The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-11-14
From the Torrent.
Husking Scenes.
On THE COLONEL ouT-CoLoNELED.

BY MOSES A. ~cARTLAND.
IA ra her interesting hnsking incident is
suggested to me, which took place last
autumn, in the town of--no matter;
some ofmy readers will know. 1t actual
ly occurred; and as it happily illustrates
the good effect Of even one mans firm
ness, 1 will relate it.
Col. R., (who thought tho uso
TO be a Colonel, and wear a title, unless
he could exhibit some bravery in defend
ing and p%erpetuating his rights, ')got up
a husking to put down the tee totallers,
as he said. lie was stubborn-deter-
mined and trod his corn field like a
Wellington. He bow TO these cold wa
ter notions? Never-so he thought
His old flag should fly yet. lie had a
great mind t nail it to the-well
sweep! It should float proudly over the
villainous cold waterl Thus the Colonel
fought the battle in his own mind. TO.
night said he,'we'll have something to
cheer Us up From a groggery, near by
he procured a pretty liberal supply Of
what he deemed the '%needlui.' lie had
longec for an opportunity to bear up a
a stout rum lront Against the Washing.
tonians, and ridicule their labors. The
the time, he thought, had arrived. lie
invited his ~neighbors -teetotallers and
others. They came, the pledged and the
unpledged the former being quite nu-
merous. But the parties were equally
matched, and all in good humor. The
scene commenced. And shortly our he
no appeared, fourishing his bottled argu,
mems over the corr heap. Come said
he, there is something to keep the cold
out. Take hold, and pass it round AT
this moment, n ofthe staunch Wash
ingtonians, who was known as Uncle
Ben a firm, but kind hearted man and
very generally beloved arose, and ex-
claimed, in a very decided but respectful
tone-'Not a man here will put that bot
tie 10 his lips to night. 1t will bea dis
grace to any Of US. Let us set a better
example. The friends of Temperance
are honestly endeavorinR to assist their
n%eighbors TO reform. They don't wan,
to be tempted. They are we'll meaning
men and they know that we are Their
friends, We have always been kind to
them; they know that q few years ago
we oil drank together. But sone Of us
have given up the habit. We want all
our neighbors TO Join US, If they are will
ing, and have courage enough. Come
my lively boys he continued, raising
his voice, can't we husk this corn with
out ruml What say you for one trial o
your strength All Of you who are will
ing, will say Az. And there went up
Simultaneous voice from all present.
Every man was firm. COMPOUNDED ant
surprised, the Colonel retreated with hi
bottle 20 the house. We've cast out on
evil spirit TO night. said Esquire l.
And now, added another, let's all signth'
pledge and make a new stopper for his
bottle! Good calculated the company
who began to grow merry even wihou
the exhilirator. Uncle Ben had a pledg'
in his pocket, and was instantly up I
pass it round; for he was enjoying tn
scene finely. Well uncle, said one, yo'
are Oh your feet again CHI? Yes, yes, re
piled the old man jokingIy, a tee totalleI
is always on his feet. Down went nam
after name on the pledge, at the magi'
request Of that kind old man. He wa
acting Father Matthew; thanking then
for their decision, and giving them man.
an encouraging word. 1t went 10 thei
hearts. And all but two Of the unpledg
cd, walked CALAMITY into the Washingto
MAN ranks. And then music came wit
its soothing influence. Just as the Col
reentered the barn, they had commenced
singing most merrily-
Where's the Colonel with his bottls7
Where's the Colonel with his bOttlei
Where's tive Colonel with his bottle'
On the old corn heap! &C.
The music ard the glad faces were too
much for him. He was 'alone in his glo'
ry' He would have rather faced tn
British bsyone,s than the countenance
Of the cold water men. Their music
tones were very daggers. What could
military man do? Blu: he had a human
vein in his heart. He began to feel anc
sympathise, and at last to smile. Guess
we shall magnetic the Colonel, said one
May be, said another, he's had a few
passes from the bottle. Not at all, re-
turned he Indignantly. My plume nod.
owe no coward head. don't drink il
the closet. If you don't drink, | won't
BraveIy said, cried Uncle Ben; you be-
! gin to talk like a Colonel.
The evening hour was soon chattec
away. All were happy, and the worI
soon accomplished. They rallied to thu
house. A noble supper was in readi
ness. Uncle Ben patted the Colonel OF
his shoulder. Come, said he, let's hav'
your name on the pledge, and we'll TAXI
a cold meal together. You'll neve
meet a worse foe than alcohol, or win {
nobler triumph on the battle field. DON
H. Coloool Al L.: