag H..tor.ca^^..o- ciations-Ticonderotta-A Revolutionary Tr«htion-An Oracle oi Philology— Crown Point. Whitehall, formerly Skeenesborough, which is in thtf vicinity, is associated in my mind with the career of a wild, hair-brained fellow, who joined the American army at the breaking out of the Revolution, by the persuasion of an act- ive officer, from whom I once received a sketch of his mili- tary course. A sergeancy was obtained for Tom, but he had not been long in the exercise of it, when his friend the colonel, arriving at the camp at Skeenesborough, where he TBHALL. Hone." „ n I want to find ; hold still— Di'e. •BROIANT TOM* 237 one of them from the pack.*' PTER XXX. It Tom, a Creature of the Revolution- Scenery, and interesting HUtorical Asw- Revolutionary Tradition— An Oracle of Skeenesborough, which is in this my mind with the career of a wild, 1 joined the American army at the •lution, by the persuasion of an act- once received a sketch of his niili- y was obtained for Tom, but he had !xercise of it, when his friend the ;amp at Skeenesborough, where he was, found him degraded to a private sentry. By h » exer- tions he got him reinstated ; and knowing his wild temper, cautioned him against getting "to any quarrel with the soldiers, or the m Jjor, even if they shou d call him a broken sergeant, as he apprehended. But this was all in vain. The next aaemoon news came that Torn was m *« J^ard- house. On inquiry, he learned that he had flogged the sol- diers and cleared'them out of the tent, and threatened to kill the major. Tom had sent for the colonel to see him , but this he refused, though he felt bound, out of regard to his family, to exert himself in his behalf. The squadron was then fitting out on the lake, under Arnolu. t3 oppose the British; and with great exertions the colonel prevailed- upon Tom's captain, major, and general, to let him off without a court-martial, on condition that he should enlist on board a ship. Tom had been ^^^^^l^^;^^^ cheerfully accepted the proposition, expressing the warmest gSde^o his' friend, to whom he attributed his escap ; and solemnly swore to serve him whenever he <;«uld, even at the risk of his life. Although the colonel believed hira t be entirely devoid of principle, he placed •'"P^-; ;;j^^^^^^^^ in this solemn and voluntary promise, as he was susceptible ° The'ealley in which Tom served as sergeant of marines, in the battle off Crown Point, fought the English flag-vesse. side by side, with great vigour. Tom, at lengU. find ng aU the officers above him wounded, fought her h'™««>^ """^ his galley was found to be in a sinking condition. One of our commanders came up, received him on board, gave h nj a conspicuous part the rest of the day. and honoured h.na with peculiar marks of approbation Tom, however, was not long on shore before he deserted, and joined the B"t s^ army in Canada. An expedition was proposed to surprise Ballston, then a frontier town, and Tom was offered a la ge Teward to join it. This he refused, allegmg that it was the residence of his father, but partly, no doubt, because hi. benefactor also lived there. Finding, however, tha the expedition would proceed, he joined it, that he might be- friend him; and performed important service m secret, to 21 I IK t88 tMOl eSOROKt which my informant considered himself indebted for liberty, if not for life. The details are interesting : but I cannot stay to write them now. The first glimpse I caught of Lake George satisfied me that my expectations would be almost equalled ; for I had heard it described in such glowing terms in my boyhood, that the conception I entertained of its beauties were un- doubtedly romantic and extravagant, as I had before had occasion to reflect. If the breadth of a lake be too great, or its shores too low, there must be a want of bold features on the margin. A large level surface is sublime ; but we soon feel a want of variety. A more limited plain is often beautiful ; but it is necessarily insipid if alone ; and a sheet of water particularly requires contrasts to relieve the satiety which the mind feels in contemplating it. The Lake of Geneva would be greatly improved in beauty, if a few of the eminences which stand at the distance of several miles could be planted upon ite very banks. •Lake George lies in contact with the mountains, whose bases are washed by its pure waters, while its summits hasten to their terminations just above. I had inspected some manuscript military maps of the French war in this Ticinity, so that I soon caught some of the zigzags of Mont- calm's lines of approach to Fort William Henry (which, alas ! is now an insignificant heap on the shore), and fixed on the thick grove on my left, which shades the grave of about one thousand of his men. On the right, swelling from the head of the lake, was the elevation crowned by Fort George, long in ruins, and in 1745 the scene of General Dieskau's defeat, before a breastwork of logs. Along the waste ground in the little valley this side, was perpetrated the massacre of the soldiers, women, and