The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-01-17
BY HISE & OSMAN.
From the Boston Mercantile Journal.
a E'hauiS..syin. HterV.

fully through the leaaess uees-the bro
ken clouds tlil!lng rapidly across the face
Of the heavens-and the whole face Of ma
ture assumed an aspect, cherries and I'M
comfOrtable-well calculated to remind
the moraist Of the closing scenes in the
great drama of ,lile---as a traveller, with
weary steps, wended his solitary way
through one Of those beautiful hamlets
which abound in New England, and
which constitute the noble ornaments,
embems of freedom, peace and happiness,
Of which she is justly proud.
To Judge from his costume, this travel
Ter belonged TO the humbIest walks of life,
or had been singled out as victim 6y
misfortune. His coarse straw hat, his
patched doubel, and his canvass trousers,
sollad by tar in many places, while they
proclaimed his occupation, and lis power
~, seemed but poorly calculated to pro-
tecthim from the incIemcncy Of the wealh.
or. His form, cast in a noble mould, de-
noted great activity and strength His
manly features, bronzed by exposure to
the tropical sun, and partly concealed
from view by his luxuriant locks of coal
black hue, showed that lie was still in the
dawn Of manhood. And his eyes seem.
cd lighted up with an intelligent spirit
by CLEAN of expectation and hope,
which showed that his humble fortunes
did not accord with his noble na.ure-and
that however severely fate had dealt with
him, his energies were still unbroken-
and that maugre the chill northern blast,
and the falgues il was evident he had re-
Gently undergone, he was resolved to push
onward until the object which he had in
view, was accomplished.
1t is now three years said he to him
self, as he plodded along the road, 'since
very looIishly left my happy home, ur.
ged by .pique, and love for life of
adventure, to brave the hardships and per-
lis Of the ocean. Since then my life has
been a constant series Of misf0rtunes.
have met with storms on every tack. But
shank Providence, although my canvass
IS sadly reduced and pretty we'll worn out,
and my pockets destitute of ballas,-my
hull is unimpaired and my spirits are UNI
broken and buoyant as ever. hope my
parents arc still living, and prosperous and
happy was fool TO leave them. And
my brothers and sisters-how happy we
were together--and cousin Mary, tina,
bright little Mary, whom loved with
love surprising that Of cousins--in whose
company have passed SO many raplur-
GUS hours Oh, was a fool to leave
such biissIul scenes. And believe after
all, that the little fairy loved me Iknow
she did-she all but told me so. But il
is too late now to retrace my steps--I can
only retrace my folly. | dare say the
bright and joyous young thing has forgot
ten Ned Willis, and was married to some
wolthier fellow than | am long since.
For her rosy checks, laughing eyes, and
sweet disposition, TO say nothing Of the
property she was TO inherit when she
came Of age. attracted many admirers, and
made sad havoc among the hearts of the
youths of the village. Well, if she is
married, there is no more TO be said-l
have no right TO complain. But hone
she has chosen good husband. will
see her once more--wIsh her a long life
and happy onc--and away to sea again.
But if she is not marricd--.' He did
not finish the sentence, but change came
over the countenance Of the il-cIad and
weather beaten mariner, as if he was in
dulglng in vision of rapture, and he in
voluntarily quickened his pace.
AS Edward Willis journied onward to-
wards his home, anticipating by turns
happy and adverse fortune, he was sur
prised to find that although it was in the
middle of the week, there were no signs
OF labor among the inhabitants. All was
quiet; even the oxen were browsing con-
tentedly IN the pastures, the school.houses
were closed, aud the meeting houses were
open-ihe people whom he met were
neatly arrayed in their Sunday clothes,
and their countenances were wreathed
with smiles OF gratitude and Joy. On en-
quiry, he learned that it was THANKsoIv-
ING DAY lie hailed The information as
a glad oul,u.
On tie dy when this poor forIorn
looking traveller after years of wandering,
was pursuing his way towards his native
village The tire burned brightly on the
hearlh-stone of his parents. Deacon Will
lis was a NeO England Fanner-a man
who, by cherishng the virtues of indus
try and frugali'y, had become possessed
OF handsome property, and who, enjoy
ing competence in free country pro.
tected by wise government, surrounded
d. l.. a