The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-04-18
An Incident in the West.

Some years since temperance man moved
with his family from South Carolina to the
West. The sparseness of the population,
and the continued travel by his place, rem
dered it necessary act Of humanity in him
frequently to entertain travellers who could
get no farther. Owing to the frequency Of
these calls, he resolved to enlarge his house,
and put up the usual sign.
Soon after this an election came on The trl-
umphant party felt that it was wonderful
victory and some young bloods Of the maj or
ity determined, in honor of it, to have reg
uiar blow out Accordingly, mounted on
their fac prairie horses, they started on a
long ride. Every tayero was visited on their
route, and the variety thus drank produced a
mixture which added greatly to the noise and
boiserousness OF the company. In this con-
dition they came, about dozen ID number,
to our quiet temperance tavern. The land
lord and lady we're absent the Oldest daugh-
ter, fourteen years of age, and i've younger
children, were alone in the house.
These gentlemen Qor they consider them
selves as such) called for liquor.
We keep nome was the modest reply OF
the young girl.
What DO you keep tavern for then 2
| For the accommodation OF travellers,
| We'll, then, accommodate us with some
thing to drink
You will see, sir, by tho sign that we
keep temperance tavern
:. \ temperance tavern (Iere the chill
dren clustered around their sister.) Give me
an ak and I'll cut down the sign
You'll find an ak at the wood pile, sir
Here the party, each one with an oath,
made rush to the wood pile, exciaiming,
: Down with the sign Down with the slgn!'
But the leader in going out, discovered in
an adjoining room a splendid piano and its
accompaniments. Who makes that thing
squeak ? said he.
s 1 play, sometimes, said the girl, in quiet
modest manner.
You do ? Give us tune
Certainly, sir ) and taking stool, while
the children formed Il circle close to her, she
sung and played The Old Arm Chair.
Some Of them had never heard piano before
others had not heard one for years. The tn.
multi was soon hushed the whip and the
spur gentlemen were drawn back from the
wood pile, and formed circle outside the
children. The leader again spoke Will
you be so kind at to favor US with another
song ?
Another was played, and the children be-
coming treasured, some of them joined their
sweet voices with their sisters. Song after
song was sung and played. One would touch
the sympathes of the strangers. another melt
in grief one would arouse their patriotism
another their chivalry and benevolence until
at length ashamed to ask for more, they each
made low bow, thanked her wished her 8
good afternoon and left her as quietly as il
they had been to funeral.
Months after this occurrence, the father il
travelling, stopped at village, where gen
teman accosted him
Are you Col. P of S.?
l am
We'll, sir, am spokesman of the party
, who so grossly insultcd your innocent family
threatened to cut down your sign and spok,
so rudely to your children You have JUS
cause to be proud Of your daughter, sir ; he
noble bearing and fearless courage were re
markable in one so young and unprotected. -
Can you pardon me, sir feel that cal
never forgive mvseif'