yC-NRLF C825 =^="»" his V- i I'ul'li'yfid hy.l uvty. 1fi{i / /.V.j THE HISTOMY OF HENRY THOMSON, OR THE REWARD OF FILLIL AFFECTION. .• c « , . BY JOHN CORRY, AUTHOR OF A SATIRICAL VIEW OF LONDON; ORIGINAL tales; &C. 1 was born of woman, have drawn milk As sweet as charity from human breasts. C0WPER» LONDON: Printed for B. Crosby and Co. Stationers' Court; CHAMPANTts and Co. Aldg. te; R.Ogle, Great Turnstile, Holbom ; T. Hughes, ..nd M. Jones, Paternoster-row; J Stuart, and J.MuRKAY, innce's Street, Leicester Squaie ; A. H, Nairn-b, Chaados Street, j and C. Chapple, PaU Mali, Price Sixpence. •, I •» (•• iLL. ' J • • • ' . E) Itcrcd at ^t( itionerts Hall. l^icholscn, Piintcr, Wamcr 5UrtCl. ADVERTISEMENT. The youthful reader of the following Histoiy^ will probably sympathize with the hero, whose, filial affection prevailed over self-love, and whose social virtue was afterz&ards rewarded by unexpected aid in the hour of extremity. May all those children who, like Henry Thomson, have repaid the cares of their pa rents with gratitude, like, him be fortunate and happy !. ''^:^BMF' ^ ^U r r^^ THE- inST<>il\' OF HENIRY THOMSON^ riENRY Thomson was the son of William Thomson, a farmer who resided near Seven- Oaks in Kent. His father held the farm on the uncertain tenure of his own life, as the term of his lease expired with him- self. This circunistancc, which Would have induced a prudent man to economise in order to promote the welfare of his chil- dren_, had a different effect on the farmer. lie was a good natured fellow, and rather jn'odigal, delighting to puss the evening at a neii2:hbourini2; ale-house with his boon eoiu- panions; there seated in a snug room the social party discussed tlie news of tlie day over a pot of ale, and the ()j)'.'rations of agri- culture v.erc too often sus[)endcd by these, negligent t;p^>lers. Tarmer Thomson, liovvever, was by n& means insensible of the various comibrts II \a1i.c1i con^.'^r.p.lly awiu^.cd liim at home. Ili.^ wit't w«i., ii'^t oi.ly virr.iors and agreeable. bi]t iiKlustrious, and vigilant in the mannge- iiicnt of her domestic affairs. They had maiiicd in the Moorn of their ^'-eais, and their two chifdren, Harry and Nanc}', were heaUh- fnl^ beiiutifnl, and obedient. jNIrs. 'J'homson like agood molhcr,directed her [)rincip;d attention to the cuhivation of their infant minds. Asv»she w.is a farmer's daughter herself, slie had reeeived what is called in the coup.try a good education, being tau;'-ht to. react, write, and sew, acquirements >vhieh throi^gboiit life she foimd of daily utility. Her father, who was a strit . and honest churchman, reoiiired a pnnctnn,] at- tendance at public worship, which inspired her with an habitual reverence of the l^^ity, and regard for the religion of iier a-^.\ cstoi's. Under the influence of these sentiments jihe inculcated bimilar principles in the ilocile iniridsof her children, irisomcch that tlieir first arti( idationt)f idcaswas praise toll e Creator, expressions of gratitude to their pa- rents, and fraternal a(u*ction. This excel- lent mother next taught her children to read, after which Henry was 5ent to Seven-Oaks, In the best school in that towti, as a day ' 7 ) :Lhular, and not as a boarder. By tlii>3 ju- dicious plan licnry slept under his natal root", and continued to share the kindness of his parents. Thus his filial affection was cherished while he obtained all the advan- tages of the best instruction. As Henry's taiher though not opulent was in easy cir- cumstanceS;, lie resolved to have his son edu- cated tor the mercantile profession. Ac- cordingly the youth was kept at school tiU he bad made a considerable proficiency iii leadintr, writinii:, and aritliinetic. To these acquirements a superficial knowledge of the French language was added, which his schoolmaster recommended as an additional aid to the future advarxernent of his pupil in the commercial world, in consequence of the intercourse kept up between the mer- chants of France and England in time of peace. This acquisition wiis afterwards of the greatest advantage to JHenr}^, who was destined to pass through a varict}' of vicissitudes, of which neither his parents nor his preceptor jiad the slightest conception. IJenry had now attained \r-: eiofhteenth year, hiscoiistitution was sounds and his ex- terior handsome. He was tail and muscular xor his age^ and the candour of his dispo- 112 ( 8 ) si[\i>n gave a niDSl intcrcj^tiiig aijimalion .to his digniliecl countenance. Like all un- sopliistieated yiit little grieved at the disappointment, 'i he solicitude which accompanies business uas yet unknown to him; his heart wa.s (9) untainted, and his mind serene. Being now- emancipated Irom the confinement of school, and .