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Title: Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War.

Author: Amelia Stratton Comfield

Release date: September 6, 2010 [eBook #33647]

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Louise Hope


*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALIDA; OR, MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHES OF INCIDENTS DURING THE LATE AMERICAN WAR. ***




Produced by Louise Hope





[The text of _Alida_ is given twice. First it is presented "straight",
as printed. This is followed by the same text, paragraph by paragraph,
quoting its sources where known; some significant errors of fact are
also noted.

Footnotes are in the original. Typographical errors are listed after the
first version of the text.]


       *       *       *       *       *
           *       *       *       *


Having read the new work entitled "ALIDA," or Miscellaneous Sketches of
Occurrences during the late American War, which abounds with elegance of
language, sublime poetry, and useful lessons--as an American, I have a
pride in saying, that our press has seldom been honoured with a work as
improving and interesting to the reader, and as well written as any to
be found either among the older or modern authors.

  J. H. HARDENBROOK.


It may be here proper to rectify a slight mistake in two of the
complimentary pieces written on the contents of Alida, in which the work
was innocently stated to have been expressly _written_ for the aid of
benevolent purposes; instead of which it should have read [expressly
_printed_] for the aid of benevolent purposes. The truth is, some part
was written as a journal of incidents, and to amuse leisure hours
somewhat usefully; other parts to commemorate some particular facts for
the gratification of the author and near relatives, not expecting any
other eye to meet a single line of it. But on being looked over by an
affectionate pious friend, the author was solicited to allow it to be
printed. It was at length acceded to, on the ground that the proceeds,
however little over the expenses attending it, should be appropriated to
charitable purposes.

It is but just to embrace this opportunity to express the reciprocal
kind feelings of the author, not only for the friendly and encouraging
encomiums above alluded to, with other kind approvals which have
appeared in print,--but for the _call_ of a third edition so soon, being
within the _first_ year of its appearance. The favourable reception
which the former editions of this work has met with from the public, in
these trying times (when so many valuable works are permitted to lay
useless on the shelves of the book-sellers,) encourages the editor to
attempt the publication of another edition. The author has embraced the
opportunity carefully to revise and correct the typographical mistakes
in the former editions, and to enlarge the work with additional prose
and poetry, which it is humbly hoped will be found both pleasing and
useful.




  [Illustration:

  ALIDA. "Optimum vitæ genus eligito nam consuetudo faciet
  jucundissimum."]




                     ALIDA:

                       or,

             MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHES

                       of

                   INCIDENTS

         During the Late American War.

                Founded on Fact.

                  WITH POEMS.

             By An Unknown Author.


  If I could gain, howe'er so little, to improve,
  I'd give it to the world for benefit.


      Third Edition, revised and improved.


                   NEW-YORK:

Printed for the Author, and for sale by the Booksellers.

                  M DCCC XLI.




The proceeds of this work, over the expenses of publishing, to be
appropriated to charitable purposes.


Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840,

  BY HENRY LUDWIG,

In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York.


  H. LUDWIG, PRINTER,
  72 Vesey-st., N. Y.




                   This Work

           IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED

                     To The
         Amiable, Sensible, and Pious

             MISS CAROLINE SISSON,

            Niece to His Excellency,
   Charles Collins, Governor Of Rhode-Island,
       Whose Highly Exemplary Character,

               With That of His
                EXCELLENT LADY,

Must Deservedly Gain for Them Applause and Respect
            Wherever They Are Known,

And From Personal Knowledge of This Most Worthy Family,
   The Author Has Reason to Subscribe Herself
            Their Very Much Obliged,

                         Affectionate Friend.




CONTENTS.


Chapter I.-- The Parentage of Alida .... A description of her father's
residence .... She is sent to the village school.

Chapter II.-- Alida loses her mother and one of her brothers.

Chapter III.-- Alida is removed to a female seminary in New-York to
finish her education .... A description of her only surviving brother.

Chapter IV.-- A war is meditated between the United States and Great
Britain .... Causes why it was expected to take place.

Chapter V.-- War declared in a manifesto by the President of the United
States against Great Britain .... Causes of the war stated.

Chapter VI.-- An indissoluble friendship .... Celebration of a birth-day
.... Description of a parish minister.

Chapter VII.-- Entrance of a gentleman on professional study with an
eminent attorney in New-York.

Chapter VIII.-- Meeting of two rivals.

Chapter IX.-- Disappointment of the rivals.

Chapter X.-- An unexpected meeting.

Chapter XI.-- Unexpected misfortune.

Chapter XII.-- A separation.

Chapter XIII.-- A second marriage .... Removal to New-York for the
winter .... A hero joins the army under Colonel Van Rensselaer .... The
battle of Queenstown-- He is taken by the British, and sent with other
prisoners to England .... Capture of York.

Chapter XIV.-- Melancholy reflections.

Chapter XV.-- Battle of Lake Erie and victory of Commodore Perry ....
Battle of Detroit and victory of General Harrison.

Chapter XVI.-- Passage in a steamboat from New-York to the village of
* * * * .... A band of military music.

Chapter XVII.-- Battle of Niagara-- Colonel Miller's achievement ....
Description of the President .... Description of Mrs. Madison ....
Battle of Bladensburgh.

Chapter XVIII.-- Battle of New-Orleans .... Battle on Lake Champlain
.... Hartford convention .... Conclusion of peace.

Chapter XIX.-- The joyful celebration of peace in New-York.

Chapter XX.-- A splendid entertainment to celebrate the event of peace.

Chapter XXI.-- Proposal of an elopement and a clandestine marriage.

Chapter XXII.-- Description of New-York .... Battery .... Castle Garden.

Chapter XXIII.-- Alida's return from the city to the country.

Chapter XXIV.-- Alida returns to New-York and joins a party to visit the
Falls of Niagara .... Scenery of the Hudson river .... Albany ....
Schenectady .... Union College.

Chapter XXV.-- Arrival at Utica .... Falls of Trenton .... Singular
excavation of the rocks of these Falls .... Return to Utica ....
Journey in a stage-coach .... Salt Lake .... Salt spring at Salina ....
Arrival at Auburn .... Cayuga Lake .... Seneca Falls .... Geneva ....
Canandaigua .... Arrival at Rochester .... Genessee river .... Arrival
at Lockport .... Journey in a dearborn .... Grand Island.

Chapter XXVI.-- Buffalo .... Arrival at Manchester .... Eagle Tavern
.... Falls of Niagara .... Goat Island .... Camera obscura .... Cross
from the Canada to the American side .... Forsyth's Hotel.

Chapter XXVII.-- Journey from Niagara to Lake Champlain .... Arrival
at Caldwell .... Hudson or Glenn's Falls .... Arrival at Saratoga ....
Congress Hall .... Introduction to the Governor .... American character
.... Journey from Saratoga to Albany .... Passage up the river to
Catskill .... Pine Orchard .... Passage from Catskill to Hudson ....
Passage from Hudson to West Point .... Military School at West Point
.... Fort Putnam .... Passage from West Point to New-York .... Alida's
return to her native residence.

Chapter XXVIII.-- Sickness and death of Alida's father .... Reflections.

Chapter XXIX.-- Albert, the only surviving brother of Alida, takes
possession of the paternal estate.

Chapter XXX.-- Effect of misrepresentation.

Chapter XXXI.-- Return of a friend .... The joyful meeting.

Chapter XXXII.-- Anticipated happiness.

Chapter XXXIII.-- A candid confession.

Chapter XXXIV.-- Restoration of former fortune.


POEMS.

Hymn .... Christian Institute .... Friendship .... To Maria .... The Sun
.... The Voice of Time .... In Memory of Mrs. William Richards ....
Invocation to Prayer.


Subscribers' Names.




  ALIDA.




CHAPTER I.

  "Rien n'est si contagieux qui l'exemple; et nous ne faisons jamais
  de grand biens: ni de grand maux, qui n'en produisent de semblables."


The ancestry of Alida was of ancient date in English heraldry, some of
whom emigrated to America a short time before the revolution, and
settled in the southern provinces, while her father fixed his abode in
the state of New-York.

In the calm retirement of the country, at a considerable distance from
the bustle of the town, was situated his beautiful residence, which had
every advantage in point of prospect that luxuriant nature could give
when it is most lavish of its bounties.

The mind of its owner took particular delight in rural pleasures and
amusements; in dissipating a part of his time in the innocent scenes of
rustic life, and in attending to the cultivation of his estate, which
was large and extensive.

Here he would contemplate, in all their variety, the natural beauties of
creation, when arrayed in its richest attire; in the inimitable
splendour of the surrounding scenery; or amuse himself in attendance to
diversified employments, some of which, as pastimes, served the two-fold
purposes of recreation and amusement.

Thus his years glided on in the most harmonious tranquillity; where his
cares were dissipated alternately in the bosom of his family, and the
"tumults of life, real or imaginary, fleeted away in a mutual confidence
and unreserved friendship."

Here he would accustom himself to rise at early dawn, and dwell with
particular pleasure on the morning scenery. The dappled, rosy-fingered,
blushing morn, arrested his attention; those mild tints that
particularly express the break of day, just awakening from repose; when
the curtain of the night seems insensibly withdrawn, and the varied
landscape exhibits itself by degrees, while the colours of the
atmosphere yet seem doubtful, and the scene imperfect to the view; when
the darkness is not entirely fled, nor the light of the new day is fully
seen; when coolness sits upon the hills, and the dews hang trembling
upon every leaf; when the groves begin to resound with the murmurs of
warbling melody, and the valleys echo with reverberated sounds.

How pleasing at such a time to adore in his works the wonders of the
Creator. That period when the sun begins to diffuse his early rays, to
tip the mountains with light, and the breezes in the air mildly
prognosticate the soft blushes of the morning:

  "For far beyond the pageantry of power.
  He lov'd the realms of Nature to explore;
  With lingering gaze Edenian spring survey'd--
  Morn's fairy splendours--Night's gay curtain'd shade--
  The heaven-embosom'd inn--the rainbow's dye,
  Where lucid forms appear to Fancy's eye;
  The vernal flower, mild Autumn's purpling glow.
  The Summer's thunder, and the winter's snow."

Or, when the evening approached, he would observe the twilight hour,
which for a time hangs balanced between darkness and the pale rays of
the western sky, communicating a solemn pleasure to every thing around.
When evening began to throw her dusky mantle over the face of nature,
and the warm glow of the summer sun had departed; when the stars were
glistening in the heavens, and the moon had already risen, shedding its
pale lustre over the opposite islands "that appeared to float dimly
among the waves, the twinkling fire-fly arose from the surrounding
verdure, and illumined the meadow below with a thousand transient gems."
The rustling breezes played among the trees of the wood, while the air
was filled with the fragrance of various flowers, and the sound of
melodious music was wafted from the neighbouring village, rendered
apparently more soft and sweet by the distance.

The buildings on the estate consisted of a large mansion-house,
farm-house, and an ancient stone cottage that stood on the margin of the
water, shaded by willow trees, and surrounded by romantic scenery.

The charming appearance which nature threw around the place on which the
mansion-house was situated, was scarcely less interesting in winter than
in the more gay and verdant months of the summer season. The falling of
the snow and hail, and the sparkling icicles hanging upon the woods and
shrubbery, sometimes almost conveyed the idea of enchantment to the
imagination of the spectator.

The view on all sides was magnificent. The bay, gently winding, glided
into the river beyond, where ships, steamboats, and craft of every
description, floated upon the waters, and gave interest to the
appearance of several beautiful villages that were seen at a little
distance in the landscape.

This villa was separated about a mile from the flourishing village of
----, where the many white buildings, some of which might be called
magnificent, had a remarkably pleasing and picturesque appearance,
forming a lively contrast with the evergreen trees with which they were
interspersed.

The house of Alida's father was the seat of hospitality;--scenes of
festivity would sometimes have place within its walls;--"music and mirth
would occasionally echo through its apartments." He was kind, generous,
and benevolent; while his independence, assisted by a charitable
disposition, enabled him to contribute largely to the happiness of
others. His manners were highly pleasing, his conversation was
interesting, humorous, and instructive; and, although at this time he
was rather advanced in years, yet the glow of health still shone upon
his cheek and sparkled in his eye; and his fine expressive countenance
still gave lustre to a peculiar dignity and energy in his personal
appearance.

It was now many years since he had made this delightful spot his
residence. He had married early in life a lady of engaging manners, and
captivating beauty, who was amiable, sensible, and pious, and whose mind
was a pattern of every female excellence, combined with a taste and
judgment that had been properly directed by a suitable education; who
had been taught to esteem no farther all the acquirements and qualities
of which the human mind is capable than as they might be conducive to
enable us to excel in the duties of the Christian religion, and cause us
more fully to experience "the blessings of the truth."

These parents had reared up all their family except Alida, their
youngest child, who at this time was placed at a boarding-school, at the
village of ----, where she was taught, in addition to the different
studies belonging to a Christian education, the French and Italian
languages.

Their elder daughters had married, and were settled at some distance
from them, and their two sons were engaged in mercantile business in
New-York. It was their principal endeavour, as their thoughts often
revolved in anxious solicitude for the welfare and future happiness of
their children, to unite their efforts to persuade them, and inculcate
in their minds all that was praiseworthy, by the immediate influence of
their own example, considering that the precepts which they taught them,
however wise and good, would avail but little unassisted by the aid of
example.

"Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie, la dérègle, et la rend
malheureuse."

It was their first care to exercise the minds of their children, in all
the important moral and religious duties; to be careful in due time to
regulate their natural propensities; to render their dispositions mild
and tractable; to inspire them with the love, respect, and implicit
obedience due to parents, blended with a genuine affection for relations
and friends.

"To endeavour to form their first ideas on principles of rectitude,
being conscious of the infinite importance of first impressions, and
beginning early to adhere to a proper system of education, that was
principally the result of their own reflections and particular
observations."

Their children were assembled annually to celebrate the birthday of
their father, together with other social friends and acquaintances,
consisting chiefly of those whose beneficent feelings were in accordance
with their own, in testifying their gratitude to their Creator for daily
benefits, blended with a thankful cheerfulness, which is the offspring
of moral excellence.

  O, Thou enthroned where perfect day,
  In brightest beams of glory, play
    Around thy radiant throne;
  Where angels strike celestial lyres,
  And seraphs glow with sacred fires,
    Address'd to thee alone.

  Still may thy providential care,
  With blessings crown the circling year,
    Each human ill restrain:
  O, may thy truth inspire my tongue,
  And flow through all my varying song,
    And shine in every strain.

  Give me the calm, the soft serene,
  Of summer, when it glads the scene,
    And scatters peace around;
  Bless'd image of the happy soul.
  That does the heav'n-born mind control,
    While conscious joys abound.

  That this may be my bounteous share,
  Ascends my ever constant prayer
    To Thee, all-perfect Mind!
  O, aid me in the gen'rous strife,
  Through each inconstant scene of life,
    To all thy ways resign'd.




CHAPTER II.

  The scenes that once so brilliant shone are past, and can return
  no more to cheer the pensive heart; and memory recalls them with
  a tear; some lowering cloud succeeds, and all the gay delusive
  landscape fades.


While Alida remained at the village school, surrounded by the festive
scenes of childhood, and pursuing her studies with assiduous emulation,
with the hope of meriting, in future time, the praises of her fond
parents, an unforeseen misfortune awaited her that no human foresight
could have power to arrest.

The health of her mother had been long declining, and her illness at
this time increased so far as to render medical assistance useless, and
baffled the skill of the ablest physicians. A trial so new, so
afflicting, and so grievous to her youthful mind, to lose one of her
honoured parents, and to be unexpectedly summoned to her parental home
to receive the last benediction of a beloved mother, and at this early
period of her life to be deprived of her kind care and protection, was
unfortunate in the extreme.

Every anxious solicitude and responsibility now rested alone upon a
widowed father, who mourned deeply their common bereavement, while he
felt conscious that all his fatherly care and caresses could never
supply to Alida all the necessary requisitions that she had unhappily
lost in so dear and interested a friend. When he observed her spirits
languish, and the tear frequently starting in her eye, and her former
sprightly countenance shaded with the deep tinges of melancholy, he saw
that the cheerfulness and gaiety of her natural disposition had received
a powerful check, which promised to be lasting.

From this unhappy period she remained at home a long time with her
father. In kindred grief there was derived a congenial sympathy, and her
society contributed in some degree to allay his sorrow, as the deep
concern he felt in her welfare caused him sometimes to restrain the flow
of it in her presence. Self-exertion roused him in a measure from his
lethargy, and by thus assuming serenity, to become in reality something
more composed. Nevertheless, he would often witness the excess of
anguish which had taken place in the bosom of his child, and behold her
interesting face bathed in tears, and her youthful brow clouded with a
sadness that nothing seemingly could dissipate.

His situation now became more sequestered than ever; he roamed in
solitude, or pleased himself in ranging through silent glens in
loneliness. His thoughts were absorbed in the gloomy experience of the
misery of a painful separation from a dear and beloved object; he wept
for her whose mild and winning graces had power to soften and illuminate
the darkest shades of life, or alleviate the distressful scenes of
adversity.

His mind was wholly absorbed in those gloomy reflections that scarcely
admitted a ray of consolation, when the weekly newspaper arrived from
the neighbouring village; he took it up, hoping to find something to
amuse his thoughts; he opened it to read the news of the day; he ran his
eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, "when the death list
arrested his attention by a display of broad black lines," and he, who
had not yet become reconciled to his present misfortune, was now about
to experience another equally severe.

What could equal his bitterness, his surprise and grief, when he read
the disastrous news that his youngest son (who had lately gone on a
foreign expedition) had died of a fever in a distant land a few weeks
previous!

The paper fell from his palsied hand,--a sudden faintness came over
him,--he fell back almost senseless in his chair,--exhausted by excess
of grief, he remained a long time in a stupifying anguish.

The tidings were so unlooked-for of the premature death of his
unfortunate son, who about this time was expected to arrive in New-York.
For him an only brother was inconsolable; and Alida, who had long been
accustomed to his kindness and caresses, was overcome with a dejection
that time alone could alleviate.

Her father observed her affliction in commisseration with his own,--he
was dejected and lonely, and the world appeared like a wilderness;
nothing could lessen his present evil, or soothe his afflicted mind.

The former peaceful serenity of his life was materially clouded; and in
his turn calamitous wo had overtaken him--the inalienable portion of
humanity,--and the varied and shifting scenery in the great drama of
time had brought with it disaster. His spirit was sunk in despondency,
and his sensations became utterly absorbed in melancholy; and all the
pious and philosophical reflections that he exerted himself to bring to
his remembrance, could scarcely afford even a transitory consolation in
this afflicting dispensation.

  From foreign lands the tidings borne,
    With pain to wake a parent's anguish,
  O, brother dear, beloved of all,
    For thee a brother's heart must languish.

  "That eye of brightness glows no more,
    That beaming glance in night is clouded;"
  On Maracaibo's distant shore,
    "In death's dark cell untimely shrouded."

  Alas! for him no kindred near
    In hopes to minister relief;
  He sees no tear of pity shed,
    He sees no parents' anxious grief.

  And as still evening came on,
    In saddest solitude and tears,
  His thoughts would turn on distant home,
    On peaceful scenes and happier years.

  He thought, too, what a favour'd clime
    His gallant bark had left behind;
  He thought how science there, sublime,
    Beam'd her full radiance on the mind.

  Though destined in a stranger's land,
    Detain'd from all he held most dear,
  Yet one kind hand, benevolent,
    Was found the gloomy hours to cheer.

  O, how consoling is the eye
    Of him who comes to soothe our woes;
  O, what relief those cares supply
    Which a kind, watchful friend bestows.

  When from this hand full well he found
    How much can lenient kindness do
  The generous Briton strives with care
    His drooping spirits to renew.

  Yes, stranger, thou wast kind, humane,
    With quick assistance prompt to move;
  To ease the lingering hours of pain,
    In pity's kind endeavour strove.

  When sickness o'er thy pallid cheek
    Had stole the lustre from thine eye,
  When near the doubtful crisis drew,
    And life approach'd its latest sigh,--

  He moved thee to his own retreat,
    In his own mansion watch'd thee there;
  Around thy couch he still remained,
    Thy drooping heart with hopes to cheer.

  "Peace, wing'd in fairer worlds above,"
    Has ta'en thy form away from this;
  Has beckon'd thee to seats of glory,
    To realms of everlasting bliss.

  So rich in piety and worth,
    Too soon, alas! lamented one,
  Thou hast been call'd away from earth,
    And heaven has claim'd thee for its own.




CHAPTER III.

  "'T is by degrees the youthful mind expands; and every day,
  Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm;
  Then infant reason grows apace, and calls
  For the kind hand of an assiduous care."
  "Delightful task, to rear the tender thought,
  To pour the new instruction o'er the mind,
  To breathe the enlivening spirit, and to fix
  The generous purpose in the glowing breast."


The period at length arrived, when it became necessary that Alida should
receive further instruction in the various branches of female
literature. With this view, her father thought proper to change the
place of her studies from the village school to the New-York Seminary.

It was his idea that nothing afforded so pleasing a prospect as the
graces of beauty, aided by wisdom and useful knowledge, and that care
should be taken that the mind should first be initiated in the solid
acquirements, before the embellishments of education should be allowed
to take up the attention or engross the thoughts; and that the first
purposes of the teacher should be directed to endeavour to cause the
mental powers of the scholar to be excited, in the first place, to
attain to whatever is most useful and necessary, and that suitable
application and industry was the only means whereby we may gain
celebrity in any art or science, or therein arrive at any degree of
perfection.

"His heart glowed with paternal fondness and interesting solicitude,
when he beheld the countenance of his child sparkling with intelligence,
or traced the progress of reason in her awakened curiosity when any new
object attracted her attention or exercised her imagination." Delightful
indeed were the sensations of a parent in the contemplation of so fair a
prospect, which in some degree recalled again to his bosom some
transient gleams of happiness.

The season was now far advanced in autumn, and the trees were nearly
stripped of their foliage; the radiant sun had in part withdrawn his
enlivening rays to give place to the approaching coldness of winter,
when Alida left her home, amid the innumerable regrets of her juvenile
companions, to accompany her father to the city to finish her education.

They journeyed in a stage-coach from the village of ----, which, in the
course of a few hours, conveyed them amid the tumultuous din of the busy
metropolis. The female seminary to which Alida repaired was pleasantly
situated in the western part of the town, where the refreshing and
salubrious breezes of the Hudson rendered it a healthy and desirable
situation at all seasons of the year.

Although her father had only performed his duty in placing his child
once more at school, yet it was at a greater distance from the paternal
roof than formerly, and when he returned again to his residence, he felt
his situation more lonely than ever, and he could scarcely reconcile
himself to the loss of her society.

