The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-07-15
Miscellaneous,
The Two Purses.


THE HIGH-wAYMAN,' SC.
Boston, tho Athens Of America, the Yankee city,
tho city of notions, most of my readers doubtless
know from personal observation be thus appropriate
ly named The first title she merits, in cousid Grafton
Of the liberal encouragement of literature and the fine
arts; the second too, for the peculiar genius and
character Of her population and though IRE may look
upon the backwoodsman of New England as the real
specimen of the Yankee, the native Bostonan is the
acknowledged representative of the tribe (if may so
speak, } abroad; and the third title is mered from
the never-tiring inventive genius Oft inhabitants
Possessing population Of nearly hundred and
twenty thousand, she is yet free in great measure
compared with her sister cities in the Union, from the
horde of vices and evil customs that prevail at the
South and West The gambler here accomplishes
his purpose in secret; there are no public billiard
rooms, masquerade balls, Of infamy and
though all these evils exist in greater or less degree
in all largely populated places, yet thoy SO
hidden not to before the eye Of innocence or
tempt those who do not take the preliminary steps to
vice.
Boston, courteous reader the Yankee city of Mas
sachusetts Bay, shall be the locale of our tale
There is portion of the part Of The town here
as in London, occupied by the more opulent of the
Delhg Tue immaculate nelghDOThOou oil
the noble park Common, as it is called which is
unsurpassed in extent and beauty by any grounds Of
Il similar character in the country. Within its iron
enclosure, there is for the famous Park of New
York city, and the Battery attached; and you might
throw in few Of the largest squares that ornament
the Quaker city Of brotherly love, and yet find
for the silvery lake that ornaments its CENTRE and
plenty ofspace FOR promenading. The vicinity is the
aristocralc section Of the CITY, You will find this
spirit Of pride arstocracy to consist Of the in
gradients that constitute that grade of society in the
old country; there birth alone establishes the claim
10 distinction, while here the most potent agent,
money, is all powerful. All, in the boosted free
country, gold is the leveller of all ranks, forming for
ITSELF Kingdom from out Of Republic, which it
rules with rod ofron, though in this Yankee city,
genius and intellect are far more readily appreciated
than in other parts Of the State.
1t was a cold winters night, and the wind whstled
shrll through the bare limbs Of the giant trees that
lined the Mall The ground covered with snow,
upon whose sparkling surface the light of the
fell with dazzling spendor, studd,ng tho encrus,ed
ground with brilliant diamonds. AS the Old South
Clock struck nine, youdg man closely wrapped in
his cloak, sought the shade of one of the large
numerous carriage loads of gully dressed people of
both sexes, who entered of the princely houses
in Beacon street. Through the lichly stained glass
windows the gorgeous light issued in steady food,
accompanied by the thrilling tones Of music from a
full band; the house Illuminated at every point seem
cd crowded with gay and happy spirits. The stran-
ger still contemplated the scone-hs cloak which I'M
Ill now had envelopcd the lower part of his features,
had fallen discovering face of striking manly beau
ty, full dark eye, with arching brows, and short
curling hair, as dark the ravens pumage, set off
to great advantage his Grecan style Of feature be
coming, decided and classical appearance to the.
whole face. The naval button upon his cap showed
him TO belong to that branch Of our national defence
Shall enter,' said he thoughtfuly to himself,
and feast my eyes upon charms can never possess?
Hard fate, that should be bound by the Iron
chains of low birth and poverty. Yet am | man,
and have soul as noble the best Of them. We
will see, he said, and crossing to the gay scene,
he entered the hail. He off his overshoes hand
ed his coak ard cap to servant, and unanEounced,
mingled with the beauty and fashion that throngcd
the rooms Gradually making his way among The
crowd, he sought group in whose contre stood a
bright and beautiful being, the queen in loneliness Of
that brilliant assembly. The 'boods' Of the West
End thronged about her, seeking for an approving