Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-04-04

souied spirit speu upward 10 Tue uosou vi
the Eternal.
THE PEASANTS DAUGHTER.
DARK and dreadful was the night of the
25th of November, 1859, and heavily fell
the snow fakes but darker were the pros
poets and heavier was the heart of the poor
Livonan, as he reached the skirts of the
dense forest surrounding the town of Ma
rienberg. Misfortune had compelled the
INDECENT peasant to sever the endearing re-
lations that bound him to his native village,
to bid a final adieu to the scenes of early
( DAYS, TO abandon his favorite haunts of sa-
cred memory, and seek among strangers
that which was denied him in the midst of
his friends.
! Accompanied by his first born, a spright-
1 " youth of fourteen, and bearing IN his
weary arms a tender infant, the express
image of her whom he had lately consigned
to the silent tomb, he had well nigh COM
pleted fearful journey through bleack
and lnhospitable region. violent storm
of snow aud wind, peculiar to that dreary
country fierceiy ragged, bearing destruc-
/ ton and desolatIou III its progress, aud
producing terror in the midst of the unshel
tered wanderers. Overcome by the severl-
~ Of the cold, and unable longer to sustain
his precious charge, he carefully deposited
it upon bed of snow, and went in quest of
assistance and kind retreat from the
bowling storm. But he returned not again.
The early dawn had discovered frozen
J ha hoo of oh.
scure cottage in the outskirts of the quiet
village.
Great Heaven what do hear ?" elac-
ullted the piuus minister, SkovrouskI, as Its
subdued cries of distress, falling upon has
eager ear, during temporary cessation OF
the storm, attracted his attention to the iroZ-
en- embankment upon which rested the de-
serted infant He heSitated not 10 reflect
upon the cruel misfortune that had berelt
the infant of parental protection nor did
he waste his time in the fruitless endeavor
of discovering those who had abandoned
their oHpsrlng to the peltlngs of the storm.
But, content to acknowledge the mysterl-
rious agency of" Hun who doeth all things
well, and "heareth the young ravens when
they cry,' he fled with winged footsteps to
It's rescue. Wrapping it iii his ample cloak
he fastened to reach his humble home, that
he might minister to It's relief ere the spirit
had fled to that undiscovered country from
whose bourne no traveller returns. Arrlv-
ed at this peaceful cot, he consigned his
tender charge to the care of his kiud-heart-
ed housekeeper, and again sailed forth IN
search OF other objects for his benevolence.
He had not proceeded far when his atten-
ton was arrested by the melancholy scene
before noticed.
Papers were found upon the unfortunate
stranger which induced the good minister
10 believe that he was the parent of the
infant which he had rescued from the ruth
less elements Of the night before and no
sooner was he impressed with the idea than
the resolution was taken TO adopt the ten
der babe as his own daughter, and TO bring
it up in the path OF duty, and in the nur-
ture and admonitlon of the Lord. Order
ing that the last tribute of respect be paid
TO the remains, according to the rites of
the Greek Church, he took charge of its
effects, for the benefit OF his youthful pro-
tege.
Years had passed away, and, under the
afiectlonate care and protection Of the good
pastor and his benevolent companion, kath-
arlne (for such she was named by her ios-
ter parents) increased not only in personal
beauty and loneliness, but, as she grew i'll
years, developed those peculiar graces and
dispositions which became an amiable and
grateful daughter. And soon she was en-
ahled, by assidnous attention to the wants
of their declining years, to testify her APP
probation of their set-sacrihclng devotion
in her youthful days.
The Gar of Russia, not content with his
widely extended dominlons, and DESTROYS of
the conquest and annexation of the prov
ince Of Livonia, had already marched his
forces upon its chief city. Katharine had
attained her thirteenth year when his for
mldabie cannon announced to the inoffen-
slye inhabitants the bombardment of their
quiet town. With view to her safety, she
was separated from the aged pastor, and
seut to her sister in Alexia. The patriotic
Skovrouski remained to assist in the de-
fence of his native city. But the efforts of
the besieged proved frui,less, and they were
compelled to surrender captives Of war and
subjects of the Emperor of Russia.
The humiliating news spread like light
ming, and no sooner did it reach the ears
of Katharine than she determined to return
aud share the fate of her benefactor.
The dusky shades of evening were just
closing III, horse, reeking with foam
and almost ready TO sink from exhaustion,
reached the border of the wood nearest the |
gates of Marienberg Emerging from the
shade of the trees, It's progress was sudden
ly arrested by soldier selzlng the bride,
and rudely demanding
{" Where are YOU goingl"
What is that to you :" was the peremp-
tory reply. 81 am in haste, and pray you
let me pass unmolested."
Impossible" replied the sentinel (;
"thou art Livoniau, and now LIvonia
belongs this day to Peter l. of Russia You
are, therefore, our prisoner and must be
conducted before our general"
Arrived at the generals tent, she threw
herself at the generals feet, aud demanded
the privilege OF seeking her protector among