All was novel-like in the city to Alida, where she at once saw so many
different objects to excite alternately her surprise, curiosity, and
risibility, and where she experienced so many different sensations,
arising from the sudden transition in being removed from scenes of
uninterrupted tranquillity to those of gaiety and pleasure, of crowded
streets and riotous entertainments, of obsequious beaux and dashing
petits maîtres, and where all appeared to her one continued scene of
business and confusion, scarcely reconcileable.

In the meantime her mind became engrossed by various new occupations.
Among her favourite studies was the French language, which, at this
period, was considered as one of the necessary appendages to female
education, when scarcely any new work could be read without a regret to
those who did not understand it. Music, dancing, and drawing occupied
her time alternately, and while these different amusements afforded a
pleasing variety, they animated her mind anew with the powers of
exertion that had been excited by early impressions--that whatever she
attempted to learn, to be assiduous to learn it well, and that a mere
superficial knowledge, in any science or accomplishment, was by no means
desirable.

All her studies and amusements had their regular arrangements, and due
application gave her many advantages over those of her own age, while it
expanded her mind in a greater degree, and facilitated her progress in
learning, and gave more ready improvement to her understanding and
native capacities.

Her only surviving brother, whose name was Albert, had been a merchant
in the city a number of years, and he still continued to live amid its
perplexities, (although numbers had been unfortunate around him,) with
as good success as could be expected at this time, on account of the
restrictions on American commerce. One probable reason may be assigned
why he had been more successful in his business than many others: he was
guided in the management of his affairs by vigilance and industrious
perseverance, and he was not only endued with the best abilities to
fulfil the duties incumbent on his station in life, but was not remiss
in the exercise of them. His manners, generally, were reserved, though
he could be humorous and gay whenever occasion required; and when in
convivial society, he could make one among the number of those who
amused themselves in sallies of wit and pleasantry. He had acquired much
useful and general information in his commerce with the world at large,
which he employed at this time in various conversations on politics, as
he could not be able to render himself serviceable to his country in any
other way, being exempt from his childhood from performing military
duty. His personal advantages were only surpassed by the superior
qualifications of his mind, that had long been under religious influence
and impressions. In his public and private life he fully answered the
expectations of his numerous acquaintance and friends, as well as the
most sanguine wishes of an anxious and affectionate father, who yet
seemed disposed to indulge in melancholy reflections, while his friends
kindly endeavoured, by many pious and philosophical discourses, to
awaken him to a consideration of his former piety, and humble trust in
an all-wise Providence, reminding him that our greatest consolation
consists in resigned and devotional feelings of gratitude to our Maker,
even in the severest afflictions; who, although he may have thought fit
to deprive us of some, for the many remaining blessings we may still be
in possession of; and that a firm reliance on Providence, however our
affections may be at variance with its dispensations, is the only
consolatory source that we can have recourse to in the gloomy hours of
distress; and that such dependance, though often crossed by troubles and
difficulties, may at length be crowned with success in our most arduous
undertakings, and we may again meet with unlooked-for and unexpected
happiness.

  "Afflictions all his children feel,
    Affliction is the Father's rod;
  He wounds them for his mercy sake,
    He wounds to heal."

The clear, calm sunshine of a mind illumined by piety, and a firm
reliance upon Supreme wisdom, crowns all other divine blessings. It
irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils attendant on our
nature; it renders the mind calm and pacific, and promotes that
cheerfulness and resignation which has its foundation in a life of
rectitude and charity; and in the full exercise of Christian principles
we may find still increasing happiness.




CHAPTER IV.

  Still may the soaring eagle's quenchless eye,
    Watch o'er our favour'd country, brave and free,
  Where the bright stars and stripes in honour wave,
    The sacred emblems of our liberty.


Many disagreeable circumstances now combined to disturb the happy
tranquillity of the American government. "A war had for some time
existed between France and England. America had endeavoured to maintain
a neutrality, and peacefully to continue a commerce with both nations.
Jealousies, however, arose between the contending powers with respect to
the conduct of America, and events occurred calculated to injure her
commerce and disturb her peace.

"Decrees were first issued by the French government preventing the
American flag from trading with the enemy; these were followed by the
British orders in council, no less extensive than the former in design,
and equally repugnant to the laws of nations. In addition to these
circumstances, a cause of irritation existed sometime between the United
States and Great Britain. This was the right of search claimed by Great
Britain as one of her prerogatives. To take her native subjects,
wherever found, for her navy, and to search American vessels for that
purpose. Notwithstanding the remonstrances of the American government,
the officers of the British navy were not unfrequently seen seizing
native British subjects who had voluntarily enlisted on board our
vessels, and had also impressed into the British service some thousands
of American seamen.

"In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture of
all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress,
therefore, on the recommendation of the president, laid an embargo on
all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States.

"In a moment, the commerce of the American republic, from being, in
point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting
trade between the individual states. The opposition to the act in
several of the states was so great that they unanimously declared
against it, and individuals throughout the whole seized every
opportunity of infringement; therefore Congress thought proper to repeal
the embargo law, and substituted a non-intercourse with France and
England."

It was now generally expected that the session in Congress, with the
decision of the president, would eventually terminate in actual
hostilities. The difficulties the chief executive had to encounter
were many and perplexing, being fully convinced, under existing
circumstances, that the Americans must engage in combat after all. He
therefore knew it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the American
people, to realize, more clearly than they did, the true situation of
their country, that they might be prepared for the approaching crisis
that he believed unavoidable.

This period was full of anxiety and danger. A war was deprecated by all
the leading patriots of the day; they were fully persuaded that it must
take place; they therefore unitedly determined to prepare for the storm
in the best manner they were able. All material business was in a manner
suspended in New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the
greater part of the community were in dismay. A heavy gloom hung over
the inhabitants generally, while all their affairs appeared in a
declining state, discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the
people.

Alida's father was no friend to political controversy, yet he passed
much of his time in conversing with his friends on the present affairs
of America. He knew that party spirit and animosity existed more or less
at this time, and that he must consequently often meet with those of
opposite opinions; yet his honest and patriotic zeal for the good of his
country still remained the same. He was attached to liberty from
principle; he had talents to discriminate and see into the justice of
the measures of government; his retirement gave him full opportunity to
reflect on them seriously, and solve them in his own mind, and see their
absolute necessity, in order to maintain the honour, freedom, and
independence of the American nation. Would the same wisdom in the
government continue that had so nobly preserved us since our
independence? But he had no reason at present to suppose otherwise, and
that he who now guided the helm of affairs, was one of steady and
uncorrupt principles, of stable character, altogether uninfluenced by
any sinister views, and was willing to sacrifice his individual repose
for the noble purpose, and with the hope of settling it again on the
nation, with a firmer basis, at some future period, when the expected
contest should be decided.

What feelings of commotion and deep anxiety must agitate the bosom of
the magnanimous hero who is labouring truly for the interest of his
country, and is actuated alternately by the claims of justice and
humanity, and on whom a whole community must depend for council in cases
of severe emergency, when his chief satisfaction consists in promoting
the interest and welfare of that community. When the hour of exigency
arrives, his mind, endued with the light of piety, feels its own
littleness, his weighty thoughts are big with the impending danger that
no human arm may be able to arrest. Impressed with religious awe, and
feeling conscious of his dependence for aid on the all-wise Disposer of
events, he bends in humble supplication to implore the favour of that
great and beneficent Being whose power alone can save, and in whose
mighty arm alone is victory.

The father of Alida received regular intelligence by the daily papers
respecting the political excitement in New-York; besides, he made
frequent visits to the city to see his several children, as one of his
daughters had resided there since her marriage. There was every kind of
conveyance at the neighbouring village suited to the accommodation of
travellers, both summer and winter, and the rapid improvement of the
town had long been a current topic of the inhabitants as well as
visiters, while they praised the proprietor of the new pavilion, in his
manner of conducting it, and his excellent accommodations; and it was
the general opinion that in the course of a few years this would become
a place of no small consideration.




CHAPTER V.

  O, who that sighs to join the scenes of war?
    If heaven-born pity in thy bosom glow,
  Reject the impurpled wreath; the laurel crown
    Can flourish only in the scenes of wo.


At length it became the unhappy fate of America to be a second time
involved in a war with Great Britain. "In a manifesto of the president,
the reasons of the war were stated to be the impressment of American
seamen, by the British; the blockade of the enemy's ports, supported by
no adequate force; in consequence of which the American commerce had
been plundered in every sea; and the British orders in council."

The declaration of war was a source of unavoidable regret to the good
and wise president,* which affected his mind with feelings approaching
to melancholy. No one possessed qualities more inclined to peace, and a
wish to settle all affairs of state in a pacific manner, more than he
did, if it were possible, and it could have been done without
sacrificing all the dearest rights and interests of the people; and
nothing but these repeated persuasions in his mind, founded on the
principles of justice and honour, caused him at length to be willing to
yield to the stern necessity of deciding the existing differences by
combat. He possessed the qualities of a statesman in an eminent degree;
he had well reflected on what he considered as inevitable. He was well
versed in political science, and now only saw the realization of
anticipated events, of which there had been sufficient warning. Although
he had to contend with innumerable difficulties, having once formed his
opinion of what was to be done, his patriotism was undeviating, and his
integrity inflexible.

    [* James Madison.]

Since his country was again brought to a lamentable destiny, he now
became ardently active in its cause, and was prepared to carry to the
full extent such measures of defence and resistance as should be
necessary to repel every invasion of the just rights and privileges of
the Americans that they had long been in possession of since their
dear-bought independence, and could not therefore be willing to submit
to anything like oppression, even from the mother country.

This national calamity, that seemed to awaken feelings of hilarity to
some few among the multitude, but those of the deepest regret to so many
others, where the parties must at length become personally engaged and
animated against each other with an enthusiastic ardour, and with the
hope to signalize themselves by their bravery--where the impetuosity of
youth and the experience of age are called forth in open field to
execute the decided discussions of government, and to engage with
patriotic zeal in the common defence of their just rights and liberties;
impelled with ambitious impulse to enlist themselves under the proud
banners of their country, while the sound of martial music strikes a
feeling of enthusiasm and enterprise to the bosom of the patriot.

Thus, in the name and cause of honour, the youth, generous and brave,
with all those who are compelled to take arms, sally forth with the
ambitious hope to bear down at once all contending opposition, and give
themselves no time to reflect on the many disconsolate ones they leave
behind them, that, however deeply concerned, can neither engage or
assist in the shocking contest; while they go forward hastily to meet
the foe, and hosts are advancing to dispute with them the victory, and
they can indulge no thought concerning those who, when the battle is
over, may have to lament the loss of a father, brother, or some other
dear friend, and who mournfully await the decisive tidings, which
perhaps is to render them for ever disconsolate; while they remain a
prey to that incessant anguish which naturally awaits those who have
lost, in this manner, their dearest friends and relations.

  Thick clouds were darkly pending
    Above the battle fray,
  And foemen were contending
    For the fortune of the day.

  And high in air the banner bright,
    Waving o'er land and sea,
  The potent symbol of their might,
    The emblem of the free.

  Brave hearts that stood amid the storm
    That burst in fury round;
  With many a stern and manly form,
    Sunk powerless to the ground.

  Deep gloom had settled round them,
    And darkness veil'd the sky,
  When Freedom, with her starry train,
    Descended from on high.

  When, at her bidding, lo, a chief
    Amid the throng appear'd;
  When, the goddess halted by his side,
    And thus his spirits cheer'd:

  "Oh, let not care oppress thee,
    But banish far thy fears,
  For, in blessing, I will bless thee,
    And will wipe away thy tears;

  "And a banner thou shalt still retain,
    And a hand to lead the brave
  To glory and to victory,
    Or to the hero's grave."

  Then fear not, honoured chieftain,
    For yet again shall be,
  Your flag shall wave o'er every land,
    And float on every sea.

  What though in foreign clime it waves,
    Careering on the wind,
  Whatever shore the ocean laves,
    A due respect will find.

  And the thunders of your ships of war
    Along the deep shall roll,
  While the canvas of your merchantmen
    Shall sweep from pole to pole.

  "And now, oh gallant chief," she cried,
    "Hold fast the glorious prize;
  The flag with blue and crimson dyed,
    And stars that gemmed the skies,

  "Have left their native spheres to shed
    Their radiance o'er the field;
  Then while it waves above your head,
    To the foeman never yield.

  "Bright forms shall hover o'er thee
    In the midst of war's alarms;
  And in triumph shall restore thee
    To a nation's waiting arms.

  "Then on to Freedom's stormy height,
    Go forth in valour and in might,
  And bear aloft this emblem bright,
    Amid the battle fray."

  Now around their chief they rally,
    And with zeal their bosoms glow;
  While the hoarse cannon bellows forth
    Defiance to the foe.

  The battle rages loudly,
    A dreadful carnage flows;
  When the messenger of victory
    The clarion trumpet blows.

  Now clap your wings, oh Liberty,
    And upward take your flight;
  And let the gladsome tidings ring
    Throughout the realms of light.

  And bid your eagle sound her cry,
    Wide o'er the land and sea;
  For patriot arms have triumphed,
    And the nation still is free.

  Once more the song of Victory
    Shall spread the earth around,
  And the freemen on a thousand hills
    Re-echo back the sound.

  And a banner long shall wave on high,
    And long your children stand,
  United, with a sacred tie,
    To guard their native land.




CHAPTER VI.

    And may each day returning, with it bring
  That peace that o'er the weary senses fling
  A calm content; where no alloy attends
  The pleasing intercourse of happy friends.


Albert, the brother of Alida, during his residence in New-York, had
formed an indissoluble friendship with a young gentleman who had lately
graduated at Columbia College. His name was Theodore. He was about
twenty years of age: he had been esteemed an excellent student. His
appearance was manly, open, and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of
mind; he was naturally cheerful, although his aspect was tinged with
melancholy, and his disposition was rather of the romantic cast. His
father was an eminent merchant in the city, and had long been engaged in
the various scenes of commerce. His son was designed for the law; but as
the students were allowed some vacant time after their graduation before
they entered upon their professional studies, he thought to improve this
interim in mutual friendly visits, mingling sometimes with select
parties in the amusements of the day, and in travelling through some
parts of the United States.

The spring was advancing, and already began to shed its cheering
influences over the face of nature, when, after a long period of clouds
and darkness, the sun, with his illuminating beams, was chasing away the
gloomy remains of winter, and recalling again to life and animation the
innumerable beauties of creation.

The day was fixed on when Alida was to return to her native residence.
Albert was to attend her home, and he invited his friend Theodore to
accompany him. It was evening when they arrived at the house of Albert's
father, where they found considerable company collected, as was
customary on the celebration of his birth-day.

He received his children with gladness and joy, and Theodore with
friendly politeness.

"This meeting must be highly pleasing to you, miss," said Theodore to
Alida, "after your long absence from home." "It is so, indeed," replied
she, "and highly gratifying to my father, to meet here his children, and
relations, on the annual occasion of celebrating his birth-day, when we
are honoured with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins,
nephews, and nieces, that one would suppose we were connected with half
the families in the state. And sometimes they do not all leave us, in
several weeks afterwards, and regale themselves in riding about the
country and visiting the neighbours in the vicinity."

In the course of the evening they were joined by a number from the
neighbouring villages, and among the rest was the son of a gentleman who
had been long acquainted with the family. He was a gay young man; his
address was easy; his manners rather voluptuous than refined; confident,
but not ungraceful.

He led the ton in fashionable circles, and was quite a favourite with
the ladies generally. His name was Bonville. He had seen Alida long
before, but her additional graces since that time appeared far to exceed
his expectations.

Alida at sixteen displayed many pleasing attractions. Her height rose to
the majestic. She was tall and graceful, and her expressive features
were adorned with hair of light auburn, which hung about her neck in
natural ringlets; while her dark blue eyes, mingled at once the rays of
sprightly intelligence, and a pleasing affability.

She was arrayed on this occasion, in a dress of white muslin, richly
inwrought with needle-work. A silk embroidered sash surrounded her
waist, and she wore on her head a wreath of artificial flowers. Her
elder sisters manifested their pleasure in beholding the artless,
unadorned school-girl, metamorphosed to the interesting young lady of
fascinating manners and amiable deportment.

Social converse and rural amusements took up the greater part of the
evening, when the general conversation of the gentlemen turned upon a
topic in which they were all more or less interested, on what might be
the unhappy result of the present contest, in which the American nation
was engaged, which continued to engross their thoughts, and it was a
late hour when the company separated.

Those who remained behind accompanied Alida on the next Sabbath to the
village church, where they heard an able and sublime discourse delivered
by the parish minister; highly edifying to the understanding and
improving to the minds of the hearers.

This divine was fully competent in the possession of Christian
principles and knowledge for his arduous calling, and had a happy talent
of conveying them to others with effect, and communicating them in
persuasive eloquence, for the benefit and reformation of mankind.

His powers of intellect and sentiments were no less liberal and
enlarged, than they were ingenious and elegant. His aspect was serene,
and his manners were cheerful, and the unruffled calmness of his mind
bore the same character of exalted excellence, and gave testimony of a
peaceful bosom, rich in good works.

He manifested a lively interest in the welfare of his congregation, and
by his genuine goodness and pious example made many proselytes.

It was his endeavour to unite the minds of the people in one interest,
and excite them to be zealous in the common cause of Christianity, where
each individual, acting for the benefit of the whole, would find their
own happiness blended with that of society in general, and be blessed in
the reciprocal communication of charity and benevolence.




CHAPTER VII.

  "Come, Friendship, twine a wreath for me,
  And weave it with the choicest flowers,
  To cheat the ling'ring steps of time,
  And gladden all life's passing hours."


The time now arrived when Theodore was to enter upon his professional
studies, and he became engaged in the office of an eminent attorney in
New-York. He frequently absented himself, however, to accompany Albert
to visit his father's family, and since his acquaintance with Alida,
there was a charm that attracted him thither. If he had admired the
manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the gentle graces
of the sister? If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship had
been drawn forth toward the former, must not all the softer
sensibilities of the heart be attracted by the milder and more refined
excellencies of the other?

Bonville had become the admirer of Alida; of course he and Theodore
sometimes met. He had made no serious pretensions, but his particularity
indicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, his
independent situation, entitled him to respect. "It is not probable,
therefore, that he will be objectionable to her friends, or to Alida
herself," said Theodore, with an involuntary sigh, and as his visits
became more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in his bosom. He
wished her to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave
him inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply to him the happy
hours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingering
moments when she was gone?

How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved
friendship and conversation of Alida. And unreserved it could not be,
were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there not
something of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilection
for the company of Alida? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, his
family, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those of
Bonville.

But perhaps he was preferred. His opportunities: his prior acquaintance
with the lady. Distance was no barrier to his addresses. His visits
became more and more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that he
had gained her affections?

Thus reasoned Theodore, but the reasoning tended not to allay the
tempest that was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his carriage, and
was in a short time at the seat of Alida's father. It was summer, and
towards evening when he arrived. Alida was sitting by the window when he
entered the hall. She arose and received him with a smile. I have just
been thinking of an evening's walk, said she, but had no one to attend
me, and you have come just in time to perform that office. I will order
tea immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey.

When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letter which
he had found in the yard. Alida received it. "'Tis a letter," said she,
which I sent by Bonville to a lady in the village, and the careless man
has lost it. Turning to Theodore, I forgot to tell you, that your friend
Bonville has been with us a few days; he left us this morning. "My
friend," replied Theodore, hastily. "Is he not your friend?" inquired
Alida. "I beg pardon, madam," said he "my mind was absent." "He
requested us to present his respects to his friend Theodore," said she.
Theodore bowed and turned the conversation.

They now walked out, and took a winding path which led through pleasant
fields until they reached the water, and continued to pursue their way
along the shore till they came to a beautiful and shady grove, where the
thick foliage afforded a delightful retreat from the warm rays of the
sun, and at the extremity of which was a sloping eminence, which
commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, part of
Long-Island sound and the junction of the bay with the eastern river.

A soft and silent shower had descended. A thousand transitory gems
trembled upon the leafy foliage, glittering in the western ray. A bright
rainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among the
branches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, and moved the
tops of the deep green forest with majestic grandeur; while flocks,
herds, and cottages were scattered over the resplendent landscape.

"This is a most delightful scene," said Alida. "It is, truly," replied
Theodore, "do you think that New-York can boast of so charming a
prospect?" "Yes, one," answered she, it is the walk on the battery, the
water prospect is similar to this, but the landscape is not so
variegated.

See that ship, Theodore, coming down the sound, how she ploughs through
the white foam, while the breezes flutter in the sails, varying with the
vivid rays of the sun. "Yes," said Theodore, it bounds with rapid
motions over the waves, and ere the day has departed it will probably
safely reach the wharf of the city.

They walked leisurely around the hill, and then moved slowly towards
home. The sun was sinking gradually behind the western horizon. Twilight
arose dimly in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began to
hover around the woodlands and valleys. The beauties of the landscape
slowly receded; the breezes had gone down with the sun, and a perfect
calm succeeded.

"I shall never forget this charming promenade," said Theodore, as he
approached the threshold of the door, with a deep drawn sigh, "and the
remembrance of the sweet pensive scenery of this delightful spot, will
ever continue to haunt my memory."




CHAPTER VIII.

  To lull affection's sigh,
  And dry the tear of sensibility;
  I'll think of thee, in all my lonely hours,
  Though thou, perhaps, may ne'er remember me.


The next day Theodore returned to his studies; but different from his
former visits to Alida, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this had
tended to depress them. He doubted whether she was not already engaged
to Bonville. His hopes would persuade him this was not the case; but his
fears declared otherwise.

It was some time before he renewed his visits again. In the interim he
received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Alida's father;
an extract from which follows: "We are soon to have a wedding here; you
are acquainted with the parties--Alida M. and Bonville. Such at least is
our opinion from appearances, as this gentleman is now there more than
half his time. You will undoubtedly be invited. We had expected that you
would have put in your claims, from your particular attention to the
lady. She is a fine girl, Theodore." I shall never be a guest at Alida's
wedding, said Theodore, as he hastily paced the room; but I must again
see her before that event takes place, when I shall lose her forever.

The ensuing day he repaired to her father's. He inquired for Alida; she
was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by Bonville.
At evening they returned. Bonville and Theodore addressed each other
with much seeming cordiality. "You have deserted us, Theodore," said
Alida, "we concluded you had forgotten the road to this place." "Was not
that a hasty conclusion?" said Theodore. "I think not," she answered,
"if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear
your excuse," said she, smiling, "by and by, and perhaps pardon you."

He thanked her for her condescension.

The next morning Bonville set out to go to New-York. Theodore observed
that he took particular leave of Alida, telling her, in a low voice,
that he should have the happiness of seeing her again, within two or
three weeks certainly.

After he was gone, as Alida and Theodore were sitting in the room alone,
"Well," said she, "am I to hear your excuses, Theodore?" "For what,
madam?" "For neglecting your friends." "I hope it is not so considered,
madam." "Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this
place no charms in the absence of my brother?"

"Would my presence have added to your felicity, Alida?" "You never came
an unwelcome visiter here." "Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive when
Bonville is your guest." "I have supposed you were on friendly terms,"
said she. "We are, but there are seasons when friendship must yield its
pretensions to a superior claim."

"Will you answer me one question, Alida, are you engaged to Bonville?"
"He has asked me the same question concerning you," replied she,
(blushing.)

"Do you," continued Theodore, "prefer him to any other?" Alida,
(blushing deeply.) "He has made the same inquiries respecting you."

"I beg, madam, you will deal with me candidly," said Theodore, (taking
her hand with anxiety.) "I am entitled to no claims, but you know what
my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Bonville or Theodore
must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing."

The cheeks of Alida were suffused with a varying glow, her lips were
pale, her voice tremulous, and her eyes cast down. "My father has
informed me," she said, "that it is improper to receive the particular
addresses of more than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that
the reproof is just. One, therefore, must be dismissed." But, (she
blushed deeper,) and a considerable pause ensued.

At length Theodore arose. "I will not press you further," said he.
"I know the delicacy of your feelings; I know your sincerity; I will not
therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding against
me. Your conduct in every point of view has been discreet. I would have
no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction them, or they
would be unhallowed, and unjustifiable. I shall ever pray for your
felicity. Our affections are not under our direction; our happiness
depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my
sufferings, you are unblameable, and irreproachable."

He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared himself to take
leave. Alida had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and
collected her scattered spirits.

"Your conduct, Theodore," said she, "is generous and noble. Will you
give yourself the trouble, and do me the honour to see me once more?"
"I will," said he, "at any time you shall appoint."

"Four weeks, then," said she, "from this day, honour me with a visit,
and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer." "I will be
punctual to the day," he replied, and bade her adieu.

Theodore's hours from this time winged heavily away. His wonted
cheerfulness fled; he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of musing,
moping melancholy. He loved to wander through lonely fields, when dewy
twilight robed the evening mild, or to trace the forest glen, through
which the moon darted her silvery intercepted rays. His agitated
thoughts preyed upon his peace incessantly, and deeply disturbed his
repose.

He looked anxiously to the hour when Alida was to make the decision. He
wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or thought he
foresaw, a withering blight to all his hopes, and a final consummation
to his foreboding fears. He had pressed Alida, perhaps too urgently, to
a declaration. Had her predilection been in his favour, would she have
hesitated to avow it? Her father had advised her to relinquish one, and
to retain the other, nor had he attempted to influence or direct her
choice. Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation and
embarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that her
ultimate decision would be in favour of Bonville?

While Theodore's mind was thus in agitation, he received a second letter
from his friend in the neighbourhood of Alida. He read the following
clause therein with emotions more easily to be conceived than expressed:
"Alida's wedding-day is appointed. I need not tell you that Bonville is
to be the happy deity of the hymenial sacrifice. I had it from his own
declaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to be
soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, and receive an
invitation."

"We must pour out a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Theodore,
and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Bonville should
devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a
week, and departed for New-York yesterday, but is shortly to return."

And why have I ever doubted this event? said Theodore. What infatuation
hath then led me on in the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I have
had, it is true, no positive assurances that Alida would be disposed to
favour my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she
enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the soft powers of my heart by
that winning mildness, and the favourable display of those complicated
and superior attractions which she must have known were irresistible?
And now she would have me dance attendance to her decision in favour of
another--insulting; let Bonville and herself make it, as they have
formed this farcical decision. I absolutely will never attend it. Why
did she not spurn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me that my
attentions were untimely and improper?

But, I have engaged to see her at an appointed time; my honour is
therefore pledged for an interview; it must take place. I shall
endeavour to support it with becoming dignity, and I will convince Alida
and Bonville, that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But, let me
consider--What has Alida done to deserve censure or reproach? Her
brother was my early friend; she has treated me as a friend to that
brother. She was unconscious of the affection which her charms and
mental graces had kindled in my bosom. Her evident embarrassment, on
receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior attachment.
What could she do to save herself the pain of a direct denial? She has
appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more delicate and formal
manner--and I must therefore meet it.




CHAPTER IX.

  The time draws near when I shall meet those eyes, that may
  perchance look cold on me--"but doubt is called the beacon
  of the wise, the test that reaches to the bottom of the worst."


On the appointed day, Theodore proceeded to the house of Alida's father,
where he arrived late in the afternoon. Alida had retired to a little
summer-house at the end of the garden. A servant conducted him thither.

She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, richly embroidered.
Her hair was in dishevelled curls; she was contemplating a bouquet of
flowers which she held in her hand. Theodore fancied she never appeared
so lovely. She arose to receive him.

We have been expecting you for some time, said she; we were anxious to
inform you that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which
he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains
of your not visiting him lately so frequently as usual. Theodore thanked
her for the information; said that business had prevented him; he
esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more particular
in future.

"We have been thronged with company several days," said Alida. The last
of them took their departure yesterday. And I have only to regret, that
I have nearly a week been prevented from taking my favourite walk to the
grove, to which place you attended me when you were last here. "We will
walk there, then, if you have no objections, as no doubt it is much
improved since that time," said Theodore. They resorted thither towards
evening, and seated themselves in the arbour where they sat some time
contemplating the scenery.

It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
natural beauties of creation. The withering forest began to shed its
decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet
fields;--the low sun extended its lengthening shadows;--curling smoke
ascended from the neighbouring village and the surrounding cottages;--a
thick fog crept along the valleys;--a grey mist hovered over the tops of
the distant hills;--the glassy surface of the water glittering to the
sun's departing ray;--the solemn herds lowed in monotonous
symphony;--the autumnal insects, in sympathetic wafting, plaintively
predicted their approaching fate.

The scene is changed since we last visited this place, said Alida; "the
gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must soon yield their
splendours to the rude despoiling hand of winter."

"That will be the case," said Theodore, "before I shall have the
pleasure of your company here again." "That may probably be, though it
is nearly two months yet to winter," said Alida.

"Great changes may take place within that time," said Theodore. Yes,
changes must take place, she answered, but nothing, I hope to embitter
present prospects.

As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam. "And I sincerely hope not,
as it respects you, Theodore." That wish, said he, I believe is vain.

Your feelings accord with the season, Theodore; you are melancholy.
Shall we return?

"I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of
returning; you know the occasion of my being here. You cannot have
forgotten your own appointment and consequent engagement?" She made no
answer.

I know, Alida, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion. I have
promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently submit to
your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the time you
have appointed. The pain of present suspense can scarcely be surpassed
by the pang of disappointment. On your part you have nothing to fear.
I trust you have candidly determined, and will decide explicitly.

"I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation," answered Alida,
(sighing.) "I know you are, madam," said Theodore, "but your own honour,
your own peace, require that you should extricate yourself from the
perplexing embarrassment."

"That I am convinced of," replied she. "I know that I have been
inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Bonville and
yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have
both treated me honourably and with respect. You are both on equal
grounds as to standing in life. With Bonville I became first acquainted.
As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since you
came here."

Theodore interrupted her with emotion. "Of those arrangements I am
acquainted, I received the intelligence from a friend in your
neighbourhood. I am prepared for the event."

Alida remained silent. "I have mentioned before," resumed Theodore,
"that whatever may be your decision, no impropriety can attach to you.
I might add, indeed, from various circumstances, and from the
information I possess, I perhaps should not have given you further
trouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction. And I
am now willing to retire without further explanation, without giving you
the pain of an express decision, if you think the measure expedient.
Your declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of which
I know, and my proposition may save your feelings."

"No, Theodore," replied she, "my reputation depends on my adherence to
my first determination; justice to yourself and to Bonville also demand
it. After what has passed, I should be considered as acting
capriciously, and inconsistently, should I depart from it. Bonville will
be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us until that time;
the matter shall then be decided." "Yes," said Theodore, "it shall be as
you say, madam. Make your arrangements as you please."

Evening came on, and spread around her sombre shades;--the breeze's
rustling wing was in the tree:--the sound of the low, murmuring brooks,
and the far-off waterfall, were faintly heard;--the frequent lights in
the village darted their pale lustre through the gloom:--the solitary
whip-poor-wills stationed themselves along the woody glens, the groves
and rocky pastures, and sung a requiem to departed summer;--a dark cloud
was rising in the west, across whose gloomy front the vivid lightning
bent its forky spires.

Theodore and Alida moved slowly towards home; she appeared enraptured
with the melancholy splendours of the evening, but another subject
engaged the mental attention of Theodore.

Bonville arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Theodore with seeming
warmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have been
affected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation of
Alida; her discourse, as usual, was sprightly and interesting. After
dinner she retired, and her father requested Theodore and Bonville to
withdraw with him to a private room. After they were seated, the old
gentleman thus addressed them:

"I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent to my
daughter, and as a friend to you. You have both addressed Alida; while
your addresses were merely formal, they were innocent; but when they
became serious, they were dangerous. Your pretensions I consider equal,
and between honourable pretenders, who are worthy of my daughter,
I shall not attempt to influence her choice. That choice, however, can
rest only on one; she has engaged to decide between you. I am come, to
make in her name this decision. The following are my terms: no
difficulty shall arise between you, gentlemen, in consequence of her
determination; nothing shall go abroad respecting the affair; it shall
be settled under my roof. As soon as I have pronounced Alida's
declaration, you shall both depart, and absent my house for at least two
weeks, as it would be improper for my daughter to see either of you at
present; after that period I shall be happy to receive your visits."
Theodore and Bonville pledged their honour to abide implicitly by these
injunctions.

He then further observed: "This, gentlemen, is all I require. I have
said that I considered your pretensions equal; so has my daughter
treated them. You have both made professions to her; she has appointed a
time to answer you. That time has now arrived, and I now inform
you--that she has decided in favour of Theodore."

These words from Alida's father, burst upon the mental powers of
Bonville like sudden and tremendous thunder on the deep and sullen
silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he had calculated on
assured success. His addresses to the ladies generally had been
honourably received. Alida was the first whose charms were capable of
rendering them sincere. He was not ignorant of Theodore's attentions to
her; it gave him, however, but little uneasiness. He believed that his
superior acquired graces would eclipse the pretensions of his rival. He
considered himself a connoisseur in character, especially in that of the
ladies. He conformed to their taste; he flattered their foibles, and
obsequiously bowed to the minutia of female volatility. He considered
himself skilled in the language of the heart; and he trusted that from
his pre-eminent powers in the science of affection, he had only to see,
to make use of, and to conquer.

He had frankly offered his hand to Alida, and pressed her for a decisive
answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally named a day in
which to give him and Theodore a determinate one, though neither knew
the arrangements made with the other. Alida finding, however, the
dilemma in which she was placed, and she had previously consulted her
father. He had no objections to her choosing between two persons of
equal claims to affluence and respectability. This choice she had made,
and her father was considered the most proper person to pronounce it.

When Bonville had urged Alida to answer him decidedly, he supposed that
her hesitation, delay and suspensions, were only the effect of
diffidence. He had no suspicion of her ultimate conclusion, and when she
finally named the day to decide, he was confident her voice would be in
his favour. These sentiments he had communicated to the person who had
written to Theodore, intimating that Alida had fixed a time which was to
crown his sanguine wishes. He had listened, therefore, attentively to
the words of her father, momentarily expecting to hear himself declared
the favourite choice of the fair. What then must have been his
disappointment when the name of Theodore was pronounced instead of his
own! The highly-finished scene of pleasure and future happy prospects
which his ardent imagination had depicted, now vanished in a moment. The
bright sun of his early hopes was veiled in darkness at this unexpected
decision.

Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Theodore.
He had not even calculated on a decision in his favour; he believed that
Bonville would be the choice of Alida. She had told him, that the form
of deciding was necessary to save appearances; with this form he
complied, because she desired it, not because he expected the result
would be in his favour. He had not, therefore, attended to the words of
Alida's father with that eagerness which favourable anticipations
commonly produce.

But when his name was mentioned; when he found that he was the choice,
the happy favourite of Alida's affection, every ardent feeling of his
soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of
sensibility. Like an electric shock it re-animated his existence, and
the bright morning of joy quickly dissipated the gloom which hung over
his mind.




CHAPTER X.

  "Dark gathering clouds involve the threat'ning skies,
    The billows heave with the impending gloom;
  Deep hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise,
    Ride on the blast, and urge the howling storm."


Several weeks passed away, and Theodore felt all that anxiety and
impatience which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He
framed a thousand excuses to visit Alida, yet he feared a visit might be
premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant
part of the country, after which he resolved to see her.

He performed the business he went on, and was returning. It was toward
evening, and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season.
A rising shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapours
ascended in folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance.

Theodore saw he should be overtaken by the rain. He discovered an
elegant seat about a hundred yards distant from the road; thither he
hastened to gain shelter from the approaching storm.

The owner of the mansion met him at the door, and politely invited him
in, while a servant stood ready to take his horse.

He was ushered into a large apartment, genteelly furnished, where the
family and several young ladies were sitting. As he glanced his eye
hastily around the room, he thought he recognized a familiar
countenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a moment crossed
his recollection. In a moment he discovered that it was Alida.

By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed. Alida,
however, arose, and, in rather a confused manner, introduced Theodore to
the company as the friend of her brother.

The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Theodore was urged by the
family, and consented to stay the night. A moonlight evening succeeded
the shower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining
garden. Alida informed Theodore that the owner of the mansion was a
distant relative of her father, who had two amiable daughters, not far
from her own age. She had been invited there to pass a week, and
expected to return within two days. "And," she added, smiling, "perhaps,
Theodore, we may have an opportunity once more to visit our favourite
grove, before winter entirely destroys the remaining beauties of the
summer."

Theodore felt all the force of the remark. He recollected the
conversation when they were last at the place she mentioned; and he well
remembered his feelings on that occasion.

"Great changes, indeed," he replied, "have taken place since we were
last there;--that they are productive of unexpected and unexampled
happiness to me, is due, Alida, to yourself alone."

Theodore departed next morning, appointing the next week to visit Alida
at her father's house. Thus were the obstacles removed which had
presented a barrier to their united wishes. They had not, it is true,
been separated by wide seas, unfeeling parents, nor, as yet, by the
rigorous laws of war; but vexations, doubts, and difficulties had thus
far attended them, which had now happily disappeared, and they
calculated on no unpropitious event which might thwart their future
happiness.

All the hours that Theodore could spare from his studies were devoted to
Alida; and their parents began to calculate on joining their hands as
soon as his professional term of study was completed.

Hostilities that had previously commenced with England had been followed
by several battles. "The panic and general bustle which prevailed at
this time, will yet be remembered by many." These circumstances were not
calculated to impress the mind of Alida with the most pleasant
sensations. She foresaw that the burden of the war must rest on the
American youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of
Theodore. He, with others, should it continue, must take the field in
defence of his country. The effects of such a separation were dubious
and gloomy. Theodore and herself frequently discoursed on the subject,
and they agreed to form the mystic union previous to any wide
separation. One event tended to hasten this resolution: The attorney in
whose office Theodore was engaged received a commission in the
new-raised American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His
business was therefore suspended, and Theodore returned to the house of
his father. He considered that he could not remain long a mere spectator
of the contest, and that it might soon become his duty to take the
field, therefore concluded to hasten his marriage with Alida. She
consented to the proposition, and their parents made the necessary
arrangements for the event. The place was fixed upon which was to be
their future residence. It was a pleasantly situated eminence,
commanding an extensive prospect. On the west, forests unevenly lifted
their rude heads, with here and there a solitary field, newly cleared,
and thinly scattered with cottages. To the east, the eye extended over a
soil at one time swelling into woody elevations, and at another
spreading itself into vales of the most enchanting verdure. To the north
it extended to the palisades, wooded to their summits, and throwing
their shadows over intervals of equal wilderness, till at length the
eye, wandering far beyond, was arrested in its excursions by the blue
mist which hovered over the distant mountains, more grand, majestic, and
lofty. The inhabitants around were mild, sociable, moral, and diligent.
The produce of their own fields gave them the most of what was
necessary, and they were happily free from all dissipation and luxury.

Such was the site marked out for the residence of Theodore and Alida.
They visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic
beauties.

"Here," said Theodore, "we will one day pass our time in all the
felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life will admit. In the
spring, we will roam among the flowers; in summer, we will gather
strawberries in yonder fields, or raspberries from the adjacent
shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning and the sighs of the evening
gale will be mingled with the songs of the various birds which frequent
the surrounding groves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and
will listen with pleasure to the hoarse, murmuring voice of winter--its
whistling winds, its driving snow and rattling hail--with delight."

The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Alida as Theodore
described this pleasing scene of anticipation.

Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and the
marriage day was appointed. Preparations for the hymenial ceremony were
making, and invitations had already gone abroad. Albert was particularly
sent for, and all was approaching to readiness for this happy event.

Theodore and Alida again promenaded to the spot which had been chosen
for their habitation; they projected the structure of the buildings,
planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, and the green
retreat of the summer-house; and already they realized in imagination
the various domestic blessings and felicities with which they were to be
surrounded.

Nature was adorned with the bridal ornaments of spring; the radiant sun
was sinking behind the groves, casting his sable shades over the valley,
while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminences
with yellow lustre; the birds sung melodiously in the grove; the air was
freshened by light western breezes, bearing upon their wings all the
entrancing odours of the season; while around the horizon clouds raised
their brazen summits, based in the black vapour of approaching night;
and as its darkening shades were advancing, Theodore and Alida returned
home. They seated themselves awhile on the piazza, to contemplate the
splendours of the evening, and to witness the beauties of one of the
most picturesque draperies painted in the landscape of nature.




CHAPTER XI.

  The dreadful din of war is heard
    Wide spreading o'er the land and sea;
  The battle's shout and cannon's roar
    Proclaim the nation shall be free.

  The nodding plumes, like waving pines,
    Are shaken by the morning breeze;
  The gilded armour brightly shines,
    And patriots sigh for victories.


The tumults of a second war with Great Britain still increased, and was
not only exhausting the finances of the country, but called for a still
greater sacrifice--all the bravest American youth. A large army of
reinforcements was shortly expected from England to land on our shores,
and the confused noise of the warriors, with more vigorous and intrepid
combat, were already anticipated.

Theodore had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enlisted
in the army, to join it also. He had an excuse: his father was a man in
extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a
number of agents and clerks under him, but began to feel himself unable
to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a
mercantile life. Theodore was his only son; his assistance, therefore,
became necessary, until, at least, his father could bring his business
to a close, which he was now about to effect.

Theodore stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every
occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his
country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs became
settled, he would, if necessary, join the army.

The president was now active in making every exertion in his power, to
rouse the feelings of his countrymen to act their parts with honour in
the scene that was now before them. He knew that much of the
responsibility rested on himself. The capacity he was in with regard to
the nation, caused the most material and important business--of
directing and superintending the weighty affairs of government--to fall
upon his hands; and such was the situation of the country, that it not
only called for the exertion, the wisdom, sound judgment, and policy of
the presidential chair, but likewise of every patriotic bosom to
participate in their endeavours to oppose the depredations against it.
The chief executive was entered on a theatre in which he was to act a
conspicuous part in this war of America with Great Britain, and to
occupy a station in the page of history, where the interesting detail
will reach the ear of remotest ages in the dates of time.

In the mean time, the father of Theodore had been absent for three or
four days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with some
merchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next day
after Theodore had got home; his aspect and his conversation were marked
with an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing,
discoursed much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted
by long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.
After supper he asked Theodore "if it were not possible that his union
with Alida could be concluded within a few days?" Theodore, startled at
so unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be
considered extraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Alida had
named the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived at a
distance, whose daughter was to pass the summer with her, and was
expected to arrive before the appointed time. It would, he said, be a
delicate thing for him to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could give
some cogent reason for so doing, and at present he was not apprised that
any such existed. His father, after a few moments' hesitation, answered,
"I have reasons which, when told,"--here he stopped, suddenly arose,
hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind, and then retired
to his chamber.

Theodore and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.
They could form no conjecture of its cause, or its consequence. Theodore
passed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted; he was
restless and uneasy: his sleep was broken and disturbed by incoherent
mutterings and plaintive moans. In the morning when he appeared at
breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and anguish. He
scarcely spoke a word; and after the cloth was removed, he ordered all
to withdraw except Theodore and his mother; when, with emotions that
spoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:

"For more than thirty years I have been engaged in commerce, in order to
acquire independence for myself and my family. To accomplish this,
I became connected with some English importing merchants, in a seaport
town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned our
endeavours. On balancing our accounts, two years ago, we found that our
expectations were answered, and that we were sufficiently wealthy to
close business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed to
make one effort more, as some favourable circumstances appeared to
offer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation of
liberal and extensive proceeds. Before returns could be made, the war
came on, embarrassments ensued, and by indubitable intelligence lately
received, we find that our property in England has been sequestered;
five of our ships, laden with English goods, lying in English harbours,
and just ready to sail for America, have been seized as lawful prizes;
added to this, three vessels from the Indies, laden with island produce,
have been taken on their homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her
return from Holland.

"This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only my
equal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I have been
connected, not one remains to share the fate of the event--all have
absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with my
creditors would be of little avail, so that the consequence to me is
inevitable ruin.

"To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is
vested in real estate; and even if it would, I could not consent to it.
I could not consent to banish myself from my country, with the view to
defraud my creditors. No: I have lived honestly, and honestly will I
die. By fair application and industry my wealth has been obtained, and
it shall never justly be said that the reputation of my latter days were
sullied with acts of meanness. I have notified and procured a meeting of
the creditors, and have laid the matter before them. Some appeared
favourable to me, others insinuated that we were all connected in
fraudulent designs to swindle our creditors. To this I replied with
becoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediate
prosecution. Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your
happiness, Theodore, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your union
with Alida before our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents
are old, a little will serve the residue of their days. With your
acquirements you may make your way in life. I shall now have no property
to give you; but I would still wish you to ensure to yourself that which
you prize far above, and without which, both honours and emoluments
would be unimportant and worthless."

At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and
three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his
attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Theodore's father
and company, to levy on the property of the former, which orders they
faithfully executed by seizing the lands, tenements, and furniture. We
will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event--the
feelings of the family can better be conceived than described.

Hurled, in a moment, from the lofty summit of affluence to the low vale
of indigence, Christian philosophy after a while came to the aid of the
parents, but who can realize the feelings of the son? Thus suddenly cut
short, not only of his prospects of future independence, but even
present support, what would be the event of his suit to Alida, and
stipulated marriage? Was it not probable that her father would now
cancel the contract? Could she consent to become his in his present
penurious situation? and could he himself be willing to make her
miserable?

In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from a friend in the
neighbourhood of Alida, requesting him to come immediately to his house,
whither he repaired the following day.