^eciuc under the protection of his pater- nal roof, supplied with necessaries, and blessed with a social converse of an alTec- tionate mother and sister; Henry was truly happy. But this was a life of indoleuce, and as such, incapable of conferring permanent felicity. The mind of man is naturally ac- tive ; it must be engaged in some pursuit, either virtuous or vicious. Happy is the youth whose active powers of body and mind are busied m well doins;! Whether such was the conduct of Henry will be seen in the sequel. A sudden event roused Henry, and while it destroyed his tranquillity, exercised his fortitude. Farmer Thomson fell sick of a fever, and died in a few days, leaving his disconsolate widow and her children, with- out property. In consequence of the negli- gence of his conduct, his affairs were so deeply invoived in -confusion, that an at- torney was employed to settle them. When tlie accounts were balanced it appeared that jhe deceased had died insolvent, and pro- perty to only the value often shillings in the pcmnd lemained to satisfy his creditors. Tlie H5 . ( 10) farm tOG:ether with the stock on hand, the dwolliuL; house and finnitinej were disposed of by auction. Tlii:^ business was conducted by the princi- pal creditor,, i\Ir. Wilson, a rich farmer, who was not only a friend to the widow and chil- dren, but a most benevolent and generous, man. Attentive however to the claims of justice, the property was fairly dis])osed off, and tlie amount divided amonor the ere- ditors. j\lr. AViUon purchased the principal- part of the houseliold furniture, which lie presented to the widow, together with a small house, rent-free in the town of Seven-Oaks. Hither Mrs. Thomson went with her chil- dren, where together with her daughter ISancy she purposed to earn a li\elihood by needle- work. Henry did not remain inactive, and though unaccustomed to hard labour, he chearfully went to work in the harvest field of his friend jMr. Wilson. The farmer was gratified to observe this inclination to honest industry in so young a* man; especially one who had been bred \\\\\\ other expectations than of subsisting by daily labour. During the hay-harvest Henry continued to work with alacrity and perseverance, and ( II ) though his hands were at first blistered bv wielding the fork and the rake, thev soon became hardened by toil, and his excellent motlier whom lie visited every Sunday, en- „ couragcd him by her approbation of his con- duct. Whatever money remained after the bare supply of bread and cheese, was weekly given by this youth to his motlicr, and the consciousness that his industry contributed to hercomfort,made not only thetoilscemlight^ but rendered his homely food delicious. AVhen the wheat-harvest came on Henry plied the sickle with .})tain attend to it with fidelity to your employer, and above all things *"' tenicmbcr th:/ i^rtafor in the dai/s of tin/ youths Farewell my child, the daily prayers of an affectionate mother shall re- commend you to the care of Divine Provi- dence. Visit us when yon can with pro- priety, and write often." Henry promised obedience, and embracing his mother and sister, he quitted Seven-Oaks and proceeded towards the capital. For the first milv of his walk a deep gloom involved his mind: it was the first time he had adventured alone into the world. He was fr.eiidless,^ and almost pennyless — but he was virtuous. His iceling heart was with- out guile, and animated witli the purest filial love. ^1 he reflection thai he had Ivft his mother and sister in a state of indigence, filled his heart with anguish. When he as- cended the summit of tUe hill whii h over- looks liie beautifid vale near Seven-Oaks, lie instinctively turned to view his distant birth-place^ wirii a parting glance. ^' Some ( i;5 ) nalurtil lear^ he (li-opt,but wip'cl them soon/' and he walked for ward willi a quicker pace towards London. As he entered Bromlc}^ he was met by a recruiting party; '^ Tiie spirit-stirring drum," which has so often charmed youth _, now rous- ed the dormant valour of Henry. " What greater master can f serve