The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1810-10-03
From the Nezo- York Columbian.
THE IMPRESSED SEAMAN.
A FRAGMENT.

The evening was mild and beautiful. The
setting sun giided the horizon with his las
beams from the hills of the Jersey shore
The retiring hum of business, the fading
spIendour of an unciouded day, the approach
ing GOODNESS and solitude OF the night, sOf
tened the artificial misantrophy OF the heart
and disposed the mind TO contemplation.
was returning from visiting the sick and con
so!ing the afflicted, at the abode of solitud,
and disease, the quarantine ground Curios
ily directed my course towards the frigatt
Venus, one of the vessels captured by TIE
British at Copenhagen, and now lying at an
chor in our peaceful and hospltable water.
The vigilance of an ever watchiu guard pre-
vented our going on board the iil-fated ship
Yet on coming within speaking distance o
her, our sympathies were awakened and ou
pity and strongest passions excited by the Oh
lects which met our observation.
AT enc of the lowor ports of the frigatt
we perceived seamen, reciincd in the pen
sive mood, casting many wisliu, !" longing
lingering look" towards the shore, and appar
entity signing his sorrows to the passing
breeze. We rested on our oars, and listenet
to his meditations. He saw or thought VIZ
felt an interest in his fate. He dare not hal
us, for fear of the eye Of the Sentinel ant
tho severe iashing Of the boatswain. But al
we hung about the ship he threw "a paper ov
crboard, unperceived by the officers, which
drifted on the tide ill within our reach, wher
we took it up and perused its contents. They
were his Sunday evening reflections, ant
were doubtless felt when written. And 4
they claim no merit for Literary elegance,
think they deserve the need Of sincerity ant
nature. They follow : let the reader Judge
y heaven !! how cruel and unmerited i.
my lot ! Three years had traversed the rug
ged ocean for had resolved never to re.
turn till had obtained competent portion
of this worlds hard-gotton goods. adored
my Nancy, and Nancy lived Tor me. Blu,
rigorous poverty " forbid the bans," and doo-
med us to separation till fortune smiled pro-
pitious on our fate. With her consent, and
richly freighted with her love, G. hied once
again to the sea-" For two years, every
wind was adverse to my hopes. AT length.
the tide in my affairs ran food, and prosper
Gus voyages rewarded my exertions and
cheered my tolls.
" was returning from the Indies, blest
with what to me (and Nancy too) was health,
enrapturcd with the prospect of future bliss.
The sailor at the mast-head announced land.
The glad sound was the harginer of happiness
and delight. When night came the light ap-
peared. 10 me it was the torch of hymen,
leading to love, to Joy and eXtacy. My Nam
cy, (for she had heard from us but three
days out) faithful to her absent tar, with pa
ueDce fond anxiety and hope, awaited my
approach. And now--for never of such an
occasion is the inimitsble Diodin a moment
abscn, from my memory
Ind as ihe much-lsv'd shore rvus near.
Ia fancy behold The roof
Uhere d'ges friend partner dear,
Of Jlih and love a matchess proof
Checrly indeed did the sea-boy in the chains
sing out to the pilot the blessing depth of
water and all was jolity and glce on board
o my Nancy how your poor tar's warm
heart throbbed with transport at the idea OF
once more pressing you in tender and affec-
tionatc embrace
But-a sail hove in sight between US and
port.-She neared us fast--snd soon her boat
was alongside upon its accursed crrand. A
British lieutenant came OH board, called all
hands, and examined the crew. y heavens |!
what scene lor me Home and all the world
held dear for me in visw-.the joys of meet
ing multiplied by an absence of three years
a tender mother and sister, fond father and
BROTHERS, and-.the rctlexion almost sinks me
IA charming girl, the beirothcd partner OF
my soul, waiting to receive me with rapsures
of affection and love and all this enhancing
prospect this earthly Paradise just opening
upon my delighted senscs-all this faretastc
OF heavens highest bliss wres,ed from my