The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-10-07

rehearsed selections from scripture, Or re-
peated pieces Of poetry, which was done
with an expression, and evident apprecia-
tion of the meaning and sentiment, which
seemed beyond their years. Their singing
in concert was inexpressibly sweet and
touching.
When at last we were invited to talk
with them, and ask them questions in our
own way, l was astounded at the readi-
ness, the wit, the appropriateness and the
Intelligence of their answers Manv of
them, had been here but few weeks or a
few days, but they seemed to comprehend
by intuition, what with others is the re-
suit of long and patient study.
1t was an interesting sight to see these
little waits of a long prosecuted and de-
splsed race. their faces shining like ..black
diamonds" and their eyes rolling in per-
pleXlty when a new idea was demanded of
them or sparkling with glad intelligence
as they caught it, and sgnifed their read
mess to answer by holding up the hand. 1t
Is saying much but | do not believe that
the same number of white children Of tho
same aye from the most intelligent New
England village could nave passed q SINH
lar examination better
Here they are not only kindly treated
out carefully taught by kind teachers. and
are thus beng fitted to become in turn
teachers OF their race, Being easy and
eager to learn, they make ready and rapid
P'ooieHs
As l looked upon the little group and
saw the indications Of latent mental pow
er and intellect, bursting as il were
through the tramels OF their race and con-
di'lon, could not help contrasting their
probable future. under the blessings of
liberty and education. with what if would
have been under the DEGRADING curse Of
slavery, which would have made the do
velopement of those mental nowprs q
crime. Distributing q few hr;obt co,,nors
which had tbe br;ll,nov nd =, .l ,
value Of GOLD amono our rt,o f.;;on1 o
bade them GOOD nv and nrooooaoa D.
cuo,o
,,,.o .l.
low of tho pota,,aa ..,~.,.
.ho. ,,,, ,,
sl;c;tod q r,nturo,,.
fessional tourist Irnon tbe ono hand tho
billsiJes were covorod Will, n,o,nn;t;oo,+
groves of oak. that would have DELIGHTED
the heart of an ancient Dru;d NOT tho
scr,bbv second Growth ca osnor,,,v nrovo-
lent. but the product Of centur;es-tbe
primal honors of the ancient forest
Growing the bighest hill stands tho "a
nous Arlington House. (the late home of
the rebel General Lee) its marble portico
showing its Pantheon-like front above the
trees
Ipon the other hand spread broad
meadows covered with golden grain, be-
yond which the noble Potomac flashed in
the sunshine like sea of silver. Upon
It's bright bosom white-winged schooners,
GRIM gunboats and busy tugs were hurry
mo III all directions.
Beyond this upon the eastern shore lay
the city OF magnificent distances " above
which, seated in substantial majesty, rose
the walls OF the National Capital, lifting
Ito iinli'e'lse oolhe IKE a huge thunder
CLOUD INTO the SKY While we were dwell
l''s with dellsh'ed eye upon tins prospect
our carriage stopped az the gateway OF
The National Cemetery,
which we cannot pass without pausing to
pay tribute OF respect to the fallen heroes
who rest in soldiers graves within full
sight of the seat Of that government which
they have died to maintain. This ''sacred
city OF the dead which is located upon
one OF the most beautiful portions of the
Arlington Estate. Is covered with mighty