Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1842-03-10

toll and privation. His son was endow.
cd by nature with great energy, and Q
frmness Of purpose which showed il
self whilst yet child; for he became
the terror of his playmates, and the
tyrant Of all about him. His education
was neglected for his father would
have shuddcrod to spend money on it,
His example pointed out to his son,
that 20 get riches was tho sole aim OF
life and his precept was, to guard
them at the risk Of all but life; and to
habituate his heir to follow his example,
he forced him to earn even the pittance
for his pocket money. Peter was an
apt scholar at an early age he had
actually put his savings out TO interest ;
and his father was so delighted at this
trait, that he doubled the amount to
confirm him in the habit. That same
night the msor died. Was it this soil
tary instance Of libcrality that did vio-
lence to his nature and destroyed him ?
During a severe illness, some years
before, old Benson lfad been advised to
make his will and he had even con
sented to send for lawyer, who, hav-
ing gone through the usual preamble,
waited for the clients instructions; but,
after long pause, ventured to ask the
sick man, to whom he wished to be-
qucalh his property. The sufferer
started up wildly in his bed, cxclain-
ing
wish to bcqueath II wish 10 be-
queaih my property meter, man,
never! What give my lite's blood
my souls recomponse and, added
he, (as if struck by the danger of hav.
ing admitted to stranger his posses.
sion of wealthy what have i, a hard
working man, to bequeath y
And so he died without a will, and
Peter Benson found himself heir; and
as he thought, without any one to inter
fcro with his administration Of thi:
wealth. But he was one morning sur
prised by the receipt of letter iron
his mother, whom ho had been lead t,
suppose died during his infancy, and o
whom his father never made mention
Interest being the reigning principle O
this youth IS heart, il was upon that h'
reflected, ere he allowed himself to
grieve or rejoice at this unexpected
news. His mothers existence nigh
be of incalculable value to him; for a:
minor he could not take out letters o
administration, and he dreaded having
a guardian appointed by law. His mo-
ther being alive, he understood, nigh
render such step unnecessary. But
then, it was said she would have righ
to the property. OF This fact, Ire hope'
to keep her ignorant; but as no coult
not deceive her as TO the amount o
wealth, would she not expect TO be in
dulged in an expenditure suitable TO it
And he groanod as he thought how THU
would diminish the proceeds of the
concern. His father had vegetated
(and that sparingly,) he had never dar
ed to live.
4 Peter was puzzled as to how h'
should reply to his mothers letter with
out committing himself or his property
AT length, he thought II would be bes
to 90 TO her; if she came TO town hi
might be expected to fetch her-so th'
EXPENSE must be incurred, and by get
ting il over at ouCe, he would be abl
to Judge better Of her disposition an
capabilities to render her an eligible
guardian, az far as the name went, o
his interests during his minority--th'
real control Of them he intended shoul'
remain in his own hands--and he fel
the coach fare almost an excusnblo ex
pense, as ne reflected on tho advsma
gcs TO which his journey might lead.
His mother was poor, sickly look
ing woman, whose spirits had been Sc
crushed by tyranny, that she hardl,
dared speak to her own child. Hi
personal resemblance to his iathe
made her treDble, and IL was not Ion,
before she perceived tho rescmblanc
was not merely personal. He utierc'
no grief for his lost, nor Joy for lis foun
parcnt--money, gain, saving, were aI
he could talk upon; aud when, on bid
ding her good night, he said
'Moiher. I shall never die happy un