children from Fort William Henry, by Indians. The sky suddenly grew dark as I approached the pretty village of Caldwell, and a thunder-shower passed just before us, obscuring for a few minutes the fields and dwellings ; and then passing slowly down the lake, whither it bore off a brilliant rainbow on its bosom. Tlie beauty of the scene, from my window, in the rear of the hotel, I would fain describe, especially as it ap- BOROCf d himself indebted for liberty, are interesting : but I canaot of Lake George satisfied me le almost equalled ; for I had owing terms in my boyhood, ined of its beauties were un- .vagant, as I had before had ireadth of a lake be too great, lust be a want of bold features el surface is sublime ; but we A more limited plain is often y insipid if alone ; and a sheet I contrasts to relieve the satiety ntemplating it. The Lake of nproved in beauty, if a few of t the distance of several miles ry banks. act with the mountains, whose are waters, while its summits ) just above. I had inspected aps of the French war in this It some of the zigzags of Mont- j Fort William Henry (which, : heap on the shore), and fixed 5ft, which shades the grave of en. On the right, swelling from the elevation crowned by Fort in 1745 the scene of General breastwork of logs. Along the alley this side, was perpetrated •rs, women, and children from dians. The sky suddenly grew retty village of Caldwell, and a , before us, obscuring for a few llings ; and then passing slowly ore off a brilliant rainbow on its 3 scene, from my window, in the fain describe, especially as it ap- A phuolooist. 239 n peared near sunset, when the broad and green slope to the margin of the clear water was striped with the long shadows of trees and mountains, and the surface of the lake was calm, and the opposite ridge of French Mountain raised its immense curtain of foliage, as it were, perpendicularly to the clouds. In this place a very different excitement seems to affect the visiters from that which is felt at the Springs, where there is no scenery to draw off the thoughts from ourselves and each other. The conversation at table seemed im- proved, and the various parties had a variety of objects be- fore them for the day : walks, rides, and boat parties, to visit the forts or to make an excursion to Tea Island. One would hardly think that the house could be much visited in the winter season ; but I found some of the family speaking familiarly of Monlreid and its inhabitants, who, I learned, often come down in parties in sleighs. I had several strolls along the shore on both sides of the lake near Ticonderoga, traced out the old French lines on which General Abercrombie's army made so ridiculous an attack in 1758, and climbed to the redoubts on Mount Inde- pendence. It is melancholy to renew the impressions which must have been made by the aspect of these hills and head- lands, these woods and waters, at night, when, after General St. Clair had ordered the evacuation of the fortress and the retreat of the troops, the sudden bursting out of a fire in a building at the foot of Mount Independence illuminated the scene, betrayed the motions of the Americans, and awakened the fire of their enemies. There is an extensive, wild, and mountainous region north and west from this spot, where there are hardly any inhabit, ants, except the beasts of the forests. I heard, in a log- house, some exciting tales told about deer-hunting ; and on a warm afternoon, I heard an old man talk in the following strain, as he was sitting in the sun, surrounded by several bantering farmers' sons : — " You are a stranger, sir, I presume, and perhaps don't know me nor my family. That's the way with the world : these boya that have grown up don't know but what their i.l 340 LAKE CHAMPLAIN. fathert were as respectable as mine. I've not done nght { that I'm willing to allow. But I an't so bad as Bill. He got to drinking too much a good many years ago, and learned to fiddle, and used to leave home sometimes, and go off round to dances, and so on. But he had as good a wife as ever was. and he's reformed, and so am I. I ve come across the lake to help at harvesting, and get some wool and carry back for the children to card up, and then we'll have it spun and made into something warm for 'em next winter. These women-folks they are the master-crit- turs for such things. They'll sit and card and talk, and get a wonderful deal done. But education is a great ihmg, and we can't get it over there among the mountains where there an't nobody five miles back from the lake. It s a curious country there, there's so many ponds. There s Long Pond, and Square Pond, Goose Pond, and Crane Lake, and Paradox Pond, and Pyramid Lake, and— that s all, I believe. Well, now there an't nobody but me that lives anywhere about here, that knows how these ponds got their names." "Well, do you know. Uncle Zeek?" asked one of the company. t» i .u » Why, yes ; there's L.ng Pond and Square Pond, they were called so because of their shape ; and the wild geese go to Goose Pond ; and Crane Lake, the surveyors found a crane's nest on the bank. And then there's something very curious about Paradox Pond : the stream that the outlet falls into is sometimes swelled by a thunder-shower that don't reach the pond, and then the water sets back through the outlet into it. So you see I know all about the history of that country." " But," said I, " you have not informed us concernmg Pyramid Lake." . , , , . . "Oh, as for that," said he, "I don't rightly know what that took ite name from, without it was because they some- times catch suckers there very early in the season." " However," said he, "I was talking about my family. You must know that my grandfather came from England with Lord Howe. He had just finished his education at ■PLAIN. mine. I've not done right } ; I an't 80 bad as Bill. He good many years ago, and leave home sometimes, and so on. But he had as good reformed, and so am I. I've at harvesting, and get some children to card up, and then into something warm for 'em oiks they are the master-crit- II sit and card and talk, and Jut education is a great thing, 1 among the mountains where back from the lake. It's a 's so many ponds. There's nd, Groose Pond, and Crane id Pyramid Lake, and — that's lere an't nobody but me that that knows how these ponds icle Zeek?" asked one of the [ Pond and Square Pond, they ieir shape ; and the wild geese ne Lake, the surveyors found a nd then there's something very 1: the stream that the outlet lied by a thunder-shower that en the water sets back through Be I know all about the history e not informed us concerning le, " I don't rightly know what hout it was because they some- ery early in the season." was talking about my family, randfather came from England 1 just finished his education at CROWN POINT. 24J Oxford ; and there's few men that have got as mueh learn* ing now-a-days. What an army that was ! Every man was dressed in superfine broad cloth, with gold knee buckles. And, besides, though I am almost ashamed to say it, I am connected by maniage with General Arnold's family. He was a good soldier, though, at Sarritoag, and some said he got the victory there. Why don't you sing the old songs ofiener, boys ? That the great Mount Defiance They toon would fortify : — We found that we must quit our line*. Or ev'ry man must die. Which soon we did in haste perform, And went to Sarritoag, A burning all the buildings We found along the road. 'Twaa then the gen'rous thought inspir'd The noble Gates's mind, For to send out Gin'ral Arnold, To see if he could find A passage through the inimy, Wherever he might be ; Which soon he did accomplish, And set the country free." I made a passage to Crown Point one pleasant afternoon and evening, in a small lake schooner, built of boards, laid in several courses, without timber, on Annesley's plan. Its masts also were made so as to be easily struck ; and the dimensions and fixtures being those of a canal-boat, it had 4aken a cargo through the Erie Canal, I believe to New* York, and was now on its return to the lower part of Lake Champlain. The crew, consisting of only two men and a boy, were full of fresh water wit and anecdotes, and inci- dents by canal, lake, and river, and at once skilful and obliging. As they were telling a long eel story, the neigh* bouring eminences on the left, and the distant ridges of the Green Mountains on the east, especially the Camel's Hump, made a magnificent appearance in the declining sun, while we passed near enough to the scattered dwellings to feel 21* S43 LAKS OHaMPLAM. some interest in the inhabitants of several retired but plea- sant spots. I was carefully landed in the jolly boat, under a bright moon, at a pretty beach on Chimney Point ; and after a few hours' repose at the inn, examined with interest the striking features of that neighbourhood, not less interest- ing in scenery than in history. On the elevated point, while a fine breeze was blowing, 1 traced out an old breastwork, once extending from cove to cove, and a redoubt which looked up and down the lake for a great distance, while the ruins of Crown Point lay exposed to the eye on the opposite side of the lake, here reduced to the breadth of a river. Wliat a commanding position! Nothing could pass this way without sailing long in the range of the artillery of the old fortress, then passing it in review with broadside exposed to the batteries within musket-shot, and afterward, if it could survive this risk, steering for several more in the range of one of the five great redoubte, which were in ad- vance of the angles of the main-work. I crossed the ferry, and rambled about the solitary ruins, but found them in a pretty good state of preservation. The original fort, erected by the French on the shore, is near the landing. The long, broad, and low point, the end of which is occupied by the fortifications, is overgrown by young trees, which have sprouted since its evacuation, and there is a grove of the same age as that at Ticonderoga. The parade within the fortress was green, and almost as smooth as if still in use ; while only the want of roofs and glass in the brick buildings surrounding it, and the growth of sumacs round the parapet, showed that the place was deserted. The barracks were occupied partly by sheep and partly by swallows ; and the solitary contemplation of the scene around wakened many reflections on past events. MPLAIN. 