The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-12-11

Inc following extract from Ieter III
the New York Mirror, contains The story
of an incident almosl 100 romantic for be-
liel in these practical days:-
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9Th, 1915.
Among the many new publications Of
the day you have doubtless noticed vol~
ume OF Poems from The pen of Lydia Jane
Pierson, entitled I" Forest Leaves" The
lady resides on beautiful farm situate in
the midst of a dense forest, in one Of the
northern counlies OF Pennsylvania. From
her secluded retreat she sends forth her
sweet warblings with truthfulness to the
scenes around her, and to the emotions OF
the human heart, that cannot fail 10 delle ht
all who take pleasure in the "reminiscences
of the rural scenery of by-gone years.
Mrs. Pierson has been distinguished ior
many years as contributor TO various
magazines throughout The United States.
There is an interesting story connected
with this lady; and as |! shows the mans
ner in which she was provided with a
home, it may be useful 10 some Of your
poetical friends to put them in the way Of
following in the footsteps of the fortunate
authorizes. A number Of years ago when
the best talents of Pennsy wanna We're call
ed into requision to establish a system of
Common Schools for the general educa-
ton of the people, Thaddeus Stevens,
distinguished lawyer of the Stale, made a
mastery speech in the Legislature in ia
vor of education. Judge Ellis Lewis,
who is, you know, dsting uishsd for his
learning and ability as a Jurist, was at the
time President of several Literary Insti-
tutions, and was also zealously engaged
in promoting the cause of education by
delivering literary and scientific lectures.
About this time powerful production in
Poetry, in favor OF education from the pen
OF Mrs. Pierson, made its appearance, and
gave new impetus 10 the cause. Judge
Lewis made immediate inquiry concern
ing the lady's situation in life, and ascer-
tanned that al one lime she had been in
good circumstances, but owing to a long
illness of her husband, aud a sad train of
misfortunes, the fair authoress with large
family was without home, and in a state
of great pecuniary embarrassment. 1t is
said that he met Mr. Stevens, then a rich
bachelor, in the Chamber of the House Of
Representatives and suggested the propri-
ETY. OF raising something for the relief of
SO much talent and worth. With that
true benevolence with which Mr. S. is dis.
tinguisheG, he authorized the Judge to
purchase suitable farm, such as the lady
herself might selec', and without any limit
with respect TO the price, to draw upon
him Tor the amount. The lady was over
whelmed with establishment when she re-
ceived letter from Judge Lewis, who
was only known to her by reputation, APP
priziog her of his commission. She, how>
ever, made the selection, and the Judge
made the purchase, drew on Mr. Stevens
for the purchase money, and forwarded 10
Mrs Person The deed drawn, of course, in
the best legal form, TO Thaddens Stevens
10 trust for the separate use of Lydia Jane
Pierson and her heirs and her assigns for.
ever. |, is but justice TO all parties, 10
add that Mrs Pierson was an entire slran.
ger TO Judge Lewis and Mr. Stevens
Neither had ever seen her. 1t is from this
woodland retreat Of her own selection tha,
she sends forth her Forest Leaves" to
delight the hearts Of all, and particularly
those who see nothing around them but
monotonous lines of brick and mortar.