The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1819-10-27
49isreitanv.
NATURAL AFFECTION.

combating the common idea, that there ex-
lists an instructive affection, which would at.
tach 20 each other relatives who were un.
conscious of the fact, and by the force OF
which friends long separated ou!d instant.
iy recognize each ether, cites the following
characteristic anecdote of our illustrious
eoontryman, Franklin, as a proof Of the
truth Of his argumen,s.--Ssc Star in tsr Vest.
Doctor Benjamin Franklin, after the
decease OF his father, returned to Boston,
in order to pay his respects to his moth
CT, who resided in that city. had
been absent some years and at that per-
iod OF his life when the greatest and most
rapid alteration is made in the human ap-
pearance; at time when the querulous
voice of the STRIPPING assumes the COM
maneing tone OF the adult, and the smil-
ing features of the youth, are succeeded
by the strong lines Of manhood. The
Doctor was sensible, such was the altera-
ton OF his person, that his mother could
not know him, except by that instinct
which it is believed, can cause mothers
heart to beat violently in the presence of
child, and point the maternal eye, with
quick and sudden glance to the beloved
son.
To discover the existence Of this in
sfincf by actual experience, the Doctor
resolved to introduce himself as a stran-
ger, to his mother, and to watch, mar.
rowlv, for the moment in which she
should discover her son, and then to de-
termine, with the cool precision of the
philosopher whether that discovery was
the effect of that instinct of aiFcction--
that intuitive loye--that innate attach
ment, which is conJec,urcd to cement re-
la,ives Of the same blood and which, by
according the passions of parent & child,
like wei tuned vicl, would at the frs,
touch, cause them to vibrate in unison,
and at once evince that they were differ
ent chords Of the same instrument.
On sullcn chilly day, in the month
Of January in the afternoon, the Doctor
knocked at bis mothers door, and asked
to speak with Mrs. franklin. He found
the old lady knitting before the parlour
freA-introduccd himself by observing
that he had been informed, she entertain
cd travellers, and requested nights
lodging. She eyed him with that cool
look of disapprobation which most peo-
pie assume when they imagine them
selves insulted, by being supposed to ex-
ercisc an employment but one degree be-
low their real occupation in life assur-
cd him, that he had been misinformed--
that she did not keep travellers; but that
it was true, to oblige some members of
the Legislature, she took a number Of
them into her family, during the session;
that she then had four members OF the
Council, and six of the House of Repre-
sentatives, who then bearded with her
that all her beds were full and then be.
took herself to her knitting with that in-
tense application, which expressed, as
forcibly as action could do, if you have
concluded your business, the sooner you
leave the house the better. But, upon
the Doctors wrapping his coat around
him, affecting to shiver with cold, and
observing that it was very chilly weather,
She pointed to a chair, and gave linn leave
to warm himself.
The entrance Of the boarders prcclud-
cd all further conversation---cofec was
soon served, and the Doctor partook with
the family. To the coffee, according
to the good old customs of the times,
succeeded plate Of pippins, pipes, and
paper of M'Entire's best, when the
whole family formed cheerful smoking
semi-circle, before the iire.--Perhaps no
man ever possessed the colloquial pow
ers to more fascinating degree, than
Dr. Franklin: and never was there an
occasion, when he displayed those pow
crs to greater advantage, than at this
time. He drew the attention of the CON-