Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-05-07
A STEAMBOAT INCIDENT.

a STEAm6OAI LIN C1OGN l.
A clergyman, giving in the Ladies Re
pository an account of some of his exper-
fences in q trip from his own " comforta-
bic parsonage" to New York city, refresh
es his readers with the following exhibi-
ton of practical Christianity which came
under his observation:
NY Journey to Boston was as monoto-
nous as possible, and the two hours de-
tention there was not particularly exhil-
Grating. There was no time to visit places
of interest, and | felt too misanthropic
and gloomy for social intercourse, although
other gentlemen were waiting like myself.
More than once l had nearly determined
to 90 home in the return train, but was
ashamed to do that after Mary's self-sacri-
fce. We were half way to Stonington be-
fore I-began to look about me. | was
awakened by the cries of child, and |
saw that the seat in front of me was occu-
pied by ayoung woman, plainly but de-
Gently dressed; but with an expression OF
anxiety on her face that instantly attract
ed me. She had baby in her arms, and
another Just big enough to walk sitting on
the seat by her side. He was bright lit
tie fellow, with great flashing black eyes,
and thick coils of chestnut curls cluster
ing all over his head: but he did not seem
well, and fretted continually for the sooth-
ing attention that he saw bestowed upon
the more helpless babe in his mother 5
arms. There were several bundles and a
carpet-bag piled one above the other on
the seat next to the window, and the ht-
tie boy in his restlessness, often placed
them, and they came rolling down upon
the floor. l would like to see the man
who would not have succumbed and haul
ed down his flag before such compiler
ton of miseries.
The young mother bore up brayely.-
While hushing the baby and lulling it
with a sweet lullaby to temporary quiet,
she contrived also to coax the little boy s
curly head to a pillow on her knee, and
thus doubly burdened found means to di-
vert her attention with cheap picture
book.
But the weather outside grew dark and
UNPLEASANT. Thick clouds were slowly
gathering their forces, and the wall of the
wind was often heard above. the noise of
the engine. The anxious expression of
the mothers face deepened as she watch
ed the ominous signs that foretold q
stormy night upon the Sound There was
a quick, tremulous motion Of her lip at
times, as if she were repressing the incli-
nation to have "hearty cry" over her
troubles.
| have Just thought of what should haye
occurred to me long time before, that it
was possible for me to relieve her of part
of her burden, and was trying to drive
n L - llsr,Sr oil he
good Samaritan thoughts that | had ever
used in my sermons on practical benevo-
lence, when an accession of passengers at
a way station obliged me to resign my seat
to lady, who actually thanked me for
the civility.
Left again to myself. leaning against the
door of the car, resumed the thread OF
gloomy contemplation that had of late be-
come habitual, and was soon lost in the
old, weary labyrinth of conjectures in re-
gard to the state of my parish, its spiritual
deadness, and the measures TO be used to
awaken any religious things. grewmore
and more desponding as | meditated, and
my cogitations were as fruitless as ever
| did not again think of the babies and
their mother till we were about leaving
the cars at Stonington. Happening then
to glance down the car before getting out,
l saw her looking about her with evident
perplexity. The heavy rain was already
pouring down. and the darkness outside
was not very attractive even to the unen-
numbered travellers.
| am ashamed to own that did not Of
fer my assistance. Mary says she will nev-
er believe it-that it is impossible for hui
man nature to be so bearish, but the hu-
initiating truth must be told. My own
wretchedness and my sense of utter use
lessness in my profession made me almost
Indifferent for the time to the claims of
humanity. Still | was sensible of feel
ing of surprise, which gradually became
Indignation, as | saw one lady after an
other unconcernedly pass by, and another
gentleman as heartless as myself ignor-
ing her silent appeal to our sympathy
The car was emptied at last, though
stood in the door, hoping to see another
do the Christian duty that was so reluc-
tant to perform. / could not leave her to
her fate as the rest had done.
Just then some one entered the door
at the other end, and saw the young wo-
man look eagerly around. She had again
failed in her efforts to arrange babies and
bundles for transportation to the boat
The newcomer was a stout looking, elder
Iy man, plain and almost shabbily dressed,
with great shock of red hair nearly lift
ing his hat off his head, and a round, fat
face, deeply marked with the small pox.
He was whistling lively air, which seem
ed to breathe whimsical sort of defiance
to the discomforts of the bleak night, but
he stopped at once when he saw the help
less group before him.
''Going aboard ma'amp
" Yes, sir, as soon as l can
GOOD; so am l. Let me carry this
youngster for you. I've got one at home
just his size. Jehosaphatl how nat'ral it
seems" said the man, as he lifted the
boy to his shoulder. The child stopped
crying and laughed gleefully "And these
bundles; are they yours ma'am?"
Yes sir. Thank you, / can carry those
very well. / can indeed"
That depends" he had already gath
cred them into his arms, and wrapped her
thin shawl more closely around the baby.
ssNow we'er ready. Keep close behind
me. n1a'am. 1t is but few steps"
4 - i. Il