The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-08-07
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Token for 1888.
M RITA w A 8 Iii N q 4 . N
BY MRS. sIGoURNEY.

Dominion retained stronger features OF resemb-
lance to the father land, than any OF its sisters
The manners of the nobility of England had been
transplanted with little radical change, to the
territory of Powhattan. kind of feudal mag
nificence, high and quick sense of honor, a
generous and lordly hospitality, early chayacter-
ICED a state, which has given to this Western
Empire so many of it's mightiest and noblest
names.
Traces of these lineaments still exist in that
sunny CLINE. Yet our severance from the pa
rent country, while it marred her likeness among
all the colonists, obscured it, though somewhat
less palpably, in the counteuance of the eldest
born One of the most immediate changes, was
the breaking down of that ocourtly and almost
solemn etiquette which had marked the inter-
course of the higher classes. know your age
by the edition of your manners said a lady OF
discernment, to gentleman distinguished for his
polteness. lam certain that you were educated
before the reyolution.' But the republicans which
may have swept with too full tide over our ma
tional manners, had, at the period of which we
speak. no existence in Virginia. The levees Of
her royal governors, though stripped OF monarh-
icaI pomp, displayed Il remnant OF those state
Iv steppings of chivary,' with which the titled
and the vaent, of still earlier age, were accns-
toned, in European courts, 10 pay noiiaSe W
beauty and to rank.
1t was early in the winter of l740, that the
leyees of Governor Gooch opened with unwont-
ed splendor at WilIiamsburgh Many of the
members of the Assembly took thther with them
part of their families, and of several young and
high born mailens, who had never been present
ed at court. One among tben was evidently the
theme of general admiration. Some OF the state
Ier matrons criticised her, deficient in height.
But though somewhat beneath the middle stat
ure she possessed that rounded and exquisite
symmetry, which the early historians have as
crbed to Ann Boleyn. pure complexion ana
clear eve were finely contrasted with dark, glossy,
and redundant hair. Still it was found difficult
by common observers, TO analyze her beauty; Tor
it rested not on any predominant gilt, but on the
consent Of the whole person in loneliness. Grace
of movement and melody of voice, were confess
ed to be among its elements. More of ANNA
ton is here than is wont to distinguish the mod
ern southern beauty The Sigh: rose leaf tinge
upon her cheek and lip usually heightened when
she spoke, or if the subject embodied feeling,
deepened to a flush of carnine, disappearing as
rapidly as it came. But what chiefly won old
and young, was a.bland cheerfulness, the silent
history of the souls happiness, and an expressive
smile, inspiring every beholder with confidence,
like beam from the temple OF truth. Ihough
she had scarcely numbered twice eight summers,
there was about her a womany dignity, which
chastened the most forward admiration into re-
spect. =,
Among those who paid their devoirs to this
lovely Young creature, was Col. Gusts, one OF
the most accomplished cavaliers OF his time HIS
tall and elegant form, though adapted to athletic
exercises to the control of the spirited charger,
or the show of military evoutions, appeared to
fine advantage in the minuet, which was execu-
ted among the higher circles ofthe Ancient DO
nlinion,' with all that precision and grace, which
once einbClished it at the court of Loals Four
tenth. Yet it was observed, that this favorlte
dance, when shared with the lady whom he most
admired, was far less priced by the enthusiastic
young man, than the conversation which follow
ed, when with eyes intensely fixed, as it to read
the soul, he regarded each fragment of word,
tl,ac lohroC cuffit IF a a
precious thing.
His father, the Hon. John Gusts, of Airing
ton, held the office of Kings Councillor, and was
q man of wealth and distinction. His attendance
at Wlamsburgh, during the present session, had
been somewhat interrupted by i'll health; and,
while there, the graver duties of the statesman
had SO far absorbed him, to leave him ignor'
ant what regning beauties had produced sensn-
ticn at court. Not long after the suspension OF
the levees, and the return of the burgesses to
their homes, the Councillor requested a CONVEX
saton, in his private cabinet, with his son, Col.
Daniel Parke Gusts. There was singular mix
ture Of gravity and condescension in his manner,
as he desired him to be seated, and thus opened
the discourse.
Il have for some time wished to see you on
important subject. Though still young, |
consider you to have arrived at years of discfe-
ton. The Col. bowed
trust have always shown that regard for
your welfare, which is due from an affectionate
father to his only son. am about to give an
other proof of it. In short, wish you to turn
your attention to q suitable marriage The Col.
bowed.
sYou know Col. Byrd, of Westever to be INV
very particular friend. His daughter is one Of
the most beautiful and accomplished ladies' in
Virginia. 1t is my desire that you form with
her a matrimonial alliance
Mr. dear sir, have not the vanity to suppose
that could render myself acceptable to Miss
Byrd
No objection on that head. Her father and
myself have settled it. may as well tell you,s
that we have had numberless conversations on
this subject, and that you have both been as good
as betrothed from the cradle. Think my son ofthe'
advantages of such connection, the contiguiiy