The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-07-17


was ornamented with the feathers of birds.
The others were entirely naked. The chief
appeared to be very friendly. and remalued
conversing by signs with our Captain about an
hour, when he got into his canoe and Joined
the rest of the natives, aud all departed for the
shore TO the Westward. In about three hours
four Of the canoes were again seen approaching
us, and in one Of these was the same chief who
had visited us in the morning. They landed
without fear and came directly towards our
tents, bringing with them the four quarters Of a
deer, with quantity Of corn, such as we had
never seen before. This was indeed a feast to
us, who had so long been without fresh provis-
ions. They were very free in examining every
thing which they could lay their hands upon
but seemed perfectly honest, taking nothing
but what was given TO them. In reply to our
signs, whether game was plentiful in the woods,
aud whether we should be allowed TO hunt, a
ready assent vas given by their chief. We
therefore resolved 10 remove to what appeared to
be the main land, and the next morning small
party was dispatched over TO the East side Of
the river. The land looked more lux,itiant
here than il did TO the Westward, aud We Sc
lected spot directly opposite to our former
quarters, about a quaner of mile from the
shore, where the land was high, COM
manding full view Of The surrounding coun-
try, with plenty of wood and water. IL likewise
possessed the advantage of broad sea view,
so that II any vessel should approach the Shores
we might with our cannon attract their attention
On explaining our intentions to the chief he
gave ready assent, and when he left US he
informed US by sigma that he and his people
were going up the river, and should not return
for some time. We concluded that we would
not remove many OF our things from the island.
until we had constructed buildings for our own
accommodation, and a store house for the
goods we had saved from the ship. This did
not take long; our houses being constructed Of
logs roughly hewn, aud piled one upon the
other. the cracks being filed up with dirt. The
woods abounded with game. aud the water.
with fish of the mos, delicious kinds, 80 tha
we were at no loss for the neccssares Of life.
Imust nov direct your attention to what, ndi
our misfortunes; namely, the loves of Agne,
and young Seagreaves. Since the misfortune
OF the wreck, their affection for each other had
ceased TO be secret. Situated as they were
no obstacles wefe thrown in their way by hel
father; aud indeed, Don. Castro seemed al
ready to consider Seagreaves as his son. And
well worthy was he Of being so; well worthy
was he Of the fair being, who loved him with
all the devotedness of young aud fond heart.
Cut of from all civilized society, they were en-
deared the more to each other. Theirs was
that pure love which is so seldom found among
the inhabitants Of the busy world. Indeed, ]
have often thought that love in its native purity
cannot exist in the hustle Of society Re-
straint produces deceit; the flashing eye is cast
down the sigh Of pleasure is suppressed; the
smile that tells Of love and mutual affection,
dies uniformed upon the lips, withered by the
cold restraints Of custom. II dies like the flow
cr Of spring, that, tempted by few sunny days
{ puts forth its sweetness "to the desert air,
then falls before the chilly blasts Of an ungen
ial season. II was not 50 with the loves of Sea
= greavc and Agnes. They could wander beneath
, the shade Of the forest trees and no cold ey,
turned with scorn on their mutual endear
uents. No pying ear could listen to theii
r fondly uttered words Of ahection-words only
meant for the ear Of the loved one. Oh who
can doubt Of their happiness, among these
scenes Of nature +; where he had first openly
confessed that he loved, and received in re-
T turn the confession that his love was met with
passion as sincere and ardent as his own.
Where he had for the first time casped her to
his breast and vowed no earthly power should
separate them. Like the Oasis ia the desert is
that hour ia mans life when he hears the first
whispered confession Of woman's love. lie no
longer lives for himself alone, but his very life
becomes intcrwovcn with another's-in that Of
a being who is every thing to him-to whom
he !. every thing. And in that hour OF chaste
and virtpous pleasure he mentally VOWS, that
no care, nor sorrow, which he can avert, shall
ever pale the cheek, or dim the lus,re oil the
eye, OF. her whom he loves. Care. sickness and
sorrow may come, pass away, and be forgotten !;
but the memory Of that hour, never. Engrav-
ed on the heart, that will still remain. as the
one green spot in the wide waste Of memory.
i IL was now the middle Of June we had
been wrecked about ten weeks, and during that
time had been visited by several bands Of
Indians, who had all behaved 10 peaceful and
friendly manner They accompanied our pro-
pie frequently in their hunting excursions; /;
showed them the best hunting grounds, aud TO-
s,ructed them in their way taking the differ
en-, kinds Of game. In these excursions Sea-
gresves, in consequence Of his great skill in the
use Of the English long-bow, was a great ia
yorite with them. They likewise furnished us
with corn for seed, and instructed usi the man.
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