Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1842-02-26

Mn. EpIroR-The following narrative is from
the pen of the late -, OF our town, (whose
name still lives in the "greenesf spot on memory'S
page.') Ifyou think it worthy of place in your
excellent paper, it is al your service. orc.
February Goth, ls42.
Unhappy she, the voriest wretch in life,
Whether dec,iv'd, reluctantly comLclld,
Or won by splendid views of aflluent ease,
Who enters Hymens temple with dru nkard.'
1t was small cottage, situated
on the eastern side of Shamokin. The rain
fell in torrents, and was urged to seek refuge
in the dreary habitation AS approached the
donr,l perceived on unfortunate, halfnaked
child peeping at Inc through the wide crcvices
of the cabin. At this sight, was impressed
with the belief that my visit could not fail to be
deagreeabe to the wretched family, and that
INV presence should cause the miserable inhabi-
tants to blush at their situation. l paused
but the rain came with increased violence, and
| was compelled to enter, however unwelcome.
raped at the door. No answer was re-
ccived; but bustle seemed to prevail within
! observed that lady retired to remote cor
ner of the house; and after remaining mo-
mcnt in profound stiffness, heard, in faint
and languid accent Come i'm With blush
ing reluctance obeyed. Upon opening the
door, n FLOOR OF EARTH was the first object
which attracted my attention. Without the
usual salutatons l stepped forward and sat
down upon three legged stool which stood
immediately before the fire. Not word was
uttered. At length turned myself upon the
seat, and with apparent carelessness surveyed
this uncouth dwelling and its solitary dwell.
lers.
There was no bed to be seen in the room.
A few rough boards, placed against the wall,
which served as a dresser; large table, and
an Al.shaped cradle principally constituted the
furniture. Three or four children, over whose
shoulders hung the tattered remains ofold gar
ments, wholly insufficient 10 cover their naked
ness, stood near, and with pltitul and anxious
looks gazed upon me, and seemed greatly to adj
mirc the chain ofmy watch, the buttons on my
clothes, &c. The scene was sufficiently i'm
pressive to have melted the heart of stole
The children were occasionally compelled tc
change their position on account OF the rain
which dashed in upon their nakedness. For &
similar cause was also several times compel
led 10 remove my stool.
Upon an occasional glance at the mother o
these truly miserable children who sat quietly
and in pensye dejectedness, in the iarthest cor
uer Of the room, covered with habilment O
rags, my heart became filled with commissera
ton aud pity. She was young, and Passin!
handsome. | could not suppress the idea that
"Some are bora- are do0md TO mourn"
would have inquired the cause OF their miser
abe situation, but did not wish TO discover I
them that entertained knowledge Of theI
wretchedness With cool Indifference mad
some observations respecting the state OF III
weather, the hour ofthe day, &c. My yremark
were answered with a correctness, with pre-
cison and scu,cness which greatly surpassed a
expectation. She evlnced desire to convers
upon subjects of which did not apprchend III
unfortunate but lovely woman had the slghte
knowledge. Her conversation convinced me tIi
she had been well educated-that she had see
better times discovered that she was
strict observer Of morality and religion tlF
she belonged TO the Society ofFrends-but th
to use her own expression, she had not heard
sermon for upwards of Eve years! After
no;nent OF deep silence she observed: Prob
bly, thee may think this negligence, and that
am ineXcusable; but, believe me, could n
leave my children, and indeed have not h;
clothes sufficiently good to render he fit to a
pear in decent colapaDy" Her voice tauit'
ed and her eyes flied with tears. She p,
cecded: My parents live m New Jersey,
few miles tran Trenton Their situation
different from mine; and never knew VII
lived with them what it was to want. Tho
are very few more wealthy or respectable p
pie in that state than my father, and Know
nv mother knew the condition am in at pr
cnt she would send me relief. II Is all ldlt
think scout going there, for my husband
not listen TO a word | say, and he seems
teraiaed to compel me and my children