Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-06-14

Possessing retsntive memory, . thirst for
knowledge, and mind formed for deep re-
search, he had early overcome tho narrow
prejudices, Of education. and had imbibed an
interest for mankind generally, independent
Of selfish and provincial partiaIities.
In his juvenile years. the msnliness Of his de-
pertinent, the regularity Of his habits, and tho
amablesess Of his disposition, had strongly at
tsched to him the elderly Inhabitants Of his ma
tive town; and many worthy old gentleman
has prognosticated that he would make great
man; but, az Julian understood the expfession
to imply that he would be a bishop, or some
other church dignitary. his vanity was but lit
tie fattered by such encomiums. tor his turn Of
mind led him to admire more the heroes Of an
tiquity, and modern cAieftains than the defen-
dsrs Of the faith.
Julian's attempts at poetry had over been
successful, and his infant brow was adorned
with thick woven wreaths. A he advan-
ced to the age Of fourteen his admiration Of
military prowess had induced him to form sew
sral small companies Of boys and exercise
them in all the arts Of warfare. This martial
turn led him into several frolcs, which rath-
or lessened the good opinion formed of him by
the more sedate part Of the community.
About this time he experienced great mis-
fortune in tho loss Of his father, who died sud-
denly and left him master Of himself. Not
withstsnding the great popularity Of Julian
amongst his youthful acquaintance, the cool
ness with which he was treated by the neigh
boring townsmen, had no small effect to dam
zen his rising hopes, and inspire him with q
dislike to mankind in general.
He betrayed fondness for female society.
which although il amounted to nothing crimi-
nal, was considered by many of his relatives
and 'pious friends, as bad augury, and sure
mark Of rocreant disposition.
The frank. open and generous mind Of Ju-
an, although mild and placable to those who
treated him with consideration, could i'll brook
reproof, and in the same proportion that the
hand ofrestrant was extended, did no fee from
it into creator liberties. He soon became the
life Of every gay circle, and it was reported
that he even headed gang who pulled down
a deacon's crib, for enforcn. the laws on the
observance Of the Sabbath.
He had also become very bold in expressing
sentiments highly favorable to liberty Of con-
science, and freedom of thought; so that with
the best heart in the world, BRILLIANT talents,
the most elegant address. and gaiety com
mendable in youth, at the age Of eighteen 10
found himself denounced as a rake, cont emned
as an nfdel, and Stunned by good society.
Julan's mother doaied on him with fondness
which mothers alone can feel. and endeavocr-
ed, good woman as she was. to enforce upon
his aspiring mind the precepts Of the good peo-
pie ofNew England, and to damp his lauduble
ardor, with the cold and formal rules of Pros
byterianism.
But the fire which blazed in the soul Of Jul-
an could i'll brook the dulncss Of u country life,
distinction. he often wished for an opportunity
to risk his life in some desperate enterprise,
where death or fame might be the reward Of
his bravery. No such opportunity offered, and
he lnstinc,ively embraced the idea Of going to
sea. "There at least" said he, 81 shall be out
of the sound Of religious jargon, and shallhu
an opportunity Of seeing distant realms" But
although these were the motives which Julian
professed, the true design was q glorious in
stinct which prompted him to adventuresome
deeds, although SO far beneath the highest pin
nacle upon which his eve rested.
Having shipped at New Bedford on board
a ship bound on threo years voyage. he as
sisted in fitting her out, and when the vessel
was nearly ready to sail, he set out 10 pay a
visit to hi, friends before his departure. and
bid them long farewell.
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