The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-12-27


be comfortably slowed away in two eds. All, but
you perceive not all the convenience of the place.
Yonder is ladder. It leads to the lort-that
is the resting place FOR the two older boys. They
need not, like the scientific Ferguon, go into the
open fields to watch at the stars, for the openings
through the unshingled roof are so many loop holes
for the embryo astronomer. The rain and snow may
give them some trouble but these only rihes to
the buckeye boy. They were carly Injured to hard
ship, and taught by their brave mothers, they were
well prepared for the trials and emergencies incident
to a country. Little has been said Of those no.
BILE women who accompanied the early Settlers
Their unknown in romance or in song burt
their need Of praise (and ought any woman ask
more y is, that ''iheir children rise up ard call
them blessed.' have said that these cmisrants
were all united in feeling and in action. Most oil
them were adventures, energetic spirits, determined
TO seek and find fortune. Industry was the watch
word Of all-and when trees to be elled stumps
rooted out, log cabins rolled up, TO be planted,
and lands TO survey, who could be idle? But
there exceptions. As the Indians ceased
to trouble them, and pitched their wgwams further
towards the setting sunand the rich land began to
yield abundant crops, then temptations presen
and danger, were yet willing to reap when days of
peace came.
Soon after the garrison was deserted-thc houses
began to be erected in different parts of the valley
there was quite commotion in the settlement occa-
stoned by the arrival of family. AS the boat neared
the shore group was collected to receive them, the
men in their flannel rocks hunting Shirts and the
women i'll their fustan gowns and check aprons. But
careless Of personal appearance, they were impatient
ly waiting to welcome the strangers, for any pill
grim from New England hailed a brother from
home.
A number of ladies were disccrned in the stern,
and one by her comma nding figure and richer dress
attracted their attention. AS she stepped from the
boat to the plank, she supported by gentleman
in the garb of an officer who appeared to be her
brother.
A veil partly concealed her features though it
could not wholly hide the glances ola full black eye,
she raised her head TO gaze at the crowd. The gem
tleman inquired for the house of General Putnam,
and being directed, passed quickly with his fair
charge-much to tie disappointment Of the wonder
ing dames and if truth be told less to the chngrn
of some of the lords Of creation, for the bewitching
glance Of pair Of fine eyes had made them wish
for further view Of the fair face which they had
belonged.
Days passed and little was known of the strangers,
save that the gentleman, who proved to be the
ladys BROTHER had been sent out by the government
TO transact business with the Surveyor General His
sister his only remaining relative and being dis.
! family connected with General Putnam she plac-
ed under his care. She seemed stud ously to avoid
intercourse with the inhabitants and when reluctant
ly compelled by circums tances to become II partaker
Of their festive gatherings, it task rather than
pleasure. While her brothers. merry laugh and
cheerful manners made him a welcome guest in the
humbes cabin, her hauteur seemed to chill even the
happest hearts around her, like sudden frost upon
the farest flowers. Her dress rich arr tasteful,
and Der black HAIR formed fine contrast TO her fair
complexion The first glance prom ounced her bcau
full, the second detected want of breadth and expan
sion in the forehead the third discovered 'Je sails
quot in her air and manner which made hin turn
with pleasure to the open browed nnsophNNcated
damsel at his side.
Such was Martha Ellis at her first introduction to
western society. Her father was originally an indus
trious, plodding shoemaker, but by great fugaiy
CURED ealth, married into poor but aristocratic
family and died of the richest merchants in New
York. Martha lost her mother in early life, but not
until she had mblbed some peculiar notions with re-
gard to the distinction s. Importance to which wealth
would ent;tle her.
! Her father saw them with regret, and would often
point her to his shoema1er's bench and tools, which
he carefully preserved the day of his death, as
nemento of the way in which he was enabled to pro
| cure her the Injuries of life. But while Mar ha in
herted her mothers pride and beauty, Henry possess
ed the liberal views of his father united to the refine
ments of education. lie loved his sister devoedly,
and when he followed the remains OF his inherio the
grave she seemed be the only resting place of his
| affections. 1t was returned with all the warmth of
which selfish and proud heart is capable, warmth
like that Of the sun in winter, which falls oblqne
ly upon the heart that it awakens sleeping flower
to beauty and though gds. scarcely mets the sur
face of the pondaniscicle. Through the urgent en-
treaties of her brother she persuaded TO accom-
pany him to Marietta, little dreaming but that she
should find a select cotcrie, circle OF exclusives