Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-12-06

it had been by his father before him-and the graf
itude which he expressed to his Creator for the
merces which he had received, was not mere for
mula of unmcanng words, but came directly from
the heart.
On this day his chdreT were collected all a.
round him--and all anticipated Joyous Thanks
giving. Several of his distant relations who were |
not so well provided with the good things of this
life as the worthy Deacon, also accepted an invita-
ton to be present. Among those who were shell |
tered by his hospitable roof this OCCASION the
greatest lavorite seemed to be Mary Wadsworth, a
bue-eyed damsel, whose lovely and expressive face
told more about sweetness and purity than could
describe in a folio volume She only daugh
ter of the cousin of the worthy Deucon's, and at an
early age was deprived of her parents by DEATH
But Deacon Willis had been to her a parent-his
house had been her home-hs wife had treated her
with mothers kindness-and his children regard
cd her as sister and dear friend
| Mrs. Willis situation as a mistress of the fami-
ly, no sinccure on that day. Her duties were
various and mportant-for it was the Neio Eng
land Hoiidqy-and all her skill as housewfe-a
her eXcellences manager, was put to the test
on Thanksgiving day. After the family returned
! from meeting, for they were Of the old fashioned
sort who would almost soon loose their Thanks
giving dinner, as be deprived of the Thanksgiving
sermon, the table set in the large front parlor
which was wont to be done only on extraordinary
occasions and serious preparations for the festival
commenced. good fire, made of walnut and yell
low oak wood, burned cheerfully in the large open
fire place, and all the females belonging to the
house, were put in requsitlon TO bear the abund-
ance of the good things from the kitchen to the
parlor--and which, when deposited in their respec-
tive places, made the tables groan again.
At the end of the table was placed portly tur.
key, the choicest Of large and pampered family
at the other extremity, was deposited ham of
a size and flavor to make Wesphalan's eyes spar
kle with joy. On the centre was stationed, pluck
ed, roasted and ready for the carving knife, one of
those celebrated animals, which whilom saved
from the ravages ofthe Gauls, the capitol ofRome,
and which, in vulgar parlance, are yclcped geese
while here and there, scattered round the table, in
apparent dlsorder-but with deliberate care and
precision, were boiled fowls, roasted fowls, jelles,
knlckknacks, and plates of vegetables of more va
retes and excellence than would willingly I'M
dertake to enumerate while on the kitchen table,
arranged apparently as a corps de reScrre, might DC
seen stately plum pudding supported by several
enormous Thanksgiving pumpkin pies, with mince
pies, apple pies, squash pies, and custarl pies with
fruits Of various kinds, not forgetting nuts and APP
pies, to bring tip the rear. As beverage on this
happy occasion, tCater the only article provid-
ed-wuter brought from a clear and sparkling
spring, which bubbled up few rods from the house
for Farmer Willis contended that water was the
best drink, even on festive occasons-and that hi
larity and Joy should be promoted, not by wine or
strong drink of any kind, but by social commun-
ion, by free interchange of thoughts and ideas
by generous feelings, born and nurtured in noble
bosom.
. 1t was nearly two o'clock, long after their accus
toned hour Of dinner, before the assembled COM
pany were invited into the paror to partake of the
good cheer which had been so bountifully provided
And as the happy company stood around the table
waiting for their host to ask the Divine Blessing
upon the meal that placed before them, shade
e fitted across the good mans brow-for his eldest
= son, noble boy, absent Among the joyful
e faces which surrounded him. Edwards was moi
hRd @ lie hS FAD S o
a There good reason to believe that he was nc
longer in the land of the living-and although the,
still strove to cherish hopes IN each others bosoms
many and bitter were the tears of affection which
d had embamed his memory.
"My poor, dear boy I" exclaimed Mrs. Willis
! All, much fear we shall never see his smiling
n face again"
e Mary Wardsworth said nothing-but tear start
l. ed into her eye--and any casual observer woult
y have seen at once that Edward Willis was dearo
d to her than a cousin friend-and that she cher
shed his memory in the very depth of her heart.
a Just then old Bose, the house-tog, was heard t.
h. make some angry circumstances to passing trav
lie eler, which attracted attention. nasmuch as it wa
is by no means an ordinary occurrence for Bose wa
lie well nurtured brute, and seldom accosted well
IS dressed parsonage in rude and angry manner bu
a he entertained prejudices against the victims O
at misfortune or intemperance, who wear the garb O
lie poverty, which is cherished by nobler animals VIII
lit boast the attributes Of In truth, Bose, al
I'd though faithful dog, real aristocrat in hi
a. principles The traveller, from his appearance
r. moved in the humblest rank of life, and Bose ev
b. IDENTITY intended to give him reception correspor
ding with his shabby appearance, and was advar
ne cling towards him in surly manner, and with
1T truculent look, when Deacon Willis, who we
knew the peculiarlties Of his dog, told his so
lis James to go out and protect the stranger from vic
n. ence "He seems to be sailor too" said HI
ms sand on day like this, should not refuse tn
Oh rites of hospitality to the humbest being that pas
I'm SEES along the road. On Thanksgiving day, no il
ny dvidual rich or poor, sailor or landsmen Shout
nd want fer plentiful meal. Ask him in, my son
lg continued the noble hearted farmer, sand let Ii
We poor wayfarer take seat at our board"
Ply The stranger entered the parlor, and room VIZ
ght made for him at the table. But his appearance
ng and manner strange, and he seemed as if /
ed was but lldisposed to requte his host for the no
We pitaity he enjoyed. He did not raise his
nat iapdated hat from his head-and 10 the kind e
all quiries which were made ofhim, he scarcely deig
ice ed any reply-but if overcome by fatigue, or a
Jay itate by contendng emotions, he threw himse
zen into the nearest chair, and covered his brow wi
ell his hands
ks, The wondering group witnessed his conduct
tn silence. "Come now, my good man." at leng
The exclaimed Mrs. Willis, in kind, motherly tor
lde 81 dare say you tired and hungry-take sc
The at the table, and make yourself at home. We Ii
ore sailors and would gladly do you good turn
t | the sake of one who has long been absent, Do
see cry Mary-you should learn to restrain your fe'
one ings."
ar- Just then old Bose, who, when the sailor car
t in sight, was disposed TO regard him as an enen
lad appeared to have overcome his combative propen
g- ties, and much to the surprise of the childrC
OK seemed suddenly to have conceived the most live
attachment to the "poor sragger" He wagg
his his tail with unwonted energy, absolutely dane
,I,o II,