This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Theodore; he had
heard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in his
distress. He had lately married and settled near the residence of
Alida's father. His name was Raymond. When Theodore arrived at the house
of his friend, he was received with the same disinterested ardour he had
ever been before, in the day of his most unbounded prosperity. After
being seated, Raymond told him the occasion of his sending for him was
to propose the adoption of certain measures which he doubted not might
be considered highly beneficial, as it respected his future peace and
happiness. "Your family misfortunes," continued he, "have reached the
ear of Alida's father. I know old people, generally speaking, too well
to believe he will now consent to receive you as his son-in-law under
your present embarrassments. The case is difficult, but not
insurmountable. You must first see Alida; she is now in the next room;
I will introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will lay my
plan before you."

Theodore entered the room. Alida was sitting by a window which looked
into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows where tall grass waved
to the evening breeze; further on, low valleys spread their umbrageous
thickets where the dusky shadows of night had began to assemble. On the
high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by the
billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hovered
around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints or
fringed with the gold of evening. A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled
at a little distance from the garden, on the borders of a small grove,
from whence the American wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the
ear of Alida. She was leaning on a small table as she sat by the window,
which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed. She did not perceive
Raymond and Theodore as they entered. They advanced towards her; she
turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smile she said she
supposed it was Mrs. Raymond who was approaching, as she had just left
the room. Her countenance was dejected, which, on seeing Theodore,
lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been
weeping. Raymond retired, and Theodore and Alida seated themselves.

"I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps too unseasonably," said
Theodore. It is however the fault of Raymond; he invited me to walk into
the room, but did not inform me that you were alone.

"Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable," replied
Alida. I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in your
visits, Theodore?

"I once did not think so," answered Theodore; now I know not what to
think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my
father's family, Alida?

"Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event," said she; an
event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the
immediate sufferers, than myself.

"Your father is also acquainted with my present situation," said
Theodore; and how did he receive the intelligence?

"With deep regret," replied Alida.

Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in an
unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.

"It certainly is," said Alida. Soon after we received the intelligence
of your family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was
sitting: 'Alida,' said he, 'your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful
child,--mine, of an indulgent parent. My ultimate wish is to see my
children, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected. For this
purpose I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitably
to apportion my property among them. On their part, it is expected they
will act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things which
concern materially their future peace and welfare: the principal
requisite to insure this is a proper connexion in marriage.' Here my
father paused a considerable time, and then continued: 'I know, my
child, that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage-day is
appointed; it was named under the fairest prospects. By the failure of
Theodore's father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not
totally obliterated. To commit your fortune through life to a person in
his present circumstances, would be hazardous in the extreme. The day
named can at least be suspended; perhaps something more favourable may
appear. At any rate, I have too much confidence in your discretion to
suppose that you will, by any rash act, bring reproach either upon
yourself or your connexions.' Thus spake my father, and immediately
withdrew.

"In our present dilemma," said Theodore, "what is proper to be done?"

"It is difficult to determine," answered Alida. "Should my father
expressly forbid our union, or to see each other at present, it is
probable he will carry his commands into effect. I would advise you to
call on him to-morrow with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the
event, I shall deal sincerely with you. Mrs. Raymond has been my friend
and associate from my earliest years--Raymond you know. In them we can
place the utmost confidence. From them you will be enabled to obtain
information should I be prevented from seeing you. My reliance on
Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects, at
present, are dark and gloomy."

"Let us not despair," said Theodore; "perhaps those gloomy clouds which
now hover around us, may yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy.
Worth and innocence are the care of Heaven,--there rests my hope.
To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's. If I should be
debarred in future from seeing you, I will write as formerly, and direct
the letters to Raymond."

Alida now returned home, attended by Theodore. A whip-poor-will tuned
its nightly song at a distance; but the sound which had so late appeared
to them cheerful and sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.




CHAPTER XII.

  "O, happiness, deceitful in thy dream,"
    Though wreaths all blooming hang upon thy brow,
  And quick dissolves the visionary gleam,
    Succeeded soon by various scenes of wo.


When Theodore returned to the house of his friend, he unfolded the plan
he had projected.

"No sooner," said Raymond, "was I informed of your misfortunes, than I
was convinced that Alida's father (whom I have known for many years)
would endeavour to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. And
however he may doat on his children, or value their happiness, he will
not hesitate to sacrifice his better feelings to the accomplishment of
his wishes to see them independent. It appears that you have but one
resource left. You and Alida are now engaged by the most solemn ties, by
every rite except those which are ceremonial; these I would advise you
to enter into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Raymond has proposed
the scheme to Alida, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she
shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage; but when her father will
proceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think, consent to the
alternative. The world is before you, Theodore," continued he; "you have
friends, you have acquirements which will not fail you. In a country
like this you can scarcely help obtaining a competency, which, with the
other requisites you have in your power, will not fail to insure your
independence and felicity."

"But the times have changed," said Theodore, since the commencement of
the war, and probably I may yet have to join the army. After I have made
my visit on the morrow to Alida's father, we will discourse further on
the subject.

In the meantime, Theodore proceeded on the morrow, to make his intended
visit. As he approached the house, he saw Alida sitting in a shady
recess at one end of the garden, near which the road passed. She was
leaning with her head upon her hand in a pensive posture; a deep
dejection was depicted upon her features, which enlivened into a
transient glow as soon as she saw Theodore. She arose, met him, and
invited him into the house.

Theodore was received with a cool reserve by all except Alida. Her
father saluted him with a distant retiring bow, as he passed with her to
the parlour. As soon as they were seated, a lady who had lately come to
reside some time in the family, (who was a relative of her father's,)
entered the room and seated herself by the window, alternately humming a
tune and staring at Theodore, without speaking a word.

This interruption was not of long continuance. Alida's father entered,
and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done; he
then addressed Theodore as follows:

"When I gave consent for your union with my daughter, it was on the
conviction that your future resources would be adequate to support her
honourably and independently. Circumstances have since taken place which
render this point extremely doubtful." He paused for a reply, but
Theodore was silent. He continued, "You, perhaps, may say that your
acquirements, your prudence, and your industry, will procure you a
handsome income; but to depend on these altogether for your future
exigencies is hazarding peace, honour, and reputation, at a single game
of chance. If, therefore, you have no resources or expectations but such
as these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately
relinquishing all pretensions to the hand of Alida, and from this time
to break off all communication with my daughter." He then immediately
left the room.

Why was Theodore speechless through the whole of this discourse? What
reply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but misery
and wo? Where, indeed, were the means by which Alida was to be shielded
from indigence, if connected with his fortunes?

The idea was not new, but it came upon him at this time with redoubled
anguish. He arose and looked around for Alida, but she was not to be
seen. He left the house and walked slowly towards Raymond's. At a little
distance he met Alida who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. He
informed her of all that had passed; it was no more than they both
expected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain.
Disappointment seldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her.

Alida told Theodore that she knew her father's determinations were
altogether unchangeable at present. Her brother, she said, would be at
home in a few days; how he would act on this occasion, she was unable to
say; but were he ever so far their friend, he would have but feeble
influence with her father. "What is to be the end of these troubles,"
continued she, it is impossible to foresee. Let us trust in the mercy of
Heaven, and submit to its dispensations.

Theodore and Alida, in their happier days, had, when absent from each
other, corresponded. This method it was now thought best to resume. It
was agreed, besides, that Theodore should frequently visit Raymond's,
and Alida would resort there also, as she should find opportunity.
Having concluded on this, Alida returned home, and Theodore to the house
of his friend.

The next morning Theodore repaired to the dwelling where his aged
parents now resided. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish when he
arrived there: his own fate unconnected with that of Alida. His father
was absent when he first reached home, but returned soon after. A beam
of joy gleamed upon his countenance as he entered the house. "Were it
not, Theodore, for your unhappy situation," said he, "we should once
more be restored to peace and happiness. A few persons who were indebted
to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling creditors,
reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me, amounting to
something more than five thousand pounds. With this I can live as well
and conveniently as I could wish, and can spare some for your present
exigencies, Theodore."

Theodore thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that from his
former liberality, he had yet sufficient for all his wants. "But your
affair with Alida," asked his father, "how is that likely to terminate?"
"Favourably, I hope, sir," answered Theodore.

He could not consent to disturb the happy tranquillity of his parents by
reciting his own wretchedness. He passed a week with them. He saw them
once more comfortably seated at a calm retreat in he country; he saw
them serenely blest in the pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of
joy illumined his troubled bosom.

  "Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
  A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd,
  A bright, impassion'd, cheering glow express'd
  The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast:
  But soon dark gloom the feeble smiles o'erspread;
  Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendours fled;
  Returning anguish froze his feeling soul;
  Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll!"

His memory dwelt on Alida, from whom he had heard nothing since he had
last seen her. He thought of the difficulties with which he was
surrounded. He thought of the barriers which were now opposed to their
happiness; and he immediately set out for the house of Raymond. He
arrived at his residence near the close of the day. Raymond and his lady
were at tea, with several young ladies that had passed the afternoon
there. Theodore cast an active glance at the company, in hopes to see
Alida among them, but she was not there. He was invited, and took a seat
at table.

After tea was over, Raymond led Theodore into an adjoining room. "You
have come in good time," said he. "Something speedily must be done, or
you lose Alida forever. The day after you were here, her father received
a letter from Bonville, in which, after mentioning the circumstances of
your father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probably
be a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might essentially
injure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life; to prevent
which, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he offered to marry
her at any appointed day, provided he had her free consent. As Bonville,
by the recent death of his father, had been put in possession of a
splendid fortune, the proposition might possibly allure the father of
Alida, to use his endeavour to bring his daughter to yield implicit
obedience to his wishes. Were he to command her to live single, it might
be endured; but if he should endeavour to persuade her to discard you
from her thoughts entirely, and to give her hand to a person she could
have no esteem for, would be to perjure those principles of truth and
justice, which he himself had ever taught her to hold most inviolable.
To add to Alida's distress, Bonville arrived there yesterday, and,
I hope in some measure to alleviate it, Albert, her brother, came this
morning. Mrs. Raymond has despatched a message to inform Alida of your
arrival, and to desire her to come here immediately. She will
undoubtedly comply with the invitation, if not prevented by something
extraordinary."

Mrs. Raymond now came to the door of the room, and beckoned to her
husband, who went out, but soon returned, leading in Alida, after which
he retired. "Oh, Theodore," was all she could say, her further utterance
was interrupted by her tears. Theodore led her to a seat, and overcome
by sadness was unable to speak. Recovering at length, he begged her to
moderate her grief.

"Where," said he, "is your fortitude, and your firmness, Alida, which I
have so often seen triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme anguish
prevented a reply. Theodore endeavoured to console her, though
consolation was a stranger to his own breast.

"Let us not," said he, "increase our flood of affliction by a tide of
useless sorrow. Perhaps more prosperous days are yet in reserve for us;
happiness may yet be ours. Heaven cannot desert Alida," said Theodore;
"as well might it desert its angels. This thorny path may lead to fair
fields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded by calms; wars end
in peace; the splendours of the brightest morning arise on the wings of
blackest midnight. Troubles will not always last."

The grief which had almost overwhelmed Alida, now began to subside, as
the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion after
the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep and long drawn sighs
succeeded. The irritation of her feelings had caused a more than usual
glow upon her cheek which faded away as she became composed, until a
livid paleness spread itself over her features.

Raymond and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged the
propriety and necessity for Theodore and Alida to enter into the bands
of matrimony.

"The measure would be hazardous," remarked Alida. "My circumstances,"
said Theodore. "Not on that account," interrupted Alida, "but the
displeasure of my father."

"Come here, Alida, to-morrow evening," said Mrs. Raymond. "In the mean
time you will consider the matter and then determine." To this Alida
assented and prepared to return home.

Theodore attended her as far as the gate which opened into the yard
surrounding the dwelling. It was dangerous for him to go further, lest
he should be discovered even by a domestic of the family. He stood here
awhile looking anxiously after Alida as she walked up the avenue, her
white robes now invisible, now dimly seen, until they were totally
obscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the night, ere she
reached the door of her father's mansion.

"Thus," said Theodore, "fades the angel of peace from the visionary eyes
of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds of early
morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle." With mournful
forebodings he returned to the house of his friend. After passing a
sleepless night, he arose and walked out into an adjoining field; he
stood for some time, leaning, in deep contemplation, against a tree,
when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned around, and saw
Albert approaching. In a moment they were in each other's arms, and
mingled tears. They soon returned to Raymond's where they conversed
largely on present affairs.

"I have discoursed with my father on the subject," said Albert; "I have
urged him with every possible argument, to relinquish his determination
to keep you and Alida separate. I fear, however, he is inflexible."

"To endeavour to assuage the grief which rent Alida's bosom was my next
object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see
her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You,
Theodore, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable,
but they are right. We must acquiesce in its dealings; we cannot alter
its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is
one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and
will ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied
happiness."

Albert told Theodore that circumstances compelled him that day to return
to the city. "I would advise you," said he, "to remain here until your
affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be
terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."

Theodore feelingly expressed his gratitude to Albert. He found in him
that disinterested friendship which his early youth had experienced.
Albert the same day departed for New-York.

The shades of night came on almost insensibly, as Theodore was anxiously
expecting Alida. He anticipated the consolation her presence would
bestow. Albert had told him she was more composed. The evening passed
on, but she came not.

Raymond assured him she would soon be there. He paced the room, and then
walked out on the way whither she was expected to come. He hesitated
some time whether to advance or return. It was possible, though not
probable, that she might have come some other way. He hastened back to
the house of his friend; she had not arrived.

"Something extraordinary," said Mrs. Raymond, "has undoubtedly prevented
her coming. Perhaps she is ill." Theodore shuddered at the suggestion.
He looked at his watch: it was past twelve o'clock. Again he hastily
sallied out and took the road to her father's. The night was exceedingly
dark, being illuminated only by the feeble glimmering of the twinkling
stars. When he came within sight of the house, and as he drew near, no
lights were visible, all was still and silent. He entered the yard,
walked up the avenue, and approached the door. A solemn stillness
prevailed around, interrupted only by the discordance of nightly
insects. The dwelling was shrouded in darkness. In Alida's room no gleam
of light appeared.

"They are all buried in sleep," said Theodore, deeply sighing, and I
have only to return in disappointment.

Theodore now withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he
came. As he went back through the garden, he found a person standing at
the foot of it, near the road. After a moment's scrutiny, he perceived
it to be Bonville.

"What, my chevalier, why are you here?" said he to Theodore. "Hast thou,
then, eluded the watchful eyes of Argus, and the vigilance of the
dragon?"

"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder!" retorted Theodore, "dost thou add
impudence to thy interference? Go," said he, "you are unworthy of my
anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to win to your arms a lady
who must ever continue to despise you."

"Theodore," replied Bonville, "You and I were rivals in the pursuit for
the hand of Alida. Whether from freak or fortune the preference was
given to you, I know not; and I retired in silence. From coincidence of
circumstances, I think she will now be induced to give the preference to
me, especially after her prospects of connecting with you are cut off by
the events which ruined your fortune. You, Theodore, have yet, I find,
to learn the character of woman. It has been my particular study. Alida,
now ardently impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recent
disappointment, her feelings delicate and vivid, her affections
animated, it would be strange if she could suddenly relinquish premature
attachments founded on such premises. But remove her from your presence
one year, with only distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again,
admit me as the substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as
freely as she would now receive yours. I had no design. It never was my
wish to marry her without her free consent;--that I believe I shall yet
obtain. Under existing circumstances it is impossible but that you must
be separated. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to the wild vagaries
of fancy, she will discover the dangerous precipice to which her present
inclinations lead. She will prefer indifference and splendour to love
and a cottage. At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I
shall return home. When Alida, from calm deliberation, and the advice of
friends, shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return to
receive it. I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these
intentions to her father; but it being later than I was aware of, the
family had gone to rest. I was about to return, but, looking back again
at the house, to see if I could descry a light, I stood a moment by the
garden gate, when you approached and discovered me." So saying, he bade
Theodore good night, and walked hastily away.

"I find he knows not the character of Alida," said Theodore, as he
pursued his way to Raymond's. When he arrived at the house of his
friend, he related all that had passed between himself and Bonville; and
from what he related, the Raymonds concluded that Alida must be watched
and guarded.




CHAPTER XIII.

  Friendship! thou sovereign balm of every care.
  When all serene and placidly appear;
  Domestic happiness! of that possessed,
  Then may we leave to Providence the rest.


The father of Alida now thought proper to enter into a second marriage.
A lady of worth and understanding had wrought upon his fancy, and won
his particular regards. Her elegance of manner and dignified deportment
engaged general attention; and although she was rather advanced in life,
yet "the remains of former beauty were still visible in her appearance."

She was honourably descended from English parents, who had resided in
New-York since the revolution. Her father had been actively engaged in
business there, which had been ultimately crowned with the successful
gifts of fortune.

Her education had been governed by the strictness of the English
discipline. A foundation laid in early piety continued to influence her
mind with unaffected ardour, blended with a generous benevolence, the
genuine effects of the inexhaustible goodness of her heart. She was one
who manifested to the world that a "doer of good" is far preferable to
any other character, and in a superlative degree above those who
maintain high principles in theory, without ever once reducing them to
practice.

This lady had an only sister, who married a native of Ireland, and after
the course of a few years went to reside there, where she had recently
died. The children returned to this country, having lost their father
long before, and several of her nephews now resided in the city. Having
been always accustomed to reside in town herself, where her many
excellent qualities had endeared her to numerous friends and
acquaintances, who would now feel themselves lost without her society,
therefore the parents of Alida formed the conclusion to pass their
winters in the city, and return to the country in the summer season.

In the mean time, Alida's father thought the event fortunate, and was
pleased at this time to remove his daughter from the place where the
late scenes appeared so trying and afflictive, with the hope that in
mingling her with the gay world she would in a while forget Theodore,
while he in his turn would be induced to leave the neighbourhood.

It was now at that season when weary summer had lapsed into the fallow
arms of autumn, and was approaching to the chilly breezes of winter. The
morning was clear, and the light gales bore invigorating coolness on
their wings as they tremulously agitated the foliage of the western
forest, or fluttered among the branches of the trees that surrounded the
mansion. The green splendours of the lawn had faded into a yellow
lustre; the flowery verdure of the fields was changed to a russet hue.

A robin chirped in a favourite tree in the yard; a wren chattered
beneath, while some few solitary birds still continued to warble their
notes among the leaves of the aspen.

The surrounding groves partially rung with melody; while deep in the
adjacent wilderness the woodpecker, hammering on some dry and blasted
trees, filled the woods with reverberant echoes.

The face of the Sound was ruffled by the lingering breezes, as they idly
wandered over its surface. Long Island was thinly enveloped in smoky
vapour; scattered along its shores lay the numerous small craft, with
larger ships, of the hostile fleet. A few skiffs were passing and
re-passing the Sound. Several American war-sloops lay on a point which
jutted out from the mainland into the river.

Alida walked leisurely around the yard, contemplating the various
beauties of the scene, the images of departed joys (that she was now
about to leave). The days when Theodore participated with her in
admiring the splendours of rural prospect, raised in her bosom the sigh
of deep regret. She entered the garden, and traced the walks, now
overgrown with weeds and tufted grass. The flower-beds were choked with
the low running brambles, and tall rushes and daisies had usurped the
empire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was principally gone to
decay, and the eglantine blushed mournfully along the fences.

Alida continued to walk the garden until the servant informed her that
the carriage was waiting to take her to the city.

Although they set out rather late in the day, they arrived in town some
hours before sunset. They drove immediately to their dwelling, which was
situated in a pleasant part of Greenwich-street, near the Battery.

Alida, after she had thrown off her travelling apparel, seated herself
by the window in silence. Her mind was absorbed in deep reflection and
thoughtfulness. She watched the slow declining sun, as it was sinking
beneath the horizon. Pensive twilight spread her misty mantle over the
landscape. The western sky glowed with the spangles of evening;
deepening glooms advanced. The last beam of day faded from the view, and
all was enveloped in night. Innumerable stars glittered in the
firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours
of the milky way.

When Alida was summoned to tea, her parents made various observations to
endeavour to amuse her thoughts, and draw her from her taciturnity.
After tea she again returned to the window, where she sat till a late
hour, apparently in deep meditation, till at length growing weary and
restless, she retired to her room.

As she had for several nights in succession slept but little, she soon
fell into a slumber, and did not awake till near the dawn of day. She
did not close her eyes again to sleep. Daylight soon appeared, and the
cheerful sun darting his enlivening rays through the windows of this
antique mansion, recovered her exhausted spirits, and dissipated, in
some measure, the cheerless reflections that still continued to hover
about her imagination.

She arose, and went down to breakfast with spirits somewhat revived,
and changed to a temporary resignation to past events and recent
occurrences. A thought impressed her mind which gave her new
consolation.

"Who knows," said she, "but that the sun of peace may yet dispel the
glooms of these distressful hours, and restore this throbbing bosom to
its former serenity?"

In the meantime, Theodore remained in the neighbourhood of Alida until
he heard the family had left and gone to the city. He then prepared
himself to set out early the next day for the habitation of his parents.

He informed Raymond of his promise to write to Alida, and to transmit
letters through his agency for her inspection every convenient
opportunity.

After passing a weary watchful night, he arose at the first dawning of
day, and proceeded on his journey with a heavy heart and painful
reflections.

After he had passed through the neighbouring village, and gained the
bridge, he looked over and bade the residence of Alida a mournful
farewell. Fearful forebodings crossed his mind that they were separated
forever; then again those more consolatory, that, perhaps, after a long
delay, he and Alida might yet again meet and be happy.

Traits of glory had painted the eastern skies. The glittering day-star,
having unbarred the portals of light, began to transmit its retrocessive
lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon's decrescent form. Low,
hollow winds murmured among the bushes, or brushed the limpid drops from
the intermingling foliage.

The dusky shadows of night fled to the deep glens and rocky caverns of
the wilderness. The American lark soared high in the air, consecrating
its matin lay to morn's approaching splendours.

The woodlands and forest tops on the high hills caught the sun's first
ray, which, widening and extending, soon gemmed the landscape with a
varying brightness.

It was late in the afternoon before Theodore arrived at his father's. He
found his parents contented and happy at their present residence, which
was extremely pleasant, and afforded them many accommodations.

"You have been long gone, my son," said his father: "I scarcely knew
what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer, I know little of
what is going on in the world, and we were never happier in our lives.
We live as independently as we could desire, and realize the blessings
of health and contentment. Our only disquietude is on your account,
Theodore. Your affair with Alida, I suppose, is not so favourable as you
could wish. But despair not, my son; hope is the harbinger of fairer
prospects; rely on Providence, which never deserts those who
submissively bow to its dispensations. Place entire confidence and
dependence on the Supreme Being," said his father, "and the triumph of
fortitude and resignation will be yours." His father paused. His
reasonings, however they convinced the understanding, could not heal the
wounds of Theodore's bosom. In Alida he had looked for as much happiness
as earth could afford, nor could he see any prospect in life which could
repair to him her loss.

Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, he did not wish to
acquaint them with the whole affair of his troubles. He answered, that
perhaps all might yet be well; that, however, in the present state of
his mind, he thought a change of place and scene might be of advantage.
He said, moreover, that he no longer had an excuse, and that
circumstances now compelled him to join the army.

A sorrow unknown before seized upon the minds of his parents as Theodore
repeated these words. Sad and dreadful ideas crowded their imagination
at this gloomy period, when in the war's dread emergency they must risk
the life of an only son, to march to the field of battle. 'Tis true, he
might be again restored to them, but were there not a thousand chances
to one? They were overwhelmed with sorrow at these thoughts, till at
length they finally felt themselves obliged to consent to what they
considered his inevitable destiny, leaving the result of their united
wishes and prayers for his safe preservation to an over-ruling
Providence.

His father then offered him money he had on hand to defray his expenses.
Theodore refused, saying, his resources had not yet left him. He then
disposed of his horses and carriages, the insignia of his better days,
but now useless appendages.

After taking an affectionate leave of his parents, he set out the
ensuing day to join his companions on their route to meet the army,
which was far distant. When hostilities first commenced, Theodore had
said, that when it became actually necessary, and his father's affairs
were settled, he would enlist in the service of his country.
Nevertheless, he journeyed with a heavy heart and an enfeebled frame of
spirits, through disappointment, vexation, and fatigue. The scenes he
had so lately experienced moved in melancholy succession over his mind,
and his despondency had not abated, even in a small degree, when he
reached the army.

He now joined the forces under Colonel Van Renssalaer, "who, with a
detachment of about one thousand men, crossed the river Niagara, and
attacked the British on Queenstown heights. This detachment succeeded in
dislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced by the militia from the
American side, as was expected, they were ultimately repulsed, and
obliged to surrender. Eight hundred British soldiers now came to the aid
of the others, and pressed on to renew the attack. The Americans for a
time continued to struggle against this force, but were finally obliged
to surrender themselves prisoners of war."

The fate of war was hard for Theodore, on his first expedition. He was
taken, and carried among the rest on board a prison-ship, and sent with
a number of others to England.

This disastrous event, however, was shortly followed by one more
fortunate for the Americans. "General Dearborn embarked at Sackett's
Harbour, with sixteen hundred men, on an expedition against York, and
succeeded in the capture of that place.

"York was the seat of government for Upper Canada, and the principal
depot for the Niagara frontier. More naval stores were taken by the
Americans than could be carried away. The government hall was burned,
contrary to the orders of the American general."




CHAPTER XIV.

  "See, winter comes," and boisterous on its way,
  See darkening clouds obscure the cheerful day;
  Its hollow voice is muttering in the gale,
  While chilling hail and snow the earth assail.


Some length of time had elapsed since the family had been settled in the
city, and the cool breezes of autumn had changed to the hoarse murmuring
gales of winter. No sound scarcely was heard except blustering winds, or
their whistling murmurs around the angles of the mansion, blended with
the more slow, monotonous cadence of the advancing waves of the Hudson.

The evenings were cold, dark, and gloomy, except when the resplendent
rays of the moon's mild lustre was seen dispensing its light and
cheering influence, dissipating, in a material degree, the dreariness of
the evenings of this inclement season. Winter had commenced, "sullen and
sad, with all his rising train." "Vapours, and clouds, and storms,"
succeeded each other. Instead of copious showers of rain, snow and ice
were spread over the pavement in heavy masses.

One evening as a storm was approaching, and the winds blew tremendously,
and the snow began to fall in abundance, Where now, thought Alida, is
Theodore? though the cold may pierce and storms molest him, yet there is
no friend to sympathise with him in his distress, or to mitigate the
heaviness of his cheerless hours, and shed the rays of gladness over his
troubled mind.

How great the contrast is now with his former fortunes, how severe his
afflictions! He feels not so much the loss of wealth, but he sighs for
the smiles of former associates and friends. She looked upon her finger,
there was the ring he had given her in happier days. This she vowed to
keep and cherish, through every trial and affliction. It was Theodore's
last gift. Where was he now? What dangers he may have encountered, and
what hardships endured! and what might he not yet have to suffer, ere
she should behold him again, if indeed she ever should.

She had not heard from him in a long time. He had promised to write--why
was he not faithful to his promise?

Thus meditated Alida. At length she articulated in a calmer tone, and
her feelings became more composed.

Infinite Ruler of events! Great Sovereign of this ever-changing
world! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser of
destinies! In thy hands are all things terrestrial, and the condition
of our lives are at thy disposal. The beginning, the progression, and
the end is thine. Unsearchable are thy purposes!-- mysterious thy
movements!-- inscrutable thy operations! Thy will must be done. To
bow in submission to thy decrees, is right:-- for we are unable to
scrutinize the past, and incompetent to explore the future.

Alida had lived retired since she had been in town, although in the
midst of gay scenes of every description. The acquaintance she had made
were few. Her second mother had no relatives there, except her sister's
children, which formed a principal part of her society.

Her oldest nephew was about twenty-five years of age. The personal
appearance of Mr. Bolton was highly prepossessing. He was particularly
distinguished for his genuine politeness, affability, and witticism.

He inherited a considerable patrimony from his grandfather, which proved
to be a disadvantage, as it prevented him from applying himself to any
particular occupation. Since his aunt's marriage, and his acquaintance
with Alida, his visits had become frequent, accompanied with partial
attention; though on her part, indifference was visible, as his earnest
assiduities, were altogether unexpected, and implied a thing she had not
thought of.

No one had as yet observed his growing fondness and predilection for
Alida, except her father, to whom it was by no means pleasing. The
habitual idleness of this young gentleman, caused him in a great measure
to pass over the consideration of his many excellent qualities.

Among those, with whom Alida had become acquainted during her residence
in the city, was the son of an old friend of her father's. This
gentleman had place among the merchants in Broadway, and who, by a long
course of industrious trading had amassed a handsome competency. There
was something peculiar in his air and manner, which distinguished him
among the men of business.

Speak of a person of commanding aspect, tall, slender, and majestic;
quick in step, fluent in speech, with large light blue eyes, and light
hair, approaching a little to the yellow. That was Mr. More. There was a
neatness and uniformity in his appearance and dress. He might have been
known by his blue suit, white vest, and cambric handkerchief. He was
polite and agreeable, and by his associates, he was much esteemed as an
acquaintance. His judgment was mature in regard to his business. He
managed his affairs with prudence and economy, and still stood firm amid
the shock of failures around him.

Though his means were ample, his expenditures were not extravagant;
every thing about him partook of the convenient and useful. Suitably
free from the fashion mania which sometimes attack young people like an
epidemic, he preferred rational pleasures, and the company of a few
young men of liberal views and sentiments, to the empty display and
unsubstantial show, which wins the smile of moneyed plebians.

His general deportment, his countenance and manner, discovered a mind
and disposition, that had always been accustomed to unremitting
indulgence. He was ardent in friendship; possessing a heart of the
keenest sensibility, with a scrupulous regard for the feelings of
others. He had been much in female society--in company with the amiable
and intelligent. Still he had never seen any one that he thought was
possessed of congenial feelings, or whose mind would assimilate with his
own.

When he became acquainted with Alida, his sensations were awakened to a
new influence;--that he did not attempt to banish from his mind. He
never before had seen any one he thought so worthy of esteem, or so
calculated to inspire him with lasting friendship. "The kindness, and
sincerity of her heart, speaks in her artless manner," said he, (as he
was one evening returning home from her father's.) "She delights the old
and captivates the young. Yet her beauty is not so dazzling at first
glance, but every day that she is seen, the more her features charm, the
more her manners please. Innocence dwells in the silvery curls of her
light auburn hair, that waves over her shoulders in simple elegance. She
has been reared with proper care and attention, and educated not to
shine in a ball-room, but with a soft soothing friendship, to dissipate
ennui and gloom, and make the happiness of the domestic circle."




CHAPTER XV.

  Come, Contemplation, with thy boundless gaze.
  Inspire my song, while I his merits praise,
  A true description of his greatness name,
  And fame's bright annals, shall record the same.


Many were at this time risking their lives in defence of American
liberty, and privileges;--nor were there at present any prospects of
conciliatory measures between the contending powers. It became necessary
for the people in the meantime, to call forth all their energies and
patriotism, with the utmost exertion on their parts--in support of their
country, in order to maintain the burden of the arduous conflict in
which it was engaged, and sustain the present contest with honour to
themselves, and with the hope that its final settlement might be to the
satisfaction of America, and the future prosperity of the nation.

Many heroes ventured forth to the field of battle, with the ardent
endeavour, still to preserve their independence; while at the same time
the hearts of many were failing them with fear. It was a time for the
patriot to use his influence to animate others anew to bravery, and
persuade them to be zealous, in a just cause; at this season of general
excitement, in which the feelings of the whole community had become
strongly interested. Party spirit, and the conflicting interests of the
different states were found to operate injuriously on many in their
commercial transactions. The people were impoverished by the expenses of
the war. Some were in debt. Creditors resorted to legal measures to
enforce a collection of their demands, which involved many families in
deep embarrassment. Peace was sighed for by the multitude, but there
were yet no signs of its realization. An engagement had just taken place
on Lake Erie. The American fleet was commanded by Commodore Perry,
a young officer; that of the British under Com. Barclay, an old and
experienced officer, who had served under Nelson. After a contest of
three hours the Americans gained a complete victory, and captured every
vessel of the enemy. Commodore Perry announced this victory in the
following laconic style: "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." The
Americans took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded their whole number
engaged in the action. This battle was succeeded, several weeks
afterwards, by another that was alike fortunate, between the American
army under General Harrison, and the British under Gen. Proctor, in
which they were defeated, and Detroit fell into the hands of the
Americans. The success of this action may be entirely attributed, (under
the favour of heaven,) to the abilities and military skill of General
Harrison.

After General Hull had tamely surrendered to the British this important
post, with the gallant force that composed the garrison, an event which
spread consternation far and wide throughout the western country, and
greatly increased the difficulty and arduous nature of Gen. Harrison's
duties, he immediately organized the brave troops under his command, and
commenced a course of rigid discipline, and military trainings, with the
confident hope of retrieving the consequent disasters of this
proceeding.

The American army advanced in order of battle, and were in the immediate
neighbourhood of the enemy; the reconnoitering parties brought in
intelligence of the dispositions Proctor had made, wherein he had
committed an irretrievable error in ranging his regular soldiers in
order, and extending his line by placing the files at a distance of
three or four feet from each other. Harrison, with the rapid decision of
an able general, instantly availed himself of the error of his opponent.
The extended and weakened line of the enemy, could offer but a feeble
resistance to the charge of his gallant troops, who dashed forward at
the earnest solicitation of the people of the territory,--and with the
public expression of the most flattering approbation, on the part of the
chief executive;--till at length they gained a complete victory.

The various and arduous duties of the governor of Indiana, required, for
this office, a man of very superior abilities--one possessed of stern
integrity and prudent moderation, accompanied by the most unwavering
firmness. Such a man Governor Harrison, in the long course of his
administration, fully proved himself to be. And in acting his part as a
general he merits no less the applauses of his countrymen, in training
and leading their armies to victory. The nervous and impassioned
eloquence, and classical felicity of illustration, with which he
enforced his arguments, gained him much applause and influence,--and
discovered his abilities to be of the highest order, blended with the
truest republican principles;--in which were manifested an ardent zeal
for the good of his country, and an earnest desire to serve her best
interests. Though vested with unusual powers, both as governor and
general, he was never known during the whole of his command, to exercise
his authority in an unjust or oppressive manner. His measures were
energetic but always qualified by his characteristic moderation and
humanity, joined with integrity, prudence, and capacity for civil
government. Many high encomiums were lavished upon him by those whose
friends and neighbours had participated in this campaign, and who were
consequently familiar with its details, and with the merits of their
commander.

And Detroit is destined to be remembered, as the place of the battle
ground of one of the most remarkable and decisive actions that took
place during the late war.

Shortly after this action was over, Bonville, who was one among the
soldiers, returned to New-York. He furnished plausible reason, and
obtained a furlough from his commanding officer, for leave of absence.
In the meantime, he thought again to visit Alida; he had at present a
double motive again to address her,--and if he should prove successful,
her expected fortune would make him ample amends for what he had
squandered away in scenes of folly. And if the father of Theodore had
become a bankrupt by misfortune, he had now almost become one by
dissipation and extravagance.

Albert had been extremely busy through the day, and was just returning
home from his store in Pearl-street one evening, when he met Bonville in
Broadway on his way to his father's. He accosted him in a very friendly
manner, and then interrogated him by numerous questions concerning the
family,--and very inquisitively with regard to his sister. Albert made
no reply that gave him any particular satisfaction. When they arrived at
the house, they found no company except Mr. More. Alida was truly
shocked and surprised at this unexpected visit from Bonville, who she
had no idea was in town. After making to her his compliments, and
expressing his pleasure at finding her well, he by degrees drew her into
a conversation which lasted the greater part of the evening. He offered
an ill-timed consolation for the absence of Theodore, and affected much
regret,--although he said his case was not as deplorable as that of many
others, as he was still among the living. That though he was a person he
could not esteem, still he had felt so far interested in his welfare, as
to make particular inquiries how the British were accustomed to treat
their prisoners. He then gave some dark intimations against his general
character, which could not fail to throw over the mind of Alida a deep
dejection.

She was now apprised of the fate of Theodore:--She was unable to
suppress the feelings of sorrow, that these words of Bonville had
excited. She remained silent; wholly engrossed by the confused thoughts
and sad ideas, that arose in succession in her mind, till at length she
became regardless of all around her.

The penetrating eyes of Mr. More were fixed upon her during this
conversation. He seemed wholly insensible to every other object. He was
apprehensive that her heart was insensible to the strong affection that
pervaded his own,--and he thought should she prove incapable of loving
like himself, and should become devoted to another, thoughts he could
scarcely endure,--though they sometimes impressed the idea that she
might never be interested in his favour. Hope would again flatter him
with the pleasing thought, that her bosom may have been fraught with
congenial feelings, and her heart beat with sensations even more fervent
than his own. Her image filled his waking thoughts, and disturbed with
visionary happiness his sleeping hours,--yet it seemed to his devoted
mind the love of merit alone; and he imagined that while she was happy,
he could never be altogether otherwise.

After Mr. More and Bonville had taken leave, and her parents had retired
to rest, Alida remained by the fire-side till a late hour. She was
meditating on recent circumstances, on the many late trying events which
had crowded so rapidly that they could scarcely be said to succeed each
other, and which had given so great variety to her life, that for years
had rolled on in the same peaceful, unvaried course. She felt displeased
at Bonville for his insinuations concerning Theodore, which were
ungenerous and ill-natured,--while he seemed to flatter himself with the
idea that she would become forgetful of him. He had hitherto yielded to
every selfish propensity, without once seriously reflecting on its
consequences to himself or others. His understanding, warped by
prejudice, and without control, often misled him, and the superiority an
elevated station gave him caused him to neglect to practice those better
principles of which his nature might have been capable. His pride would
suffer to see Alida united to another, therefore he was determined not
to relinquish her. He concluded that finally she would look upon
Theodore with indifference, and become favourably disposed towards
himself; while his regard for her should prove unchangeable. That,
unacquainted as she was with the world, she would at length be brought
to accede to his wishes. That his rhetoric operating on her inexperience
would ultimately influence her in his favour.




CHAPTER XVI.

  "Dejection pales thy rosy cheek,
    And steals the lustre from thine eye;
  The minutes of each tedious hour,
    Are mark'd by sad anxiety:

  "And all thy soft, endearing smiles,
    That spoke with such expressive grace,
  Alas! are fled, and only care
    Is seen upon that pensive face."


The sublime works of nature had shed abroad their cheering influences,
and the mild and salubrious breezes of spring had succeeded to the
blustering gales of winter. The parents of Alida made preparation to
return to the country. Alida's father was declining in health. He had
imparted to his son his wish for him to close and settle his mercantile
affairs in the city, (as the times were dreary,) and return to the
paternal estate. In the meantime, Albert's assistance was necessary to
alleviate his father, as he was now advanced in years, and had
principally relinquished all public business, except attending to its
calls only when requested in cases of emergency.

Mr. Bolton had been with the family several days, and attended them on
board the steamboat. One would scarcely suppose that so interesting an
exterior as his, blended with highly polished manners, should not have
made some impression on the mind of Alida if her heart had been
disengaged. Besides, he was a person too amiable not to be esteemed. His
ideas with regard to Alida were altogether sanguine. He believed, as
soon as he should ask the consent of her parents, he would easily obtain
his wishes. He considered his own fortune already sufficient, without
seeking more in the din of business. And he possessed many other
advantages which pleaded in his favour. With these hopes of assured
success, he made proposals to her father. The manner in which her father
replied to him was altogether discouraging, which excluded the hope of
his ever gaining the hand of his daughter by his consent. This denial
was a sensible cause of chagrin to Mr. Bolton, but yet it did not
discourage him.

The impatience sometimes of obtaining a thing which is refused to us,
renders it still more desirable, and the heart is never in a greater
flutter than when it is agitated with the fear of losing the object it
most wishes to gain. Moreover, he believed that Alida was already
interested in his favour, and he determined to suggest to her, the first
opportunity, the plan to elope with him, and thus put it out of the
power of her father to impede their happiness.

The day was calm and serene, and the air invigorating. The steam-boat
floated slowly upon the waters in monotonous movement. There was music
on board. A company of militia were going to the village of ----, where
they usually paraded the town for several hours, took dinner at the
hotel, and then returned again to the city.

Alida remained on deck nearly the whole way, to be a spectator of the
various, beautiful landscapes that presented themselves on the river,
particularly at this season of the year. A gentle breeze sprung up as
they passed the little islands at the entrance of the bay, on whose
glassy surface the sun shone with meridian splendour, illustrating the
peculiar beauty of the diversified scenery. In the course of a few hours
they arrived at the village of ----, where they obtained a conveyance to
take them on to their family residence, where they arrived some time in
the afternoon.

Although all nature was smiling around, and the variegated landscape
never appeared more enchanting, birds of every description were seen
chirping on the spray, and the trees resounded with their sportive
melody, and Alida might still have been happy if she had never become
acquainted with Theodore; yet while she had the appearance of serenity,
she still cherished a secret uneasiness. She had never received any
intelligence concerning him since they had last parted. She imagined
herself altogether forgotten, as Bonville had frequently suggested.
Besides, he had represented Theodore as worthless. Harrassed and
oppressed by a thousand different conjectures, she could scarcely
support herself under them with any degree of resignation.

In this frame of mind, in serious meditation, she took a seat by the
window. The sun was declining slowly beneath the horizon to gladden
other regions. The spire of the village church was tipped with gold, and
the resplendent rays reflected from the window dazzled the eye. Above
was the azure vault variegated with fleecy clouds; beneath was nature's
verdant carpet. The little songsters of the adjoining grove were paying
their tribute of praise in melodious strains. The bleating of the lambs,
and the lowing of the milky train, re-echoed from the fields and
valleys; while the gentle murmuring of the water-fall at the mill, with
its rumbling cadence over the dam, was heard at a little distance. "How
still is nature," said Alida. "The sun has withdrawn his radiance, yet
the gleam from yonder western sky bespeaks him still at hand, promising
to return with his reviving warmth when nature is refreshed with
darkness. The bay is already beginning to be silvered over by the mild
rays of the queen of night. Gently she steals on the world, while she
bestows on us her borrowed splendour. She lights the wandering
traveller, she warms the earth with gentle heat. She dazzles not the eye
of the philosopher, but invites him to contemplate and admire. Scarcely
a breeze is stirring; the shadow of each tree remains undisturbed; the
unruffled bay and river glide smoothly on, reflecting nature's face.
Again the attention is drawn, and the eye wanders to yon vast concave,
where the mind follows in silent wonder, wandering among the planets,
till, struck with beauty of the whole, it acknowledges 'the Hand that
made it is divine.'

"Surely," said Alida, "all nature conspires to calm the mind, to restore
tranquillity, to soften every care and corroding thought. But what can
ease the troubled mind, which, like the angry sea, after agitation by
blustering winds, 'tis still tumultuous?" Where now, thought she, is
Theodore? What sadness and difficulty may not his noble and generous
spirit have had to encounter! His tender sensibility, his serene and
pacific disposition, may have had numerous trials; and how unhappy he
may be, who was ever ardent in his endeavours to communicate peace and
happiness to others! When she reflected upon all his goodness, his
zealous piety, his religious sentiments the same as her own, and
recalled to her memory happier days, when she had listened with pleasure
to the powerful eloquence of a corresponding spirit. And her esteem for
him rose higher, while he commented on religious truths, and bade her
place a firm dependence on Divine Providence. Amid these uneasy
sensations, which filled the bosom of Alida with anxiety and grief, and
left her mind in a state of despondency, the period arrived for the
celebration of her father's birth-day, which brought with it, as usual,
much company from the city, from the neighbouring village, with the
parish minister and his family.

After her several sisters had arrived, and nearly all the company had
collected, Alida entered the drawing-room with spirits somewhat
re-animated. Bonville was already there. He arose and handed her to a
seat. He accompanied the first salutations with many flattering
compliments, but with all his endeavours to win her favour, he could not
awaken even a temporary regard in the bosom of Alida. In the meantime,
she had full leisure to observe his singular behaviour, to listen to his
insinuating address, to hear him mention the name of Theodore, and when
he observed her feelings were excited, to hear him suddenly change the
subject. He sometimes appeared to regard her with an eye of pity, but it
arose from a consciousness of his own errors, bordering on baseness. He
felt unhappy at his own want of integrity, and his heart reproached him
with injustice and treachery.




CHAPTER XVII.

  A polished mien, with elegance of mind,
  A winning grace, with taste and sense refined,
  A kindly, sympathizing heart, sincere,
  The gloomy scene, the pensive thought to cheer.


In a series of events, a period at length arrived, which manifested to
mankind, in a more melancholy degree, the shocking consequences and
devastation of war, the overwhelming sorrow that is brought on families
for the loss of friends, with the discouraging embarrassments attending
all kinds of business.

