The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-02-19
FREEDOMS BIRD.

The Royal American Eagle has Chance to
seek the Broad Empyrean and Goes Back on
u--Disreputable Behavior of the National
Fowl
We find the following disillusion in the Provi-
dence journal of yesterday |I'-
The Monitor Engine Company of Pawtueket
recently purchased a golden eagle which had
been captured in trap with the intention of
having it killed and mounted to ornament their
engine house. The bird was n fine specimen of
its species, measuring nearly seven feet from
tip to tip, weighing about twelve pounds, and
had sustained no injury in its capture except
the loss of one toe in the trap. Mr.. II. G. /.
Dorsey the eccentric citizen of Pawtucket, who
has a fellow feeling for the captive, offered the
company $20-$10in gold and $l0in greenbacks
to liberate the bird. The offer was accepted,
and Thursday at 1890 o'clock noon, was the
time appointed for the bird to soar away in new
found freedom. Accordingly at that time
large crowd assembled to witness the flight. At
1890 o'clock Gillmore's Band struck up the
"Star-Spangled Banner" which disconnected
his majesty not at all. Mr.. William Durant
read poem, written by o lady of North Provi-
dence, friend to the largest freedom, dedicated
TO the eagle now in bondage, but soon to be
released to soar to realms of broad blue to carry
to other birds an account of the bounty of Mr..
Dorsey, the prisoners friend, and the Peabody
of Pawtucket."
After three cheers for Mr.. Dorsey, and while
the band was playing "Hail Columbia" his ma
iesty was liberated by Mr. Dorsey. In a moment
the bird was in the air, amid prolonged cheers
from the multitude, who were prepared to watch
his proud flight. But, alas like too many bipeds,
he ''couldnt stand prosperity" and the good
care he had received and the bountiful freedom
dinner he had been given we're too much for his
so long untried wings, and he was compelled to
light on house, scarcely hundred yards from
his old cage, where he sat in proud contempt
| for the expectations of the people. In moment
snow-balls from the hands of small boys flew
| thick and fast around him, but a cock of the
| head in q manner initiated only by the "bad
man" of Congress, and look of "Shoo
| fly" was the only notice he deigned. AS the
| band commenced yankee Doodle" he started
| q second time, and for q moment seemed likely
to reach his own broad blue; but as he receded
from the inspiriting strains of the music, the
| attraction toward the earth was too strong, and
he began slowly to descend, till in attempting to
| light in large elm tree his talons became en-
tangled in the twigs, and the proud emblem of
our nationality was trailing in the air, helpless,
and humble enough to crafty the most traitor
| Gus heart. Here he hung, till a young man,
| Robert Salisbury, climbed the tree, and
attempted to release him, when, with touch
of his native ferocity, he went for Roberts head
in the most approved bird -of-prey manner, with
beak and talOns, and lively Struggle ensued,
and the eagle was again the air. But high liv-
| ing was the ruin of him. and he gradually fell to
! the ground, and was taken back to his old
| quarters, where he awaits the action of his
| would-be liberator, Mr.. Dorsey.