Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-11-01

EPISODE I'm
The Youth q Gen. IN aahineton.

part n the Union. might be seen cfowdinc
into Richmond ihe capital ofi Virginia, one
ofthe Oldest and most English In habit and
feeling amongtthe American States. The
spec ace which they assembled 10 witness
was the ceremony ofayiDg The Foundation
stone Of p6numeut about to Be erected to
Che memory of Washington The Pfesi-
dent, Gen. Taylor (himsefa native Of vir
einia, was present at the eerersony, aad the
StFsg WI Dug be rem6mbered ia The annals
OF that State.
So familiar to the whole world is the his
tory Of the illustrious man in whose honor
this festival was held, that it would besuper-
auous to diiate upon it; but an episode Of
his early life, which was the turning point
Of bis whole career, may not, perhaps, be 50
generally known TO our readers. We must,
therefore, beg Of them to travel back with us
in thought to the winter Of 1747.
II was a bright, clear morning, when two
young men might have been seen strong
together in the nelghborhood Of Bridge
Creek, in Virginia.
The youngest Of the two was scarcely
more than fifteen years Of age. but his tall
and manly frame, his expressive countenance,
lofty Brow, and almost puritan simplicity Of
aspect, indicated character far in advance
Of his wears. His companion, who appeared
10 have numbered six or seven years more
than himself. wore, with a certain easy grace,
the uniform Of an English major. 1t was
easy to recognise in him one Of those young
noblemen of the eighteenth century, fitted
alike TO shine in saloon, or to win laurelS
upon the battle field.
The latter was, in fact, the representative
Of one Of the noblest families Of Great Briatin.
The former was the son Of small landed
proprietor ir the State Of Virginia, which
was then, in common with the other States
Of the Union, under the dominion Of the
English crown.
Wny should you hesitate 2 asked the
elder Of the two, addressing himself nan an,
imated tone to his Young companion; your
family Il Of English origin, as are all ofthose
which GIL a superior station in our colonies
Yes, but for more than two centuries
my ancestors have lived and died in this
country. and we have become thorough A.
mericans'
fWhile subjects Of Great Britain, you
must still be English. You surely sanno'
dream Of throwing yourself into the hands
of that foolish faction which dreams Of an in
dependence that must ever be impossible
Impossible The future is long, and A.
merca is great
But she can vet hardly be deemed civ.
ilized; range yourself on the side of civiliza
ton. You know well that the mothe
country opens wide her arms to welcom,
those among her colonists who offer he
their services The sea is the element 70
you Lord Rodney is my friend, and h
will gladly do all he can to serve you; an
before many years are over you will reyis
your native shores as an admiral. Com
now, you must go home and tell your mott
er that you have made your decision, An
t rmorrow YOU will embark with me for En-
land
'Frewell, replied the young colonis
tom ,rrow | shall meet you on board 20
ship, either to accompany you to EngIan
or el>e-to bid you adieu.' ...-..
You will accompany me, am sure
Farewell till tomorrow
The Englishman, with firm STEP a
disengaged air, took the path which led
the shore.
The American with thoughtful coun
nance, turned back toward the town.
When he reached the modest and peacef
looking dwelling in which he and his mo
er dwelt together, he paused for mom
at the threshhold; then summoning all
courage, he turned the handle of the d.
and entered.
The young American lady (for she '
still young) was seated alone and clad in
deepest mourning Her countenance
calm. but sad; a Bible lay open on the
bic before her, and by its side lay so
scattered papers and miniature portrait
The young man recognised the port
Of his father he stood still for a nom
pale and silent; and then, throwing
arms around his mothers neck, while
tears started to his eyes, he exclaimed
This is the anniversary of the day
Yes, George, it was this day, FIVE y,
ago, that your father died in nv arms
When he felt bis end approaching, he
me TO call YOU to his bedside, aud when
had blessed us both, he said to me- /,
you a child-make him man
Just been reading his instructions over ac
continued she, and the views he EXPIRE
with regard to yop, aud have been as
myself whether we have each fulfilled
duties as we would haze wished
'Oh, my mother, you, at all events,
fulfilled your duties nobly and devoted
AS to myself, long to choose some c
which may enable me TO show myself
thy Of such father. If this were ne
inopportune moment, would now &C
you on the subject Of my choice
HThere could not be a more fitting
ment, my son, in which to discuss the
Ter. Sit down aud let us talk it ov
The spirit Of your father. which doub
watches over US from above, will he
point out to Us the path which you 5
tread here below
George seated himself by his mo
side. They reviewed together the d
professions which we're open to the yo
the American continent, and after SON
itation, the young man expressed his
to enter the English navy.
AT these words his mother starte
colored deeply; and, as if by an invol
movement. covered her husbands p