The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-02-23
Mjscell n m G o " 8.
rrom the Phiadelp hia Courier.
ruE sTRA G E r GU L y L :
TALE OF OUR COUNTRY.
CHAPT Err 1.

cHAPTERI.
IA .,,,, bs close Of hot sultry day, in the
# ~ .,r Of September, at that period Of our ma.
w ' .a"', history, which has been so apdy termed
iu. that tried men g souls, that traveller
NTH fatigue and covered with dust, drew up
=. a,,,, steed before small collage in the south
....,o mart Of Virginia, and throwing the reins
M ". hs animals neck, dismouned, end demand
NJ 4 Sm old, gray-headed negro, who came for
M y.I fins master or mistress were in. He was
n ,hon, 70 answer, when the door opened, and mid
Assssd lady appeared .,..
81 a,ocd evening, madam" said the stranger, bow
& m, oOiteiy as he approached her; will you allow
& stranger to claim share of hospitality at your
A,Ods,~ | have ridden far to day through the heat
,Dd dust. and feel somewhat sick and faint. Ifyou
,ll accommodate me, l shall feel greatly Obliged
4 aCerainy" was the response, you are quite wei
come to what little hospitality our house can afford
\ in these times. Walk IN"
\ He banked her kindly; and giving his horse in
charge of the servant, with the Injunction to take
4 rOd care of the faithful animal, he followed his
3 hostess into the house. He was ushered into u
sau but neatly furnished pailor, whcro sat young
"A Nd, engaged with her needle. She was apparent t.
a y about seventeen years fage, and, as she rose
$ from her seat as he entered, displayed form OF
exceeding gracefuness and beauty. Her eyes were
dark and ustrOus, and her hair ola jetiy, shining
black contrasting finely with her high and open
bruv, white as the driven snow. Her checks we're
db with The rich bloom OF health, which niantlcd
wuhen like the soft tints of the bIushing rose;
whistler lips of ruby red, and teeth of pearly
whteaMed to The lovely and bewitchng express.
sion finer countenance.
"LCcy, said The elderly lady, "seo to preparing
'ome supper for This gentleman" oi l''
y IKE young woman left the room to nbey, whilst
MIS-. FeV,cscue for such was The lady's name
rat down will, her guest. He remained fer some
y moments in si'oHoc, and lights had by this time
sfeu brought in, ,ta had the Opportunity Of exam.
#nwe his looks
u''a' ofa tall majestic dguro, and, isom the
'PPaHnce ofhis head, which was somewhat sill
's''d was between forty and fifty years Of age.
aet~" was open and serene; his forehead high
f4 Ipanslve; and his eyes which were OF a clear
gg beomed with an expression of benevulence
mIdnesa, which difnsed itself oyer his whole
"mbOanee. His lips We're firm and com pressed,
s''as energy and determination of character:-
nhs embrowned, sun burnt vsage bespoke him
N0Hnnger to wind and weather. He was dressed
sho fashion of the times, though in manner
'@belokened him to belong to the higher class Of
"eeY. HIS coat Of fine broad cloth was trimm ed
hlheold lace aEd1his breeches, which were dark
's's' were fastened at his knees by buckles of
0e same metal, finely wrought, His hair was
worn 10 cue, and powdered, as was the custom;
Een'hman Of that period was, that instead OF the
'u"'y worn sIken hose and shoes, his legs were
1''Sed IN pair of military top boots. Yet though
A' monuments were of the finest materials there
''N0 appearance fioppery or pride; indeed the
'''"S'' OF MS person, and surprising dignity Of
W eON'sN'nce, precluded any necessity tor vain 1
eeraiuns
''m' he observed,fo the first time breaking
H., isaw IN my ride to-day that the ruthless
an ;" war las left no light impress upon your
'~lon Of the country" "a
nm a", .ns reckless and daring soldiery of Brit
,,;1 unions Of a,yrant ,--have DESTROYED and
hsu, ivory 'nIng waste before them. I myself,
Mi, .ns 'oSer; out of several large plantations
aNn" sup Vi 'aho' ~ all mat re-
uv,., -.|aa' Nagq a6 ijs a
Nv "a'e indeed been loser" a R.y n
I'M. '"' yetsliil God, at the end of this hor-
np,f give back to me my son, shall feel
ahn ,oo,' 70 express sufficiently my gratitude
lion vi' a'u ness and mercy:" and the good mat
sN, fsu 'As tears from her eyes as she spoke.
I'd =" 'ne army then, suppose," he inquir
desdon, y. 10 Is engaged in the sacred cause Of
by ,Da s ne Is fighting for the liberty of his coun.
tents, .t 'sVenge the deaths OF our Lucy's pa
ooa atte S Se'e cruelty murdered in cold blood
10 il, ,na1 %e war commenced. He has sworn ID
hher. vi. Inow no will, he has the spirit or his
piopprs,.o "ad ne lived to witness these scenes
A, dstsa a'on would gladly have sold his life in
She D,ns . VI The nations rights gaI
aR,. '0r moment, aud then resumed "a
Pnas, The maps SIR have been imprudent in thus
Rey my nj '',emen. of my feelings, speaking o.
Fm ho9, mind to stranger, yet viii .rus, q
of,he oDna'i gentleman, even though you m may
sa,D rf''''e party, ,Qor Their. are few gen
Res, ,,." ,aem) not to harm a widow" ''
"adam," returned the stranger