Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1854-04-15
Miscellaneous.
GOVERNOR WILLIAM P. DUVAL.

The late William P. Duval, whose
death took place at Washington on the
10Th instant, was type of the genuine
American character-apti self-relying,
and fertile in natural resources. He
was born in Virginia of one of its old
families. Some curly pranks of whim-
sical but innocent kind gained him the
character of an unlucky boy, prone to
all kinds Of mischief. The harsh treat
men, he experienced in consequence
stung him to the quick. He considered
himself misunderstood and undervalued.
III go from homc,' said he, and shift
for myself There was at that time in
Virginia rage for emigration to Ken
lucky. He had heard wonders of that
county, and of the glorious, ipdepend-
ent life of the hunters who ranged its
forests and lived by the rife. He deter
mined to go there and adopt the mode
of life. His father considered it the
passing caprice of a boy, being little a.
ware Of his wounded spirit and of the
dogged resolution of his character
Finding, however that he was not to bo
moved either by persuasion or remon-
STRANGE, he gave way to his humor, trust
ing that little rough experience would
soon bring him home again He even
gave him a well filed purse to assist
him on his wayfaring. The hunter in
embryo asked for horse and servant.
"a horse! why you would not go q
mile without racing him and breaking
your neck, and as to servant, you can
not take care of yourself, much less Of
him. 's - JAZZ
How am l to travel :herel' 7'a.
why, | suppose you are man enough
to travel on foot go
He spoke jestingly, little thinking the
lad would take him at his word; but
the latter was thoroughly piqued in re.
spect to the enterprise, SO he pocketed
the purse, made up his pack, and grid
ed up his loins for hejourncy. .t,..'.'
when will you come back 2 asked
his sister, as she hung round bis neck
weeping. Never, by heavens! till !
come back member Of Congress from
Kentucky. l am determined to show
that l am Inotithe tail-end ofthefamily.,
llrTSuch was the launch forth in life Of a
youth but little way in his teens. His
pedestrian journey had its hardships.--
He was at one time in danger Of being
stopped as runaway apprentices after
which he avoided houses as much as pos
sible, lighting q fire at night in some
wood or ravine, and sleeping betote it
in hunters style. l.r.tr,.i. 5,,s ID
AT length he arrived at Brownsville,
leg-wea way.worn, and in shabby
plight, having 'camped out for several
nights. Tho landlord Of the inn was
unwilling to receive a vagrant boy be-
meath his roof; he was about to turn
him of, when his wife interfered. '''a
Where can you be going, my lad 2
said she. ''h'. ''% s's' ''z,
ITO Kentucky
.What arc YOU going there fort 4,
ITO hunt ala ,tr. ..s.,-ea
She looked earnestly at him for a mo-
ment Or two. ,5 ..,.l si.iI'
Have you mother liyingl' said
she, at length. -! l4aa . s.7.i
mo, madame she has been dead for
some time al. sgs.rlIta -.jsle,
Il thought so,' said she, warmly;I
knew if you had mother living you
would not be here From that moment
the good woman treated him during his
soiourn with woman's kindness.
Embarking at Wheeling on a flat.bott-
toned boat called q broad horn, he float.
ed down the Ohio past Cincinnati, then
nero group of log cabins, and the
site of Louisville, where then stood q
solitary house. until, after a voyage Of
several days, he landed near the mouth
Of Green river, and struck for the inte.
rior of Kentucky. He had relations in
Lexington and other settled places, but
he resolved to keep clear of them all.
being resolntely bent on making his
own way in the world without assistance
or control. So he made for the widest
part Of the country, camping out at
night, and supping on q wild turkey
which lie had shot. In the midst OF the
wilderness he was accosled by man in
hunting dress. ..rtga.
Where areyou froml" said the latter.
From Richmond .,
What! in Did Virginia.
Tho same t....
'How on earth did you get here4'
Il landed at Green river from a broad
horn 7.l.u. WI .a a1'I yE
And where are your companions "
Il have none
'whero are you goingl' ...gs.
ANY where rg. 8 y,5-
What have you come here fOra'
To hunt.'gi ali a.n
.Well,' cried the other, laughing,