The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-06-22
Volume XII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Boston Tribune.
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A True Tale of Vermont.
Truth is stranger than FictiOn.-SHAKs.
CHAPTER |.

-~NN--
CHAPTER l.
Those who are acquainted with the Greer
Mountains Of Vermont, require no description
of those lofty piles which lift their verdan
heads above The clouds, and overlook each
other Silent and alone have we stood as il
the centre OF some great ampiIhealre, look
ing lar off in The distant and vnrying land
scape. 10 see hill. tops and valleys, barren
rocks and craggy cliffs, in contrast with cul
| tivated fielGs aud luxuTiant meadows In The
centre OF this beautiful panorama may be seen
group of houses, in the midst ofwhich tall
church spire points upwards 10 the sky. Al
little distance on spacious hillside her
mi; farm house. surrounded by ample pas
lures well stocked with cattle, exhibiting a
home of comfort, such as farmer among the
mountans only knows. Far away, up and
down the majestic Connecticut curves and
bends its way, gracefully bearing on its bos-
ON the rats Of lumber, gliding with the re-
sislless waters 10 its ocean hoTe.
Filled with the emotions OF such scene is
calculated TO inspire, we have voluntarily ex-
claimed:
"These are thy glorious works. Parent o:
good!
Almighty Thine the universal frame,
Thus wondrous fair-Thy self how won
drous thou?"
Near the base OF one Of these lofty piles
hard by a rapid stream oil water stands COM
Portable farm house occupied BY an old man
and his aged partner. who has been soldier
of two wars, whose history combines a
strange ard pleasing variety, the scenes Of
whose life will be described IN the following
narrative.
As many of the characters here introduced
are yet upon the stage Of lille, have taken
the liberty 10 substitute fictitious names, but
the truths in this narrative can be allested by
hundreds now residing in Vermont and by
many in Boston.
When the great struggle of the Revolt
lion had been more than three years in pro-
gress, Philo Blanchard, tho hero of our
story, being then mere youth, animated by
the love of country which had been nurlured
in the family, and by the whole example OF
his ancestors. Zone OF whom distinguished
himself by heroic deeds al the seige of Lou
isburg) now generously proposed TO lake the
place Of his elder brother. who had rctur.
ned, wearied aud sickened. with the horrors
of war.
Ii was bright morning when PhiIo recei-
!
followed him with fearful eyes as he should
cred his bro;her's knapsack and trusiy gun,
and descended the mountain was soon lost 10
the view.
Philo relates pleasant STORY of short
interview he had with General Washington.
On one occasion as the young soldier stood
near the Generals horse, il started one side
and stepped upon his foot. The General.
with his accustomed humanity, instantly
reigning up his horse, said, Are you huri
soldier? No SIR replied Philo with agnni
zing pain, as he presented arms, according
TO the custom when addressing superior
officer, but the marks IeiI by The iron tread
Of The war horse he carries TO this day.
After serving his country 10 the close ofihe
war, Philo returned 10 the peaceful employ.
ments OF his home. assisted his aged father &
taking care OF the ferry not far from the place
where Cheshire bridge now crosses The Con
nectcut river.
Here follows az episode detailing PhiIo-s
falling in love with Mary who also loved hin
in return; bu. was forbidden 10 wed by ar
arisiocraiic father. PhiIo afterwards found
Emily" whom he married, and titled with
her little farm. The author proceeds
Many years rolled on and large family
rose around them. Both our friends were
not destined 10 enjoy au avs this scene Of do
mesiic peace, The last war with Great Brit
ain was declared in 1912. when true patriots
were called on 10 stand forth in defence oil
their .aIars and their firesides' Again were
The 'Green Mountain Boys 10 take their
muskets, and leave their lovely homes on
The hill sides and in the valleys. tteir wives
and children 10 dwell alone and desoIale
Philo Blanchard had toiIed in the struggle
of the Revolution. He loved that country
whose Independence he had helped TO ach-
ieve. He had also beena sailor; and when
he heard Of the wrongs done in the Impress
ment Of our seamen his great ,heart sympa
hized loo deeply 10 leave him a mere spec
tailor Of the scenes now approaching in an
other war. When the call for volunteers
reached his mountain home, he was among
the first 10 respond, i will co.
He was now fifty years of age His cot
tage no longer stood alone. but children
were around him-and thriving little COM
community were now gathered on the noun
tain side. His youngest daughter Mary.
who was the babe in The cradle, when Mary
Hastings visited him many years before, had
married good young farmer, named Abel
Chandler, This young man and his two
friends, Ralph Kimball and Samuel Latham,
Than whom such a trio could hardly
he found among the Green Mountains, came
forward and volunteered TO accompany Philo
in his patriotic enterprise in carrying on the
war.
CHAPTER III.
A sorrowng group was standing on the
mountains brow watching the receding form
Of their husbands and father, whom they fear
ed they should never behold again. The