Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-12-06
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Boston Mercantile Journal.
A THANKSGIVING STORY.

1t was bleak day in the month of November
The north wind howled mourniully through the
leahess trees-the broken clouds fitted rapidly a.
cross the face of the Heavens-and the whole face
Of n2g-e ia qsPe &c shfeGfs e and drs o
the closing scenes in the great drama of lfe-as
traveller, with weary steps, vending his solitary
way through one of those beautiful hamlets which
abound in New England-and which constitute the
noble ornaments emblems of freedom peace and
happiness, of which she is justly proud.
To Judge from his costume, this traveller be-
longed to the humbest ranks of llfe-or had been
singled out as a victim by misfortune. His coarse
straw hat, his patched doublet and his canvass trou
sers, soiled by tar in many places-whle they
proclaimed his occupation, and his poverty, seemed
but poorly calculated to protect him from the in
clemeney Of the weather. His form was cast in
noble mould, denoting great activity and strength.
His manly features, bronzed by exposure to the
tropical sun, and partly concealed from view by his
luxurant locks of coal black hue, showed that he
was still in the dawn of manhood And his eyes
seemed lighted up 9th an intelligent spirt-by a
CLEAN of expectation and hope, which showed that
his humble fortunes did not accord with his noble
nature--and that however severely fate had dealt
with him, his energies were still unbroken- and
that maugre the chill northern blast, and the ia
tigues which it was evident he had recently under
gone, he resolved to push onward until the OBJ
ject which he had in view, was accomplished
at is now three years." said he to himself as he
plodded along the road, "since very foolshly left
my happy home, urged by pique, and love for
life of adventure, to brave the hardshps and peril:
of the ocean. Since then my life has been con
slant series of misfortunes. have met with storms
on every tack. But thank Providence. although
my canvass is sadly reduced and pretty well worn
out, and my pockets are destitute of balast--my
hull is unlmpared and my spirits unbroken ant
buoyant as ever. hope my parents are still living
and prosperous and happy-I was fool to leave
them And my brothers and ssteg-how happ,
we were together-and cousin Mary that brigh
little fairy, whom loved with love surpassn!
that of cousns-n whose company have passe
so many rapturous hours Oh, was fool to eav
such blissfu scenes. And believe after all, tina
the little fairy loved me | know she did--she al
but told me so. But it is too late now to retrac
my steps-I can only retrace my folly. dare sa
the bright and joyous young thing has forgotte
Ned Willis, and was married to some worher fel
low than am long since. For her rosy cheeks
laughing eyes, and sweet disposition, to say moth
ing of the property she to inherit when sh
came of age, attracted many admirers and mad
sad havoc among the hearts of the youths of tn
village. Well, if she is married. there is no nor
to be said have no right to complain But
hope she has chosen good husband. / will sc
her once more-wish her long life and happy on
and away to sea again. But if she is not ma
red--" lie did not finish the sentence, but
change came over the countenance of the i'll ella
and weather-beaten mariner, as if he was indul!
ing in a vision ofrapture, and he involuntary qucl
ened his pace.
AS Edward Willis journeyed onward towards h
home, anticipating by turns happy and adverse 70
tune, he was surprised TO find that although it WI
in the middle of the week, there were no signs
labor among the inhabitants. All was quiet eve
the oxen were browning contentedly in the pasture
the school.houses were closed, and the meeting
houses were open-the people whom he met we
neatly arrayed in their Sunday clothes, and the
countenances were wreathed with smiles of graz
tude and joy. On enquiry, he learned that 1t W
THANKSGIVING DAY. He hailed the information
glad omen
On the day when this poor, forlorn looking ira
eller after years Of wandering, was pursuing /
way towards his native village, the fire burn
brightly on the hearthstone of his parents DE
con Willis was .New England Farmer--a m
who, by cherlshlng the virtues of industry and fl
gality, had become possessed of handsome pre-
erty-and who, enjoying a competence in fl
country, protected by wise government, surrou
ded by kind ard intelligent neighbors and in t
midst of happy and vrtuous family, envied n,