than the king," says he to himself, " I will inlist, and sei:d the advance money to my mother, they may call it the price of blood, but it is her own!" He then approached the recruiting officer, and offered himself as a volunteer, at the same time encpiiring what money was given as advance. " \^ e commonly give, ten guineas," replied the officer, '^ but you shall have fifteen. ^- Let me have it immedi- ately ;" says FJenry. " Nay, not so fast, my young friend," says the officer, ^' we seldom pay on demand." '' Then 1 shall not enter^" replied the youth, and walked off. The recruiting officer immediately follow- ed, and offered him ten guineas on the spot, and the remainder when they came to quar- ters. This Mcnry accented, and became a sokiier. On retiring to the rendezvous, he wrote to his mother inclosing a ten pound i^:mk n''tc, and informing her t.hat he wai ( 14 ) engager! by a master of the first rank, by wliom it was iec|iiired that lie should tra- vc'l_, and consequently it would be some con- siderable time before he should see her asjain. But that he would write to inform her of his progress through Hfe. This first }mblic transaction of Henry was partly blameablo and parth pralscworth}'. Destitute as he was_, though it might be con- sidered imprudent to enter the army, yet there was Something noble in his choice, and the sending the money to his mother was an in- stance of the most t^enerous and enthusiastic filial affection. But Henry was much to blmne in concealing the truth from his mo- ther. For though that act of duplicity wns to prevent the grief she must feel on finding he had embraced the }>rofess'on of arms, it left her uncertain of his situation, and made her suffer reilou.. led anguish, when she alierwards discovered the truth. IVoin liromley, Henry proceeded with the jcciuiting party to join their regiment, and oiu' volunteer was obliged to submit to the rigorous discipline ^F a drill-sergeant. Jn a few days Henry learned his exercise, and was enrolled in the grenadier company, where his good-aature and candour gained ( 15 ) him tlie esteem of his comrades. Tlie win- ter passed away without any remarkable oc- currence, but early in the following spring, the regiuK'nt in which Henry served sailed from I'lngland for the continent, under the command of the duke of York, Hem'v had studiously concealed his situa- tion from his mother and sister, and the chief regret which he felt on leaving his na- tive land, was not having it in hi.s power to bid his beloved parent adieu. Accident, liowever, discovered the employment of her son to jNIrs. Thomson. Amono; the con- course of people who thronged to see the interesting spectacle of the embarkation of the army, an inhabitant of Seven-Oaks was present, who recognised Henry as he stepped aboard. This news was communicated to the sorrowful widow, whose virtuous bo- som felt more grief at the deceit than even . at tiie danger of her son. IVIcin while, the English army landed on the continent where they joined the Allies, and soon distinguished themselves in their contest with the French. In the month of July Valenciennes surrendered to the duke of York by capitulation. After a variety of jnilitury transactions, in which Henry suffer- ( H3 ) eJ the hardships of war with manly fortitude, tlic campaign closed. The next campaign was still more san- guinary aud decisive, and notwithstanding the hravci^' of the Allies the French were victorious. A small detachment of the Enir- o ]ish army which was sent to seize .some mih- lary stores of the enemy, having efTected then* purpose were afterwards attacked by a superior number of French, and after a sharp contest of half an hour were obliged to relin- (juish their prize and reireai. Henry, wlio belonged to the detachment was wounded in the tiiigh by a musket bul- let, -xmd left on the Held to perish. Such is oRen the deplorable and destitute state of the wouuded soldier, that during the prcci- ) !i.ite attacks and retreats of contending juinies, lie is alike unobserved by friends and enemies. Although Uenrv's wound was deep and painful, he had strength enough left to bind it up with a haudkercliief, and crawling on his hands and knees to the side of an ad- jacent road, he seated liimself beneath an oak; the willicrjd leaves of wliieh rustled in the wintry blast. Here Henry was obliged to cn(hue hunger, thirst, cold, and pain^ ihroutrh a drearv