Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-12-07

his desire had become ten times more in
tense. lie was, in fact, more unhappy than
he had ever been before he had Just learn
ed enough to see, more clearly than ever,
the real value of learning-just enough TO
stir within him all the lofty aspirations, con-
nected with his being without a solitary
hope TO cheer his pathway.
Such was the sad condition Of the labo-
rious Sanders, when distant relation from
the city of O. paid him short visit.
This relative was in good circumstances,
and seeing the dismal state of poverty in
which Sanders and his family were plung-
ed, very kindly asked if he could do any
thing for him.
Yes, you can do much for me- was the
reply; you can make me happy and use
full man--enabe me to bring up my family
as rational beings ought to be brought up,
so as to secure their own happiness, and be
beneficial to the world in which they live.
You can do all this at small expense
His friend begged he would explain.
You can, said Saunders, procure for
me few second hand books, such as shall
name--they will cost but little in the city
let them be sent to me by stage; will try
to pay the freight myself
After the books were named, and men,
orandum made out, his friend looked around
the room, on the backess chairs, broken
table, and the two apologies for beds then
casting searching glance at Sanders, as if
he doubted his sanity, said
Would not a barrel of flour and some
clothing be more useful, in the mean time ?
Nor was the emphatic reply, Flour
and clothing will come in good time; man
cannot live by bread alone,- is mental
food that we need at present; and if you
will send the books, you will feed and clothe
u.s.
His city friend soon took leave, not much
prepossessed in favor of Sanders good
sense, but resolving to humor him, especial
ly as it would cost but triile.
Week after week. however, passed IL
way, without bringing the books, or any in
telligence from the city. Sanders heart,
generally strong. was ready to sink.
AT last, one evening, as he sat sorrow
full enough, boy called to inform him that
there was box at the stage-office, address
sed to Mr.. J. Sanders : he said the stage
owner wished to see him-thought there
must be some mistake-box appeared to
contain something valuable, and it was mar
ked 'DiM care
Sanders jumped from his seat, said the
box is NINE and thrusting his hand into
his pocket the sad conviction forced itself
upon him that he had not wherewithal to
pay the freight. What was to be done p
l will ascertain the amount, said he, 'and
then | will finish the Job | have on hand by
,,,b, cn x,,,n hr,v G., and 81
pence; but then we are out of meat and
potatoes-the children cannot eat books
What shall do ? he cried in perfect ago
ny.
Sanders, sorely perplexed, measured the
ground lying between his cottage and the
stage office, without coming to any salts
factory conclusion as to his future conduct.
and found himself in the office confronting
clerk and owner.
There is a box here said the stage
owner, and
And it is mine, said Sanders it is
my books.
Your books y
Yes, sir, my books: my Latin, Greek,
and Hebrew What is the freight 2
Nothing, nothing, you big-boned fool
it is prepaid
Without taking any notice of the mans
uncourteous answer, Sanders shouldered the
box, and in few minutes it was placed in
triumph upon the old rickety table.
Excitement is no evidence Of a great
mind yet great minds under peculiar cir.
!, cumstances, have been greatly excited. Sc
it was with Mr.. Sanders on this occasion
The children gather around, expecting, nc
doubt to see some live monster burst from
It's confinement, on the opening of the box
, The lid was quickly removed, when to the
astonlshment and inexpressitle delight o.
} the father, nine large volumes, not second
hand, but new, presented themselves. The,
, were taken out, one by one, and last Of al
) came small case of mathematical nstru
= ments.
' The next three years of Sanderss life
almost Frustrated the strength of the high
! minded and resolute man. Poor and scan
: ty fare, excessive labor, and nightly study
, began to make rapid nroads upon natur
ally strong constitution, but the time of hi
, reward was near at hand.
A mathematical problem had been pu
forth in a scientific journal, a copy o
WiiiCH SitJ udu oCHt iliiH loI III
solution of this problem a reward of on
4 hundred dollars was offered. Thirty-6v
competitors appeared, and among the rest
Sanders, with the greatest possible modesty
venturcd a solution. In ten days he receiv
ed letter by mail, containing a draft TO
one hundred dollars, and announcing tn
!. altogether unexpected but joyful news @
Il his successful effort.
We will not follow him through the mex
seven years of his life. lie was successful
|, in almost every branch of learning to whic
: he addressed himself, and the man who, a
!. thirty years of age, was the renter of a mis-
n erahle cabin, worn with toll, and crushe
=, with poverty, was seen at forty the owner c
!. comfortable and even elegant mansion, i
; the suburbs of the great commercial city {
C.. The unlearned mechanic, VIII
bargained with school-boy for the use c
his books at night, seven years afterward
:, y was publicly known as man of rare litel
IL airy attainments. For twenty-five years Sar
p ders acted as foreign correspondent to Til
principal business establishment in the cit,
0, being perfectly familiar with all the moder
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