Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-06-27
BY JOHN p. ROGERS.


were a lingering dew-drop that told of hap
pier hours gone by, whose presence might a
bedew his bounding heart no more forever Y
AS his future prospects became dim in his s.
innocent entry-so artless and unsuspectiug o
into the arena of life's warfare. O
His situation exciting the attention of
Captain Mann and one or two other gentle
men who were present, they questioned him
concerning his journey and received his {
answers in an honest, polite way, that won
for him the sympathy of all who listened.
What is your name :?
David Reed, sir
Where do you liver
1 live in Newark, New Jersey. My ia
ther was tanner and currier while he
lived, we all got along comfortably but he
was suddenly taken off by the cholera, and
left his family poor
How old are you, David 2
Not quite fourteen SIR
t When did you leave home ?
!, i left home last Friday, and went to Nor
r ristown in search of place, but could not
Z obtain one and from thence 1 went to Eas
ton, and then down to Doylestown'
Did you walk all the waJ {?
/ Yes, with the exception tof about three
d miles. was out in all the severe storm.
v When got to Easton my shoes we're worn
e out, and caught a severe cold by being wet
:, and chilly.
r Had you any money when you started 2
is Yes. My mother gave me four shilliDgs /;
it was all the money she had. l did not
:, want it from her, but she made me do So
!. She has always been very kind to me, and
;, she told Inc to go and get place. | have
!, made up my mind to seek my own fortune,
: and whatever | make | will send home to
: help to keep her.
~ Have you any brothers? 2
- - L have no brothers but have FIVE sis
- - ters all at home with my mother
- - Where do you intend going to 2
u i I will go to Philadelphia, and try to gel
y place at harness making, If ] can and il
Of l will do not succeed, why, must try my
l. hand at something else
=, = Are you not afraid thus to start alone :?
h No sir. IknoW if behave myself, thai
h | will always find friends, wherever l CO.
= Well, David, are you Wing or Dem
-" ocrat?'
i am Washington boy. l believe il
e. him, because he won the liberties Of my coun
50 try
David did you ever drink anything?
10 No, sir. | belong to the Temperanc,
,n' band and have signed never to drink am
ne . liquor, and l don't intend to-.
~ Did you ever go to school?'
IN IA Not much, sir I always went to Sun
=, as day School,
3 DO you know anybody in Philadelphia
ne 1 have an uncle living there, but do no
or know exactly what place he is at
ou The open, frank and confding manner i
the which he answered every question, elicte
IN the admiration Of every one present and
ng collection was at once taken to recruit hi
to exhausted funds. Two gentlemen took hil
his out and generously procured him pair c
&c shoes, which he most sadly needed and in
vas little time he looked like very different bo
ty from what he was when he came in. FL
zen looks were those ofhonesty-his manners il
1t 5 dicated irmness of resolution and powc
er S of self reliance that were truly commendab
ore in one so young. Alone and poor-with +
the recommendation save the noble signet an
49, stamp Ol WOIlu, WHICH nature ndu placeQ u
n at on his brow-accompahi but by mother
nee parting blessing for his heritage-tl
hls world for his labors-stars for his compa
ced ions strangers for his sfriends-fcarless al
the hopeful as he began his pilgrimage for life
vel unknown and unaided, save by the kind
sure hand of benign Providence, that W
De guard his infant footsteps, and protect hi
had in his hours of trial. 4 printer went, lor
eta years ago, to the same city, and Wander
ONE up Market street with loaf of bread und
was his arm, in search Of employment. Tit
'lty sped on, and he became the konored of o
etu- nation-the Philosopher of his age.
uch The clothier boy now wields the helm
cted our Republic. The mill boy of the slash
give still holds listening Senators entranced by
and power of bis mighty orator, and the learni
eng of his mind. Who can tell what honors a
ner- emoluments the future has in reserve for
bu- tie David Reed? Fit emblem as he is
'eed- the adventurers of lymouth-the hardy
faith oneers of the West, who have borne the b;
nself ner of civilization and progress far over I
Apply Missouri wilds, and amid the hills of NJ
rum nesota.
juno David Reed left our town with a &C
they heart. and a soul glowing high with bTi
a1ticipations. Years will glide on. and
orphan boy of but fourteen years, may