Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-08-05
A MODEL BABY.

There was only one baby among the members of
the late excursion party up the Mississippi to the
falls Of st. Anthony. That baby was only six
months old-a SON Of Henry Farham, Esq, the
engineer Of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad.
When the baby was first brought on board the
Golden Era, some of the company shrugged their
shoulders and others said hump" One crusty
old bachelor muttcrcd, ave may look out for
squalls now . and a young man who passed for a
wit, sighed for the days of King lIerod. The ba-
by meanwhile looked about and crowed a little,
and then quietly entertained himself with sucking
his fist.
Well. from the time we left Rock Island on
Monday evening till we returned on the following
Saturday, not a cry or u suspicion Of n cry was
uttered by the baby. He was indeed a charming
little fcllow-always bright and placid, and ready
to meet half way those who were disposed to be
attentive. OF the sensation of fear he seemed to
be utterly Ignorant. lie would go to the arms OF.
rough old backwoodsmcn rs readily rs these of
the beautiful Miss W., or Miss j., and remain
contcnted away from his mother or nurse, till fear
full that he was giving trouble they would como in
search Of him. But instead of giving trouble lie
seemed to be doing more than anybody else for
the general entertainment. 1t was frequently pro-
posed to pinch him to sec if he coutd cry and
in one instance the experiment was tried without
success. The features of the gruf old bachelor,
who had looked so austeroly at first on this infant
phenomenon, would now relax as he came in sight,
and he at last y%cntured upon the experiment of
taking him in his arms, and found to his delight
that the baby maintained his good character even
in lis inexperienced embrace.
The general satisfaction at the baby's unraral-
lelled behavior at length manifested itself in u
substantial form. 1t was resolved to get up a
testimonial. y subscription was put in circulation
for II gold cup, TO he presented as a token of the
admiration and esteem of the passengers, who,
when they reflected how much a crying baby might
have detracted from their enjoyment literally
OpCned their purses. and subscribed the handsome
sum of $3.50. a formal presentation of this offer
ing was then made, Mr.. Rockwell, late member of
Congress from Connecticut, was dcputed to address
the baby. This he did in the presence of the assem-
bled passengers, the baby in the meanwhile being
held in his mothers arm, and always jumping
and chuckling at tho right place in Mr.. RockwclPs
speech.
The speech, which was Il capital one, and cnun-
eiatcd with due gravity and dignity, was followed
by Il reply from Professor Twining of New Haven,
tho baby's mcdjUR on the occasion, and who spoke
in the l;ttle fellows behalf in admirable style.
now witty and now beautiful, for upwards of five
minutes. Both speeches were much enjoyed and
applaudcl. EX President Fillmore was appointed
to prepare an inscription for the gold cup a task
which he accomplished with his accustomed good
taste, and Mr., Rockwell was appointed to purchase
the cup.
Thus ended ono Of the plcasantcst little episodes
of the great excursion-one that must be always
remembered with pleasure by those who witnessed
it, and especially by the parents of the child, who,
so early in life, won so solid a mark Of the appro-
baton Of his seniors.