The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-05-04
From the Journal of Commerce.
The Memory of the Departed.

About three years since, while residing in the
village of N, was first introduced TO Miss
L. She was the orphan daughter of the late
General L. ia distinguished officer in the U. S.
ArmyD and the only child of her widowed moth
err. WhenI first saw her clad in the weeds she
wore for her recently deceased father, | was par
ticularly struck with her personal loneliness and
beauty. The charm of rosy cheek" and ruby
lips were distinctly marked upon her lovely face
while her full bright eye bespoke unusual in
teligence of mind and amiableness of heart-and
her dark hair, parted plainly upon her beautiful
forehead, gave soft finish to the striking contour
of her features.
Mrs. L. and daughter had come to make N
their permanent winter residence, and more mi
mute acquaintance discovered that Miss l.. was not
dependent solely on her personal charms to recon-
mend her TO admiration. She was indeed beau
tiful-but more than this, she possessed highly
gifted mind, which had been carefully cultivated.
No pains or expense had been spared in her edu-
cation, and her attainmens were already quite
superior: for, though at this time but Is years of
age, she was familiar with several languages
her reading was extensive, and she was skilled
in many af the elegant accom- lishments. Indeed
one needed but short acquaintance with her to
be assured that for solidity of character inelli-
gence of mind, and loneliness of temper, as well
as elegance of manners, Miss l.. was destined to
shine in every circle which enjoyed her presence
1t was not strange, them that she was the pride
and Joy of that widowed one, who chung to her as
her earthly all. Often have | looked upon that
mother and daughter, so happy in their mutual
affections-the former so blessed in the child, who
seemed to realize her fondest expectations, and
the daughter so devoted, so confding; and have
said to myself, surely there is domestic bliss even
for the widow and the orphan!
Two years past on. Miss l.. was the more
beloved as she was more known, but best esteem
ed by those who knew her best. For while she
mingled occasionally in thefsocial circles of N,
and was universally admired and caressed, the
greatest part of her time was devoted to the hap
piness of her mother, and to the continued improve
ment of her own mind. My distance from her was
such, that could not often see her but always
met her on the sacred solemn day." in the sane
tuary; and her meek and solemn aspect, her fixed
and careful attention to the instructions of divine
truth, caused me to hope, that with all her get
tings she was seeking that wisdom which cometh
from above. The sequel of her history encour-
ages the belief that | was not mistaken. She
was still sometimes seen in the "gay and festive
hall, and in those scenes of amusement to which
her station in life, and her early associates had led
her, but now there was an expression on her
countenance which said, her heart was not there.
About year since, met her in company with
a few of our acquaintance, at the home of a
friend. She was not well. A cold had occa-
stoned an unpleasant cough, which still affected
her. 1t was not, however, regarded as serious
indisposton, and excited little apprehension, save
IN an anxious mothers heart. | saw her in the
spring. She was better, but not well. The rose
had faded upon her cheek and her face was thin
and delicate. But it was believed by her friends
that the warm weather would restore her. The
summer was passed in travelling and visiting her
friends, and in September she returned TO N.
soon called to see her. She was "better, much
better, except that little cold had renewed her
cough" But she was now sadly changed | no.
ticed the expression of her mothers face, as she
looked upon her lovely child; and as heard the
gentle, soothing words, Mother, you are too
anxious for me, am much better, my heart sunk
within me with dread forebodings. feared that
permanent disease had fastened upon her.
X X Y X Y
The New Years day had come. 1t was a day
Of gladstone joy--frends were greeting friends
parents and children were gathered round the
Preside hearth to mingle their congratulations
and the village Of N. was re- oicing in the festiv-
tiles Of the season. But there was an upper
chamber in that village, which presented solemn
".ClC' AHSlC was d ioNCly, pedutllul Gun, WHom
scarcely twenty summers had ripened into wo-
manhood, who had grown up amid the fascina-
tons of the world the object of admiration and
love- the only child of her mother, and she a
widow-she had now come up and laid herself
upon the bed of death /! There was the ago.
nized heart-sricl1en parent, looking upon the was
ting away of all she loved on earth. There
We're kind and loving friends, and there was one
to whom this dear young girl had given her early
Iove-to whom she was afianced Oh, how they
all strive to keep strong her hold on life And
there were Christian friends who gathered round
her bed and bent their knees in fervent suppl
cation to the throne of mercy that the dear loved
one might live. But she for whom they wept and
prayed was calm--composed. She did not long
for life. She could leave the mother whom she
loved as her own soul--him to whom her heart
was pledged, and all those doating friends She
looked on all unmoved, and only desired of them,
and prayed that they might be reconciled to Gods