Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-12-03
From the Trenton Emporium.

From the Trenton Emporium.
VIClSSITUDES OF FORTUNE.
On the top OF lofty nountain that
rises towards The heavens, in view from
Alesbury 10 the west, are still 70 be seen
tie mcuIderng ruins Of an ancient build
ing, and sitting On the cliff OF rock that
stretches OUT from the eminence towards
the valley, the traveller may behold at
sunset, solitary eagle winging is way
from among the distant clouds, towards
the crumblIng pile, and disappearing a.
mong the dark gray walls for those
massy ruins are now tenanted by birds
end beasts alone, and, as it was in the
desolats dwelling Of Moina, ''thsre the
tbs siiakes its lonely head--the moss
whistles in The wind, and the fox looks
out OF the windows, as the rank grass OF
the wall waves round his head" A
scene SO wild, and picturesque, aad path
less, IS seldom passed by strangers with
our inquiry. and Its history never heard
Witnoui emotion.
II nav more than halfa century since
Col. Altsworlh. an English gentlem an
OF opulenl torilne, and, according 10 re-
port, u hIsh character, having purchas
ed large tract Of land in that quarter,
erected his mansion, on the moun'an,
from the top of which he could overlook
all bis possessions, aud fixed his resi-.
de9ce there.
As he spent the greater part of no.
Bis revenue 10 improving his new estate,
soon the wilderness began to blossom
Aiesbury took its name from him, and
rose to the rank OF an opulent ard busi-
ness doing vlllage--year alter year in
roads were made upon the forests, and
extensive fields and meadows we're scat
tered over the country. A hand so full
and heart so liberal could not fail to
give an impulse to industry, and stir up
enterprise around. But Col. Alesworth
while he scattered far and wide his boun.
~, and levied on every side contributions
Of gratitude, was himself of gloomy and
dtsponding turn. He was yet not lar
advanced in years, but he had, evidently,
lived long enough to be acquainted with
sorrow-some secret spring had been
prlsOned IN lis bosom.
One winters night, not many years af-
Ter Col. Alcsworth had located himself
in the neighborhood OF Alesbury, wan
derine female and her child, little boy
sboui three or four years old, were ad-
nitted into his house in his ABSENCE
The mother was an entire stranger in
the country, destitute, and in deep de.
eline and she died shortly before the
Colonel came home, leaving her help
less orphan behind her, without friend.
Blu, /, found friend in Alesworth; he
saw in the engaging countenance and
brigh, blue eyes OF the little innocent, so
much Of promise, that he resolved to
send him TO the village school, and take
care OF him during his infancy.
Young Edward was, accordingly, un-
der the care of his kind patron, instruct.
ed in the rudiments OF an English educa
ton, and at suitable time apprenticed
to merchan, IN one Of the commercial
cities; there he acquired SO good char
ac,er, and insinuated himself SO com
plelely into the affections Of his master,
that before his apprenticeship was com
pIeted, he was taken into partnership, in
few years after married his only daugh-
ter, and, at the death OF the father in.law,
inherited handsome fortune, with which
he returned to Alesbury, settled himself
down in neat business, and lived sur
sounded with comfort and plenty, and
loaded with hoDors; and at last he was
elevated to the judicial bench, station
that all acknowledged he was eminen,ly
qualified for.
We must now leave our young friend
10 return to Col. Alesworth. whom we
LEI. administering to the wants Of the
distressed, cherishing and protecting the
orphan, and practising all the virtues OF
the philapthropist. Not long after Hen
~ had been taken from school, the Co.
lsnsl lef. his residence At the Highlands,