The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-09-10
J. H0LC0MB, Editor Il Publisher,

spirit, and only on that ground did ever hea
him justify even the war Of the Revolution
But war begcts enthusiasm, even to madness
and never would the contest between oppos
ing armies be prosecuted without it, Blu
t my object is not to discuss the merits of war
nor need | labor to convince y0u of its horror
and snfulness, for you detest it already; but
} | am surprised to see you training your chill
, dren to be cnamored with the destinations of
! martial display, What now is their filvorito
J amusement, may yet be their profession, and
surely, you would shrink with horror from
the thought that one Of your now mimic sol
diers should one day perish in unmitigated
anguish on the battle field, or plunge the
burning steel into the quivering heart of a
fellow being, and send him uncallcd to the
prescnce OF his Judge
Mrs, W.-Well really, YOU make ont more
serious consequences than | can yet appre-
bend as the result of mere amusement.
Mrs B.-lIere sister, lies, in my opinion,
the foundation of great defect in the train
ing Of the young. The influence of trides
(and amuscments you seem to think q triAe)
on their future character is disrcgarded. But
| am inclined to believe that the bias given
to character in early years depends, in great
measure, on their amusements. Into these
they enter with the full ardor and enthusiasm
Of childhood, consequently, the impressions
made upon their minds are vivid and lasting
Can we not read this in our own history !?
Do you remember the patch of flowers we
used to cultivate on the margin of the brock
that ran at the foot Of our fathers garden :?
You remember that twining honey-sucklc, the
pinks and daffodils, and even the bright vel
low marigoIds, Among these, you know VIC
spent the happicst hours of our childhood ::
and how often we amused ourselves under the
shade Of that spreading elm, in constructing
our tiny water craft and launching it, gaily
decked with flowers, into the gentle current
Of the brook. There, too, we had our baby
house, and one Of our amuscments was to
dress, in plain cap and long wasted gown,
a doll that was somewhat defaced, fix it in an
easy chair Of our own construction, and call
it our poor sick grandmother, and administer
aSaiduously to her wants. These amusements
1T is true, were i'll great measure suggested
by the example and instructions of our moth
er; but do you doubt that our tastes and pref
ercnces and habits were to a great degree
formed by their influence ? Have we not al
ways been passionately fond of flowers and rr-
raj scenery? And how often we have wish
cd for brook i'll our garden like that we had
in childhood, And thankful / am that We
have always loved the charms of domestic
life, and had Il warm regard for the character
and comfort Of the aged.
Mrs. W-What you say is very true, and
must acknowledge that have not read my
own history and character with sufficient at
tention while | have been forming the char
actors of my children. But it seems to me
easier to provide innocent and profitable a.
m1semcnt for girls than boys. A baby house,
a few dolls and flower patch will not satisfy
the cravings of their boistcrous nature. Did
your family consist Of boys as mine does
think you would find difficulties on this score
which you do not feel now
Mrs. B.--I am we'll aware that BOYS require
amusemcnts Of different nature from those
Of girls still, / cannot believe the difficulties
on this ground are insurmeuntabc What
can be more suitable and, if properly direct
ed, more pleasing to boys than the cultivation
Of small patch Of ground devoted to their
use? This they might be taught to ornament
with flowers and shrubs to keep free from
weeds and filth, and to diversity with wind |
and, while it would be q source of the most
innocent amusement, it would be a profitable !
exercise Of their ingenuity, and would tend to
as a love for rural scenes and cmployments.
They might also be taught to read in the
growth, variety, and beauty of vegetation, the !
wisdom, goodness and power of their Creator.
At seasons, or in circumstances where these |
rural amuscmcnts are not available, a variety
Of others may be adoped both harmless and |
profitable, The exercise of mechanical gen.
ius the use of intellectual toys, various excr-
ciscs with the slate and pencil, varied at times
with more athletic and out door amuscments.
would have a most beneficial and happy effect
both on the temper habits and morals
Mrs. W.-Wcll, sister, see that YOU are
right; and though I feel somewhat depressed
in view Of the laundering work have hithor-
to made in training the Maynard boys left so
much tony immediate care, | will try to prof
it by your suggestions, and see what perse-
verance and ingenuity may yet do for them.
Mrs. B.-And you have my most ardent
wishes for your success, but let me remind
you that, to secure it, you need to drink daily
and deeply, at the fountain Of unerrng Wis
dom.
DEATH Ely A SLAVE. A gentleman from
Charles County yesterday gave us the par
ticulars OF melancholy affair which occur
red in the lower section Of that County du-
ring the latter part Of last week. slave
named George, most desperate character,
belonging to MIR John ID. Bowling, ran away
from his master last March, since which time
he has been rowing about the County, COM
hitting numerous dcpredations' Last week,
information having been obtained Of his
whereabouts a party, among whom was a
young white man, named jesse Cook started
in pursuit of him. He was found on the
plantation of Mr.. Edward Reach. AS he re-
fused to surrender himself large dog was
set on him, which he killed with blow of u
scythc. Mn. Cook advanced towards him,
when he struck him with ascythe, completely
cutting through his collar bone down into his
breast, producing instant death, The negro
then made his escape, and up to the time our
informant left the County he had not been
canLnral - E..LLi--.-:. 4 -....::.,. L.. NJ