8 of several retired but pies-* andcd in the jolly boat, under iach on Chimney Point ; and le inn, examined with interest ighbourhood, not less interest- On the elevated point, while raced out an old breastwork, > cove, and a redoubt which for a great distance, while the Bsed to the eye on the opposite id to the breadth of a river, n! Nothing could pass this , the range of the artillery of I it in review with broadside In musket-shot, and afterward, teering for several more in the at redoubte, which were in ad- ain-work. I crossed the ferry, iry ruins, but found them in a ion. The original fort, erected is near the landing. The long, id of which is occupied by the by young trees, which have 1, and there is a grove of the eroga. The parade within the ost as smooth as if still in use ; and glass in the brick buildings th of sumacs round the parapet, deserted. The barracks were d partly by swallows ; and the le scene around wakened many 243 CHAPTER XXXI. tion in Convent.. Arcniiecture— Wilful Error, on Educa- si r.!K ' f you have positive evidence, on every Sr,„. T °'^.' ''"'■" ^•^*"'=' «chool.master, thrire'aS tyrant I ever knew It seemed to me that ignorance hadl Ui CANADA. Observe but Belleule -n^ Bouchcrville Mountain.^o^^ r^ht over the vast plain, after leaving St. John •. The ow i^tSrtles, hoLaof Laprairie the f o^ "anTtS «ith Boacious irrounds enclosed with high vralls, and the rodferrurPreneh .peaking people on the .hore of the noble St. Lawrence, remind one of Europe. The steamboaia on the St. Lawrence and the Lakes have beloften cTowded to excess this season, by the emigrants „ewly-a "ived 71 Great Britain, so much so a, to render travelling for pleasure remarkably " unpleasant. ' And such Imlxed company as has often been observed in these car- goes? WhiTeCL of those obliging tourists who occasjon- persons than usual, and the western slates have had the ^r ?n\t Uf whie tany were at best but extremely il veTseiin « h ^sl of the globes." which the English school Idvertisements seem to regard as such an accomp ishment. Wha? win not ignorance do. and at the same time leave un- to 1 am persuaded that many of the em^ants migh* saJe years of time, and all the ™on«y ^^ey J>nng out, if thiv would but ask a few such questions as the boys m the New-York Publicschools could readily answer, and act on ^rUnowledee thus obtained. One woman you will hear inquirmg lo ^- ^q return to-morrow; one sick. ^nTSevinTh d^^^^^ -"'her amazed at f,?o hP^u^and fertility of the country, the friendliness of h poS, the abundance of work, the high wages, the Iheapness of land, and in short, the superiority of eveiy htng' to hi. expectations. The only wonder to me wa.. DA. MONTREAL. S45 achcrville Mountains, on the leaving St. John'f. The old )rairie, the gloomy nunneiy, id with high walls, and the (cople on the shore of the e of Europe. .awrence and the Lakes have this season, by the emigranta lin, 80 much so as to render bly " unpleasant." And such I been observed in these car- bliging tourists, who occasion- fi subjects before their eyes, ihe trouble of leaving home, een remarked, there has been tion of intelligent and wealthy western slates have had the them to their population. But unprovided with necessary in- y means, to direct their course il. One person might be heard jountry through which he waa 1 never been in a geography were at best but extremely ill bes," which the English school •d as such an accomplishment, and at the same time leave un- many of the emigrants might the money they bring out, if ch questions as the boys in the )uld readily answer, and act on d. One woman you will hear jr children, who have come to to return to-morrow ; one sick* unhealthy; another amazed at he country, the friendliness of of work, the high wages, the short, the superiority of every The only wonder to me wa»» that they were not all delighted ; for I have seen the ships in which some of them have crossed the Atlantic, and should thmk that any thing would be preferred to life on board of them. I asked an old Scotchman one day, just arrived, whe- ther he had had a pleasant passage. He pointed down the half.closed hatches and said, " In that hole there were above ninety of us ; and yet this was the only ventilator we had during a voyage of six weeks, except three days, when the after-hatches for a short lime were removed. On account of the impurity of the air, I used to come on deck at night, and could scarcely persuade myself to return." I confess that the sight presented below sunk my ideas of human nature to a grade that always makes me feel un- comfortable for a day or two. The sounds which rose to- gether reminded me of Bunyan's pit of Tophet, though the old man did not