Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1864-04-26
nlisleIlallp.
A Green Mountain Boys Visit to his Child.
hood Home.
Capt. 9th Infantry, ca A.


Just returned TO Boston, after wha, has been to
NE mos! interesting and deeply affecting visit to
the home Of my youth in Hardwick and brie
record Of my feelings on that occasion, and the
"reminiscences awakened 10 my mind may be &C
csptable to YOU Tgenty.three years is loug
time, and yet il was all Of that, up to the last
month, since | turned my back on the dear Old
town which gave me birth, and ourncyed to the
great city IN quest of what thousand, seek and
few find wealth. Nsgecting health We seek
wealth, and reap only wisdom, If the teachings of
bitter experience can be so called.
w4s lad Of seventeen years then, but as
journeyed into Ilardvick a week or two ago, with
my only surviving sister by my side, every object
seemed as familiar as if had sit but yesterday.
There we're the grand old hills, the forest depths,
Ihc hllow fields, the maple grove, the roads, tn
brooks, and many Of the ssf'ams old houses, and
| was breathing again the pure mountain air of
the old Green Mountain State. Only myself
seemed changed. Bet when, on reaching the
well remembered village, We looked around for
those who we're the active men OF the former
time, my fathers intimate friends, we experienced
the reality Of what the passing years bad wrought,
for the good, the beloved, the honored, with
but a few exceptions, had departed for the land OF
eternal rest. Only two remained of those !
knew when a by, and these are men Of sterlirg
integrity Of character Many in your vicinity
must know them. refer to DAVID Iutte, E,q.,
better known as Uncle Tuttle, now SO years of
age, being the only man living in the town who
hardy farmer, Capt. Ab1ah Shedd now "a years
Of age. They were both men whom children
loved, and when little children love man he
must be good Nr. Shedds wife, am glad to
say, is also still living, and is only two years
younger than her husband. A little inoid mt re-
gardug Mr.. Shedd recurs to my mind which is
worthy Of being petPetuated
At one time wheat was very scarce, and it so
happened that in that year Mr. Shedd had raised
on bis large aud productive farm some three hun
hundred bushels and SO had wheat to sell Most
OF bis towusmen sold wheat at very high prices
but this true hearted man would not raise the
prce Of his wheat, and sold il at the old price,
,ud 4l,o refassd cell n sraonlstors at any
price. His customers we're the deserving poor
the better class got none Of neighbor Shedd's
wheat that year. had The pleasure Of a few mo-
meG,'s conversation with this aged philanthro-
pist. lie is now residing with his son, Mr.. John
Shedd, ho seeks by every means in his power to
render the veteran, latter years as happy as pos
sb.. The countenance Of the elder Shedd
when saw him, and that Of Uncle Tutle, as WELL
plowed with that serenity and peace which is the
result Of the consciousness Of duty performed to-
ward both God and man. Such men are Of price
less worth to any community, and when they de-
part may they leave their mantes behind them.
As was rambling in the vicinity Of my old
home, could not help recalling the face and
form Of the venerable Mr.. Aiken, the minister
who lived our nearest neighbor. When | was
small boy used to zee him often. Then boys
were taught poltenem. This venerable patriarch
never would pass youth without raising his hat
aud making a bow. IT, owing to absence Of mind,
did not def my hat and bend my head before
passing him, would be sure, to hear the old man
cry out, George, take Of your nat and make
bow" lie never required Of the ,malleSt boy
more han he was willing to return.
While | sm relating these little incidents, will
give ycu another which heard related o's good,
jolly oil gen, who lived not ht from Montpelier,
10 " We oldea tine Of stage coach conveyance.
lie was about taking trip to Boston. The good
wife was very sad at parting, it was such long
distance and required a tediou, separation. With
many tears aud regrets she packed up his duds,
and Just as the stage coach drove up to the door,
the afectiouate creature With her eyes bathed in
tears and her heart rett with anguish, rushed into
his arms and fanically informed him that shs
had Just ascertained that hi. life insurance policy
was about to expire, and besought him to delay
his Journey till he could get it renewed, after
which she should feel more reconciled TO his dan.
gerous absence and ,rus, in Providence for his
safe return.
passed some day, in South Hardwick and
participated in half dozen ,ugarings off
among the maple groves, enjoying mysefeIeeed.
ingy 10 the primitive pastimes Of these social oc.
casious. On the Sabbath attended meeting At
the cid church. My eyes often wandered over
the congregation in search OF the faces Of those
who we're 10 oden times my school mates But
an audience Of strangers alone met my view.
Tnose mates Of mine, like myself bad most Of
them sought other homes. Some we're dead,
aud only two or three were left to extend the
hand Of cordial greeting. found several Others
elsewhere, and also made some new aequant-
snces, among whom consider myself fortunate
enough to number Lieut.. Geo. w. Btidgman, Of
the 2l Vermont regiment, young man who has
| noble SERVICE and been promoted for his brave
~. His father is Mr.. Dorman Bridgman, the
proprietor of that excellent and well KEEP, hostel.
~. the South Hardwick Hotel, and the latter
may well feel honored in having such son.
And nov, Mr.. Editor, allow me TO say that
never shall forget this visit to my boyhood's
homo in the Green Mountains. The rich and un
dua,ing forests, the bold aud towering emf.
nences, the sylvan geus and the meanderiug
.t,eans which surround that old place, are all
very dear to me-