A severe engagement had recently taken place within half a mile of the
Niagara cataract. General Scott, on his arrival at Niagara Falls,
learned that the British were in force directly in his front, separated
only by a narrow piece of wood. He soon pressed through the wood, and
engaged the British on the Queenstown road. He advanced upon the enemy,
and the action commenced at six o'clock in the afternoon, and continued
with little intermission until twelve at night. The thunder of the
cannon, the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of artillery
during the six hours in which the parties were in combat, heightened by
the circumstance of its being night, afforded such a scene as is rarely
to be met with in the history of the wars of nations. The evening was
calm, and the moon shone with lustre when not enveloped in clouds of
smoke from the firing of the contending armies. Taking into
consideration the numbers engaged, few contests have ever been more
sanguinary. The battle was one of the most severe that had been fought
during the war. The British troops engaged in this action amounted to
5000 men; many of them were selected from the flower of Lord
Wellington's army. Colonel Miller's achievement, in storming the
battery, was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature, and entitled
him to the highest applause among the Americans.

The measures of the president relative to the war were of such a nature
as greatly to draw upon him the approbation and gratitude of the nation.
He early began to turn his mind to a contemplation of the general
politics of his country. He, therefore, became advanced in the requisite
qualifications to assume and maintain the important station he held over
it. He had imbibed an attachment for civil liberty almost from his
infancy, which influenced his every action. He was of a pacific
temperament, and pursued those measures as long as they would answer.
But when it became actually necessary for him to recommend to congress
to pursue a different course, it was then that the benefactor of his
country endeavoured to concert measures still to preserve America as an
asylum for civil and religious liberty. He possessed qualities well
calculated to fulfil the duties of his high station with honour to
himself and justice to the community. He was dignified in his
deportment, kind, generous, and condescending; a patron to science;
a uniform promoter of honourable enterprise, but an enemy to every thing
dishonest, hypocritical, and disingenuous. And, as a Christian, he
firmly adhered to the gospel, and regulated his life by its precepts and
injunctions, in a consistent and exemplary manner. This illustrious
president had the good fortune to be blessed with a consort whose
qualifications in her particular capacity were no less adequate to fill
with dignity her elevated station. The parents of Mrs. Madison were
natives of Virginia. Their daughter was educated in Philadelphia among
the Friends. She was, therefore, little indebted to acquired graces and
accomplishments for the admiration and regard which followed her
wherever she was known. To much personal beauty she added a warm heart
and a benevolent disposition--charms and attractions which won for her
not only admirers but friends, and exalted her to high eminence in the
public estimation. Her natural and acquired endowments she carried into
society with such pleasing manners and graceful demeanour, as produced
almost universally an impression highly favourable to herself among the
citizens of Washington. Her society was much esteemed in all the
companies she frequented. Her mental powers were of a superior grade,
and the effects of genuine piety and Christian benevolence distinguished
all her actions. To these she added an amiability of temper, the
polished address of a lady, with a conversation both pleasing and
instructive. Her deportment to all was prepossessing, by the
affectionate manner in which she addressed them separately, and the
interest she manifested in their welfare. In these she showed no
difference between the rich and the poor, and devoted much of her time
to the cause of charity. She was eminently distinguished for her amiable
qualities, and a peculiar versatility of talent in her conversation and
manners. She entertained the numerous friends and guests of the
president with cordial hospitality. She treated her husband's relatives
with regard and kindness; and in the president's house, whenever there
were female guests, Mrs. Madison always presided.

After the president's, the house of the secretary of state was the
resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its mistress
gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there assembled. All
foreigners who visited the seat of government, strangers from the
different states of the Union, the heads of departments, the diplomatic
corps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled with an ease and
freedom, a sociability and gaiety to be met with in no other society.
Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it then was, by her
gentleness, was disarmed of its asperity.

Individuals who never visited the president's dwelling, nor met at the
other ministerial houses, could not resist the softening influences of
her conciliatory disposition, with her frank and generous manners. She
was constantly receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind
and friendly manner with the inhabitants of Washington. The president,
being wholly absorbed in public business, left to Mrs. Madison the
discharge of the duties of social intercourse. And never was woman
better calculated for the task. Exposed as she necessarily was, in so
conspicuous a situation, to envy, jealousy, and misconstruction, she so
managed as to conciliate the good-will of all, without offending the
self-love of any of the numerous competitors for her favour and
attention. Every visiter left her with the pleasing impression of being
an especial favourite, of having been the object of peculiar attention.
She never forgot a name she had once heard, nor a face she had once
seen, nor the personal circumstances connected with every individual of
her acquaintance. Her quick recognition of persons, her recurrence to
their peculiar interests produced the gratifying impression in each and
all of those who conversed with her that they were especial objects of
regard. The house was very plainly furnished, and her dress in no way
extravagant; and it was only in hospitality and charity that her
profusion was unlimited. The amiable and engaging qualities which have
been here described, characterized Mrs. Madison in her husband's public
life. In the midst of the bitterness of party spirit, and the violence
of political animosity, she was mild and courteous to all. The political
assailants of her husband she treated with a kindness which disarmed
their hostility of its individual rancour, and sometimes even converted
political enemies into personal friends, and still oftener succeeded in
neutralizing the bitterness of opposition.

At this period her courage and firmness were put to a severe test. In
August, 1814, the British troops landed forty miles below Washington,
and approached that city. The president left the city to hold a council
of war. Before his departure he anxiously inquired if she had courage or
firmness to remain in their house until his return on the morrow, or
succeeding day. She assured him she had no fear but for him and the
success of the army. When the president reached Bladensburgh he
unexpectedly found the two armies engaged. Meanwhile terror spread over
the city--all who could obtain conveyances fled to the adjoining towns.
The sound of the cannon was distinctly heard, and universal confusion
and dismay prevailed. Some personal friends who remained with Mrs.
Madison, strongly urged her to leave the city. They had her carriage
brought to the door, but could not persuade her to enter it till her
husband should return, and accompany her. And she did not finally depart
till several messengers had been despatched to bid her fly. Much as she
graced her public station, she was not less admirable in domestic life.
Neighbourly and companionable among her country friends, as if she had
never lived in a city, delighting in the society of the young, and never
better pleased than when promoting every youthful pleasure by her
participation;--she still proved herself the affectionate consort,
without neglecting the duties of a kind hostess, and a faithful friend
and relation. She smoothed and enlivened, occupied and appeased, each
varying scene of life. Her husband knew, appreciated, and acknowledged
the blessing which heaven had bestowed on him, in giving him such a
companion.




CHAPTER XVIII.

  And many an aching heart at rising morn,
    A sad memento of the day that's past,
  From long protracted slumbers, slowly drawn;
    From wearied spirits--with a gloom o'ercast.


All business of importance, at this time, was in a manner suspended in
New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part
of the community were in dismay; occasioned by the continuance of
hostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a declining state,
discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the inhabitants;--and
although there had been some rumours of peace, it was not yet concluded.

A severe battle had lately taken place at New-Orleans, in which the
Americans were victorious. Another was fought some little time
afterwards on Lake Champlain. The British fleet, with 1050 men
approached Plattsburgh, while the American fleet were lying off that
place. The British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle,
commanded by sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada. Commodore
Macdonough, the American commander, ordered his vessels to be cleared
for action, and gallantly received the enemy. The engagement was
exceedingly obstinate. After a contest of two hours, the British ships
and several sloops of war fell into the hands of the Americans. Before
sunset the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced, and every
attempt to cross from Plattsburgh to the American works was repelled. At
nine o'clock the object was abandoned, and the British general hastily
drew off his forces. Large quantities of military stores were left
behind, and fell into the hands of the Americans.

The people of the United States were at this time divided into two
political parties; one party condemned the war as unwise and
unnecessary; the other contending that the war was just, and necessary,
for the maintenance of national honour. The opposition to the war was
the greatest in the New England states, and during its continuance this
opposition was confirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instances
discouraged, and dissentions arose between the general and state
governments, respecting the command of the militia, called out by order
of the former, to defend the sea-board. Accordingly the legislature of
Massachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with the delegates
from the states of New England, or any of them, upon the subject of
their public grievances and concerns. The delegates met at Hartford,
Connecticut, in 1815, and sat nearly three weeks with closed doors. This
convention consisted of delegates from the state of Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and Rhode Island; two members from New Hampshire, and one
from Vermont. After their adjournment, the convention published an
address, charging the nation with pursuing measures hostile to the
interest of New England, and recommended amendments to the Federal
Constitution. The report of the Hartford Convention concluded with the
resolution providing for the calling of another convention, should the
United States refuse their consent to some arrangements,--whereby the
New England States, separately, or in concert, might be empowered to
assume upon themselves the defence of their territory against the enemy.
The committee appointed to communicate these resolutions to Congress,
met at Washington the news of peace: and owing to this event, another
Convention was not called. And may it never be the fate of America, to
be again involved in hostilities with her mother country, from whence is
derived her revered religion;--each nation possessing towards the other
reciprocal fellow-feelings, becoming Christian brethren.

  How shall we to his memory raise
    A theme that's worthy to record;
  The tribute of a nation's praise
    In grateful accents sent abroad.

  Let eloquence his deeds proclaim.
    From sea-beat strand to mountain goal;
  Let hist'ry write his peaceful name.
    High on her truth-illumin'd scroll.

  Let poetry and art through earth,
    The page inspire, the canvass warm,
  In glowing words record his worth.
    In living marble mould his form.

  A fame so bright will never fade,
    A name so dear will deathless be;
  For on our country's shrine he laid
    The charter of her liberty.

  Praise be to God: his love bestowed
    The chief, the patriot, and the sage;
  Praise God! to him our father owed
    This fair and goodly heritage.

  The sacred gift time shall not mar.
    But wisdom guard what valour won,
  While beams serene her guiding star,
    And glory points to Madison.




CHAPTER XIX.

  O, glorious prospect, see the smile benign,
    Of heav'n-born peace, refulgent spread its rays;
  To peace and concord, may the world incline,
    And these our later be our happier days.


Some length of time had elapsed since the parents of Alida had taken up
their residence in the city for the winter, when the news of peace
reached New-York. The cries of peace resounded throughout the city at
these joyful tidings,--and the evening of this day was celebrated by a
splendid illumination. Transparencies, emblematical of the liberties of
the country, were exhibited at all the public edifices. The fine and
melodious music in the Park, drew the people together in crowds within
the inclosure, till scarcely another could enter,--and although the snow
had fallen profusely, and the walking was extremely bad, yet it seemed
as if all the inhabitants, generally, were out, parading on foot, to
witness the general rejoicing.

In the mean time, a visible change for the better took place almost
immediately, and these happy effects shed their benign influence
throughout all ranks of society, and among all classes of the people.
Those who had been in despair on account of the times, had now the
charming prospect before them of returning happiness and prosperity,
when the active scenes of life would again impel the multitude to the
exercise of laudable industry, whereby they might ultimately realize the
success and proceeds attending on an honest perseverance in business.

The country that had been unwillingly drawn into combat had been
victorious, and its inhabitants left in peaceful possession of the
warrior's field. An honourable peace had been concluded, and happy
tranquillity was once more the fate of the American nation.

The miseries and unhappy grievances occasioned by war, were again at an
end, and happily terminated. The cheering consequences of peace again
communicated their happy effects among the people, awakening to their
imagination new hopes and prospects, filling their minds with
exultation, and anticipations the most sanguine.

The painful, unpleasant effects of discord, animosity, and contention,
were now changed to the exercise of those better qualities and
dispositions, more pacific and praiseworthy. The scenes of fury, terror,
and confusion, were succeeded by those of placid serenity. The hours but
a short time before spent in moping melancholy and sadness, in
individual discouragement and wo, were now passed in listening to
musical serenades, in scenes of mirth and festivity. The people whose
independence had been gloriously won, nearly half a century before, by
the superior prowess of a renowned hero,* who, as a general, marshalled
the peasant into a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence of
experience, and through the vicissitudes of a protracted conflict
displayed a magnanimity that defied misfortune, and a moderation that
ornamented victory.

    [* Washington.]

America, already revered in the annals of fame, now saw her rights again
secured to her by the charter of her liberties. With the view before
her of witnessing again the subsequent advantages of free trade and
commerce; while her swelling canvass shall be spread over the seas of
distant nations, and her star-spangled banner shall proclaim to them her
liberty--glory and honour shall kindle in the bosom of the patriot at
the name of her Madison. While the wealth of her commerce, the renown
of her arms, the fame of her philosophy, the eloquence of her senate,
and the inspiration of her bards, shall cause her to emerge from her
horizon, and shine with splendour over the vast expanse of the universe,
claiming from remotest regions the respect due to her superiority. Happy
America! thy freedom is once more ensured to thee, and thy hero has
turned upon the vanquished only the retribution of his mercy.




CHAPTER XX.

  Charmed by returning pleasure's gentle voice,
    Each waken'd sense with new-born rapture beats;
    The adverse heart the welcome stranger greets,
  And bids each trembling nerve again rejoice.


The patriotic feelings of Alida's father partook in the general joy and
satisfaction of the community, and he soon turned his attention to
celebrate the event of the late peace with tokens of rejoicing. Numerous
were the company that collected at his house on the day set apart for
this purpose. The dwelling was illuminated, and the guests assembled at
an early hour in the evening on this joyful occasion.

Unaffected pleasure enlivened the scene, and presided throughout the
assembly; light-hearted wit broke forth in a thousand brilliant sallies,
while unfeigned joy heightened the flush on the cheek of youth, and
smoothed the furrows on the brow of age. Nor did the sprightly fair
ones, with the gay young gentlemen, fail to exert themselves to enhance
the present felicity of the company. The gaiety of the scene, the flow
of general joy, the sight of so many happy people, the countenances of
the happy parents in witnessing the innocent mirth of their children,
with the benevolent looks of the noble bestower of the entertainment,
formed altogether a scene which failed not to fill the heart with
sensations the most pleasing and satisfactory.

Mr. Bolton was occupied in attending the ladies generally, while a
genuine witticism occasionally mingling with his discourse, gave one no
mean opinion of his understanding, and increased their admiration of his
talents. He was well calculated to please; there was something
remarkably graceful in his exterior, and he exerted himself this evening
particularly to assist Alida to entertain the numerous visiters.

Bonville endeavoured in various ways to attract attention. He was
extremely humorous and gay, and the whole party was enlivened by his
vivacity. He described the folly of some of the prevailing fashions of
the town with sarcastic pleasantry, and related many anecdotes of the
gay world and fashionable life, interesting to those who had lived in
retirement. Alida could not but listen with some degree of pleasure to
his amusing conversation, and the pleasing allusions he frequently made
gradually drew the attention of the whole company.

Albert selected from the rest an interesting young lady, to whom he
directed the most of his attention, while she, pleased with his
politeness, exerted all her conversational powers to entertain him. His
father was much pleased to see his son endeavour to make himself
agreeable in ladies' society; he thought it augured a good sign, and
would be conducive to meliorate and refine his manners. He had long
wished him to close his affairs of business in the city, and settle
himself on the paternal estate. He was anxious that he should seek out
an amiable companion, of pious principles and exemplary manners, of
genuine goodness and benevolence, in whose deportment was mingled the
rays of mildness, amiability, and cheerfulness; well-meaning towards
all, blended with an unaffected ease and politeness, joined with the
usual accomplishments to complete the character of a lady.

An unusual degree of innocent amusement prevailed throughout the circle
on this evening of general joy, and all were more or less enlivened and
cheered by its salutary effects, except Mr. More, who, in the midst of
music and mirth, remained sad and melancholy; despondent reflections at
times deeply disturbed his tranquillity. In the midst of these scenes of
festivity, he was serious and thoughtful; gloomy ideas would in spite of
himself cloud his imagination, whenever his thoughts foreboded the fear
of losing the only object of his affection.

The elderly gentlemen had a long consolatory conversation on the present
affairs of the country, and their happy termination; the wisdom of the
government and its coinciding regulations, concluding that the late
peace, founded on principles of justice and honour, promised to be
lasting.

These festive scenes of gladness were concluded by a variety of music,
both vocal and instrumental; the powerful influence of which all must
acknowledge; which is alike visible in all places, and in every stage of
society. And while it flings its spell over the gay abodes of pleasure,
it produces likewise its sweet enchantment in the domestic dwelling. The
ladies alternately played the piano, while the gentlemen assisted in
singing, forming altogether a concert of melodious harmony that wakened
the mind to the softest raptures, and threw its bewitching influences
over the imagination, calming all former corroding sensations, and
animating anew all the soft and sympathetic emotions.

  Music! wake thy heavenly numbers,
    Queen of every moving measure,
  When at thy voice all sorrow slumber,
    Sweetest source of purest pleasure!

  Who listens to thy varying strains,
    Will find their bosoms gently sooth'd,
  Lulled to repose all cares and pains,
    And waked to sympathy and love,

  That calms with soft persuasive air
    The heart to harmony and peace.
  If any grief yet linger there,
    But touch thy chords and it will cease.

  Who does not feel their bosoms glow,
    When the full choir their voices raise,
  To the Supreme of all below,
    Pour forth their song of ardent praise?

  Each heart by sacred impulse driven,
    To high exalt his glorious name,
  Loud hallelujahs raise to heaven,
    And with one voice His praise proclaim.

  Then music, queen of every art,
    O still thy matchless powers employ;
  Since none like thee can peace impart,
    And none like thee awaken joy.




CHAPTER XXI.

  'Tis true indeed, there's danger in delay,
  Then let us speed, and hasten far away;
  For what of fear, or what of doubts molest,
  When deep affection reigns within the breast.


Several weeks now passed away without any material occurrence, and the
season of the year came round when the winter's snow was passing from
the face of nature, succeeded by heavy showers of rain, and the days had
become more pleasant, because they were something longer. The air was
more salubrious, and invited the citizens to inhale its healthful
draught without their dwellings, where they had been several months in a
manner shut up from the inclemencies of the cold season.

One morning after the family had taken breakfast, they sat talking over
late events and recent occurrences that had varied so materially within
the last three months. In this conversation, they were unmindful of the
hour, until Mr. Bolton, without ceremony, (as was his custom,) entered
the breakfast parlour. After the usual salutations to her parents, and
conversing some time with his aunt, he addressed Alida with his native
pleasantry, relating to her some stories of the satirical order as the
current news of the city. He afterwards informed her of the conversation
between himself and her father, and in what manner the latter had
replied. Alida remained silent, with her eyes fixed upon the floor, as
if revolving in her mind what to say. In the meantime, he did not await
her reply, but entreated her in the most pathetic language to consent to
elope with him, and at all events to unite her destiny with his; at the
same time telling her that implicit obedience to a parent's will, in an
affair that so materially concerned her happiness, could not be
expected, and that her father was much to blame in attempting to control
her liberty of choice; saying, moreover, that after their views should
be accomplished, that he had no doubt whatever of his reconciliation. He
had lately received intelligence of the death of an uncle in Savannah,
who had bequeathed to him his fortune. He was preparing for his
departure thence. He would not, therefore, give up his former project,
and thought to avail himself of this opportunity, (by all the rhetoric
he was master of,) to urge Alida to accept him and accompany him on his
journey. He even proposed whither they should escape from the eye of her
father for the performance of the marriage ceremony.

Alida was truly shocked and surprised at a proposition so unexpected
from Mr. Bolton, after he had known her father's decision. She had never
considered him in any other light than as a brother; and being a
connexion in the family, they had always been on terms of friendly
intercourse. She, therefore, would have avoided this meeting if she
could have had previously an idea of the result.

After he had made to her these several propositions, her displeasure
held her for some time silent, while it affected her mind sensibly.
Nevertheless, she endeavoured to recover herself to answer him in a
decided, and, at the same time, in a manner compatible with her present
feelings. She commenced urging him to endeavour to forget her in any
other light than as a friend. "Can you suppose, Mr. Bolton," said she,
"that I would set a parent's will at defiance, by committing so unwary
an action as to dispose of myself in a clandestine manner, nor could you
again imagine that I would give my hand where my heart has no particular
regard." She scarcely uttered this, and could say no more ere he
conjured her not to shut her heart against him for ever, and entreated
her to permit him still to hope that after a while her compassion might
become awakened to the remembrance of a sincere, true, and constant
heart, which would cause her to heave the sympathetic sigh for one who
could never eradicate her from his memory, even for a moment, or chase
from his bosom the esteem and love that time could neither weaken nor
extinguish. He was extremely sorrowful in taking leave of Alida and the
family, and set out the ensuing day on his journey.

Alida felt unhappy at the earnest importunities of a person she could
not but have some esteem for. She could not fail to admire the superior
powers of his mind. In his conversation, he was all that was agreeable,
entertaining, and improving, which abounded with sallies of wit and
humour, joined to a fund of erudition acquired by a collegiate
education. He was particular to associate only with young men of merit,
talents, and genius. He possessed a native vein of satire, which he
sometimes indulged with much effect; though, however, he had this
dangerous weapon under such thorough discipline, that he rarely made use
of it in a way which gave offence to any. He never accumulated any
wealth by his own exertion, as he thought what he already inherited was
more than sufficient for all his wants. He seemed not to seek for an
abundance, like many others, as necessary to his happiness, thinking
that, with contentment, the peasant is greater than the prince destitute
of this benign blessing, and that a competency, rather than a
superfluity, could convey real happiness to man. He thought, that to the
improper pursuit after happiness could be attributed much of the misery
of mankind; daily he saw dread examples of this serious truth, that
many, in grasping at the shadow, had lost the substance. A near relative
had now been bountiful to leave him a fortune. That, however, he was
thankful for, as it increased his fund for charitable purposes. His
intention was to get possession of this and return to the city of
New-York, to make it his permanent residence.




CHAPTER XXII.

  Behold the beauteous scene, to fill the mind with wonder and
  delight;--the varied land and water prospect;-- from whence the
  arm of Commerce sends her store, to nations far remote;-- adjacent
  to a city, that's wealthy, large, and flourishing.


The genial warmth of the air had now animated anew the magnificence of
nature's works, and the verdant scenery of spring decked the landscape
with all its resplendent colouring and variety. As the season advanced,
all classes of people had recourse to their favourite walk on the
Battery, either for pleasure, or as an alleviation from the toils and
cares of business. This healthy promenade drew together a number of the
citizens in the morning, but many more resorted there in the evening,
and a numerous throng here regaled themselves, and rested from the busy,
bustling occupations of the day;--and at the same time were spectators
of the most splendid scene imaginable. When the sun had gone down
beneath a clear horizon, and the moon had risen in silent majesty,
dispensing her light over the unruffled face of the Hudson, decorated
with a numerous sail, representing an inimitable landscape, sublime and
beautiful.

Alida walked out one evening, and repaired thither, attended by Mr.
More. It was six o'clock when they reached the Battery, and a numerous
concourse of people had already collected there. The mild rays of the
setting sun were just visible above the horizon, and cast a soft lustre
over the adjacent landscape, when they entered Castle-Garden to
contemplate more nearly the surrounding scenery.

They seated themselves here, while they discoursed on the beauties of
nature, and the wonders of creation,--descanting on the goodness and
bounty of that ineffable Being, from whom all our blessings flow;--the
continual succession of so many various objects, to fill the mind with
rapture and enthusiasm, and strike us with veneration and awe.

