The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1847-01-02

do at sixteen.'
Eliza smiled, and observed, that this was
such a small matter that it had also better be
left to future adjustment. To this Gilbert
rather reluctantly assented.
About two months after this conversation,
Gilbert was blessed with a fine son; whom
he named John James Gilbert, after the two
grandfathers and himselt-a prOfusion ofnames
which he had cause afterwards to repent
Just fourteen months and six days thereafter
he was blessed with a fine daughter, whom
Eliza named, Ann Frances Eliza, after the tive"
grandmothers and herself.'
Fifteen months thereafter, he received a third
blessing, like unto the first; which he called
George Henry, after his two brothers,
Thirteen months and nineteen days after
the birth Of George a fourth blessing descen-
ded upon Gilbert in the form of a fine son.
This took the name Of William Augustus;
after two brothers of his wife,
ELIZA now made a long rest of nineteen
months four days and FIVE hours, 4 speak from
the family record0 when by way of amends
she presented her husband with a pair of bless
ings. AS soon as his good fortune was made
known to him, Gilbert expressed regret, that
he had not reserved his own lame until now'
in order that the twins might bear HE own
and mine. Seeing this could not be, he be-
slowed my name upon the first born, and
gave me the privilege of naming the second
AS | considered "a good name, rather to be
chosen than great riches,' | called the innom-
mate, after Isaac the patriarch, and a belo,ed
uncle of mine.'
In this very triumphant and laudable mun-
ner, did Mrs. Butler close the list Of her sons.
She now turned her attention TO daughters,
and in the short space Of five years produced
three, that a queen might be proud of. Their
names in the order of their births, were Louisa,
Rebecca and Sarah. 1t was one of Mrs. But
lrr's maxims, IF you have any Thing to do,
do it at once;' and she seemed to be govern
ed by this maxim in making up her family
for Sarah completed the number of children
John was about q year old, when | was a.
: gain at Gilbert's for the evening. He wat
/ seated by the supper table with the child in
l his arms, addressing some remarks to me, wher
| called his attention to the child, who wal
just in the act OF putting his fingers into thu
, blaze of the candle.-Gllbert jerked him away
| suddenly which so incensed Master John Gil
bert that he screamed insufFerably. Gilber
II tossed him, patted him; but he could not dis
# tract his attention from the candle.
He moved him out OF sight of the l%uminary
but that only made matters worse. tie nov
commenced his first lesson in the principle
Of good government He brought the chill,
towards the candle, and the nearer it ap
preached, the more paci6ed it became. TIL
child extended its arms to catch the blazt
and Gilbert bore it slowly towards the fam
! /; until the hand came nearly in contact wit
Il it, when he snatcled 1t away, crying 'bur
ny fnnies!' which is by Interpretation 'you'
burn your ingersp Eliza and | exchange
'e smiles, but neither of us said any thing.
The child construed this into wanton teal
g ing and became if possible, moro obstreperol
~ than ever. Gilbert now resorted to anoth,
expedient. He put his own fingers into II
blaze, withdrew them suddenly, blew Their
~ shook them, and gave every sign of acute a
OF ony. This not only quoted but delighted / II
u child who signifed to him to do it again. f
instantly perceived (what was practically d
= monstrated the minute afterwards } that Il
- child was putting most dangerous interpr
Il" tation upon his last illustration. He determi
ed therefore, not to repeat it. The child, n
=, satisfied with the sport, determined TO repe
O' it himself: which the father opposing, he b
gan to reach and cry as before. There W
but one experiment left: and that was to
III the child feel the fame a little. This he
solved to try, but how to conduct it proper
to was not SO easily settled. 1t would not
ed TO allow the infant to put his hand into /
m blaze; because it would burn too little, or t
he much. He therefore resolved to direct I
I'LL hand to a point so near the fame, that the
rst creasing heat would induce the child to wi
ng draw his hand himself. Accordingly
brought the extended arm slowly towards
llh flame; the child becoming more and more i
INT patient with every moments pOstpOnement
its qualification, until the hand came will
ert about an inch Of the which, when he h,
ar" the child stationary. But John would rot
not his hand remain stationary, nor at the chOr
in point. He kept snatching at the ca IDLE,
finding all his efforts f~ruitIess, he threw hi
dg- self violently back, gave his father a lrem
dous thump on the nose with the back Of
led head, and kicked and screamed most out
IRE geously.'
'at' 'You little rascal said Gilbert. 'I've agl
MD mind to give you a good spanking
ion tGive him to me- said Mrs. Butler.
my you'd better not take him. said Glib