answer my idea of a shepherd of the De- lectable Mountains. A few days may be agreeably spent at Montreal and Quebec, and in visiting the environs : for, although there 18 little to excite interest in the literary institutions (know- ledge, in all its branches, being at a low ebb), the foreign air of the people, their habitations and manners, the appear- ance of activity which pervades every thing during the brief summer which the climate allows, and the peculiar features of the natural scenery, present considerable attractions, rune is not allowed to enter into detail. Let us see, then, whether any idea of the variety and nature of the objects, most striking to a traveller, may be conveyed by a rapid mention of them. The approacli to Montreal, in one of the Laprairie ferry-boats, allows you to contemplate it at leisure. The distance is nine miles : the river, which is three miles broad, being crossed transversely. You are excited by the rapidity of the powerful steamboat, and of the current, bearing you hke a bird over a ragged channel, which often is visi- ble, covered with crags, apparently ready to tear the bot- tom of the vessel. French, of a harsh and uncouth dia- lect, is dinned in your ears by market-men and women, S46 CANADA. '\ watching their ba.keU of rooU, herba, &c., p»hered lO •canty harvest from some part of the rich but abuied plain, which extends from the river's bank to the horizon, excep where it is bounded by a few distant and imposing isolated mountains. If you cross in a balteau, you hear the boat song of your rowers, in which there is httle "weetness or poetry. The city, spreading along the low shore of he river, shoots up the spires of five or six churches, with the domes of two convents, and the towers of the new cathedral, aeainst the Mountain of Montreal, which alone rescues the Bcene from utter tameness. Those who wish to contem- plate the largest specimen of barbarous architecture m JNortQ America (saving Mexico), may visit the cathedra . What apology is there for the introduction of the Gothic ■tyle into the United States? What is there among us which is signified by it] What is there connected with it in our history or institutions ; and what good influence can we expect from it upon the future? We have had nothing like a gradual progress of taste through many ages, and no successive races of men in different stages of civili- zation, or any period of our history at all allied to such a Btyle. At the same time our condition ia based on the loun- dation of universal knowledge: there is no mystery, no secrecy, no ignorance. Nothing is concealed, nothing is done through systematic imposture. Neither do we admit of any principle by which the feelings are to be influenced independently of Ihe judgment. Why then should we meddle with other architecture, in which vastness and eloom work their effects upon the heart, without ofl^ring to The thought any distinct subject to fasten upon ; in which the eyes are shown dark recesses which they cannot penetrate, and a multitude of laboured devices and ornaments the mind would in vain understand 1 Simplicity and use, two of he great features of nature's works, are bamshed hence ; the lieht for which our eyes were formed U obscured ; and the objects and ends of our creation mystified, as far as archi- tectural objects can produce such an effect. Why should we wish, in this country, to present tmi pUes to the eye, in which it can trace none of the great prin- iDA. tklMK NOTIONS. 347 mU, herbi, &c., gathered in rt of the rich but abuied plain, r'« bank to the horizon, except distant and imposing isolated a batteau, you hear the boat ih there is little sweetness or g along the low shore of the five or six churches, with the tie towers of the new cathedral, itreal, which alone rescues the Those who wish to contem- barbarous architecture in North ay visit the cathedral, r the introduction of the Gothic 8? What is there among us What is there connected with ions ; and what good influence ,on the future ? We have had ress of taste through many ages, men in diflerent stages of civili- jr history at all allied to such a r condition is based on the foun- Bdge: there is no mystery, no othing is concealed, nothing is nposture. Neither do we admit the feelings are to be influenced rment. Why then should we Bcture, in which vastness and pon the heart, without ofiering to ject to fasten upon ; in which the ses which they cannot penetrate, 1 devices and ornaments the mind Simplicity and use, two of the works, are banished hence ; the irere formed is obscured ; and the ireation mystified, as far as archi- ce such an effect. in this country, to present tmI it can trace none of the great prin- eiplet of natural taste ; in which the mind finds only per- plexity ; and the feelings, instead of being exalted with hope and encouragement, are depressed with undefined gloom. How far more appropriate are the pure and chaste Greek styles to our own history, character, and condition ! I would take the Doric and Ionic in preference to the Corinthian : and, if I may judge from my own feelings, the first-men- tioned is to be preferred to all others. Regard the ancient rules and proportions so far as they are appropriate to the uses of our public edifices, and consistent with the nature of our climate ; and then the more vigorously you cultivate taste and multiply specimens in cities, towns, villages, and the very forests where they may be needed, the better. In America there is no apology for a gradual introduction of any species of perfection which necessity does not forbid us to know at once. We must admit only the best of every thing. Where the forest tree falls, there let taste erect her purest monuments, while learning adopts the best methods for instruction, and philanthropy binds heart to heart with the love of the gospel : for liberty has established a system which requires the most powerful support of us all, and we are answerable to mankind for an exhibition of the no- blest results of civilization and Christianity. One of the unaccountable traits of the taste of our coun- trymen, is displayed by many of them on entering a Cana- dian town. They will take off their children to the nunne- ries, obtain, if possible, an interview with the superieures, purchase a few trifles of domestic manufacture, infer from what they see that all must be well arranged and systematic in every department, because they spend a few minutes in the presence of stiff and starched nuns, and go away with a gratuitous impression that there is a great deal of solid in- struction given to the children and young persons whom they profess to teach. \ 348 CHAPTER XXXI. Different Traveller, have different Eye^-The Polish Exiles-Regrets on the Necessity of closing-" Tom Slowstarter's" Farewell. How Strongly was I struck, the other day, with the con- trast between two foreigners, whom I met travelhng m the United States : a Frenchman and a South American ! The one recalled to my recollection Monsieur Levasseur, who, while in the train of General Lafayette, witnessed the la- bours of the New-York firemen one night at a conflagra- tion. Having come from a physical people, a nation of materialists, he wished to handle one of the engines, m order to form an idea of those machines which he thought exhibited some of the great capacities of republicans. The South American was always admirmg the results ot some moral cause in our society; and the sagacity and just sentiments he displayed were not only gratifymg, but instructive. And what a cc-nnment was here on the political systems of Europe and America ! The old world is man- aged like an engine. Millions of her inhabitants are stand- ing this day like machines, with their weapons presented, like the teeth of a bark-mill, or the cogs of a cider grinder, ready to do work by the exertion of brute force. What an immense capital stands from age to age invested m arsenals and foundries, fortresses, fleets, and powder-mills ; yet the budget of war annually groans under new appropriations. Peace may sit balancing her pinions over them for a time ; but something soon sets her on the wing; and what shall induce her again to alight? When a crop of humanity is to be gathered, when the flowers of a new season are to be plucked, the machinery moves again ; Us course is against mankind, its track is a stream of human gore. 1 he Greeks cried for freedom, but they must pass through Missi- 18 ER XXXI. t Eyei— The Polish Exiles— Regrets -" Tom Slowstarter's" Tarewell. ck, the Other day, with the con- :s, whom I met travelling in the .n and a South American ! The stion Monsieur Levasseur, who, •al Lafayette, witnessed the la- emen one night at a conflagra- a physical people, a nation of handle one of the engines, in lose machines which he thought reat capacities of republicans, always admiring the results of society; and the sagacity and ed were not only gratifying, but imment was here on the political lerica ! The old world is man- ions of her inhabitants are stand- 3, with their weapons presented, 11, or the cogs of a cider grinder, xertion of brute force. What an m age to age invested in arsenals leets, and powder-mills ; yet the roans under new appropriations, ler pinions over them for a time ; her on the wing ; and what shall fht? When a crop of humanity le flowers of a new season are to iry moves again ; its course is is a stream of human gore. The but they must pass through Missi- THE BANISHED POLES. 