The Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1822-1822, 1822-05-02
FOR THE GAZETTE.
THE OLD TRUNK,
No. III.
THE LOST OF CAT.HaRPL1v.
(coHcLuDEp.)

(coNcLuDEp.)
We shortly after arrived at the termina-
ton OF road, the forks of which were to
separate US. i felt degree of melancho'
" regret at this circumstance, not easily to
be described; so close bad been our con-
nexion for the last thirty-six hours; so much
had we depended upon each other for So
siety and conversation. that it seemed Tin
dependently of our former acquaintance
as il during that short interval years OF IN
simacy had passed between US. know
not whether similar feelings agitated his
breast; felt them, and their painful &C
cuteness rendered me mute. He was a.
bout TO return to bis friends and acquaint-
ances. friends rendered dear TO him by
the ties of blood, and close relationship,
an anxious mother waited to greet him
with her smiles, fond father longed, anx-
iously longed to clasp to his paternai
breast the inheritor OF his name and for
tunes, the anticipation of those delightful
scenes of domestic bliss. were well calcu'
lated to chase from bis recollection, the
less glowing feelings Of ordinary friend
ship, and could no! but have forgiven
him, if he had totally forgotten such be-
being as myself was in existence. Henry
was also well acquainted with the country,
and was totally ignorant of the road
Grasping me heartily by the hand, 'fare-
aell," he cried, 'skeep 10 the right, and
your road cannot be Mistaken" 'fare-
yell'' he repeated, and Immediately dis
appeared.
heard with wild intensity OF feeling
beyond the descriptive powers of language,
each receeding sound of his horses hoof.
i felt a painful certainty Of being com
pletely alone, and as it were isolated, and
cast out from society. on the top of a noun
tain, whose summit seemed the lofty out
post of the world beneath. | paused-I
shuddered with an Involuntary horror
but hastily recalling my parylized senses;
j plunged my rowels into the horses side,
the rapidity of his movements soon recall
ed me to thoughts OF less terrific nature,
cleaning like hope when despair has
sthroned itself within the soul.
! had proceeded FIVE or six miles thro'
road rugged and dangerous, skirted by
trees which seemed to have received nou-
rishment from the waters of the hood,when
lcame to what appeared, and eventually
proved to be complete stoppage of my
path; for what purpose know not, but
the road was closed up by logs, and un-
derwood. To describe nv feelings at this
appalling sight, would be an useless at.
tempt; never to the unprepared conquer
or, did armed legious, or invulnerable
bulwarks present sight more truly formi-
dable. looked around, the scenery was
wild and savage, no human being, no dis
tant habitation, no soft blue smoke as
cending to the heavens, the guide and
comfort of the lonely traveller, saluted my
anxious gaze; the sun was sinking IN
blood, he God OF the elements spoke in
thunder from the skies. and the earth stood
still in trembling terror, the forests was
bare and desolate; was alone, and knew
not whittier wandered, occasional sounds
from the leahess oak, shaking fearfully in
the wintry wind, startled me as | passed;
felt that the Almighty rode upon the
tempest, and directed the storm; vet altho'
my situation was.dreadfulAeven to phrenxy,
i could not but gaze with degree of so.
Iemn awe, upon the wild tremendous
ness of the scene, rocks, trees, and fear
Sui loneliness, the rushing of the elements,
and the approach of night, all-all con.
spring, created feeling which words
cannot convey to the senses. cast my
self from my horse, and how'd before the
Great God, sntreated for shelter, and
protection; threw myself upon his mer-
ey for support; arose from my solitary
orison, and felt confident of present help
and assistance.