Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-21

their dead.' A low, inuttering, indis-
tInct cry Of distress was heard forcing
iiself from the dreary apartments OF az
Ipld Dutch manson, that had irowned III
gloomy majesty for century OF more,
upon the surrounding scene: that had
stood unshaken, the brunt Of many a
storm, and proudly raised its venerable
head in contemptuous defiance OF the
lightning, the thunder and the tempest.
At times the listener might fancy that he
heard deep groans of agony, as Of some
poor sufferer struggling in the omnipo-
tent grasp Of almighty death. Then a
short interval of silence would occur;-
and again the fearful struggle would be
renewed, unit, at last, wild agonizing
shrek Of irrcpressiblc suffering burst
with terrific kecnness upon the startled
ear; and the deep, hollow groans of a
wailing father, aud tho sorrowful cries
and lamentations of heart broken moth
er, mourning over the form ofa beloved
daughter, upon whom, as they thought,
death had laid his icy hand, became
plainly distingu,shable. Oh, my daugh-
ter! my daug hter! Ann, Ann, exclaimed
the affectionate father, with all the NOV
ing pathos of sorrow stricken, broken
hearted parent. My child my child
my only cnild! screamed the poor be-
reaved mother, frantic with grief, ravIng,
desperate, and horror struck at her sup
posed irreparable loss. Lights were
seen moving about in hurried and
hasty confusion IN the adjacent build
ings; windows were thrown up, and ma
ny a greasy night cap, and many
wrapping gown emerged from the couch
of repose, and elected themselves thro'
apertures into the presence of the pale
Queen of night Then might be seen
the form of the antiquated votary Of sim
gle blessedness, with voice shrilI, trem-
ulous and squeaking, inquiring the cause
of the noise at that unusual and unsea-
sonuble hour of the night. Projecting
from the opposite window,a lank visaged,
lean lantern jawed mortal, whose nose
and chin seemed to be upon terms of
vindictive hatred from their proximity 10
each other, and whose bare pate was
well secured against the inclemency Of
a mild night in MAY, by the all powerful
influence Of some three or four yards of
red flannel, peered out, and cast an in
quiring glance from an eye tina, had lost
its companion in a combat with time,
and that seemed to have suffered some.
what itself from the irresistible attacks
of age, upon the strange drama that was
acting beneath Groups of wild look
ing, strange figures were forming in the
street. Men bare headed, bare footed,
yawning and stretching, and cur sing the
queer department of the distressed in
mate of the old building; and women in
their short gowns and petticoats, with
dishevelled locks, and caps awry, CIV
ing vent TO their cogitations, were seen
collecting together from every quarter.
Then might be seen the rubicund coun-
tenanced son Of the Emerald Isle-the
soiourner from the land Of Presbyte rian-
ism and Pumpkin Pie-thc brawny Scot,
brown as his own box of Rappee; while
at distance, lowering around the bor-
ders of the assembly, like spirits Of
darkness upon the verge of the grave,
chattered and grinned, and capered the
sable sons and daughters of Afric's bur-
ming cline Confusion ragged among
the crowd, and waxed stronger and
stronger, until by spontaneous impulse,
all rushed with one accord to the door
ofthe dilapidated fabric. Entrance was
obtained by force, and heart-rending
scene was unfolded to the view Of the
astonished and terrified beholders. On
her back, apparently IN the last agonies
of dissolution, lay buXom looking
healthy girl, bare footed and bare head
ed. Her pulse had nearly ceased its
tumultuous motion. The cold sweat
stood in large trembling drops upon her
pallid brow, and her dark glossy curls
wrea,hed in graceful folds, tastefully
disposed, hung around her forehead,
like black cloud encircIing the summit
of snow crusted mountain. Her faith
er stood trembling in intense misery, and
and moaning plteously over his dearly
beloved daughter; and the mother,
throwing herself down beside her child,
uttered complaints and lamentations that
thrilled the heart, and drew tears from
the eyes of every spectator of the sad
scene. Send for physician, rang a
hundred voices at the same moment;
and nearly as many messengers instant
Iy started to procure one. The physl-
clan fastened upon the wings Of speed,
to the dismal spot,-examined the af-
flicted fair ono,-out with his pen knife,
and with rapidity that made the blood
curdle with alright, plunged il into the