Litchfield enquirer., 1843-08-03
Anecao;e of washir y,on A,,ston.


 prominent traits of his beautiful character. --Connected with this characteristic is a re- markable incident in his early life, which has been related to us by one of his few in- tinaate friends. Fir. AastOu was Q member of the Episcopal church. Although in ear- ty life he was ever a constant attendant, he was not strongly attached tO religion, nor eminent for his piety. IL would be too much to say that he was ever an unbeliever, or even scepiic in his views, but he was wont to speak lightly of religious things, and even 10 enjoy jests at the expense of no. Iy subjects. His feelings however, under. went remarkable change, in consequence of singular event in his life, which made very strong impression, and was even regar- ded by him as u direct Divine interposition in his behalf. s.... ...
 Not long after his marriage with his first wife, the sister of the late Dr.. Charming, he made his second visit to Europe. After residence there of a little more than year. his pecuniary wants became very pressing and urgent-more so than at any other pe- riod of his life. He was even, at times, at loss for the means of purchasing the ne- ccssaries of life. On one of these occasions, as he himself used to narrate the event, he was in his studio. rcfiecting, with feeling of almost desperation, upon his condition.7- His conscience seemed to tell him that he deserved his atf1ic,ioDs, and drew them upon himself, by his irreligious neglect of reli- zion, and by want of due gratitude for past favors from Heaven. Ills heart, all at once, seemed filled with the hope that God would listen to his prayers, if he would offer up his direct expression of peni,ence, and ask for divine aid. He accordingly locked his door, withdreww to a corner of the room, threw himself upon his knees. and prayed for loaf of bread for himself aud wife,- While thus employed knock was heard at the door. A feeling of momentary shame at being detected in this position, and fec. ling of tear lest he might have been observ- ed, induced him to hasten and open the door. A stranger inquiries for Mir. Allslon. He is anxious to learn who was the fortu nate purchaser of the painting of ''the Angel Uriel," regarded by the artist as one of his master pieces, and which had won the prize at the exhibition of the Academy. He is told that it has not been sold. "Can it be possible! Not sold Where is it to be had 2" "In this very room. Hero 1t is," producing tho painting from corner and wiping off the dust. "Is it for sale! Can it be bought P was the eager inierroga,ory.-- "lt is for sale-but it's value has never vet 10 my idea ot it's worth, been aqeduately ap- would not part with it."- "Whut is it's price 2" "l have done affiXing any nominal sum. l have always, so far, exceeded my offers. leave it for you to name the price," '.Will tour hundred pounds be an adequate recompensc v Ut is more than l ever asked for it." "Then the painting is mine" The stranger intro duced himself as the Marquis of Stafford and he became, from that moment, one of thta n aSt fPipa,lar a rxfM Mr D,v :s>> A. was introduced to the society of the no. biiiy and gentry-and he became one of the most favored among the many gifted minds that adorned the circle to which he was thus introduced, but in which he never was fond of appearing often.
 The instantaneous relief thus afforded by the liberality of his noble visitor, was always regarded by Alston as a direct answer to his prayer, and it made deep impression upon his mind. To this event he was ever after wont to attribute the increase of devo. tional feelings, which became prominent trait in his character.
 A MOTHERS LovE.-On Sunday evening an aged and respectable looking matron, the mother ofthe murderer Green, who was re. gently sentenced to he hung in Columbus, Ga, passed through this city, having travel, ed from Baltimore, on her way to see, md commune with, and offer consolation to her wayward son in this hour of his extreme ad- versity. What q striking evidence of the devotion of mother for her offspring, and how beautifully coes it illustrate the truth of the writer who, aIludng to mothers love says: t
 "A mans mother is the representation of his maker. Misfortune and, even crime, set up no tarriela between her and her son. Whilst his mother lives, he will have one friend on earth who will not listen when he is slandered, who will not desert him when he suffers, who will solace him in hrs sorrow, and speak to him of hope when he is ready t0 despair. Her affection knows no ehbing tide-it flows from pure fountain, offering consolation or spreading happiness through all this vale of tears, and ceases only at the ocean of eterEity.-SarGnneh Chron.
 Gen. Tom Thumb, who recently at the Mn. scum in Boston, Is thus described by Dr. Smith, in his Medical and Surgical Journal: . .@.s.r ,t
 EXTRAORDINARY DwARF.-For some weeks past, there has been on exhibition at Mr. Kim. balls Museum, :n this city, a dwarf so small, so pert. SD active and intelligent, that we are unwilling to let the occasion pass without making permanent record of some parts of his history, which may perhaps be physio- logically impotttnt 10 some future medical writer. ...... 7,
 The name of this little miniature man, is Charles Stratton. though universally cog nominated Gen. Tom Thumb. We wero informed that hc was born in Lancashire, England, on the 4th of January, l632,- weighing ai birth, 9 lbs. and OF. Since he was six months old be is said not to have grown. He is now about p inches high.- Our informant asserts that the parents of this boy are Of the usual size. aud that they hn. chs Al.