The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-04-02
From the Ladies' National Magazine
THE FRESHET.
by MRS. ANN 8. STEPHENS.

II W8s one OF the most teFriole uoouS
ever witnessed in our village. Huge trees,
with the fresh earth still cInging 10 their
aptorn yools, nov and then pitched over
the falls, and shook the old bridge to lis
verv foundation, as they were dashed a.
Cainst the timbers. The waters had risen
20 the top of The bank, back Of our house,
and roared like confined monster, with
in a few wards Of Us. A! the falls they
ocured down with uncommon force, and
had fer one day and night been rushing
in muddy torrent across the road, down
the hollow at the base Of the hill, cutting
of from Falls Hill, and even f;siog some
distance iuto the pine grove on that site.
We were about TO sit down 10 dinner,
when barouche, containing young gen
s!emea aud three ladies, was seen coming
down the sand banks towards the bridge.
The driver checked his horses at the foot
of the hill, and appeared TO consult with
the inmates Of the carriage. It was mad
ness in them to proceed, and as they had
a full view of the swollen river, we expect
ed to see them return up he banks; butte
our asonishment they drove for ward on the
bridge, that even thea was rceling and
trembling like drunken thing, amidst the
strong current swelling under it. The
driver gave many an anxious look at the
torrent as he guided his trusy horses safe
" over the island.
My father went ou', represented the dar-
Ger OF proceeding, and invited them to dine
and remain with US ill the food had abat-
ed. They accepted the first part of his
invitation, but insisted that they in their
high carriage could safely pass the stream
a. the foot OF the hill. They remained
with Us about three hours, hopiog that the
waters would abate ir that time. The
young gentleman was a handsome, fiery
parsonage, and utterly unable 10 restrain
his impatience to ge, home, though the la
dies seemed very content to remain as they
were The eldest, a woman OF fifty, tho
appearing much younger, was very dgni
fed and beautiful, with keen dark eyes
and sweet intelligent smile. The other
two were her daughters. The eldest was
the wife of the gentleman, pale. lady.
like young woman, with very white teeth
and aifectionate looking eyes. The other |
was a bright, beautiful girl, full of spirit
and good nature. We were Immediately !
on the most friendly terms imaginable. -
She, for nv special benefit, robbed her
sisters travelling basket of paper Of bon
bons, watch were probably inlendedifor the |
little folks at home; and in return twist. |
ed her beautiful hair most groteSqucly, |
brought her my kitten to admire, and as
very particular favor, allowed her 10 fright |
en- my Canary bird with my handkerchief |
But happy as we were, the 6igety' gem
temeu would not permit US 10 regain 81. |
He evidently carried things with a high
hand in his family; so at his behest the Ia
dies took their seats in the barouche with |
out murmer. The driver, a sedate, Care
iul looking man, looked ws,fuIy at the
swollen stream, and then al his master and |
when commanded 10 proceed gathered up
the reins with evident reluctance. We
stood at the door and saw the horses take !
their first careful step into HE turtd wa.
Ter. They went slowly on, with the wa
ter rising gradually to the sides, and wash
ing The hubs Of the wheels-hen there
was sudden stop. The driver looked
round anxiously, and we ran to the brink
Of the stream. A large mass OF drift wood
was sweeping down the current toward
the carriage. 1t would certainly have
overturned it and all j. contained in The
deep, had the heavy mass rushed against
them in its force; but fortunately it divid-
ed just before it reached them, and was
borne towards the shore. An excIama>
lion OF thankfu|ness arose from those in
the carriage. Soon after we learned that
part of the harness had given way, aud
that they had no rope to mend i! with
A piece was procured and thrown to.
wards them; but it missed its destination
and was carried down the stream. The |
old lady tore the satin riband from her bon
net and gave it 10 the driver. He tied the |
harness, and they were dragged few pa
ces further into the water, when the frail
silk gave way, and they were more hope
less|y situated than before. it being equal, |
ly Impossible TO advance or return. The
young girl tore white silk shawl from
her neck and threw it 10 the driver; but
that only held together long euoug h to
drag them deeper into the cuTrent, where
the water deiuged the horses to their uecks
and rose within few inches of the BODY !
OF the carriage. My father in vain sough: |
to assist them. He had no horses on The
island. and they would all have persisted
before be could have any from School
Hill They were now near the middle |
OF The stream, aud their situation was ,ru>
.ly perlIous. The young man cenched
the side OF The carriage firmly with his |
hand, and looked up and down the stream |
with an expression OF anxiety and remorse. |
The ladies' rose 10 their feet, and looked
about for some means of safety; then sajs-
fled that there were none, resumed their
seats with pallid faces.