Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-04-10
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Literary Journal.
THE TOLI-GATHERER's DAUGHTER

THE TOLI-GATHERER'S DAUGHTER.
Foaming through the chasms OF immense rocks
that seem 10 have been riven ssunder by some
giant stroke, the Hudson forms the cataract we'll
known as Glen's falls, and makes its way over
and through the rocks with fCice which shakes
the slender bridge that is thrown across the
stream below. At the extremity of this bridge
stands, rather did stand twenty years since,
the humble residence of The Toli-Gatherer. The
neatness OF the house gave a charm to its love-
iness--it was built on rock, and half hid by
cluster of weeping willows that grew around it,
and the traveller, nearly stunned by the noise Of
the Struggling waters that dazzled his sight as
they foamed and sparkled in the sun, turned
with pleasure to contemplate this simple quiet
scene, which seemed the chosen abode ofpesce
and innocence Butler (the name ofthe owner)
had seen better days--he had begun life with
bright prospects--but the loss of leg, and ma
nv woe beside, had brought him in the decline
of life, 10 the lowly occupation OF -Gaterer.
Yet his lot ss2s not without alterations these
were cheerful atFectionate wife, = lovely and
iloliEed Slaughter, and sincere friend and ex-
cellent adviser in the Dominic, as the minister
OF the parish WAS Familiarity termed. The Do
mime was e'zactly suited to his situation-his
talents were not of the first order, nor was his
knowledge extensive, but lac possessed plain
good sense and sound judgment, and that kind
ness OF disposition which loves all, and is, in
turn, beloved by all. His piety was simple but
very tervent--perhaps it is this sincerity that
rendered his sermons impressive, for he GER.
tainly was not eloquent His language was not
choice, nor his style regular, yet have mems
hearts messd and mbled before him. lie had
never been married. indeed, his slender salary,
although increased by teaching school, would
not allow him the comforts of home--he,
fherpfpra resided altarnotalv with J;EapApt
members OF his congregation, and the house
was though blessed while it contained the pas
sOr Thus he became intimately acquainted
with every one of his sock. He Joined with
chccrtulness IA all their moral SPORTS and echo
ed their suiierlngs with the same sincerity.
Butler was distinguished by the minister's par.
ticuiar favour aud his daughter looked up TO
Che Dominic as toa second father. The good
man had bestowed upon his tavouritc oil his
sum Of tearing. She was now sixteen, and be-
ing pronounced wise as her instructor, she
had quilted school to aid her mother in her
domestic duties. As the father was now intirm
and the dame busy housewife, the task of
gathering the toll generally dovoved On
Lefty, for that was her unsentimental name.
There was another reason that rendered her
appropriate for this duty--in addition to reading
and writing she had acquired considerable
knowledge of irthmetic, which made her loltr.
able expert in changing dollars to shillings. A
knowledge of the Bible, the Child's Instructor,
and History OF England. completed all Lctty's
attsinments; but they were sufficient to engraft
on her heart graceful and fervent love OF God
= strong sense of virtue; and by bounding
her hopes and wishes to the narrow scene her
lot seemed cast in, to give her cheeriulness and
contentment. 1t was a sultry summer evening,
Lefty had carried spinning wheel to the side Of
the house, where seated under large tree, she
buisiiy spun while she listened to the deep roar
ing Of the fail as its light spray fell around her.
She was reused from her employment by the
sound Of wheels, and looking up beheld a gib
dashing violently down the steep hin that led
30 the bridge, in spite of the prohibition pushed
over the entrance and came full spec d upon the
trembling boards. She perceived that the dri-
YER had lost all command over his horse, who,
frightened by the noise of the falling waters,
with nostrils extended, seemed to sparn con.
trout, and drawing himselfup prepared to jump
from the bridge, when Lefty running forward
opened the gate. The furions animal rushed
through, ard before she could retreat, violent
blow from the wheel felled her TO the ground
"a stranger passing stopped the horse, while
the gentleman, whose life Lefty hid preserved
jumped from the gig, and carried her to, the
house She hld received, a sevsre'b,ow on the
temple, and the etiuiion Of blood was with diff
ii -ul'y staunched. Ihe stranger waited lit size
recovered. then leaving a well flied purse on
the table he bid them adier.
week had elapsed since this accident, when
the stranger returned. Lefty was sitting up
supported by pillows-illness shed oyer her
countenance languor which, though it took
from IT'S bloom, gave it an air Of refinement
ana added to its Interest. Even the black hand
kerchlef that bound her wounded brow set oil
the snowy 'cearness Of her complexion. while
the dropping cyelld displayed its long dark
iashes that gave rich expression to g pair Of
eyes as hea:en's own blue Lefty thanked the
gentleman in saft tones and artless language
flr the attention he had shown, ana expressed
her regret at occasonrg 50 much trouble, in
such staple, yet graceful manner as aston
ished her VISITOR. Mr.. Thornley, rs hc announ-
ced himself, became frequent visitor at Tie
cottage, and often condLsccnled 10 share their
humble repast Indeed he seemed to forget.
10 listening to the CONVERSATION Of al uataught
girl, that be had mixed with The learned, the
witty, and the fashionable. lie brought her
books, and while he instructed her mind he
won her affection. Al length he returned TO
seHgs party at lake George although unconscious