The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1831-12-07


George. lie passed the greater part of hi
time in the field and upon the road, but re
turned regularly for his meals; his cour
lenance was very expressive, and general
his natural language was not that ofan dio
hut of an intelligent being. When he wa
hungry, he carried his hand to his moutl
aud then pointed TO the cupboard wher
the provisions were kept when he wishe
to he down, he reclined his head on on
side upon his hand, as if he wished to la
IL upon the pillow. To Indicate pariicula
mechanical employments he would imitat
lie gestafes peculiar to ench-thus ii shoe
niaker was distinguished by extending hi
afms, as IN the act of drawing the thread
!he tailor by sewing. He was fond of rid
ing be designated that exercise by ionns
his hands together and placing them unde
ms feet, without doubt TO initiate a stirrup
lie made, as every one else does, the natura
Signs OF yes and 10, with the head: he ba.
an aversion TO being kissed on the fare. ana
IT MS sister sometimes did it in play. he rub
ped and wiped his face with DISCONTINUED
arr 1t Is remarkable that almost all the
Signs That he invented we're calculated f.,
the sight of others. He APPEARED sensible
OF his lnlcrlority in relation to this sense
he easily recollected the signifcation OF
signs which had been previously taught
TO make him comprehend the number Of
the days, they bent his head as sign that
ne ought to go to bed so many times be-
fore the event would happen. Content
ment was communicated to him by pattinr
on the shoulder or arm: and dlscontent Nv
quick, smart blow. lie was sensible to
the caresses and to the satisfaction of his
parents. He appeared fond of children
and often folded them in his arms. He
was naturally OF a good disposition. and Of
lehdeh no one; nevertheless his humor was
NOT always equal. Sometimes he liked. to
iroilc; and on such occasions laughed most
noislerously. One of his favorite amuse-
"ents was to shut some one in a chamber
or the stable; but if he was teazed mncb
or 100 long time, he grew angry. and nj
tered most dlsagreeable cries In genor.I
ne appeared contented with his sifuai;on
lie possessed natural courage; BIZ; ylwavs
acted with prudence.
men he was quite young, he wished
every day TO extend his walks further ;bnp
ne mad done the day previous. Once he
found IN his route Il narrow wooden bridge
Wiileh crossed the river near his fathers
mouse; ne Immediately placed himself on
ms hands and knees for the purpose OF
creeping over it. His father, to intimidate
MN, sent man to push him into the water
at a place where there was no danger. and
Immediately to withdraw him. This lesson
produced the desired effect, and he never
passed there again. Some years after
wards he still recolected this punishment.
ana beng dis2leased with his little com
2anon whilst playing in a boat attached to
the shore, he caught him, plunged him into
the water, and then withdrew him. He
was afraid Of fire, water, and cutting IN
struments. Dead animals never appeared
TO make disagreeahie impression upon
him: he even found in them an object Of
amusement bnt when he touched. for the
first time, dead man lit was his father
he drew back with precipitation and alarm.
lie afterwards touched other dead persons,
without manfesting a like emotion. He
knew that the dead were inferred, and his
sign to indicate it was slowly to lower his
hand towards the earth. He had fear of
death, and knowing that persons usually
die IN bed, he could not be prevailed upon
to lie down when he was sick and having
remarked, that the dead were covered with
white cloths, he was alarmed when sick if
white cloth was heated. The death of
his father afforded him an opportunity for
observing his attachment to his parents
When the coffin, which enclosed the body
OF his father was exposed before the door,
previous to interment, James left the house
with precipitation, snufing the air around
hlm, probably to direct his steps. He an
preached the coffin, threw himself upon it,
clasped it in his arms, at the same time ex-
pressing by his countenance the greatest
unhappness and chagrin. When'thev were
about to remove the coffin he threw himself
upon 1t again, retained it, and they were
finally obliged to tear him from it by force
short time afterwards, his mother being
indisposed, he shed tears. Whenever a
member of the family was absent he mani
tested uneasiness. During short time he
had sore foot, which he supported upon
stool; year afterwards, Observing that
the hoy that ordinarily accompanied him
did not leave his chair, he felt of his legs,
and finding one of them bandaged, he went
to the granary aud sought the STOOL to
place the foot of his friend upon it. In
1914 he was attacked by acute rheuma-
tism. He was particularly fond of his ED
er sister, and preferred her to any other
person. An aunt TO whom he was also
much attached, came to see them. During
this time his sister was sick, and obliged 10
keep her bed. james was evidently I'M
easy, aud wished to know what had become
OF his sister, and signed to be conducted to
her chamber; because his own sufferngs
would not allow him.to walk unsupported.
Having found his sister in bed, he express
ed his pleasure by squeezing her hand
Having descended to his own room, he no
longer desired his aunt to remain near him.
but continually made signs thai she should
go up stairs. wishing, without doubt, thus to
express his desire that she should take care
of his sister. 1t was difficult to determine
If he experienced any religious sentiments
He accompanied his parents to church, and
was accustomed to kneel during famil,
prayers. He behaved decently on such oc
casons, but it was difficult to determln,
whetherit was from habit or devotion Ht
knew that during the time they kneeled, hi
father had book, 1.-THE Bible( before him
Three months after the death of his father
an ecclesiaslic, who, daring the life of hi
father had joined in the family exercises
happened TO he at the house. Jane
brought him his fathers Bible, and made
sign FOR all the family 10 kneel. 1t is Ger
tain that he understood right from wrong
lie was greved every time he had offende
his sister or mother, and caressed them
regain their affections. Ills sentiment c
sell-love or personal dignity is evident, he
cause he would not take his regular meal
among the servants in the kitchen, but woul
always have them in the parlor, in pres
ence of the family; nevertheless, if he er
tered before the hour for dinner he woul