Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-03-23

leave without dwelling upon one incl
dent with which it is associated. That
is the spot where plead my cause,
when once arraigned BY the masters Of
the Academy, for having been the ring
leader of conspiracy. Itwas the third
day of July, and on dismissing the
school, our master had informed us that
we must celebrate the memorable Fourth
by attending school. Surprise, and a
shadow of disappointment fell upon
every countenance, and we soug int our
respective rooms murmuriRg. That
evening our marbles and balls were idle.
At my suggestion, the wink was tipt to
a chosen band of patriots. We met,
and after discussing the outrageous con-
duct of our Principal, unanimously re-
solved that we would spend the follow
ing day at the neighboring village of
Brooklyn, where we knew there was to
be a celebration. We went, had a
glorious walk, saw revolutionary sold
iers, enjoyed sumptuous dinner, heard
a smart oration, fred unnumbered can
non, saw lots of pretty girls, and were
at home a little after sunset. On the
following morning, the patriots were
changed into a band of culpritS, stand
ing before our compeers to be tried, con-
demned and punished. Having been
proven to be the leader, | was the chief
speaker, and in my boyish estimation
defender of the Constitution" Then
it was, and in the seat already mentioned,
that delivered my maiden speech. 1t
was powerful appeal no doubt, but
was of no avail. We were condemned,
and our punishment was, to be expelled.
The next day, however, the whole of
us were re-admitted, as regular mem
bers, and thus ended the affair of our
Impeachment
Walking in this room and thinking
upon this incident has brought before me
troop of shadows, that have once had
material existence. Our Principal
was one H, who had thin lips, a
sharp nose, gray eyes, and cold heart.
He was good school-master, but moth
ing more. He knew not what it was to
be loved, for he could not sympathize
with single one of his pupils. He
seldom smiled, and when he did it
seemed to be against his nature. He
was most cruel man, as a scar upon my
poor back might testify even now
What has become of him know not,
but if he be among the living, l am sure
he is solitary being and a misanthrope.
His assistant, named W, distinct
ly remember as the ugliest looking man
l ever saw; but he was good-hearted
soul, and merited the friendly feelings
which were lavished upon him so abund-
antly. When l last heard of him he
was much respected and well estab-
lished clergyman. And SO it is that
time works its changes.
How dearly do l love the memory of
my school-fellowsl Charley Snow was
rssttle-headed Southerner, who hated
books, loved a frolic, and spent. his
money, of which he had an abundance,
like water. The poet of our Academy
was Edward Hunt, the son of poor
woman and a widow, who lived upon
neighboring farm. He was beautiful
boy, fond of being alone, and when with
his playmates shy as a captured deer.
All the manual labor of his home he
performed himself, and yet he had but
few superiors as a student. More than
half of his time was spent with his moth
er, and for that reason my heart ever
yearned towards the noble boy. Our
metaphysical philosopher was one Hen
nv Clare, who had been made decidedly |
mad by too much learning. A splendid
landscape or brilliant sunset he could
not understand, but over piece of gray
stone, homely little insect or leaf of
sorell, he would be in perfect raptures.
But the youth who exerted the most
salutary influence upon us, was William
Vane, whom his Maker had formed a
cripple, but gifted with supurb intel
lect and the disposition of an angel
How kindly did he endeavor to cheer up
those boys who came out of school with |
blistered hands, or were suffering with |
other troubles! Seldom did we ever
hear an oath in the presence of William
Vane. for few could endure his manly
frown and reprimand. Many soul will
enjoy, or is enjoying happy immortali-
ty on account of that unfortunate-no, !
that thrice blessed youth, for from very
childhood he was a christian. One
queer fellow that we had with us was
Joe Leroy. He thought more of per-
forming an odd caper than of anything
else, but his particular passion was for
athletic feats, such as climbing, running
and jumping. Once, with the aid of a
rope, L saw him ascend one side of the
Academy building, pass over the roof
and descend upon the opposite side. He
could outrun the whole of us, and in the |
department of jumping, he was equal to
kangaroo. Jack Harmer was another
lad to whom books was terror. He
longed to be a sailor, and devoted all
his leisure time to sailing little brig on
sheet of water in meadow, two hun
dred feet wide And so could go on
for hours, mentioning the names of
those who were the playmates of my
later boyhood. Where they are, and
what their destiny, cannot tell. That
my own name has long since been for
gotten by them / do not doubt. Is it |