The beauty and mildness of the present season, the copious showers, that
caused the earth to abound with teeming verdure; all of which drew the
contemplative genius insensibly to consider the benevolent purposes, for
which all these varieties are called forth in such abundance, to excite
the gratitude of man, and furnish a perpetual source of pleasure and
delight. "And can we," said Alida, "who are conscious of deriving our
existence from a Being of such infinite goodness and power, properly
entertain other prospects than those of happiness, when we experience so
many blessings daily, to excite our thankfulness."

Mr. More expatiated on the pleasure there must be in passing a tranquil
life with a beloved object, turning his insidious eyes towards Alida as
he spoke; he seemed to say, that she was the being, with whom he could
be able to realize all the exalted ideas he entertained of such a life;
and to point out beauties, and furnish amusement, to a refined taste
like hers, would be to him one of the highest pleasures he could
possibly experience. When he declared to her his esteem and affection,
with his native sincerity, he seemed to be convinced, at the same time,
that she was favourably disposed towards him.

On the contrary, she was evidently much embarrassed at this declaration.
She remained silent, and looked upon him with a degree of pity mingled
with regret; then casting down her eyes, she appeared greatly confused.
She could not make any returns in his favour, and the amiable Alida felt
extremely sorry to give pain or uneasiness to the friend and school
companion of an only brother. She had received him with complacency on
that account, which had served to increase his ill-fated partiality. She
felt that she could not give one word of encouragement, yet she did not
wish to drive him to despair.

The band of music now began to play in the garden. They commenced with
the celebrated air of the Star-Spangled Banner, and continued playing
different pieces for the space of several hours.

As soon as the music ceased, they left the garden to return home, and
all the people now apparently thronged out of the gates with as much
avidity as they had entered them some hours before. When they arrived at
the dwelling of Alida, they found that the time had whiled away, and
that the evening had progressed to a late hour.

On his way home the mind of Mr. More was absorbed in the following
reflections. "When I told her my affection, the blush was diffused over
her cheek--and the tear of sensibility started in her eye. She evinced
her regard by silent expressions, which she has shown repeatedly in many
proofs of interested friendship, accompanied by the softness of her
winning manners, and the engaging mildness of her disposition. Bonville
is her declared admirer--but he may not be a favoured one. Should he
meet with her approbation at any future time, would not his own fate be
wretched, and the universe would become a blank deprived of the society
of Alida, shaded over with the deepest tints of darkness and
melancholy."




CHAPTER XXIII.

  O let me view, in annual succession, my children, friends, and
  relatives. Those that in friendship's bonds are linked together
  by ties of dear remembrance.


The scene was highly animated, and the days were delightfully pleasant,
when Alida returned with her parents to the country. The showers of
April had cleared the atmosphere and revived the earth with a lively
gaiety. The ice in the bay and river had melted away, and the steamboat
had again began its course. The rumbling water-fall was again heard at
the mill, the pensive stream stole its way through the forest,
reflecting from its lucid bosom the light cloud which dwelt in the
air--floating on the gentlest zephyrs. The hills and mountains teemed
with verdure, and the serpentine valleys were shaded by a friendly
foliage. All nature flourished, grew, and expanded, calling forth
ejaculations of gratitude and piety, and boldly declaring that a
celestial Being overshadows us with his providence.

As soon as the family were settled in the country, the parents of Alida
made preparation to call the children together in commemoration of their
father's birthday. When the time arrived for the celebration of this
festive scene, the morning arose with every beauty that could bid fair
for a cheerful day, and the company assembled at an early hour. Bonville
was among those who arrived from the village. He appeared in excellent
spirits, as if some new thought had entered his mind, which had given
him new hopes of success. He informed Alida, in the course of the
afternoon, that he had received intimation from a friend in England,
that Theodore was now living in London. After hazarding many conjectures
respecting him, he then ventured to add that he hoped he had not met
there any new object, to cause him to become forgetful of former
friends. Displeasure was manifest in the countenance of Alida, at this
suspicion, although she feared it might be true. Theodore had promised
to be faithful in a correspondence, and he certainly might have found
opportunities, since the happy change of affairs in the country, to make
some communications to his friends, if he had been so disposed. Again
she thought, as they had been separated by parental authority, that it
might have its influence to cause him to become altogether forgetful;
and her spirits now sunk under the idea of Theodore's inconstancy.
Bonville continued to speak of him with indifference, observing
attentively how Alida was affected. He inquired earnestly if she had
ever received any intelligence from him, during his absence, (as he
thought he might have written to her brother.) She answered him in the
negative. He expressed his surprise, and after giving many dark
intimations of his perfidy, he changed the subject.

Alida was before this extremely pensive and thoughtful, and these
injurious insinuations of Theodore, increased her dejection. She once
firmly believed she had a friend she could lean upon under all
circumstances, and his falsity appeared to her now confirmed. A kind of
gloomy superstition pervaded her mind, an anxious foreboding of future
evil, which all her pious reflections and reasoning powers could not
wholly control. She endeavoured to repress these painful sensations,
when in the presence of her parents; but the eyes of her father
frequently rested on her in filial anxiety. Her brother likewise would
often observe her innate sadness, and whatever his thoughts might be as
to the cause, he was still reserved, and forebore to name any thing to
his sister.

Although Bonville was sometimes conscious of his injustice towards
Theodore, and felt ashamed of his conduct, he was still determined to
proceed with reiterated calumnies, to the ear of Alida, with the hope to
ensure to himself her hand before Theodore would probably return to
America.


  L' innocenza a e costretta a sofferire, talvolta le più crudeli
  persecuzioni; ma, con vergogna e con danno della calumnia e della
  malvagità, alla fine pur ne trionfa.

The appearance of Bonville was imposing to look upon, his countenance
illumined by seeming sincerity and candour, no one could retain an idea
for any length of time, that was altogether detrimental. To a
treacherous heart, he joined a frankness of manner which amused and
interested every one in his favour. Though no one was ever more careless
of his veracity, yet he carried the appearance of authenticity in all he
said. He had never been used to restraint or disappointment, by the
silly indulgence of his parents, and seemed confident that he should
succeed in all his particular wishes, and thought that all obstacles
could be surmounted by his own machinations and management.

The evening was drawing near its close by a round of innocent
amusements, when a letter was handed Alida from her father, that he had
received from a friend in the city. It contained the unwelcome and
unexpected news of the death of Mr. Bolton, who arrived at Savannah at
an unfavourable season of the year, at a period when an epidemic fever
prevailed. He caught the infection, and a few days terminated the
existence of this amiable and accomplished youth. He was pious,
benevolent and charitable. He possessed a wisdom firm and unchangeable,
strictly adhering to the principles of the church and the Christian
religion, and was steadfast in his opinions against all opposition. He
was deeply regretted by a numerous acquaintance. His aunt mourned the
loss of her favourite nephew, and Alida's father likewise deplored his
premature death, although he had thought proper to oppose his wishes.




CHAPTER XXIV.

  There she might read in nature's page the wonders of Creation,
  almighty power, infinite wisdom and unbounded might. There truths
  that entertain, reward the searching mind, and onward lead
  inquiring thought. The curious wonders still unfold, and rise
  upon the view. The mind rejoicing, comments as she reads, and
  raises still to the Almighty Power increasing homage.


The summer was past its meridian, and had shed abroad its warmest
influences, and enriched the various scenes of nature with the
luxuriance and beauty of its foliage. In the meantime, Alida departed
again from her father's house for the city, to join a party composed of
gentlemen and matrons, Albert her brother, with several young ladies,
who all left the port of New-York for the Falls of Niagara. Her pensive
mind became cheered and animated as the gallant steamer left the shores
of the city and moved majestically over the smooth face of the Hudson.
The morning was extremely beautiful, and she surveyed with a new and
alleviating pleasure, the various and extensive prospect of the
surrounding country. The scenery on the river at this season surpassed
all description, and exhibited a landscape worthy to relate in history.
The borders of the river beautifully interspersed with cottages,
villages, and large flourishing towns, elegant country-seats, with
grounds tastefully laid out, which afforded to the eye of the traveller
a novel and enchanting appearance. They arrived about sunset at the city
of Albany, and took lodgings at Cruttenden's boarding-house, on an
eminence near the Capitol or State-house.

This city, which is situated on the right bank of the Hudson, and stands
westward upon a rising ground, received its name, when in possession of
the English, in honour of James II., who was the duke of York and
Albany. On the following morning they took a walk through the city. In
consequence of its vicinity to the Ballston, Saratoga, and New Lebanon
Springs, in the fashionable season the hotel was so full of strangers
that no more could be accommodated.

Albany has received a new impulse, an increase of commerce, and expects
to reap the most happy results from the Erie canal, which commences
here, and runs a distance of three hundred and sixty-two miles to Lake
Erie. The company took a walk to the new basin, into which the canal
empties. It is separated from the Hudson by a dam which runs parallel
with the river.

On the morning of the 14th of August they took passage on board of the
Albany, one of the canal packet-boats, for Lake Erie. This canal, which
is three hundred and sixty-two miles in length, with eighty-three locks
between the Hudson river and Lake Erie, which lies six hundred and
eighty-eight feet above the level of the former river. The packet-boat
took them from thence to Schenectady. It was covered, and contained a
spacious cabin. On account of the great number of the locks, the
progress of their journey was but slow. The boat was drawn by three
horses, that walked upon a narrow path leading along the canal, and
beneath the numerous bridges which are thrown over it.

The distance from Albany to Schenectady by land is only fifteen miles,
and persons are enabled to travel it in a very short time in a stage
coach, but as they were anxious to see the canal, they preferred going
by water twenty-eight miles.

The city of Troy, five miles and a half above Albany, is pleasantly
situated on the left bank of the river, at the foot of several tolerably
high mountains, one of which is called Mount Ida. There is a branch
canal, which has two locks, and establishes a communication with Troy.
They soon arrived at a place where there were no less than nine locks,
with an ascent of seventy-eight feet. In front, and to the right of
this, is another canal, which unites with the Hudson and the canal from
Lake Champlain. At this place they left the Hudson, and directed their
course along the Mohawk river. During their ride, they observed a
covered wooden bridge, which extends over the latter river, a short
distance from its mouth, and is about six hundred feet in length,
supported by fifteen wooden piers. There was a fine view of the famous
Cohoes Falls of the Mohawk river, seventy-eight feet in height, and
about four hundred feet wide. In the spring, when these falls extend
over the entire bed of the Mohawk, they are said to be extremely
magnificent. During this season of dry weather, they presented a
handsome appearance, though they were very small, the river being almost
completely dried up. Finding great difficulty in continuing the canal on
the right bank of the Mohawk, they were obliged here to carry it to the
opposite side of the river by means of an aqueduct bridge one thousand
one hundred and eighty-eight feet in length. This bridge is supported by
twenty-six stone columns, on which account they have placed a
chevaux-de-frieze to keep off the ice in the river. The canal is cut
through the rocks almost the whole distance, where it runs along the
left bank of the Mohawk, and presents a very handsome appearance. Twelve
miles further on, it returns again to the right bank of the river, by a
similar aqueduct, supported by sixteen piers. Four miles farther on is
Schenectady, where they arrived after sunset. Between this town and
Albany they passed no less than twenty-seven locks. At this place they
left the packet-boat, and found excellent lodgings at Given's hotel,
which, after the great heat they had endured during the day, was
exceedingly agreeable. Early on the next morning they walked through the
town, and visited Union College, which consists of two large buildings
situated at a short distance from the town, upon a little eminence. From
this building there is a beautiful view of the town and of the Mohawk
valley. They left Schenectady early in the morning on board the
packet-boat, which had engaged to take them to Utica, eighty miles
distant, by an early hour the next day. The canal again ran along the
well cultivated valley of the Mohawk, and the prospect of the country,
on account of the foliage of the trees upon the heights, was beautiful.

The village of Amsterdam consists of a few neat houses. The canal is
carried over two rivers, called Schoharie, Canajoharie, from which it
receives the most of its water. At this place the horses were conveyed
to the opposite side of the two rivers by means of a ferry-boat. At the
first ferry is a small village, called Fort Hunter, where at the time of
the revolution there had been a fort, or rather a redoubt of the same
name. Towards evening they passed through a valley, which is formed by
two rocky mountains. There are twenty locks between Schenectady and
Utica. The day was intolerably warm, and the company very much oppressed
by the heat, but in the evening fortunately there was a thunder-shower,
which cooled the air. They passed over an aqueduct bridge during the
night, which stands over a solace called Little Falls. Towards morning
they passed through a well-cultivated region called German Flats, which
was settled by some Germans during the time of Queen Anne. At about ten
o'clock they arrived at Utica, which is intersected by the canal, and is
a large, flourishing town. In fact it is only here that a person begins
to admire the great improvements in cultivation, and gets perfectly new
ideas of the works of man and of his enterprising genius. Utica, on the
right bank of the Mohawk, has two banks and four churches. It has also
several taverns, the largest of which called Shepherd's hotel, they
found excellent accommodations. There were besides many large and
convenient stores, a bookstore, and printing office. The number of
travellers this summer were unusually great, especially from the
southern states.




CHAPTER XXV.

  When first beside the lake thy turrets rose,
    Extending far around in simple pride,
  A novel beauty o'er the landscape throws,
    Where gentle waters softly murmuring glide.


At Utica the gentlemen hired a stage to visit the Falls of Trenton,
distant fourteen miles. They were accompanied in this route by a number
of passengers from New-York and North Carolina. They crossed the Mohawk
upon a covered wooden bridge. After this the road gradually ascended to
a forest, which was in part cleared for new fields. At a little distance
from the falls is a tavern, where they left the carriage, and went on
foot through thick woods, from which a pair of stairs conducted to the
falls. The beautiful mass of green around, the azure sky, the large and
variegated rocks, and the three falls, produce a most happy effect. The
rocks of these falls are so excavated by the water, that they have the
form of a common kettle. The upper falls, which are about ninety feet
high, are the grandest. They dined at the tavern, and towards evening
returned to Utica.

The day was fine and pleasant. They regretted that it was too late, upon
their return thither, to visit a hydrostatic lock designed to weigh the
boats which pass on the canal. Having seen enough of the canal, and
being anxious to see the newly-settled country between this place and
Niagara, they continued their journey the next day in the stage coach.
With this intention they left Utica at four o'clock in the morning, and
the same day arrived at Auburn, distant seventy-three miles. They passed
through twelve villages on their route from Utica to Auburn. Between
Manchester and Vernon day dawned, and they found themselves in a rather
wild country, in the midst of a wilderness. Behind the village of
Oneida, the road led along a considerable hill, from which they had a
beautiful view of Oneida lake, which presented the appearance of a large
stream. Here there were a number of extensive prospects, which, however,
as there was but little cultivated land and few houses, were rather
uniform. Something further on, after they had left Oneida, they came to
a small lake, called Salt Lake, which is in the midst of a forest, and
has on its banks three picturesquely situated towns, Liverpool, Salina,
and Syracuse. At Salina are rich salt springs, the water of which is
collected in reservoirs, and it is evaporated by the heat of the sun to
procure the salt. Beyond Sullivan they passed through the village of
Chitteningo. A branch of the Erie canal forms a kind of harbour at this
place. They dined at Manlius, a new village. From the canal, which forms
an angle here, they drove in a southerly direction in order to keep on
the plains. The two Onondago villages are pleasant places.

Beyond Marcellus the night unfortunately closed in, which prevented
their seeing Skaneateles Lake, as well as the town of the same name.
About nine o'clock in the evening they arrived at Auburn, and found good
accommodations at one of the public houses.

At four o'clock next morning they again set out in the stage coach for
Rochester, distant sixty-nine miles. It was just day-light when they
arrived in the vicinity of Cayuga, on the lake of the same name. This
lake empties into the Seneca river, which afterwards unites with the
Mohawk. They crossed the lake, not far from its mouth, on a wooden
bridge one mile in length. On the opposite side of the lake is a large
toll-house. At a short distance from this they arrived at Seneca Falls,
so called in consequence of the little falls of the Seneca river, which
are close by, and are chiefly formed by a mill-dam. Beyond Waterloo the
road in some places was made of logs, so that the passengers were very
disagreeably jolted. Geneva is situated at the north point of Seneca
Lake. The town derives its name from its similarity of situation to
Geneva in Switzerland. The Franklin hotel, situated on the bank of the
lake, is both spacious and beautiful.

Canandaigua, which lies on the north point of the lake of the same name,
is an extremely pleasant town. The court was sitting here, and there was
a large collection of people, so that the town exhibited a very lively
appearance. At this place the road separates, the left goes through
Batavia and several small villages to Buffalo on Lake Erie; the right to
Rochester, and thence to Lake Ontario and the Falls of Niagara. And as
this road again approaches the Erie canal, it was said to be the most
interesting; on this account it was given the preference, though the
longest route. They left Canandaigua in the afternoon, and rode through
Victor, Mendon, and Pittsford, to Rochester. They arrived at Rochester
at half-past eight o'clock in the evening, and took lodgings at the
Eagle tavern. They crossed the Genessee river, which divides Rochester
into two parts, on a wooden bridge built firmly and properly, and the
next morning walked through the town. Several hundred yards below the
bridge the Genessee river is about two hundred yards wide, and has a
fall of ninety-five feet. Above the falls is a race which conducts the
water to several mills, and it again flows up into the river below the
falls, where it forms three beautiful cascades.

Rochester is one of the most flourishing towns in the state of New-York.
At this place the Erie canal is carried over the Genessee river by a
stone aqueduct bridge. This aqueduct, which is about one hundred yards
above the Genessee Falls, rests upon a slate rock, and is seven hundred
and eighty feet long.

The party now left Rochester at nine o'clock, and went on board the
canal packet-boat Ohio. The canal, between Lockport and Rochester, runs
the distance of sixty-three miles through a tolerably level country, and
north of the Rochester ridge. This ridge consists of a series of rocks,
which form the chain of mountains which commences north of Lake Erie,
stretches eastward to the Niagara river, confines it, and forms its
falls; then continues its course, and forms the different falls which
are north of Lake Ontario, and is at length lost in the neighbourhood of
the Hudson. The canal runs a distance through sombre forests, when they
reached Lockport on the 20th of August, about seven o'clock in the
morning. At this place the canal is carried over the ridge by five large
locks, through which the water is raised to the height of seventy-six
feet. The locks are ten in number, being arranged in two parallel rows,
so that while the boats ascend in one row, they may descend at the same
time in the other.

Lockport is an extremely pleasant place, and is situated just above the
locks. At Lockport they took a dearborn for Buffalo, where they were
anxious to go, in order to see the union of the canal with Lake Erie.
Though a good stage runs between Lockport and the Falls of Niagara, they
went in this bad vehicle five miles to the navigable part of the canal.
They then took passage in a boat at Cottensburgh. At this place also,
the canal is cut through a rock to the depth of about thirty feet. About
two or three miles farther on it terminates in the Tonawanta creek,
which serves as a canal for twelve miles. The creek is about fifty yards
wide, and runs through a dense and beautiful forest. At the new town of
Tonawanta, the creek unites with the Niagara river, where the sluice
leads off. At this place also Alida and her company had the first view
of the Niagara river, which conveys the waters of Lake Erie into Lake
Ontario, from the other extremity of which flows the St. Lawrence. In
this river they observed Grand Island. During the late war, the Niagara,
it is well known, formed the boundary line between the United States and
the British provinces in Upper Canada, and this island bore testimony of
the conflict.




CHAPTER XXVI.

  From war's dread ravages again is seen,
  A spacious town, and Buffalo the name,
  Now rising from its ashes, spreads around.
  Various new structures fill the empty ground.


From Tonawanta to Buffalo is eight miles, five of which they travelled
on the canal which runs along the bank of the Niagara river as far as
Black Rock.

Buffalo was burnt during the late war by the British, but it appeared to
be already rising from its ashes with increased beauty.

This town will soon become an important place, in consequence of its
situation near the mouth of the canal, and its harbour. At the entrance
of the harbour is a light-house, and on the lake were seen a number of
well-built vessels. A steam-boat called the Superior was ready to run
with fifty passengers to Erie, and thence to Detroit. There was an
amusing military spectacle. It consisted of a military parade,
consisting of thirty men, including seven officers and two cornets. They
were formed like a battalion into six divisions and performed a number
of manoeuvres.

On the following day, 21st August, the company left Buffalo for the
small village of Manchester, twenty-three miles distant, and situated on
the right bank of the Niagara, near the falls. As far as the village of
Tonawanta, the road passes along the canal. It was in a very bad
condition, cut through the forest, and the trees thrown on the road
side. On the left they had a view of the river and Grand Island. The
river is more than a mile wide below the island. On the Canada side is
the village of Chippewa. From this place, a distance of three miles,
they could already see the rising vapours of the falls. The water,
however, indicated no signs of the approach to the precipice. It is only
a short distance from Manchester, where you perceive the lofty trees on
Goat Island, with its heights situated in the midst of the falls, that
the river becomes rocky, and the rapids commence; these form a number of
small falls, which are nearly a mile long and the same in breadth,
running as far as where the two great falls are separated by Goat
Island.

At Manchester they took lodgings at the Eagle Tavern, and hastened
immediately to the Falls; their steps were guided by the mighty roaring.
In a few minutes Alida and her company stood near the precipice, and saw
before them the immense mass of water which rushes with a tremendous
noise into the frightful abyss below. It is impossible to describe the
scene, and the pen is too feeble to delineate the simultaneous feelings
of our insignificance on the one hand, with those of grandeur and
sublimity on the other, which agitate the human breast at the sight of
this stupendous work of nature, which rivals that of all other
countries, in grandeur, beauty and magnificence. We can only gaze,
admire and adore. The rocks on both sides are perpendicular, but there
is a wooden staircase which leads to the bed of the river. They
descended, but in consequence of the drizzly rain which is produced by
the foam of the water, they had by no means so fine a prospect from
below as they anticipated. On this account, therefore, they soon again
ascended and satisfied themselves by looking from above upon this
sublime and majestic sight. As they returned, full of these mighty
impressions, to the Eagle Tavern, they found to their great joy a fine
opportunity to speak of the grandeur and magnificence they had just
beheld. There was another party just arrived from New-York, to render
homage to this great natural curiosity.

In company with these gentlemen and ladies, they took a walk to
Goat-Island, by a convenient wooden bridge, thrown over the rapids about
seven years since. The first bridge leads to a small island called
Bath-Island, which contains a bath-house; the second to Goat-Island,
which is about one mile in circumference, and overgrown with old and
beautiful trees.