249 longhi to reach it. The Polanders claimed the rights of men, and they are sent to weep their loss in Siberia. Wherever the principles, in which we so thanklessly live, are even whispered in Europe, there comes the wild beast of oppres- sion. His iron step is heard in the university, his gripe is felt in the school and at the fireside : while on this side of the Atlantic, education, universal example, and the govern- ment — even self-interest and prejudice itself, invite, nay, in a manner, constrain us to hear the language of liberty and humanity, and to associate to sustain them ; in Europe,, the warmest hearts are chilled by the sight of the mana- cles and dungeons to which such sentiments are condemned. Indeed, nobler, more exalted men than we, men with a far livelier and more active devotion to the good of mankind than ourselves, are now, while we speak, shut up in prison, in loneliness and misery, friendless and oppressed, because the enemies of truth and righteousness, of light and wisdom^ of liberty and right, are too many and too strong. Now are there no greater duties incumbent on us than t» eat and drink, and take the good of the things around us ! Is there no higher object for us to aim at than merely tO' gain wealth and honour, or to exercise power 1 Whoever devotes himself exclusively to either of these, is an enemy of our country, a foe to mankind, a blot on our land, a de- predator of our advantages, an ingrate to our heavenly benefactor. The two hundred and thirty-six Polanders who have been sent to the United States, by the arbitrary and inhuman power of Austria, have among them individuals presenting peculiar claims to the interest and kindness of Americans. Most of them are severe sufferers for the sake of liberal views and patriotic exertions in favour of freedom. A few of them, however, were of bad character, and were sent here to discredit the others. The government of Austria is a severe despotism ; and one of its most detestable features was displayed in an attempt to injure the characters of men whose patriotism they hated and feared. After these Po- it^ders had been imprisoned at Brinder for some months, on v&rious pretexts, without trial or charge, having beea 22 250 RFFLECTIONS ON SEEING THEN. \ collected from different quarters, and generally unacquainted with each other, arrangements were made to transport them to Trieste, where they were to embark for this country. This step they consented to, because the only alternative offered was, that they should be delivered up to Russia. They were to be transported in detachments ; and the first that was sent off consisted of those who had been imprisoned for crimes, that their conduct might make an impression un- favourable to the patriots. Since their arrival m America, a discrimination has been made, and the unworthy set aside. Here they now are on our coast, necessarily unknown, except so far as we choose to seek an acquaintance with Ihem, ignorant of our language, manners, and habits, but, like the blind or the dumb, presenting on that account dou- ble claims to our sympathy and aid. Like those suffering under some natural infirmity from which we are happily frec» Ihey also teach us lessons of gratitude and of duty, under the superior blessings which we enjoy. A banished Pole should move among us as a living monument of arbitrary power, and whenever we look upon liim it should be with the recollection— " Here is a victim of despotism » Here is a man, such as our ancestors would have chosen to be,— if offered his alternative— slavery or banishment: here is one who has endured that arbitrary power to which our ancestors would not submit, but re- sisted, for the sake of their children." It seemed to me, while conversing with some of these lonely exiles, as if Providence had sent them among us at tliis time not without a kind design. We have been so re- mote from the sight of oppression and violence, so long accustomed to regard tyranny and lawless rule as mere creatures of the imagination, that when sentiments are de- clared, and measures tak.-n tending strongly that way, ii>- Btead of taking the alarm, too many of us look on with in- difference, as if there were a wall of impenetrable brass erected to secure our liberty. These melancholy and silent strangers seem to whisper to us, to beware of ourselves, owr freedom, and our country : and if their presence shall render us any more waUhful, if it shall lead us to reflect mote m- '^' •jm^ w ^ ' , -,jiu~iuJ « twu i i! ' > >»>^—' »H»~M ' ~i BEEIHG THEM. re, and generally unacquainted were made to transport them to embark for this country, because the only alternative be delivered up to Russia, in detachments ; and the first hose who had been imprisoned might make an impression un- iince their arrival in America, le, and the unworthy set aside. ir coast, necessarily unknown, to seek an acquaintance with age, manners, and habits, but, >resenting on that account dou- and aid. Like those suffering from which we are happily frec» gratitude and of duty, under the enjoy. move among us as a living Br, and whenever we look upon ecoUection — " Here is a victim an, such as our ancestors would ered his alternative — slavery or vho has endured that arbitrary tors would Bot submit, but re- r children." conversing with some of these ■nee had sent them among us at d design. We have been so re- ipression and violence, so long inny and lawless rule as mere n, that when sentiments are de- <\ tending strongly that way, ii>- too many of us look on with ii>- •e a wall of impenetrable brass f. These melancholy and silent to us, to beware of ourselves, oot and if their presence shall ren(|«Jr I shall lead us to reflect mote ia- CONCLVSIPW. 