Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-11-24

LOCAL TALES.


is to say. according to Doctor Johnson's def
milton of the word, an old gentleman, aged so
years, called upon US, at our dwelling, and
stated that he had in his possession. series
Of original Local Tales, connected with the
| early history of Rhode Island, which he should
like to publish in our paper, provided We would
| first read and transcribe them for the press,
and make such corrections as might seem meet
and necessary. He was a dignifed looking
| old gentleman; and though, he evidently paid
but little attention TO his attire, he still main
tainod the appearance Of a gentleman; and
his full blue eye, as it rolled within the COLI
cavity of its deeply arched socket, still retain.
ed moiety, of its primeval fire and vivaciiy.
We assured our venerable guest, that we
would cheerfully transcribe and publish his
tales, and correct such errors rs might be ap-
parent to us; when, satisfied with our promise,
the old gentleman spread before us huge
bundle Of manuscript, and having carefully
placed them in the rotation that best suited
him, he bade US good night, and unceremo-
niously sailed to the streets. We would have
detained him, but it was in vain that we at
tempted TO do SO, for to our solicitations, he
abruptly remarked that the night was now far
spent, and as he had far to travel, he must
necessarily be on his way homeward; and be-
fore leaving us he added, "when you shall
have carefully Transcribed the manuscript
leave with you, l will call and receive them
good night, good night"
We would now, in presenting to tho world,
one of the old mans tales return to him our
respectful thanks for his kindness, and inform
cribed, and that it is at his service, whenever
he may be pleased to call for it.
| These Local Tales, we hope will be found
interesting, by all who pcruse them, and they
will be published, just as time, space, and con-
venicnce will permit.
THE GUIsCARDs.
"There speech in their dumbnes language in their very
gesture; they looked they heard OF world ranomed,
destroycd notable passion OF wonder appeared IN them:
the wcst bchoier, that knew hat seeing, could
say, h the Importance JOY sorow but in The eA-
"''''' '~' SGatsp,a,s'. Wintc,'s Tale.
| About the yoar I7l2, in the month Of Au-
| gust or September, q man of tall stature, ap-
parently aged about forty or fOrty-iivc,, accom-
panied by his wife, one son, two daughters,
| and negro man, q servant, crossed from the
Massa chusetts side Of Providence River TO the
opposite, and western shore, and there without
consulting any one, or asking permission, To-
Gated himself, and commenced the erection OF
ga domestic asylum"
! Their unceremonious settlement was not well
reIished by the inhabitants Of the neighbour
hood, and some steps were taken to oust them
at the onset, but as they appeared TO be peace
| able family, ana as it was supposed, that they
we're relisionists, who had fled from the per-
secutions Of the settlers of Massa chusetts, they
were suffered TO remain undisturbcd in their
| new settlement. and their society was eagerly
| courlcd by the sparse population, Of the towns
| Of Cransion, Warwick, and Providence.
| To tho courtcses of their neighbors, the
strangers we're not nsensble, and grateful for
their kindnesses and civilites, they took un-
weared pains to make ample returns, and in a
| little while, the family, which had been look
| ed upon as strangers and Inruders, were cher
shcd as the pride Of the colony, and their hab
| its, manners and dress, were looked upon as
worthy Of example, and were initiated by all
who had any pre.ensons to taste, or who had
| the smallest claims to gcntility.
The father Of the family, was usually sedate,
| and spent much Of his time at his books, yet
! he was cheerful and aiabe when visited, and
| gave every proof, that he was man Of some
| distinction, and had filled in some country,a sta
ton of some rank ;and in little time,th people
| of the colony, from Point Judith to diamond
| Hill, and from Westerly to the Seekonk Riv-
| or, formed an acquaintance with the stranger,
and rcsorted to him for advice, on all occa-
sions, when they were in difficulty and dis
| tress. To all he checrfuly impaired instruc-
ton, but il was evident that such general no.
| toriety, and such constant demands upon his
time, and attention, were far from beng
agreeable; vet he, complained not, but had re-
solved within himself, to loave tho country, If
he was not suffered to enjoy the sweets OF un-
! interrupted domestic repose. Bot il was not
! fer his own sake that he complained-for h'n'-
| self he could bear the annoyance OF repeated
| and mex cted 'vis,ts--but he was fearful, that
by being thus constantly visited by the colo
nists, his two daughters, TO whose lrrlsistable
charms, he was not insensible, would form at
tacbmenls with some Of the swains; for on
leaving his native country, England, he had
vowed most soemnly, that his offspring, should
never be afiianced to those who were not born
on the Island of Great Britain. His vows were
sacred, he said, they had been recorded IN
! Heaven, and be would not break them. -,
| The apprehensons Of the father, were wen
founded; and when il was too late, nc d,scoV-
cred that Elsie, and Rose, his two daughters,
had become fondly attached to Richard and
John Holston, brothers, who were born and
educated in Rhode Island, and were warmly
alta ched to every thing that pertained to Amer,-
ca, and with equal warmth, detested England
and its inhabitants save those who had emil
[ grated to America.
The old gentleman watched the young loves OF
his children with dismay; and though he loved