winter's niiAJit. (17) A iittle before the dawn lie heard drums beating to arms. His heart dihited with hope at the sound. ^' Perhaps/' said Henry, '^ it is the EngUsh drums I hear, and I shall yet be relieved; but should it even bo those of the enemy, the French are a gallant people, and not destitute of humanity." Our wounded soldier now perceived a horseman approach, who on coming up to the spot stt)pped, and accosted him in Dutch. This language was unintelligible to the Eng- lishman, and the stranger spoke 'to him in French. Joy animated the bosom of the disabled soldier, while the humane stranger ahghted to raise him from the ground. The countenance of Henry was expressive of pain and exhaustion*— that of the traveller beamed with benevolence, while the lan- guage of consolation proceeded from his lips. *^' \ ou are an Englishman, .my friend/' said he, ^' I esteem the English ; 1 am under many obligations to individuals of that ex- cellent nation, and shall now endeavour to repay their kindness to ftne of their country- men." He then assisted Henry to mount, an4 leading the horse, proceeded slowly and cautiously towards an adjacent town. I ( 18 ) Henry now found Lis knowledge of the French language of essential service, since it enabled liim to converse,, though imper- fectly, with his benefactor. As they slowly ascended a small eminence, the sound of martial music caught their attention, and the French camp appeared at the distance of a mile. Henry sighed on being told by the traveller that the republicans had been victorious, and the English had retreated Mith precipitation. On the arrival of the humane stranger and his charge at an inn, he sent for a surgeon, who extracted the bullet from Henry's thigh, and dressed his wound. The stranger then, like the good Samaritan, took out his purse, which he shared with Henry, and presented a card with a direction to his residence in Amsterdam. " \Mien you are perfectly recovered young man," said he, " as the campaign is now nearly over, and the English army at too great a distance for you to rejoin your regiment, if you call upon me 1 shall befViend you; farewell." lie instantlyquittcdtheapartment, before Henry had time to thank him. Thus was Henry providentially relieved from a most perilous situation; and by the ( 19 ) timely aid of a stranger, re^^tored to *;ociety. In less than a month he was so far recovered as to be able to proceed towards the residence of his benefactor. After a tedious journey, he arrived at Am- sterdam, the capital of the seven United Provinces. On enquiry, our adventurer found that his kind friend, Mr. Vanzell, was one of the richest merchants in the city, and a burgomaster, or one of th^ chief ma- gistrates. Instead of being encouraged by this intelligence, which he learned at the hotel where he stopped, Henry was discon- certed, and at a loss how to act. He wrote to the benevolent Dutchman, and in a few hours a messenger came with an invitation from ]Mr. Vanzell. Henr\^ accompanied the messenger to an extensive range of warehouses, all of which were the property of his friend, whom he found in his counting house surrounded by clerks. The worthy Dutchman welcomed Henry, and conducted him to a dining room, where he partook of an elegant repast. After dinner, Mr. Vanzell, finding that Henry had been taught book-keeping, pro- posed to employ him as a clerk, and offered him a yearly salary of two hundred pounds ( '-^) Flenii-h, or about one hundred guineas. This hbtral ofTer was accoptod, and Hcniy reUnquibhed tlie sword for the pen. His- assiduous attention to business, and activity in pronioting the prosperity of his employer, obtained liim the esteem and confidence oi' that virtuous citizen, who secretly resolved to promote his advancement in society. Meanwhile Henry wrote to his mother, "wilh a faithful detail of his various adven- tures, his situation, and prospects, and a promise, that he would from time to time, lemit part of his salary to her. His princi- pal recreation at intervals of leisme was to ramble through Amsterdam, making ob- s€rvations on that prosperous city and its in- habitants. Henry was much gratified with the magnificence of the public buildings; the cleanliness of the houses and furniture, and the civility of the people. Amsterdam is a Ibrtified town; the walls nre high and strong; the bi;i^e which joins thfcf rampart, is built over the river Amsiel, and is a noble piece of architecture. 