251 tently on the inestimable priviliges we possess, of the deli- cate and responsible trust committed to us for the benefit of mankind, in being made the riepositories of free institutions and Christian ligiit and liberty, it will not have been in vain that our sympathy for them has been painfully excited, or that they have been deprived of property, friends, and home. Some eminent musicians have said that the most import' ant part of, an air is the end; and that, no matter what are the merits of a composition, if there be appropriate har- mony in tlie closirjg note, the impression must be delightful, and the hearers will be content : so gourmands, sometimes, take special pains to lay by their choicest morsels for the last, that the final bit may convey to the palate the richest flavours and spicery — because its taste is to be lasting. How mortifying then, to an author, who would no* intentionally violate any of the great rules of taste, to find that no sueh advantage, as he could wish to make a happy close, is allowed him. Here 1 am suddenly admonished, by the amount of paper I have blotted, that I must bring my hasty remarks to an end. It is in vain for me to plead that I have a heap of materials lying yet untouched before me, scenes of nature, both in ink and crayon, words of the wise, and oracles of fools, remaiks of chance-travellers, and thoughts of my own, with snatches from Greek and Latin authors, un- accountably preserved from the chaos of my early studies, now applied, well or ill, to modern affairs — it is in vain to declare that a book, to be appropriate, should be neither far in advance of, nor behind society, and that all these materi- als will deteriorate and perish in a season. Indeed, the fact is, I have found things so rapidly moving around me while I have been making this volume, that I have been on a constant race to keep up. Now out of breath, indeed, but not ex- hausted nor entirely discouraged, I am advised to desist ; and, even while I hesitate, am chagrined to think that I already begin to be distanced. I feel, in short, that I am in much the same condition in S52 CONCLtSIOH* which 1 last saw my old friend Tom Slowstarter. It was tte Am oyL Trenton railroad. We had stopped "^ water," as the facetious term is-(not our horses, but the rter,iboaer)-and Tom had alighted to look at. the ma- chTnTrv The bell rang, the wheels began to move, and t pLW™ called to'him to hurry ; but th. workmg of one of the small cog-wheels perplexed h.m «» ™"«»> t^** Ije kept pace on foot. " Overtake us, and jump m Tom, you U be left!" cried the passengers. "Are you speakmg to a Luor aprose-writerr'saidTom; "I am «otbe»und he Dd? mu?h less out of sight of it. I -""^^^^J ^^^ further into things."-" If you stop *« ""fr'^fHcS thing," aaid the engineer, " you can't go with us. - H«j » •^o', . _n --:j Tnm " I waUt tO WlOW a UWIB •omethmg wrong, said lom— \™, ,,__.. jr ,,„ are how it is you go ahead so, and then I'll nde. — « youare S to know much, you can't be in our company. You must make up your mind to one thmg or the <>*« P'etty TickTso jump in."-"Iwant to see it go round °nce or ?S m Jre," slid Tom ; " now I'm ready ; open the door. The d^rwiopened, but the engine had begun to snort qu' ke HLd quicker, and the wheeU went round ike a buzz. ^'omlaid himself almost «*» '^'ihTT/ZlIhtt faster '» take mv hand— run, Tom, run— a little faster, a little taster . lis u"5^ from the' cars, while he was «tra-ng \e««'.f-;j and fingers, to get up ag'^" ''f »»^ ^""P^ ^1'" cour- had befter stop," said one, at th.s crisis; "'fj^^^"^";^ ^e faUed in aS instant. He gave up t^* f ^^, *"^J^^^^^ Se a post in the middle of the -d, -hil^f ^^^^^^^ joined in a general shout of ^od-by, mr. o ^^ 'oood-by, MnKnow-a.little."-"Good-by, go^^^y^^^Jf^" Tom : " eood-by, Mr. Puffer and family,--there s notning of you bSt noise and motiou -but yet I wish I was vridi vol The next time I'll try to find less fa«U, and kee^ ip with society." Tom has never since been heard ot IINIS. lOM. d Tom Slowstarter. It was road. We had stopped " to is (not our horBCs, but the alighted to look at the ma- wheels began to move, and to hurry; but the working of rplexed him so much that he e us, and jump in Tom, you'll . "Are you speaking to a Tom ; " I am not behind the of it. I want talook a little ou stop to understand any a can't go with us."—" Here's n_" I want to know a little i then I'll ride."—" If you are i»t be in our company. You me thing or the other pretty It to see it go round once or ,w I'm ready; open the door, the engine had begun to snort wheels went round like a buzz. It with running ;— and " Here, 1— a little faster, a little faster I ile he was straining legs, amis, I with his companions. " You It this crisis ; and Tom's cour- e gave up the chase, and stood the road, while all the caravan ,f " Good-by, Mr. Slowstarter ! "— "Good-by, good-by," said .r and family,— there's nothing ioi.— but yet I wish I was with ry to find less fault, and keep s never since been heard ot tINIS. E:i m