Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-07-06

lUIUp III IuCI IODkcu IOTWuTu WIFI s'TOUn
hopes and promises that maratime Difficult.
ties were on the tapis; and Jonathan
was wide awake. Such events could
scarcely be expected to pass him like a
summers cloud and not excite his special
wonder; he thought he saw that good
things were about to drop somewhere, and
in such a case he was unwilling that his
dish should be bottom upwards. At such
period it is worth journey on foot, to
90 down cast and sec how things moye
among men how a word or question or
opinion is turned and twisted and scanned.
1t is at such periods in word, when all
the old Peters are watched by the young
Peters and when n wink is as good as nod.
Well, it was at that identical period
when our hero, old Peter Snug made a
increment which furnished the matter for
| this history; we say history, not story, for
| it is all fact. and we pity the man who
doubts it. Peter Snug, had been in his
day among the most active in his native
city; he began when it was only tom
1t called in its Just pride the Emporium :
long may he live, and if further honors are
in store for it may he live to enjoy them.
Peter Snug was all his name implied, he
was born to IL or thanks to his parents, he
was most fortunately christcned to 1t. He
was rich, very rich, and of that happy
class who acquire wealth without being
charged by any with having obtained it by
treadlng on other peoples toes; n sure
evidence that he obtained his wealth by
asking simply contribution TO his honest
industry, prudence and sagacity. Peter
had a pretty country place few miles from
the city. and there of late years he devoted
portion of the hours Of his leisure, if so
they might be called for he was as busy
there as in the city, which he visited daily
and was as early in his office az the resi-
dent citizen. He was not exactly engaged
in commerce at the time, but he was re-
cognlzed as ready for any thing that looked
reliable, if not for himself at least for his
sons, who were strung along the continent
from the Homestead to the Creek nation;
he was supposed at least to keep a close
view OF passing events; hence, in the
stirring times OF that day, an enquiry or
remark, or opinion Of his did not escape
notice. On the arrival of every mail he
was watched by every attention, his track
from the post Office to the insurance Office,
where he would retire to read his letters,
would be followed by the seemingly casual
friend. aoho ,couM accidentally drop in to
inquire the news. On several occasions
he was positively seen to open letters dated
at Antwerp, via London; he would give
the dates, but gave no further information.
He used to go on Change and ask freely
regarding news from Antwerp and his
most pointed enquiries were such as con-
cerned the probable continuance of the
blockade of the Scheldt; and it was ascer
tanned that so deeply was he interested in
this matter, that he actually had extended
his inquiries to Washington and to the
highest authorities there. What did all
this mean? What could it mean in fact,
but that he had some deep laid plan, in.
volving vast speculations dependent upon
coming events--for days he spoke of foreign
affairs only in connection with the Scheldt
> and Antwerp--and although various ques-
lions were put to him touching Batavia
and coffee voyages as connected Herewith,
the very disregard he seemingly manifested
,, was only a stronger evidence of the querlst
that the Scheldt and Antwerp where the
mere incidents to something deeper and
more distant. There was no resisting the
' elf-evident fact that he must have some
thing on foot of deep importance. having
positive connection with the blockade
which was a contingent at least--but what
that was involved puzzle--a man of mil
) lions and clear head and circle of sons
land one bearing his own name--and
, Peter himself n deep one--never known
to waste time or words upon idle gossip, il
! was clear that something was on foot that
was worth knowing--it was TO clearly
ascertain what this something was that
J furnished the "quid nuncs" with full en-
J. ploymcnt they could not yet plainly see 9
!, chance of a 'Vyge,' but the air was full O
II threatenings and promise, and to add tC
). this Peter Snug was stirring in the matter.
% lie answered no questions save such, and
~ in such way, as only lead to further
- puzzle, the end and point of his enquiries
y being simply to ascertain from Others when
- they supposed the blockade of the Sche|d
II would be raised and what their opinion was
= Of its probable coutnuance--'their las
g dates from Antwerp from England.
- France. Russia, any where in fact thai
h" spoke of Antwerp and the Scheldt and the
'e blockade thereof, would be inquired of by
II him with the greatest anxiety.
1t was of Saturday, at the close o
rs morning business, when whole week 0
10 intense curiosity was coming to close
10 that circle ofactive men of business, VIII
e had agreed to Ego snacks" in an opera
"a ton based on information obtained from
Peter Snug, assembled by appointment
10 and on comparing notes found that eac
,, had gone Just as far as his associate, willis
"a all were sure and unanimous in the belle
~ that something was to be ascertaine
!, worthy of their efforts, and so it was con
ID cluded that two or three Of the shrewdes
&c of them should follow Peter to his countr
MI unl H.. .,;go of rorrpot ioT