The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-08
For the National Era.
WILLIAM PENN.
BY IRENE.

III tile unts Ol CndrleS III, lHt COuHtTy Std
of Admiral Penn was the faHrite resort o
many distinguished noblemen ofbhat day Thu
charm lay not in the broad field, the wooded
dells and velvety lawns that made Pennwoot
rich in beauty, nor even in the spacious OLE
hall of such ancient and curious architecture
that it told many tale of Olden times; ncthe
did the luxurious style that prevailed at Penn
wood form the chief attraction for in thes
respects it could scarcely compete with th'
princely homes of the neighboring noblemen
But in the magnetic charm of It's home-circle
it exceeded them all. There was frank cor
diality in the greetings of Admiral Penn thai
convinced one of sincerity; and cheerful va
red, intelligent tone in his Conversation, that
made the hours pass quickly. lie was firm
even to Obstinacy, rs was often evnced in his
career but the brightest gem of his character
was an unyiclding, unbendng integrity-a
rare trait in public man. and one which,
though often troublesome TO his compeers So
cured universal respect and confidence With
devoted affection he reyerenced his lovely wife
and though he did not sympathize in her deep
piety, he appreciated and respected what he
saw daily shine forth in her life with beautiful
consistency. Her mild and aifectionate tenn
per- with the simple elegance of her manner,
ly and fashionable, who might otherwise have
avoided her, as too regiously strict.
To the care of such parents was given an
only son. William Penn, who was born in l644,
in London. In his younger years he was left
almost entirely to the guidance and instruction
of his mother, as the ocean-lte of the Admiral
caused long seasons of absence. But when
again reunited, hearthappiness dwelt in the
family circle, as they gathered round the cheer
full fire, that cracked and blazed on the old
broad hearth, throwing warm glow over the
wide apartment.
The Admiral would sit by the hour in the
Pickering light, and answer the eager and
thoughtful questions Of his idol boy. He could
not resist the coaxing, loving tones, and he
gazcd with pride upon the child's beautiful,
rosy, dimpled face, as he sat at his feet or upon
his knee Sometimes he told him OF the ocean,
and the great battles he had fought on the
wide waters, and grew enthusiastic as nc
recounted his exploits, painting them in such
life-like colors, that the child shuddered and
paed as he heard of the wrecks and awful
storms Or when the story dwclt upon an in.
stance of injustice and cruelty, the blood rushed
to his cheeks in burning tide, and his eyes
sparkled with indignation Then he listened
to the tale of battles, When amidst fire and
smoke, and the laundering of cannons, came
the death-shrieks; or Of ship, with its soldier
seamen, torn limb from limb. and hurled high
in the air; then, amidst frightful suffering
sink forever in the blood-staned waves.
Tears Of sympathy and grief rolled over the
checks of the little William ut the recital, and
amid his sobs he cried
"When Pm man, Ill never kill people so"
The Admiral raised his brows at the uncon-
scious rebuke, and he folded the little peace
bow in his arms, to still the storm he had ava
kened With returning smiles Frightening his
face. he tripped away TO his mother, who, near
nv had watched the emotion of the child, and
drew from it fruitful source OF instruction,
which was the more deeply impressed on his
mind because of awakened sympathies. That
gentle. pious mother With what watchful
care she moulded the young heart intrusted to
her keeping. With what prayerfnl devotion
she attuned 10 pleasant tones the little spirit
harp that God had given her; for with such
Gifts comes the power to produce harsh dis
cords, or beautiful harmony. How much, then,
NAV mother do towards good or evil IN the
world
Rat Williams education was not neglected
Inv the Admiral when at home, for he also
stroye to instil high and honest principles in
the mind of the child.
Il is related that William was roaming the
fields one day, when he found one OF his Ia
theirs tenants, n poor man, named ihomas
pearce. hard at work with his cart, ms he had
been called 10 assist in some emergency WILL
liam was very fond Of Tom and he was troub-
led when he saw great drops rolling down his
pale. withcred checks; 50 he ran with haste 10
the Admiral saying
. aFather, amt you going to pay poor Tom
Peurce for working 10 hard for you !"