The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-01-07
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY
ROAST.MEA MEADOW.

There is no part of the world more album
dant in its legends, more prolific in its an
ecdotes and curious incidents, than New
England. The peculiar motives under
which the first settlement was made, the
bold, persevering character Of the pilgrims,
the mysterious cunning and Just resistance
of the aborigines all have contributed to
give every little incident high interest
and value. Here are the scenes, where
many a bloody battle has been fought be-
tween the white and red men here the
revolutionary struggle first commenced !;
and here the drama of witchcraft, more
tragcal and mysterious than all the rest
has been acted. There are but few mead
ows, vallies, and groves, which are not
known as the former residence of some de-
mon, or as the hiding place of some wan
dering ghost. Every thing has become as
sociated with the manners, opinions, and
exploits of preceding generations. No
wonder, then, that every incident exctes
interest, for who does not feel grateful to
those, who, by their exertions and priva-
tons, have laid so broad and deep founda-
tons for happy, virtuous, and intelligent
society?
In a rich and fourishing town, not far
from the centre of this county, is beanti-
full meadow, long known by the name of
Roast Meat Meadow. It is one Of those
places, at the sight of which, not only old
women and children have shuddered, but
even the stoutest hearts have melted, and
the most powerful arm has been unnerved
It's natural situation serves well to keep up
q vivid remembrance of tiose incidents, OF
which this has been the scene, and of those
legends, with which this is connected. II
is almost entirely surrounded by hills, hay
ing only a small outlet for the little rigulet
that neanders through the meadow, and
having passed between the opening hills
loses itself in n larger and more rapid
stream. This rivulet affords permanent
residence not only to many kinds of small
fish, but also to an innumerable host of bull
frogs, which, by their croaking at certain
seasons, dismay many benighted traveller
and chill the blood of him, who would sus
tain the character Of hero, even before the
thunders of the cannon. 1t is even coniec
tured by some that these hoarse songster:
are the sure prognosticators of the weather
for, when their songs reverberate along the
hills, and are sent back again across the
valley, then the frog is said TO send up the
unequivocal petition for rain. On the west
ern bank Of the meadow, the hills are GOV.
cred with sturdy oaks, which have beer
growing for centuries, and which still real
their lofty heads in proud defiance to the
winds and the storms while, on the east.
ern and southern, they present the prospect
of cultivated fields, verdant pastures, and
fourishing orchards,-all of which, instead
of diminishing the natural gloom of the
meadow, serve by the contrast only to
heighten it.
The present situation Of the meadow
strikes the stranger as something singular
ly picturesque yet to him who is acquaint-
ed with all its legends; who has suffered
all its imaginary horrors, it presents pros
pect not only singular, but one associated
with all the wonders of superstition and
childhood,-the very name raises multi
tude of associations. II Immediately brings