'J'he poj)ulation of this city is computed at two hundred and forty thousand pcrson>; its con- veniences for conunerce arc admirable. Srvral of the cliurcli<.> an^ clctrant edifice^. (21 ) The exchange Is one of the prhicipal orna- ments of the city, and the harbour, which always contains a vast number of merchant ships, is one of the largest in Europe. Th6 streets of Amsterdam are spacious, well paved, and most of them have canals, witli walks adorned with various kinds of trees planted on their borders. This city, from its low situation, labours under the disadvan- tages of bad air and water, insomuch that the inhabitants are obliged to preserve the rain-water in reservoirs. The inland trade of Holland is facilitated by the canals which intersect that country, and by means of these, merchandize is not only conveyed from Amsterdam to different parts of the seven United Provinces, but by a communication with the Rhine and other large rivers, to various parts of Germany and Flanders. The environs of Amsterdam, to which Henry sonaetimes made a short exc^arsiow, are extremely pleasant. Elegant villas adorned with gardens, shrubberies, statues and temples, appear for several miles along the banks of the canals; and thither the citizens occasionally retire to breathe purer air^ and enjoy t.hc serenity of rural life. As 13 ^ • ( 22 ) the usual mode of travelling is in treckscuit? or covered boats, ^vhich are drawn by horses, it is very amusing to the citizens wlio assem- ble in small parties at the water's edge, lo be- hold these passage-boats as they proceed in succession. These scenes of serenity and pleasure were particularly pleasing to Henry, who liad suffered the hardships which inevitably attend military operations. At the expira- tion of half a year he received a moiety of his salary, part of which, to the amount of forty guineas, he sent to his mother. Mr. Vanzell, who remitted the money to his correspondent in London, was so highly pleased with this instance of filial gratitude, that he immediately advanced Wenry's salary, and received him under his own roof ;is afj inmate and confidential friend. The household of this liberal Butchman consisted of his wife, a niece and four ser- vants. Being childless, he had adopted Lucrece his brother's daughter, and that amiable girl was well entiticti to his protec- tion. Lucrece Vanzell was one of the loveliest women in Amsterdam, bhe had attained her eighteenth yCv^r; her stature, form, and ( 23 ) face inspired the beholder with admiratioD^ while her maidenly deportment was regu- lated by the purest dictates of modesty. This charming girl had not yet felt the all- conquering power of love; but the moment was approaching when her fair bosom was to receive the impressions of that tender pas- sion. Unaccustomed to the conversation of young men^ she was at first very reserved to Henry; but his candour insensibly won her esteem,, and her knowledge of his filial re- gard for his mother, warmed her generous heart with sympathy. *' He is a good son," said she to herself, " and a good son would probably be a good husband. But that is no affair ot" mine," added she, while a blush sufi^'used her face. '* Henry may be pre- engaged to some lady of his own country," She sighed at the refiection, and from that moment the Englishman triumphed over her heart. It was not Henry's personal attractions, however, which had engaged the atfections of Lucrece; for several of her countrymen were much handsomer; hers was a passion of sentiment: like Desdemona, " Sh^ saw Othello's visage in his mind;" and the vanity natural to a fine woman led her to imagine (24) that she should soon subdue the heart of Henry. Kor was she mistaken; their daily inter- course soon led to intimacy, and Henry be- came the votary of beauty before he was aware of the power of Lucrece's charms. Slie beheld a sudden change in his deport- ment with secret joy, convinced that it ori- ginated in attachment to herself, while her pure virgin bosom, chaste as that of the Ro- man Lucretia^ was also animated with the most refined love for Henry. Hope and fear, the constant attendants on that celestial passion, alternately predominated in lier inind. She was doubtful whether her uncle, generous as he was, would consent to her union with a poor adventurer; yet the mani- fest partiality of Mr. Vanzell to