Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-05-11
MISC ELL A N E OU S.
From the UniontoUn Democrat.
THE ORPHAN WOOD-CHOPPEI

NE oRI llAN NOOD-OIloEE En-
About fifteen or eighteen years ago, family re-
sided in Fayette county, the father and mother of
whom, died of an epidemic then prevalent, leaving
three children, two sons and a daughter, in for =
lorn and destitute situation. BY this melancholy
event, the management and support of the family
chiefly rested on the elder BROTHER then about Is
years age. Brought up to industry by his poor
and pious parents, he did not for a moment des-
pair, but that the Almighty who had deprived them
of their earthly protector, for a purpose known
only TO himself, would watch over them in their
trlendless and destitute situation, and provide for
them, with proper industry on their part At
that time, the chopping OF wood at the furnaces
offered the most constant employment, and he
could have the company and assistance OF his lit
tie brother and sister to whom he was much at
iachcd. Having left the small log cabin which
had beenio many years occupied by their parents,
and which was endeared to them by the recollec-
ton ofmany past events, they betook themselves,
with their little ALL to the coaing ground ofa neigh
boring farmer, and became the tenants of n cheer
less tenement, compared with the one they had
left During the day, the elder chopped wood,
and the younger assisting as far his strength
would permit, while the sister attended to the do
mestic concerns of theii hut. In the evening" and
OH days when the weather would not admit of out
door employment, the elder brother who had re-
ceived a tolorable English education in the after
time of his parents, taught the brother and sister
and his exertions not spent in vain, as the
quel will show.
With economy and proper management, at the
expiration Of few years, they had accumulated a
small fund in money, and upon consultation, they
determined TO invest it in piece of Western land.
At that time the attention of emigrants was drec-
ted, principally TO Indiana, offering the greatest
inducements. Thither then, the elder brother
was to go, for the purpose OF locating home.
Having taken an affectionate leave of those he
most dearly loved on earth, he departed to the
Monongahea river, where lie Obtained passage
on fiat boat bound for Cincinnati, and in due
time arrived at that place in safety. lie was then
directed to seek the Wabash Country, for the most
fertile lands in the state. Early the next morning
he set out for Vincennes, where the principle Land
Officer for thar region was then located. Little
experienced in journeyng on foot, and buoyed up
with the pleasing idea of getting home for him
self and those whom he had left some hundred
miles behind but whose welfare and happiness,
identified with his own, kept place in his recol-
lecton-he pushed On al a rate, too great for even
an accomplished Pedestrian to Withstand. His
ankles became swollen aud his feet much blister
ed. Aware of his scanty means and his great de-
sire to accomplish his end, he felt unwilling Ia
lose tilne and continuing, aggravated the imped
ment, until he was scace able even TO hobble a.
long.
Thus ituated he became depressed in spirits
and almost ready to sink under dependency, wher
he was opertaken on the road by plain, farmer
looking gentlemen on horseback. The horseman
upon coming up, thus accosted him IN a benevo.
lent aud kind manner, Young man you appear
lame and not well calculated TO make much pro.
gress on youi Journey" To which the young
:nan replied, informing him the ause OF his lame
ness-that he was bound for the land olice at Vim
cennes, for The purpose OF entering piece of land
as n home Tor himself and younger brother and
sister, whom he had left orphans in Fayette cour.
", Pennsy vania, but that he almost despared OF
reaching it in his present crippled situation. The
gentleman on horseback quickly replied - We
have the same destination, ! am also bound fol
Vincennes; il is yet twenty miles--here moita
my horse and ride him thilher, am much more
able to walk than you, in your disabled situation
The young man after urgent solicitation, pnceo
himself IN the saddle, aud The plain gentleman
took It foot the rest OF the distance TO Vincennes
where they arrived about nghla
In the morning the stranger again accosted the
young man,- You told me yesterday on your
journey, that your object was 10 enter a niece OF
land. have some knowledge OF this country. its
location and advanlages--if you will accent INV
aid, will go with you to the land office and selec
piece for you. 1t will save you good deal Of
trouble and some expense The offer was cheer
fully accepted, and they proceeded to the Office
and disappointment OF the young man when h,
came to pay the money TO the receiver, to leari
the amount was deficient five dollars, owing to
counterfeit TO that amount. "A friend in need i
friend indeed The stranger perceiying the di
lemma of the young man. Immediately said - b
- ofgood cheer-you informed me that YOU are al
orphan that you have come several hundred
miles in search OF o home for yourself and brotbe
ana sister You shall not he dlsappone,l--it give
me pleasure to ussist the orphan and destitute. =
Here are ten dollars which will enable you to cea