The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-09-01

Richard had recovered his healtn, anC
} amused the party not little by his live
, ly anticipations of the future. They
/ were to have the most comfortable log
house, and the neatest farm in the dis
, trict. He would raise the finest cattle
the largest crops, and the best garden
stuff in the neighborhood. Frugal and
industrious habits would soon render
} them wealthy and independent.
His mother listened to these sallies
with delighted smile; and even the grave
yeoman's brow relaxed from its habitual
frown. Annie entered warmly into her
brothers plans; and if he laid the found
alton of his fine castle in the air, she GER
tainIy provided the cement and all the
lighter materials.
AS their long route led them further
from the habitations of men, and deeper
and deeper into the wilderness, the stern
realities of their solitary locality became
hourly more apparent to the poor emf
grants. They began to think that they
had acted too precipitately in going so
far back into the woods, unacquainted as
they were with the usages Of the country.
But repentance came too late; and, when
at length they reached their destination,
they found themselves upon the edge of a
vast forest, with noble open prairie
stretching away as far as the eye could
reach in front of them, and no human
habition in sight, or indeed existing for
miles around them.
In moment the yeoman comprehend
ed all the difficulties and dangers of his
situation; but his was stout heart, not
easily daunted by circumstances. He
possessed vigorous constitution and
strong arm; and he was not alone.--
Richard was an active, energetic lad and
his friend Atkins, and his two sons, were
host in themselves. Having settled
with his guides, and ascertained by the
maps, that he had received at Mis-
office, the extent and situation of his new
estate, he set about unyoking the cattle
which he had purchased, and securing
them, while Atkins and his sons pitched
a tent for the night, and collected wood
for their fire. The young people were in
raptures with the ocean Of verdure, re-
dolent with blossoms, that lay smiling
in the last rays of the sun before them;
never did garden appear to them so love
Iy, as that vast wilderness Of sweets
planted by the muni6cent hand of Ma
ture with such profuse magnfcence. An
ME could scarcely tear herself away from
the enchanting scene, to assist her moth
er in preparing their evening meal.
Mother, where shall We get water7
asked Annie, glancing wistfully toward
their empty cask; 4 have seen no indica
tions of water for the last three miles
annie has raised startling doubt
said Steel; Il can perceive 10 appearance
of stream or creek in any direction
Hist! father, do you hear that cried
Richard. The croaking of those frogs
is music to me just now, for l am dying
with thirst and seizing the can, ran off
in the direction of the discordant sounds.
It was near dark when he returned
with his pail full of clear, cold water,
with which the whole of the party slaked
their thirst, before asking any questions
what delicious water-as clear as
crystals cold as icel How fortunate
to obtain it so near at hand?' exclaimed
several in breath.
'Ay, but it is in an ugle place. said
Richard, thoughtfully. Il should not
like to 90 to that well at early day, or
after night-fall.'
why not, my boy''
1T is in the heart of dark swamp,
just about a hundred yards within the
forest; and the water trickles from be-
meath the roots of an old tree into a nat
ural stone tank; but all around is invol-
we'd in frightful gloom. Ifancied | heard
low grOwl as l stopped to fill my pail,
while horrid speckled snake glided from
between my feet and darted, Kissing and
rafting its tail, into the brake. Father
you must never let any Of the people 60
alone to that we'll
The yeoman laughed at his sons fears,
and shortly after the party retired into
the tent, and, overcome with fatigue, fell
asleep.
The first thing that engaged the atten
ton of our cmigrants was the erection OF
log shanty for the reception of their re-
spective families. This important task
was soon accomplished. Atkins prefer
red the open prairie for the site Of his;
but Steel, for the nearer proximity Of
wood and water, chose the edge of the
forest; but the habitions Of the pioneers
were SO near that they were within call
of each other
To fence in piece of land for their
cattle, and prepare plot for wheat and
corn, for the ensuing year, was the next
thing to be accomplished; and by the
time these preparations were completed
the long, bright summer had passed a
way, and the fall was at hand. Up to
this period both families had enjoyed ex-
cellcnt health; but in the month of Sep
tcmber Annie, and then Richard, fell sick
with intermittent fever, and old Abigail
kindly came across to help Mrs. Steel to
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