Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-09-30
THE EXILE OF THE ALLEGuANY
OR NATIONAL GRATITUDE.
I'm american 7dic-By j. c.. b.


An american Taic--By J. c. b.
"Egrcgious amman, quar- sangune nobis,
"nc Partian peperere suo decorate suprems NUMEROUS
VIRGIL.
have always been attentive if not an intelligent
observer of human character, as DISPLAYED in the va
rous situations of life. Whether it has been a study
more traught with PAIN than pleasure, prepar-
ed osay but If 1t be pursuit that needs Justification
1t is enough that have found il source of moral in
struction have learned to despse the fool Of unbr-
died and insolent prosperity 10 hate and condemn the
Prohigate OF successful cunning, and 10 respectfully
bow before virtue and honour, which the world is too
busy to seek out, or too vile TO appreciate. A mind
naturally restless and untranmeed by the ties or con-
neX'3ns which ordinarily render stationary, has
ufgs me over ''inany shore, and many sea.n In
the course of my wanderings, have often witnessed
scenes that might well claim the interest of those fare
there any such} who feel for sufferings which do
not form part of their own destiny; in other words
VINO are sincerely phIanthropiSts, without vanity or
ambition beneath the clea of benevoence. The sub
Iect of the present narrative will hatter sesui
cheney, nor panper national pride: in il may ex
cite aspery, by recalling unwelcome recollcctions of
violated faith and spotted honour; nevertheless it shall
be !earlessy told.
In the winter of 49, was travelling in Pennsyl-
Tania. When | reached the base of the Aieghanies
left my horse in the charge of peasant, and ascend
ed on foot. climbed ridge after ridge, bTaced by the
pure air, and excited by the increasing majesty of the
scenery until wholly forgot the flight of hours and my
reu".leness from the babitations beneath. When at
IaA"! the summit the day fast aud the
Ing wind moaning through the detilcS OF the hills and
shading the bare branches of the trees warned me CT
Coming storm. Immediately began 10 ascend, in the
OF hope Of reaching the foot Of the mountain be-
for night fall Darkness had already gathered in the
vnies, ard the last ray of light beamDg
tie ridge, when observed rude cabin shell
tera bcnesth the branches ola hcrnlock. Iapproach-
Ell md ralsa the latch of the door, which was no: bar
red, although my entrance, perceived the room TO
be unoccupied~ The deserton, however seemed to be
only temporary, a few embers were decavnp on the
hearth. threw some pieces of wood on the brands
and seating myself on rough bench, began by the dim
and imperfect light the apartment. All around
me spoke OF baTenness aud desTtiOn; seemed the
very temple OF poverty, where she had gathered all the
symbols Of her worship. ''What miserable outcastp
thought J. can be the tenant of comortless a habi-
tatOD' What could have compelled the most poverty
stricken wretch to abandon the crowds of life where
the overlooking of the rich mans table may find their
way to tie poor mans board and to dwell in this noun
tain solitude, whittier the footsteps of charity cannot
pursue him:-s citne is it pride, is it misan-
thropy>"
fusing this theme and fatigued with the tolls of
the day, sunk into reyerie. The forest storm was
now raging without in all its destructive violence which
added to the loneliness and desoatiOn of the SPOT pro-
duCed ieVeIlsh excitement of the mind, that CncOu-
ragged wild and fantastic ideas Shade after shade fit
tel across the dream Of my Imagination, and could
hear the howngs of the gale, and the cry of distress
ana The shout o raPne. All the vague apprehensons
oil an OyeTheatcd fancy came crOWdinr and PRESSING
upon INV heart and although reason struggled for fine
mater,. vet size could not them. While thus
wrapped IN waking dream, with my eyes bent down
warts, shadow like the form of man suddenly dar
k1ned the iioOr sprang hastily upon my feet and the
action recalled my scattered senses. 4 man coarsey
clad, hut Of a majestic aud venerable bearng{ stood
before in one band he held hunting gun and in
the other some forest game which, little as it was
seemed burthen TO bis aged frame. "A stranger in
my CabIn,' he exclaimed IN tone Of surprise but not
OF apprehension "a Stranger" said l. ''who in need
Of hospitality" a sight flush apparently of pain rose
TO hrs cheek hc replied Elf by my hearth fire
AMI . rcPast of mountain game, deserve the of
hospitality you shall freely share them; they are all
that IS ~ my power 10 ofcr.n With those words, he
iad aside his brrjhcn, Invested bmself Of his outward
garments, Eind'cd light and sat down by the fire.
had now an opportunity Of studying his appearance
moro ;I@Uowiy II remarkable and interesting
Ills i1rm was tall and graceful, though bent with
years. hs forehead lgh and bold and his temples par
TALLY covered with locks that rvalcd winter in White
ness. Ills clear grcy eve bad military quckness in
its mnlon and seemed ah should have belonged 70
one who l,a1 watched te movements Of armed bands
rather than the fight Of the bird or the bound of
tie forest deer Ills f1cead the educated expression
which invariably characternes the cultivated man and
THAT well bred aspect which only be obtained by ha
bItual intercourse With polished society. Struck by the
incongrnIfg between such and such habitston
dcier0uclto learn If possible the cause Of his sia
lion and the history Of bis life.
WIFI 'JIs design, after frugal repast was ended,
and conversation had inspired mutual confidence ven