his English friend, as he called Henry, induced her to cherish the fond hope of an union with the man of her choice. While Lucrece indulged these reveries, Henry was unhai)py. His tenderness for that amiable young lady appeared to him the blackest ingratitude, while his hopeless passion rendered him alniosft frantic. The porlujhatiun of his mind did not escape the observation of Mr. Yanzcll^ whose sagacity ( ^5 ) soon discovered the cause of Henry's misery. Instead of being ofiendcd at what most men of the world would have deemed the height of presumption in a dependent, the generous Dutchman resolved to promote the happi- ness of tienry. *^ He is a man of worth," said l\lr. Vanzellj " a man of feeling, in whose heart the social virtues predominate; such a companion will insure the felicity of my neice if she loves him. But if she re- jects his suit, I must not interfere; love is a passion which cannot be trifled with: and I should raiher see Henry unhappy, th ai em- bitter the existence of Lucrece." Inspired with these noble sentiments, Mr, Vanzeli continued to observe the conduct of the young people with a vigilant eye. He beheld Henry while in the presence of his niece, timid, irresolute, and confused; while Lucrece, conscious of her triumph, seemed more at ease; nay, sometimes rallied her lover on his melancholy. Before the lovers came to an explanation, Lucrece was seized with tiie small pox, that dreadful destroyer of female beauty. From the moment that her illness commenced^ Henry became incapable of business; all his fortitude, and even his prudence, jscemed to (26) have forsaken him. When the disease was known^ and the pustules appeared^ the grief of Henry was more violent than even that of the fair patient herself — but from very differ- ent motives — Henry trembled lest the disor- der should prove fatal. " If she dies," ex- claimed he in a mournful tone, " I shall never more know happiness!" Lucrece, on the other hand, trembled for her beauty, and dreaded the alienation of Henry's heart after her charms were effaced. The indulgent Mr. Vanzell did not chide Henry for his neglect of business; for he perceived that the mind of the unhappy young man was almost in a state of despera- tion. When the disease came to a crisis, the fever encreased to an alarming degree; and Henry, who waited in the lobby, eagerly enquired of the physician on his return from Lucrece's apartment, whether her life was in danger. The physician shook his head, and passed on in silence — Henry threw him- self on a seat, and burst into tears. In this situation he was found by Mf. Vanzell. "^ llouze yourself, my young friend," said he, " this unavailing sorrow will not restore Lucrece." *' Ah, Sir," re- plied lleijry, seizing the hand of the uiec- ( 27 ) chant, ^^ if your niece dies, I shall be misel^^ able! I can no longer conceal from my best friend my passion for his relative — I love Lucrece, and would chearfully die to restore her to health and happiness!" The merchant pressed Henry's hand, while the drops of enthusiasm glistened in his eyes. ^^ Come, come my generous young friend/' replied he_, " you must not pass your time in useless woe; consider that 3'ou have a mother whom it is your duty to protect; nay, even if Lu- creCe should be taken from us you must not abandon your parent." Henry was electri- fied; he started up — " I am ashamed of ray unmanly weakness/' said he, " yes^ I have a mother; a good mother; and a sister too whom I love." He then proposed to resume liis business, but jMr. Vanzell dissuaded him. '' Stay till your mind is in a state of serenity," said fliat excellent friend, " you can then retrieve your lost time." Meanwhile, Lucrece languished under the combined pains of a loathsome disease and anxiety. Even when the physician pro- nounced her out of danger, the instantaneous emotion of joy which filled her bosom while her aunt embraced and congratulated her, was succeeded by a pang of sorrow. *^ Ah, ( 28) madam/' said she, '' if I should be disfigured, Henry will no longer love me, and I shall be unhappy if deprived of the friendship of Henry !" Her voice faultered as she express- ed these words — she was convinced of her indiscretion, and hid her face. " You need not be ashamed of your attachment to that worthy young man," replied Mrs. Vanzell, *' nor apprehensive that his affection will be lessened by any change in your appearance. He has suffered more pain than yourself since your confinement; and will doubtless be overjoyed at your recovery.'