The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-01-17

Creator for the mercies which he had re-
ceved, was not mere formula of I'M
meaning words, but came directly from
the heart.
On this day his children were collect
ed all around him, and all anticipated a
Joyous thanksgiving. Several of the dis.
lant relations who were as 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 sheltered by his hospiiable roof on
this occasion, the greatest (ayorite seemed
to be Mary Wordsworth. blue-eyed
damsel, whose love y and expressive face
told more abou, sweetness and purity than
could describe in folio volume. She
was an only daughter Of the cousin Of the
worthy Deacon's, and at an early age was
deprived OF her parents by death. But
Deacon Willis had been to her parent
his house had been her home his wife
had treated her with a mothers kindness,
and his children regarded her as a sister
and dear friend.
Mrs. Wilson's situation as mistress
Of the family, was no snecure on that
day. Her duties were various and I'M
porlant--ior 1t was the New EngRand
HOHday-alI her eXcelencies as mana.
ger was put to the test on Thanksgiving
day. After the family returned from meet
ing, Tor they were of the old fashioned
sort, who would almost as soon lose their
Thanksgiving dinner, as be deprived Of
the Thanksgiving sermon, the table was
set in the large front parlor, which was
wont to be done only on extraordinary
occasions, and serious preparation for the
festival commenced A good fire, made
of walnut aud yellow oak wood, burned
cheerfully in the large open fire place,
and all the females belonging to the
house, were put in requisilon to bear the
abundance Of the good things from the
kitchen to the parlor-and which, when
deposited in their respective places made
uiC 'duIce gIOan again.
AT the end Of the table was placed a
portly turkey, the choicest of a large and
pampered family---at the former exlremi-
y, was deposited ham of size and fla
vor to make a Westphalian's eyes spar
kle with joy. On The centre was station
ed, plucked, roasted, and ready for the
carving-knile, one Of those celebrated an
finals which Whilom saved from the raw
ages of the Gauls, the capitol of Rome,
and which in vulgar parlance, are ycleped
geese-while here and there, seated round
the table in apparent disorder-but with
deliberate care and precision, were boiled
fowls, roasted fowls, jellies, knickknacks,
and plates Of vegetables of more varieties
and excellence than would willingly I'M
der'ake TO numerate-while on the kitch-
en- table, arranged apparently as corps
de reserve, might be seen a stately plum
pudding supported by several enormous
Thanksgiving pumpkin pies, squash pies,
and cusiard pies, with fruits Of various
kinds, not forgetting nuts and apples to
bring up the rear. As beverage on this
happy occasion, Water was the only arii-
Gle provided-water brought from clear
and sparkling spring, which dubbed up
a few rods from the house; for Farmer
Willis contended that water was the best
drink, even on festive occasions-and tina,
hllarily and JOY would be promoted, not
by wine or strong drink of any kind, but
by social communion. by a free inter-
change of thoughts and ideas, by gener-
Gus feelings, born and nourshed in no.
BILE bosom.
1t was nearly two O'Clock, long after
their accustomed hours Of dinner, before
the assembled company were invited into
the paror to par,ake 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 was
pleced before them, shade fitted across
the good mans brow-ror his eldest son,
a noble boy, was absent. Among the
joyful faces that surrounded him, Ed
wards was not seen. He had left his
home, years before, to embrace a sea-hr.
ing lI(e--and the wanderer had not return.
ed. There was good reason TO believe
tina, he was no longer in the land of the
living--and although they still strovc to
cherish hopes in each others bosoms,
many and bitter were the tears Of aiTec.
ton, which had embalmcd his memory.
MY poor, dear boy = exclaimed Mrs.
Willis-'Ah, | much fear we shall never
see his smiling face again.
Mary Wordsworth said nolhing-bu,
tear started into her eye--and any cas-
ual observer would have seen at once thai
Edward Willis was dearer to her than a