The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1865-02-25
An Incident of the West.


Some years since temperance man NOV
ed with his family from New Hampshire to
the West. The sparseness OF the popnla
tion, and the continual travel past his place,
rendered it necessary act OF humanity
in him frequently to entertain trayell ers
who could go no farther. Owing to the
frequency Of these calls, he resolved to en-
large his house and put up the usual sign.
Soon after this an election came on the
triumphant party felt that it was wonder
full victory. and some young bloods of the
majority determined, in honor of it, to have
a regular elbow out" Accordingly mount
ed on their fine prairie horses, they started
on a long ride.
Every tavern was visited on their round,
and the variety thus drank produced mix.
ture which added greatly to the noise and
boisterousness of the company. In this
condition they came, about dozen in num-
Der, to our quiet temperance tavern. Inc
landlord and lady were absent-the eldest
daughter, fourteen years of age, and i've
younger children, were alone in the house.
These gentlemen (for they called them
selves such) called for liquor.
"We keep none," was the modest reply
of the young girl.
"W hat do you keep tavern for, then ?"
"For the accommodation of Travellers"
"Well, then, accommodate US with some
thing to drink"
"You see, sir, by the sign, that we keep
a temperance tavern ?" Here the children
clustered around their sister.)
"Give ME an ak, and | will cut down the
sign" :.
You'll find an ak on the wood-pile, sir"
Here the party, each one with an oath,
made rush for the wood-pile, exclaiming !:
"Down with the sign! Down with the
sign!'
But the leader, in going out, discovered
in an adjoining room, splendid piano and
its accompaniments."
"Who makes this thing squeak ?" said he.
~ play sometimes" said she, in quiet,
modest manner.
"You do? Give us tune.'
"Certainly, sir;" and taking stool, while
the children formed a circle close to her,
she sung and played THE Old Arm Chair"
Some of them had never heard piano be-
fore Others had not heard one for years.
The tumult was soon hushed the whip and
spur gentlemen were drawn back from the
wood-pile, and formed a circle outside the
children.
The leader again spoke:
"Will you be so kind as to favor us with
another song?"
Another was played, and the children
becoming treasured, some of them Joined
their sweet voices with their sisters.
One would touch the sympathies of the
strangers, another melt them in grief, one
would arouse their patriotism, another theil
chivalry and benevolence at length asham
ed to ask for more, they each made low
bow and thanked her-wished her good at
ternoon, and left as quietly as if they had
been at funeral.
Months after this occurrence the father
in travelling, stopped at a village, where
gentleman accosted him with:
"Are you Col. P, of s."
81 am"
"Well, sir, I am spokesman of the party
who so grossly insulted your innocent fanl.
ly, threatened to cut down your sign, aud
spoke so rudely to your children. YOU
have just cause to be proud of your daugh
ter sir her noble bearing and fearless co1r
age were remarkable in one SO young ant
unprotected Can you pardon me, sir ?
tell you that can never forgive myself