Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-04-13

Others have struggled with the terrible
problem of unaided mental development
from the desire of gain or hope Of glory );
but she, that poor huntress of the backwoods
from purer, loftier motives, from an infinite,
tender, holy, maternal love, and with the
sole view of fitting herself to be the teacher of
her offspring, cut off as they were by the
insuperable circumstances from every other
means of instruction. 1t makes one better
to read of such circumstances of exalted de-
votIo1 to conscious duty, and thuss to know
and feel, although the race of mortal heroes
appears to be nearly or quite extinct, that
of domestic heroines never can wholly
perish, while one mother shall be left to lin
ger on earth with bright-eyed babe nest
ling about her bosom.
MY FIRST AND LAST NIGHT IN LONDON.
FROM THE JOURNAL OF E. HUNT.
1t was in the fall of l8-that the ship to
which belonged, after voyage of four
months in the northern Atlantic, hove in
sight of the Sicily Islands, and as we were
bound for London, shaped our course up the
channel, and, in a few days, were anchored
in the Downs. Having been short of pro-
visions for some time back, we were OBLIGED
to stop and replenish. The next day how
ever, we were towed up the river, and enter
ed the Commercial Dock on the 26th of Oc-
tober, lS-. 1t was glad sight to me, for
bad never been in London, and the CITY
seemed like the world in comparison to my
humble viIlagein the west of England. We
were to be paid off on the morrow, and |
determined, as soon as | was at liberty, 10
take stroll and see some of the sights
about which [ had SO often heard. At
twelve the next day, all hands proceeded to
the office in the Leaden-hall street, and re-
celved, seyeraIly, the amounts due them
There were just ten pounds coming to me,
and l started off to see how could make it
best conductive to my pleasure. had been
strolhng round for some time, looking at the
Tower, and other places Of note, and finally
walked into one Of the parks, to see what /
could ofthe London fashions | was leaning
against tree, watching party which at
tracted my attention, when was suddenly
accosted by a female, apparently about
eighteen or twenty, neatly dressed, and with
an expression which, although pleasing,
seemed somewhat sad.
What is it you wish, my good lady 2!
said |. :, -----'----:---
She looked at me moment, and said
You are sailor, | suppose?'
Yes
How long have you been in Londong
s arrived Yesterday
Have you ever been here beforeg
Never
Well, then, perhaps can be Of some SER
vice to you. Suppose we take cab and
drive out to Vauxhall this evening"
Ishesitated moment, for | thought to
myself, she no doubt thinks / have plenty
Of money, and wishes to obtain share
Bat then, again, thought, it makes no DIFF
ference-lll spend it any how-and con-
sented.
She called the cat, and in short time.
we were at Vauxhall. | pulled out my
purse to pay the driver, when she anticipated
me and said
Never mind sir-I have plenty. Besides,
| invited you here, therefore | bear all ex-
penses.
was astonished, for l had never doubted
but that my money was the principal at
traction, and | was puzzled to think what
could be her object.
After ordering some refreshments. of
which she ate and drank very little, but
which she insisted upon paying for, we
strolled around the garden, listening to the
music, until towards evening, when [ re-
marked, it would be best to return.
Yes, it will soon be dark, and we had
better go. But, said she, you are astrancer
in London, and it would be folly for you to
look for q hotel tonight; and, besides, it
would be ungenerous in me to allow YOU to.
| reside in - street, and if you will ac-
cept room in my house, you will be per-
fectly welcome, and my husband, who is
fond of company, will be glad to see you
While hesitating, she called cab, and
half forced me in.
When the cab stopped, we got out, and
: found myself IN narrow street, dimlY light
ed, and before large brick house, with iron
ratings IN front She opened the door, and
asked me to sit down moment, when she
went into room close by, and returned al
most Immediately. aud said-'My husband
has retireG-l'lI introduce you to him in the
morning. Here is light-take the room
at the head Of the stairs. Good night
J! went up stairs to the room she had
pointed out, and went in. It was furnished
you might say, richly. The bed stood in
the further corner, with blue damask cur
tains in front. undressed quickly, as Twas
|, somewhat tired by my days adventures
walked to the bed and drew aside the cnr.
tains, and there lay man weltering in bis
blood, with his throat cut from ear to ear!
1t would be vain for me to attempt to de
scribe my feelings. l Immediately dressed
| myself with presence of mind which have
S never been able to account for. then trieC
to open the door. which to my horror,
found was looked. Glancing around th'
e room, my eyes fell upon the irons in the fire
0 place. snatched one up, and with on
e stroke broke the lock aud opened the door
: Running down the stairs found the from
r door fastened also. Having nothing t
break the lock with, | darted TO the fir
o room came to, and jumped from the VII
4 dow into an alley on the side Of the hous'