Litchfield enquirer., 1829-12-31
 MISCELLANEOUS.
From the MechaRics' MagasiRe. THE PANTHER'S LEAP.

] ne TeStleSS Splrlt or gam ana the love
 of novelty, which characterize so many Q
 their countrymen, had induced Josiah Ea.
 ton and Hannah his wifo to migrate from
 the fertile banks of the Connecticut, to one
 of the ridges of the Allcgany mountains
 chain that has often been called the bacl,
 bone of Uncle Sam'S huge body.
 Mistress Hannah Eaton was the party dominant in the small household of the
 honest and easy Josiah and it had been through her faculties of augmentation that he had been induced (or rather forccd) to "pull up stakes," leaving his comfortable homestead and paternal acres, to seek gain westward, withthe march of empire. The earthly tabernacle of Mrs. Els spirit was of that kind with which we are apt to ap- preciate ideas of strength, and the wear ing of those mysterious insignia of matri- monial power, yclept breeckes. And tn truth, ever since her husband had won her, as a strapping gall" and in the land of pumpkins, she had made it her duty to " see to things," or in other words, to be both master and mistress. She was not destitute of affection for what the world called her lord and as his Rip Van Wink leish habits asked no more, than to pursue the even tenor of their way" kindness alone answered as good purpose to him as tho hottest love. Tall he was, aud un- couth in his appearance, yet immense strength was slowed away among his great bones, and warm heart beat in his big be som.
 Hannah had caused her three large kiv- cred wagons, and score of critters, biped and quadruped, to come to a halt at the foot Of one of the finest summiis of the a- bove named ridge; and near the mouth of a yavine, through which ran small tributa- " to the Potomac. After preparations had been made to "camp" for the night, she called Divan of her JollO,oers, to con- sidcr the propriety of a permanent location. l would not have the reader believe that it was any part of her intention to do as they might suggest; oh no. Like the Grand Sultan, she heard their opinions, to be sure, but determined, long before, what course should De pursued. Josiah said "jist SO" to all she had advanced, and tWo hired men and two women. by way of a. men, had also said ist so," when she declared it to be the opinion of the whole council, "to settle right down." and conn menced turning the wilderness into a ploughed field.
 Our worthy counle had hoe: o:S. ,a -c' ;ur--, had cheered them with its music. They were in effect alone. Tho sun rose and set on as fertile fields as ever rewarded the labors of the husbandmen, and heaven seemed to smile upon them. The breeze rippled the waters of the brook that ran be- fore their door in its quiet murmurings the aroma of beautiful flowers scented the air, and the whole landscape seemed the pie ture of inert happiness, and looked glad in their eyes; and still they were alone.- They felt the need of some dear object on whom ,o place their best affections.
 M-.. 7. %:.h the niety of Connecticut, (whosc amiable daughters, when married have caused so many to bless their "home of gentle voices arA kind eyes,") knelt to her God like her namesake of old, and in "bittcrness |" of soul wept sore," praying that she might not be childlcss. The Lord remembered her."
 Twas a fine morning in August, when little Samue! Eaton was about seven years old. .!.st he was making dam in the brook that ran before his fathers door. He was an only and pet,cd child, his mother al- most idolizing him. There he was-with his trowsers tucked up above his knees, working like heaver-his mothers bold eye gleaming out from beneath his sum- burnt hair, and with some of his father: strength tugging the large stones in the bed of the stream. Sammy, you'd better come in, hadn't you 2'' said Hannah in g tone of half mother and half mate. No o-o, I giss not yet," said Sam.
 An acorn came floating down the water
 The boy took it up, looked at it, was pleas