Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-09-02


rushing overheard Of those, who were deliri-
Gus in their agony. Mrs. Bradiee, with mo-
;her's instinct, found her way to the cabin OF
herlit,le ones, and taking one on each shoulder,
attempted TO get into the boat, in which some
Of the passengers were trying 10 save them.
selves. The side Of the vessel was wet anG
slippery, and her brain was dizzy BY some
false step she lost her balance, and the Children
slipped from her embrace. One fell into the
water between the vessel and the boat; but she
kept hold Of the others little robe with con-
vulsive grasp. Oh God! in the confusion OF
the moment the gown had merely been thrown
over the child-and when the frantic mother
would have clasped the little one to her heart,
she found it but an empty robe! There is no
eloquence in language to heighten the pa'hos
Of that heart-rending scene of desola'ion and
despair.
Boats aud dumb bells were sent out from
Quebec to pick up such passengers as might
have escaped the wreck, and Mrs Bradlee's
next recollection is Of standing on the sea coast
alone in her misery. Several came up and
spoke kindly 10 her. One woman In particular
addressing her in French, begged her to go home
with her. Mrs. Bradlee answered in French
and after some persua,ion, consented to 60
home with her, exciaiming, "But let me be a
lone! LIE, me be alone"
II is here necessary 10 remark, that there
were a great number Of poor Irish on board
the Rob Roy, who were, as usual coming 10
this country for employment. Mr.. Bradlee,
being liberal, was of course friend to these
oppressed people-and his widow, cherishing
his slightest opinions with the fond reverence
so natural 10 bercaveG women, had ordered
large supply Of provisions, and Of little comforts
for those who should happen to be sick during
their voyage. These things she often carried to
the cabin herself, and frequently expressed to
the captain her anxiety that they should have
every thing that was necessary and convenient
The gratitude Of these poor creatures was
almost unbounded-thev absolutely worshipped
her aud her children! Those ofthem who were
saved, were perpetually around the door OF her
Canadian host, inquiring whether she was well,
whether she. had her reason, and whether there
was nothing poor hishman could 90 to serve
her. Her reply to these inquiries constantly was,
she thanked them, but there was nothing now
10 be done for her. AT last an lrishman asked
if there was nothing he could do for her in
New England, where he was going by the new
route through the woods. Her Imagination
was instantly kindled-"New Haven is in
New England" thought she, "and shall see
thing il was possible to say, 10 persuade her to
desist from her purpose; but she had all the
obslinacy and energy ofinsanity, and no earthly
would see her on board vessel under the care
Of those who would not LOSE sight Of her ill
she reached New Haven, il she would give up
the design DIGGING through the woods, but the
allusion 10 vessel made her lips turn pale,
and she would hold her temples, and shrek
Eindiae idr,ffsreu nrr wiin coarse clothes, and
strong shoes, suitable FOR travelling in the vii
derness. Mrs Bradee's accoun, Of her Journey
through the woods with these Irish men, wo-
men, and children, is very interesting. Nothing
but their respect could equal their kindness and
attention. When their companion was weary,
or when stream was to be crossed, they would
make palanquin OF boughs and CARRY her ;
and when the insects were troublesome, they
would keep green boughs waving around her.
In this manner she came through the woods,
treated with as much tenderness and respect
as il SHE had been beloved queen. But CRATE
ful as she fel: for these services, her sense Of
proprie,y taught her that travelling Irishmen
were improper companions 10 be seen with her:
aud as soon ashley came TO settlements, she
told them i; would be better for them 10 seDe-
rate; at the same time assuring them she would
remember their kindness until her dying day.
How long she had been wandering about
when she first attracted the attention in Mo-
ridgewock, is uncertain. From her complaint
Of suffering from the heat, as she passed thro'
the woods, it mus, have been several months
She had sometimes been seen above Norrridge-
wock, sometimes below it. She said all she
-ecoec,ed was tina, she frequently palked up
and found herself bathing her head by the side
Of some stream. Probably, the bewildered crea.
ture had wandered back & forth, without know
ing where she was going, and when the water
cooled the raging fire in her brain, she thought
she had just awaked. Many who saw her. and
heard her talk, were convinced that she was no
imposition. The deadly paleness and sudden
frenzy, which allallusions 20 the water occasion.
ed; The burst oftears when the young children Of
The family attempted to caress her; the piercing
shrek she uttered when one Of the children
appeared in little blue gown which she said
was very much like the one she had clasped 10
her heart, when she clasped her infant-all
proved that the distressing tale was true. Ca
sual re marks and accidental associations which