The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-02-15
THE HERALD-NEW YORK.
GHOST OF MY UNCLE.

menced my expedsn, and wished il so TO remain.
The morning was still and beautiful it the early
heur OF four; could not yet distinguish the sum- tho
was sensible he had left his bed from the beauti
ful streaks of colouring in the sky. To ex.
press the soituess mdness and calmness of the
ny, at that hour cannot find adequate words; those
only can conceive IL who have witnessed the scene
bad not proceeded more than miles, before few
drops alarmed me with apprshensions of a soaking
shower, from a heavy black cloud that was SLOWLY
sailing over my head and my fears soon realized
by very thick descent that followed on which be-
took myself with all speed matched cetage that
saw at some distance, for shelter
Many years had elapsed since had wandered about
IN tins spot IA careless infancy, and the pretty secluded
COT 10 which was advancing, had been my home.
looked around on the hills and daes and could easily
recognize them as my old acquaintance. "Ha" said
Il, We change not your appearance, grow not old in
tne course oil time, the feebleness of age comeh not
upon you; We still smile In the brightness of summer
and frown in the lowering winter For ages We have
reared your towering crests, and given food to the
hocks and the herds that have chequered YOUR dark
surface; ye have given direction to the murmuring
Drook that proceeded from you, I'LL seeks far distant
the mighty ocean; and while generation after genera
non hath passed away, have preserved UNMARRIED the
features We possessed in ages gone-Eyen now as in
years past, my eyes beheld the still sunshine sleeping
upon your geae sOpIng decIivites, interrupted only
when the light cloud of spring. for moment casts over
them It's passing shadow" My cogitations were sud
denly interrupted by the gate the end of the pasture
which opened. In another moment was in the porch
house appeared just the had left it ten years
before. The furniture the same, and each piece
occupied the same position. The old clock stood lick
ing IN the corner had done for four score years.
the oaken settle remained behind the door, and nv
uncle's antique two armed chair by the fire side; but
saw no living in the house besides the cat ON
the hearhstone. | listened a while but could hear
nothing Al this rathor wondered, as of yore the house
was seldom, scarcely ever totally deserted then went
iorwars INTO the spence, country parour, where
found neghbor cousins and the servants all stand
ing IN deep silence around the bed Of my diving uncle
On enterihg all eyes turned upon me was stran-
ger to most OF them; there were, however one or two
who remembered me- | advanced 10 the bedside, and
the countenance Of my uncle for moment frightened
up al my approach, but subsidized gain into cold
tranquil indifference. Ii plain that death was
rapidly approaching He had been speechlsss several
hours; consequently we could hold no conversation
lie, however, put out his hand, which grasped with
an affection redoubeJ by the prospect of soon losing
INN forever In nay younger DAYS had lived with him.
anu ne having no children OF his own, was then
markably fond OF me, subsequently that affection was
strengthened between us; and although circumstances
had cast my lot IN another country vet we had kent nm
friendly and afectionate intercourse. Some time
previous 10 BIS IndIsposition had again removed to
within thirty miles his residence which was the place
nom whence Set out on this sorrowfu visit.
MY uncle was man of some Judgment keen obser-
vation, and cheerful social disposition, Joined 10
thorough knowledge Of mankind; he possessed good
portion OF eccentrcity and humor. He loved cheer
fu glass; ne kind his servants and dependents
and though rather OF frugal and saving disposition vet
ne was charitable his poor neighbours In his friend
snps ne was rather eapricous, but firm in his attach
men 10 the Kirk and government of his country He
was apt TO be little passionate and hasty in his tenn
per- but his resentment seldom of long duration
lie was well beloved by those among whom he dwelt !
and might be pronounced good neighbour and an ex-
eeilent subject: BY long Of industry in his
profession, he had amassed pretty good property the
know ledge of which had drawn around him host of
needy relations, who beseged him with haltery and
professions, but whose attentions were chiefly drawn
forth by their hopes of nheriting the old ma property
How he had wiiled il was not known He was man
oil prudence, and seldom bubbed cut his private affairs
On my arrival found all the friends about him re-
markaby attentive and duteoas in their behaviour
though was evident that good deal of the affection
was assumed Shortly after, he fell into a kind of a
doze, and all lett the attendant or two-
Peggy, the servant whe had lived with my uncle four
teen years, aow insisted my taking some refreshmen
But was too much agi,ated to feel any thing like
pleasure IN my repas and what | ate was more TO
please the faithful old domestic, than from any inclina
non OF my own When my slight meal was over, L
got up and went TO the window in serious and reflect
ing mood. The afternoon was far advanced, and the
scenery without was wrapped in tranquility. | was
soon summoned from my station 10 the parlour. NV
uncle had somewhat revived and his speech had re-
turned tfe told us death making rapid advances
and thai we might soon expect the moment Of his dssou
hon. He informed us where should find his WILL and
gave us some excellent advice future conduct
Some things he requested TO perform, which
Thought were a little odd He wished us TO read the
VIII IN he room where he immediately after he had
expired lie desired that he 1gnt not be laid ou. as
is commonly called until al least twelve hours after
his departure; that his large two armed oak chair
might be placed in all order and soemnv at the head
OF the table every meal and that il should remain
occupied tall after his funeral. He also wished be
promised faithfully to observe when after taking an
afeconate farewell of each he uuetly resigned him.