* This intelligence was like a medicine to the heait of Lucrece; slx^ daily grew better, and in a few days consented to admit Henry to an interview. \Mien he entered the apartment he found his beloved Lucrece sitting on a settee, supported by her aunt. Overcome by his emotions, he turned pale, stopped forward, dioppcd upon his knee, and seizing the hand of his mistress, pres^Ld it to his lips, while the spontaneous tears of joy started from his eyes. ^* I'hank heaven," exclaimed he, " our amiable friend is again restored to our prayers." *^ Yes, Mr.Thom- son/* rephed Mrs.Vanzell, '' our Lucrece is now out of danger; pray take a seat." Henry ( C9 ) obeyed^ and sat with downcast eyes whick he scarcely ventured to raise, lest his mistress should suspect that he was making^ observa- tions on the change in her face. So tiinid is o true love, and so unwilling to give the least offence to its object. During this short visit the lovers conversed w ith less perturbation than they at first ex- pected; and Henry left the room with a bosom glowing with all the fervour of pure affection. Notwithstanding her tedious illness, the beauty of Miss Vanzell was soon restored. A few traces, indeed, of the disease were at first slightly perceptible on her lovely face, but they gradually vanished as her frame ac- quired its usual fulness, and her complexion soon shone with its natural brilliancy. A letter from Mrs. Thomson reminded Heniy of Wis former error in the concealment of his situation from an affectionate parent, and the necessity of an adherence to truth and rectitude was strongly recommended by that good mother. The letter was as follows: DeaPc Hakry, Your unexpected remittance was at once a timely supply of money to rne^ imd • ( 30 ) a proof of your unaltered attachment. But, HI}' dear sou, 1 think your conduct, in some degree, reprehensible. W hy did you, by an act of duplicity unworthy of an honest mauj^ endeavour to deceive me respecting your employment and destination ? AVould it not have been more generous, more candid, and more virtuous, to have. declared your choice, uhich I think was noble and worthy? It is only the concealment that 1 censure. If you knew the tears and sighs which the np- prehension of your perils, and the uncertain- ty of yonr situation, cost your mother, you would not have embiltefcd that sorrow by en- deavouring to elude my enc[uiries. Remember, my child, that I taught you to venerate truth ; to love yonr country, and ndore your Creator. Keep these great du- ties in view, " he j nut (onl ftar not." W\\cn circumstances shall permit your return to England, you will, 1 hope, meet with an affectionate mother and sister; but never again attempt to deceive us, for I should ra- ther hear of your death than your defection from integrity. Tarcwell, dear Harry, I am, with daily prayers for your happiness^ Your aflectionatc Mother, S. Thomson. ( 31 ) This letter made .1 deep impression on tlie mind of Ilenrv, and strengthened his re- sohition to adhere to a virtuous eourse of liie. He had daily hefore his eyes, the ex- ample of ]\lr.Vanzell, whose punctuality in the perlbrniance of all his engagments en- sured hin\ tlie esteem aiul confidence of those persons with whom he transacted bu- siness. This bright model of integrity Henry resolved to iniita'te^ and he felt all his social virtues invigorated by his love for Lucrece. In the mansion of the generous merchant tliey shared the pure delights of reciprocal atlection, and Henry was still the more be- loved by his mistress in coii^jequence oi the yecent proof he had given of his attach- ment. When Lucrece w^is perfectly recovered, her lover solicited the consummation of their happiness ; she consented, they were mar- ried, and Mr. Vanzell and his wife adopted them the day after their nuptials. Immediately after his marriage, Henry was taken into partnersnip by Mr. Van- zell, and pursued his business with all the ardour of a successful speculator. Business, however, did not prevent his tender attention to Lucrece, who daily oecame, if possible, K 2 more cstiinaLle in the eyes of her husbands I'hus wealth filled Henry's coffers, plenty presided at his board, and conjugal love crowned hi.