Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1846-05-23
LAURA RRIDGEMAN-


mere are very lew OF our readers xvhs, ,.l,
sny INTEREST IN the late of the blind or the
aesi mutes- that have not heard of IAu,.
bndseman, an interesting female i'm the blind
school OF Boston, who is not only deaf and
dumb, but entirely blind. We have often
neo OCCASION 10 copy from the annual reports
OF Tue institution, interesting statements of
,he progress OF these children, to whom wig
uonl, al almost every entrance, is shut out
On l'is recent visit OF the Blind of the Boston
School TO Washington city, Laura started
with them, to share in the pleasure of the
excursion, aud minister to The great intere SIS
OF The exhibition. But unfortunately for
those at Washington, the lady who had the
special care OF Laura, was seized with some
Prostratlug sickness in this city, and. 50. while
sIie was receiving medical attendance. Iaura
was enjoying the sights of Philadelphia. an
inmate oil the family of our esteemed toyyne-
man, Dr. Paul Swift. 10 whose politeness we
were indebted for an opportunity 10 observe
carefully, the movements, the mental move
nients oi Laura, and to be astonished at her
comprehension al all around her. daugh-
ief OF Dr. ,. was intimately acquainted with
iaura' ana could converse with her with per-
,Ie' ease Sittlng beside her, and holding
talked with the deaf and blind mute in the
conventional signs OF the schools, and received
ana conveyed ideas with facility and prompt-
ness truly astonishing.
Laura and her friends had that day accented
Pollte invitation from DIR. Patterson to visit
1nc mint, and had spent some time in exami
JUG ule machinery, aud gaining KNOWLEDGE
OF tne whole process, from the rough bsr ~
goid aud silver, TO the packing away in The
vaults oil Kegs aud boxes of eagles, dolIarsand
ulmes, snd her mind was almost entirely oc-
cupled with the wonders OF the place. The
velvet delicacy Of the bright machinery. SO
eAquisiteiy pleasant TO her well instructed
.oucn' struck her with establishment, and she
inquired whether any other machinery was
equal 20 u IA that particular. She SEEMED m
comprehend the working OF the parts of the
engine, and with her hands and arms. showed
now the emnk and the wheel operated tooe.
uef' and then inquired VIII Their al the M, A..
ehlnery was made IN the country, how much
'ne building end machinery cost, aud then
wnen commenting on its beauty, suddeuly er.
GAINED IL wish Oliver could SEE h. /"
OlFer IS lad in the same school vybo (.
also deaf, dumb. aud bind.
but Oliver poor boy, ;" said Laura. "weuld
not comprehend IL all. =
Shall you know me !" said a lady presept
on the orcsston, when come 70 Boston nert
symmetry 10
W ~ NNNNf Naitct iecl Ot Vuu." eaiI
iAufa, and her left hand was passsd rspidlv
Dat Enthusiastically. over the head and a. ~
!he lady. Al length the finger toncbed :
O'easi-piu, the centre Of which seas covered
WIN smooth glass" That !" Iaura aid aielt
ss delicate Is The machinery at the Mint" ana
sne stopped moment TO inquire hos, 40 ,.orb
money was preserved in safety there.
~ iron doors, and by watcinncn
More than onei" asked laura.
res two, who watch turn and turn ~
What y turn and tum.7
satisfied as 20 tbe last inquiry. Iepr, :,
quired when tbe lady would b. in IIo.ion. 49,,
on being answered lin June. She ,ioot h.,
mead, and sid she hoped 10 be in H.go,e,
me residence Of he's family. al TIA, lime
She took occasiOn TO say, that In lew &C.,.
NOR re-, she should have 70 leave tbe school
bsosuse she must 60 home, aud II he car. ~
'ed brothers add sisters iil
me poor child seems 10 have s,.o,l,. e.;.
ioil oi her abilities 10 10 end 10 ,,o8.,.,i.i /
- NE hoIs Of taking care Of her bgo,bs,. -.
1is's a'd the apprehension ilst nor.r OIL.
.og'a no' comprehend ~ well as g.. wn,,it