^ social hours. Amid his pros- perity he was by no means unmindful of his mother and sister. He wrote to his mother with an account of the happy change in iiis eircuinstiinces, and sent her 500l. by a hill on his correspondent in London. Mrs» Thonison vvjoiced in the prosperity of hei? son, and her heart was gratified by his filial airecliun. She removed to a decent mansion in Seven-Oalis, where she lived in the tran- tjuilliry of retirement. But eveti virtue cannot ensure earthly happiness. The ambition of a powerfiU neighbour subverted the government of the United States, and Henry, with liis con- iK^xiong, was neccssai-ily involved in the common ruin. Very soon after his marriage a Froncli army invaded Holland, and levied heavy contributions on the opulent citizens. Mr.Vanzell, by the advice of Henry, early sent cash to a considerable amount to tlieir correspondent in London. *' There, my dear friend," said Henry, " our property \vill be secure; it will there be safe from the rapacious Frencli, '* those polished robbers, ( 5- ) tliose ambitious slaves^ wlio are alike deaf t^ the voice of humanity aixl justice." Mr. Vanzell acquiesced, and also wrote tc his correspondent in Hamburg to retain all that remained of his property till his arrival ia that city. To Hamburg Mr. Vanzell and his family retired, with the regret of all his acquain- tance hi Amsterdam; but he was obliged to relinquish liis possessions in Hullarid, and emigrated to avoid the military despotism of the French. He was, however, by no means destitutCj for the value of his cash, bills, and merchan- dize in London and Hamburg, was upwards of fii'ty thousand pounds. Henry and his consort accompanied their uncle and aunt to Hamburg, and in that free city once more breathed the air of security. Hamburg is a free imperial city. It con- sists of the old and the new town. Ths houses are built after the manner of ^he .Dutch, and elegantly furnisiied. This city is situated on the banks of tlie rivers Elbe and Alster : the latter forms a capacious and beautiful basin, and communicates with the canals of the old town by sluices. This city is well fortified^ and there are pleasant walks K3 (04) on the ramparts. The exchange is an elrd that Henry should t!:o to England, and Lutrcce chear- fully prepared to accompany her consort. (35 ) Mr. Vanzell, with parental munificence, em- powered Henry to receive property to the amount of ten thousand pounds from their correspondent in London; and bequeathed him the residue of his fortune, except a join- lure to JMrs. Vanzell if she should survive him. Henry and Lucrece wer^ both over- come by the generosity of their best friend, and the parting scene was like that of affec- tionate parents and children. Henry and Lucrece sailed in the packet from Hamburg for London in September 1796. ]5klrs. Thomson was extremely sea- sick for some hours, but a gentle slumber perfectly restored her to health. Under the protection of a beloved husband, her mind became tranquil ; the novel scene of a wavy expanse, with here and there a solitary ship, was amusing to her mind; and she looked forward with hope, to the moment when she should arrive in England; a country which she had ever heard praised. Nothing w'orthy of remark happened to our adventurers during their voyage; they arrived safe in the river Thames, proceeded immedtaLely to London, and on the follow- ing day they set out together on\a visi|; to his mother and sister^ at Seven-Oaks in Kent. ( S6) It \voiiM be difficult to describe tlie emo- tions of this mother and son on meeting. Ilenry, for a moment, forgot <,n'en his wife and sister, and sunk on one knee to crave the riiaternal benediction of a beloved parent, while liis worthy iind pious mother breathed ilianks to Divine Providence for restoring her son. Henry took possession of tlie pro- perty given to him by the liberal Mr. Van- zell; he now lives in the enjoyniet of that rational luippincss which proceeds from the practice of tlie social virtues, and is ge* nerally esteemed by his neighbours. THE END. 7r. Kidolson, Printer, Jf'arncr Street, Clerlemvtll. l: 5aC' 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 4AHr'58J N srC'D '-'^ i::^ ^ Ar:^ n ^ . Q^3 V LD 21A-50m-8,'57 'r^t>lslO)476B General Library Universir>- of California ncrkolcv ^L--^..JW V>nl i^ 'UJ Gaylamount Pamphlet Binder Gaylord Bros., Inc. Strckton, Calif. T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. 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