On Bath-Island a person may approach so near the American falls as to
look into the abyss below. From the foot of the falls you can see
nothing of the abyss, inasmuch as every thing is concealed by the smoke
and vapour. On Goat-Island a person may in the same manner approach the
Canadian falls in the centre of which is a semi-circular hollow, called
the Horse-shoe, and here the noise is still more tremendous than on the
other side. The vapour which rises from the Horse-shoe, forms a thick
mist, which may be seen at a great distance. To look into the Horse-shoe
is awful and horrible. Nor can this be done but at the instant when the
vapour is somewhat dissipated. You stand like a petrified being. The
level of Lake Erie is said to be five hundred and sixty-four feet above
that of the sea, and three hundred and thirty-four feet above the waters
of Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario is consequently two hundred and thirty
feet above the level of the sea. From Lake Erie to the rapids the water
has a fall of fifteen feet, in the rapids fifty-seven feet, and
according to a recent measurement, the falls on the American side are
one-hundred and sixty-two feet high. From this place to Lewistown the
river has a fall of one hundred and four feet, and thence to Lake
Ontario, of two feet.

The next morning they made another visit to Goat Island. They afterwards
descended the stairs to the river, which they crossed in a small boat,
at a short distance from both falls. The bed of the river is said to be
here two hundred and forty-six feet deep. The current passes beneath the
surface of the water, and does not again become visible till after a
distance of three miles. On the Canada side you have a much better view
of the falls than on the American, for you see both falls at the same
time. There is on the Canada side a covered wooden staircase, which they
ascended, and approached the falls, amidst a constant drizzling caused
by the falling water. The sun threw his rays upon the thick mist and
formed a beautiful rainbow. Another winding stair-case leads down the
rocks near the falls, under which you may walk to the distance of one
hundred and twenty feet; several of the gentlemen went in, but according
to their report, they could not see any thing. They were contented,
therefore, to behold the falls from Table rock, which almost overhangs
them. A part of this rock gave way several years ago and fell down the
precipice, and the remaining part is so much undermined by the water,
that it will probably soon follow. The whole distance from the American
to the British shore is fourteen hundred yards, of which three hundred
and eighty belong to the American falls, three hundred and thirty to
Goat-Island, and seven hundred to the Canada or Horse-shoe falls. On the
British side, opposite to the falls, are two taverns, in the larger of
which, Forsyth's Hotel, they took lodgings until the next day. During
the late war a bridge was thrown over the river about one mile above
this tavern, which, together with a mill, was burnt by the Americans on
their retreat from the battle of Lundy's Lane. A few years ago a burning
spring was discovered here. It is surrounded by a cask, and contains
cold water of a blackish appearance, and of a sulphurous taste. Within
this cask is a small vessel which has a pipe at the upper end. If a
lighted candle be held within a foot of the mouth of this pipe, it will
instantly produce a strong flame, similar to a gas-light. In the
neighbourhood of Forsyth's Hotel is the only point from which you have a
full view of both falls at the same time, which, however, is often
interrupted by the ascending vapour.

On their return to the American shore, they examined a camera obscura,
which is situated at the head of the American stair-case, and was built
by a Swiss. This gives a tolerably good view of the falls. Afterwards
they took a ride to the Whirlpool, which is three miles down the
Niagara, and is formed by a kind of rocky basin where the river runs
between narrow rocky banks. It is singular to see this confusion of
water, whose appearance cannot be better described than by comparing it
with the flowing of melted lead. The lofty rocks which form the banks of
the river, are beautifully covered with wood, and present a stately,
majestic appearance. In the evening they again went to Goat-Island in
order to view the falls by bright moonlight; in this light they produce
a peculiarly beautiful effect, which is greatly heightened by a
moon-rainbow.

The following day both parties went to the other side of the river, and
took lodgings at Forsyth's Hotel.

  High on Hyria's rock my muse repose,
  While I wild nature's direful scenes disclose,
  Nor let wing'd Fancy's bold creative aid,
  Paint beyond truth what nature's God has made;
  Inspir'd by him let every flowing line,
  Describ'd correctly, through the numbers shine.
  Fed by a thousand springs and purling rills,
  Ocean's internal, the wild torrent fills.
  Lakes Michigan, Superior, there we see,
  Concent'ring Huron's flood with proud Erie:
  The awful stream its wond'rous course began,
  Roll'd the rich flood before the date of man.
  From Buffalo to Chippewa bends its course,
  Full eighteen miles, with calm and rapid force,
  By Grand Isle passes, where its stream divides,
  Whose circling course, majestic, downward glides.
  Meets then again a verdant island long,
  Gathers the weeping brook, and swells more strong,
  Widening the swift high-mounted torrent flies
  Like lightning bursting from the thund'ring skies.
  The time-worn cliffs, retiring to their source,
  Shews countless ages it has run its course.
  The Schlosser fall eight hundred ninety-two
  Will count the feet how broad this current grew.
  Two thousand with two hundred crescent line
  Will the full breadth of Horse-Shoe Fall define.
  The little fall, with width of seventy-three,
  Will tell whence Neptune feeds his hungry sea.
  Tumbling one hundred sixty feet, they all
  Make one loud groaning in Niagara Fall.
  Thick hov'ring mists in mountain vapours rise,
  Bright colour'd rainbows gild the azure skies.
  The dazzled eye, fill'd with the novel blaze
  Beholds, astonished, their refracted rays.
  Nor ends the awful scene, till down the view,
  Through the dark gulf, these boiling floods pursue.
  Their course 'tween mountain rocks, which form the shore,
  Through which, tremendous raging billows roar.
  Until they form a bay, where tide-worn trees,
  In conflicts wild rage round the whirlpool seas:
  Huge splintered logs here twisting round and round,
  With many a turn before they quit the ground;
  At length escaping from the circling tide,
  Side-long slide off, and with a bouncing glide,
  Head-long adown through rapid streams are toss'd,
  Until in wide Ontario's lake are lost.
  Neptune thus roused leaves now the wat'ry plain,
  To seek the source from whence he holds his reign.
  Full in the view of this tremendous scene,
  Adjacent here, a table rock is seen;
  Where love-sick swains in clambering groups repair,
  Conducting tim'rous nymphs with anxious care:
  'Dew'd with the spray, the wild'red eye surveys,
  The rushing waters shout their Maker's praise.




CHAPTER XXVII.

  Revolving years have since rolled on apace,
    Since patriots here, convened to form we're told,
  The school to train the military band,
    And Putnam's fortress still we may behold.


The season was now far advanced. Alida and her brother felt uneasy at
being so long separated from their father. The rest of the party were
anxious again to see their friends in the city. After tarrying a few
days at Forsyth's Hotel, they determined to proceed on their way back
again to New-York without delay.

They therefore concluded to travel soon, and visit Lake Champlain to its
southern extremity, then to Saratoga, Albany, taking the Catskill
mountains by the way, and inspecting the famous military school of West
Point.

The greatest breadth of Lake Champlain, which contains several large
islands, is six miles. The shore on the right, belonging to the state of
New-York, is low and covered with trees; the other belongs to Vermont,
and is more mountainous. As night approached, they were prevented from
beholding this beautiful part of the country; and were also, with
regret, prevented from seeing the battle-ground of Plattsburgh, at which
town the vessel made a short stay during the night, and then proceeded
to Burlington, in Vermont, and towards morning passed by the ruins of
Fort Crown Point, which lie on a hill.

At this place the Lake is very narrow, and resembles a river. The shores
are generally covered with bushes and pine trees, are hilly, and afford
a pleasing prospect. They now pursued their journey as far as Lake
George, and arrived at the village of Caldwell. The shores of the Lake
are very hilly, the heights are all covered with trees, and are not
above eight hundred feet high. There are several islands in the lake,
generally covered with wood, and the scenery around is very handsome.
The level of the lake is about three hundred feet higher than that of
Lake Champlain. The stream which flows from the former into the latter
lake, forms, in its course, a succession of small cascades.

They left Caldwell at eight o'clock the next day, in two inconvenient
carriages, and passed through a very uninteresting, deep, sandy road, in
a hilly part of the country, covered with thorny trees, on their route
to Saratoga Springs, to which the whole fashionable world of the United
States repair in summer, and the fashionables have here the same mania
which prevails in other countries, to visit the baths in summer, whether
sick or well. The distance is twenty-seven miles. On their passage was
seen but one interesting object, the Hudson falls, which river they had
left at Albany, and reached again nine miles from Caldwell, coming from
the west.

These falls are, however, under the name of Glenn's Falls. A village of
the same name is built in their vicinity, on the rocky shores of the
river. The principal fall is forty feet high. These falls are not to be
numbered among the largest, but among the handsomest in the United
States. A constant mist arises from them, and, as the sun shone very
brilliantly, several rainbows were seen at the same time. In the rock,
as at Niagara, were some remarkable and deep cavities. At the base of
the small island which divides the chief fall into two parts,
a remarkable cave appears below the falls, leading to the other side of
the rock. The Hudson is partly navigable above Glenn's Falls, and two
miles farther up, feeds a navigable canal, with thirteen locks, which
runs seven miles north of the Hudson, and there joins Champlain canal.

The party arrived at Saratoga at two o'clock in the afternoon, and
stopped at Congress Hall. The greater part of the company had already
departed, among those who remained was the governor of the state of
New-York. They were introduced to his Excellency. The gentlemen
conversed with him freely, and found him intelligible and refined, and
scientific in his conversation.

In the evening the company assemble in the large hall in the lower
story, and pass away the time in music, dancing or conversation, where
they witness all the politeness, refinement, and hospitality that
characterize the Americans.

The waters of the different springs are generally drank, but baths are
also erected. High Rock spring flows from a white conical lime-stone
rock, five feet high. The water is seen in this spring in constant
agitation. So much fixed air escapes from it, that an animal held over
it, as in the Grotto del Cane, near Naples, cannot live above half a
minute.

In a few days they left Saratoga Springs, in a convenient stage, to go
to Albany, thirty-six miles distant. They passed through a disagreeable
and sandy country. The uniformity was, however, very pleasingly
interrupted by Saratoga Lake, which is eight miles long.

At the small town of Waterford they passed along the left shore of the
Hudson on a long wooden bridge, to avoid a bad bridge over the Mohawk.
They proceeded on their route in the night on a very good road, and
passed through Lansingburgh and Troy. The latter is very handsomely
built, and many stores were very well lighted up in the evening. Here
they returned to the right shore of the Hudson, and reached Albany at
ten o'clock at night.

At eight o'clock next morning they took passage on board the steam-boat,
to go down the river as far as the town of Catskill, at the foot of Pine
Orchard. The company ascended the mountain, which is twelve miles high,
in stages. They reached Pine Orchard a little before sunset. The
building on the mountain for the accommodation of visiters, is a
splendid establishment. Alida was truly delighted with the landscape it
presented in miniature; where large farms appeared like garden spots,
and the Hudson a rivulet, and where sometimes the clouds were seen
floating beneath the eye of the spectator.

The next morning they again took the steam-boat at Catskill to go to
Hudson, twenty-seven and a half miles from Albany, which they reached
about noon. This city appears very handsome and lively. On the opposite
side of the river is Athens, between which and Hudson there seems to be
much communication kept up by a team-boat. A very low island in the
middle of the stream between the two places, rendered this communication
somewhat difficult at first, as vessels were obliged to make a great
circuit. To avoid this inconvenience, a canal was cut through the
island, through which the team-boat now passes with ease and rapidity.

This place affords a very fine view of the lofty Catskill mountains.
They left the city of Hudson in the afternoon, and arrived at West Point
at eleven o'clock at night, on the right side of the Hudson, and landed
at a wharf furnished with a sentry-box. An artillerist stood sentinel.
They were obliged to ascend a somewhat steep road in order to reach the
house which is prepared for the reception of strangers. The building
belongs to the government, and is designed for the mess-room of the
officers and cadets. The purveyor for this table is bound by contract
with the government to keep several chambers with beds in order for the
reception of the relations of the cadets.

The morning after their arrival, the gentlemen paid an early visit to
lieutenant-colonel Thayer, superintendent of the military school, and
were received in a very friendly manner. He had presided over this
school several years. Colonel Thayer has entirely remodelled this
institution, and very much improved it.

The cadets, whose number may amount to two hundred and fifty, are
divided into four classes for the purposes of instruction. They are
received between the ages of fourteen and twenty, and must undergo an
examination before they enter.

Instruction is communicated gratuitously to the cadets, each of whom
receives monthly eight dollars from government as wages.

A public examination of the cadets takes place every year at the end of
June, by a commission appointed by the Secretary of War. This commission
consists of staff officers from the army and navy, members of Congress,
governors of states, learned men and other distinguished citizens. After
this examination, the best among those who have finished their course
are appointed as officers in the army.

The cadets live in two large massive buildings, three stories high, and
are divided into four companies. The institution possesses four
principal buildings. The two largest serve as barracks for the cadets,
a third contains the mess-room, and the fourth the church. A large level
space, consisting of several acres, lies in front of the buildings,
forming a peninsula, and commanding the navigation of the Hudson, above
which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight feet. Towards the
river it is surrounded by steep rocks, so that it is difficult to
ascend, unless by the usual way.

The party now ascended the rocky mountain on which are to be seen the
ruins of Fort Putnam. The way led through a handsome forest of oak,
beech, chestnut and walnut trees. The fort occupying the summit of the
mountain, was erected in an indented form, of strong granite, and is
altogether inaccessible on the side next the enemy. It had but a single
entrance, with very strong casemates. It was built on private property
during the revolution; the owner of the ground claimed it, and
government were obliged to restore it. The government afterwards
acquired the ground on which West Point stands, as well as the adjoining
heights.

A very fine view one may have from Fort Putnam of the plains of West
Point and of the Hudson river. The view to the north is particularly
handsome, in which direction Newburgh, lying on the river, is seen in
the back ground.

A band of music, paid by the government, belongs exclusively to the
cadets, and is said to afford the best military music in the United
States.

The party generally regretted leaving this agreeable place, where they
had been highly gratified during their short stay. They took passage on
board the steamboat Constitution, bound to New-York, sixty miles
distant.

They were now again on their way to one of the most flourishing cities
in the United States, which attracts a great part of the commerce of the
American nation. They came into the vicinity about sunset, and at eight
o'clock in the evening they landed in New-York. Leaving their friends in
the city, Albert and his sister took passage in a stage coach next
morning, and journeyed in a short time as far as the village of ----,
and from thence proceeded on to the residence of their father.




CHAPTER XXVIII.

  Ah! now again all my sensations move to see a parent, and I sigh
  once more to meet the kind caresses of a father--and weeks seem ages
  in this separation.


The feelings of Alida were those of boundless joy to meet again her
parents, after an absence from them which appeared long to her.

She was grieved to find her father had suffered much from indisposition
during her absence. She endeavoured in vain, by every soothing
attention, to recall him again to health and happiness. His malady
increased daily, and he became a prey to infirmities, which at length
confined him to his room.

The gladsome sensations of Albert were changed soon to those of
melancholy, when he saw that his father was affected with a serious
illness, and dejection supplied the place of more happy and animated
feelings.

Alida, for several weeks, scarce left the apartment. One morning she
perceived that he had altered very materially for the worse. It was only
at intervals he could converse with her, and then his conversation was
calculated to give her fortitude and resignation, and prepare her mind
for an approaching melancholy event, which, whenever she received the
least hint of, her grief was inexpressible.

Her father observed her emotion. "Alida, my dear child," said he, "do
not be alarmed, as I appear much worse than I am in reality at present;"
but she had drawn these words from the physician that morning, that his
malady had increased greatly since the day before. Perceiving a visible
change in his appearance, she scarcely left the room of her father till
a late hour, when he, perceiving her almost fainting with fatigue,
requested her to retire to rest. Albert supplied the place of his
sister, and remained with his father, while the affectionate care of his
only surviving son was grateful to the bosom of a fond parent.

The slumbers of Alida were broken, and fearing to leave her father too
long, she arose very early next morning to attend him. He was evidently
much worse next day, which was Sunday, and intimated that he wished all
the family sent for. He then requested Alida to read some passages in
the bible, as was his daily custom.

"'Leave thy fatherless children to me and I will be their father,' what
words of consolation are these," said he, "what transport do they convey
to the heart of a parent, burthened with anxiety. Yes, divine Disposer,"
he exclaimed, "I will, with grateful joy, commit my children to thy kind
care and protection."

When the physician made his morning visit, as he was going to take
leave, Alida asked his opinion. He shook his head, and seemed to give no
hopes of recovery.

Her father requested her to be seated by the bedside. "My child," said
he, "I wish to discourse a little with you. And could I again see
Theodore, how gladly would I now receive him. I have deeply injured
him," said he, "and my child too; and have inflicted a wound still
deeper in my own bosom. I have often considered his piety and worth. His
moral character was all that it should be. Superfluous wealth is not
necessary to ensure earthly felicity, but a competency and contentment
therewith, is all that is necessary to happiness."

"Do not renew your sorrows, dear father," said Alida, "what is past is
beyond recall. Let us confide in a just over-ruling Providence, that
disposes all material events for the wisest purposes." Her tears flowed
in abundance, as her looks rested upon the visage of her father, and
deep distress was depicted in her countenance.

"My dear child," said her father, "weep not for me, think that rest must
now be acceptable to the weary traveller, whose hopes are centred in the
Redeemer, (as the only name under Heaven, whereby we can be saved,) and
can leave the world in the joyful anticipation of receiving those
inestimable blessings, in a life to come, which the Gospel promises to
every true believer."

He had scarcely uttered these words, when he sunk almost senseless upon
his pillow. The greater part of the family now assembled round him. The
physician came and gave no hopes of recovery. He faithfully watched over
him the whole evening and a part of the night, and about twelve o'clock
his family had the sorrow and misfortune to witness the distressful and
trying scene. Their father was no more.

The distress, fatigue and agitation of Alida, could no longer be borne
with, and for many weeks she was confined to her room. The loss of her
parent and the terminating scene, had left her in deep affliction: all
repose seemed fled forever, and bitter anguish had succeeded, and taken
up its residence in her bosom. Reflections rose in her mind continually,
that her situation had been heretofore comparatively happy, to what it
at present afforded. An illness of short duration had suddenly deprived
her of a very dear father, and she now felt herself a lonely, dejected
orphan.




CHAPTER XXIX.

  Could I trace back the time, a distant date, since my ancestors
  traversed these fields, and held possession of this wide domain.


The melancholy event had taken place, and Albert had lost his father.
His heavy and heartfelt affliction could not at this time be alleviated,
and his mind was involved in gloom and sadness, which he endeavoured in
vain to dissipate.

He was now deprived of the kind hand of a parent, who had used his
endeavours to lead him in the way he should go, from his infancy: and
assisted him with a kindly advice, and supplied him with a timely
experience, and in the wisdom of whose salutary council, he could now no
longer repose.

He felt himself deprived of this kind assistant, whose precepts had been
his guide ever since the first dawning irradiations of reason had began
to appear, to enlighten his mind, and with the eye of vigilance watched
over him, endeavouring to trace out his good or evil propensities, and
to point to the particular advantages on the one hand, and the baneful
effects on the other, and to train his ideas to whatever was most
commendable, and praiseworthy.

Albert had ever evinced a disposition pleasing to parental hopes and
wishes, and flattering to a fond father's most sanguine anticipations.
He was ever cheerful in complying with whatever he considered his duty,
and conformable to the will of his interested parent.

He now revolved in his mind, and reflected what had heretofore been his
particular wishes. It had long been the wish of his parent, that he
should close his business in New-York, and settle himself on the
paternal estate. He, therefore, was diligent in his endeavours to do
this, as soon as his spirits would in any wise allow him to attend to
these affairs, and at the commencement of the ensuing spring, he happily
terminated his business in the city, and returned to the country.

The remembrance of his father for a long interval of time was in every
object around and about the mansion, in which he was established, and
reminded him of his bereavement, and he was affected with sorrowful
meditations, and a borrowed serenity was manifested in his appearance.

He reflected on his present condition,--he would say, how desultory is
the happiness of man, he lays plans of permanent felicity, when the
whirlwind of affliction arrives, and destroys the towering edifice of
creative hope, and his schemes of contentment are changed to
disappointment and wo.

He had taken possession of the paternal estate, which had for some years
been the wish of his father. Like him he was fond of rural pleasures and
amusements, and to dissipate care amid the diversified scenes of rustic
life, afforded him satisfaction and pleasure.

To contemplate the inimitable works of Creation, was to him no less
pleasing than instructive. Where so many objects arrest the attention,
and afford abundance of entertainment, equally calculated to raise in
the human breast the most unfeigned offerings of wonder, gratitude and
praise to the great Dispenser of benefits to mankind, and the Author of
universal existence.

The magnificence of the celestial, and the curiosity and variety of the
vegetable world, that have properties which, if accurately seen, yield
inconceivable astonishment to the eye of the beholder, and confess alike
the happy influence of the Deity. It charms in all the genial warmth and
softness of spring, when the earth teems with a matchless splendour,
when its green hues and universal verdure come forth in all their
pristine elegance and enchanting attractions, which constantly afforded
the contemplative mind of Albert, an inexhaustible variety of
entertaining and useful lessons.

In the meantime his new station in life called him to new
responsibilities, and a new field of action, unknown to him before,
presented itself, wherein he must act in many different capacities. He
was naturally of a domestic turn of mind, and had always declined
entering into the constant routine of engagements, to which the most
part of the fashionable world, more or less, subject themselves. He
avoided all excess and extravagance, in every respect, in which people
of this description lose the greater part of their time. He was
extremely fond of walking, as he considered gentle exercise the best
medicine of life, and he passed much of his time in strolling over the
fields or in the forest glen, amid the green wood shade, wrapped up in
solitary reflection.

When the sun was gilding the western hemisphere, and the day shone in
all the mildness of the season, enveloped in serious thought and
reverie, Albert walked forth among the surrounding shades. "Happy, ye
freeborn sons of Columbia," said he, "liberty and plenty now bless your
domestic retirements,--War, devastation and wide-wasting rapine have
fled your peaceful shores. No dread of destruction to disturb your
uninterrupted tranquillity; the exercise of laudable industry can again
bring home to each family competency and repose." The clear cerulean sky
added a soft beauty to the adjacent landscapes, as he listlessly
wandered along the beach. The idle murmuring of the waves upon the sandy
shore, the confused gabbling of the waterfowl, and the near view of the
full-spread vessel majestically advancing over the white-capped billows,
that advanced and receded in gentle monotony, tended to soothe the lone
bosom to calmness and quietude.

The day ended, and calm evening drew on. The silver rays of the
full-orbed moon shed a majesty on each surrounding object. The scene
appeared in solemn grandeur; the dusky forest reflected a yellow
radiance; and the rolling wonders of the heavens glittered over the
head, while awful stillness reigned, interrupted only by the strains of
the night-bird, whose melodious notes served to soothe the heart to
harmony.

Albert returned home with a leisurely step, his feelings were raised in
devotional gratitude to that beneficent Being, on whom we depend for
every present and future felicity, and who had surrounded us with so
many blessings, that conspire to compose the mind to calmness and
serenity.




CHAPTER XXX.

  Ceux qui ne sont gens de bien qu'en apparence--sont obligés de
  se contraindre, beaucoup, et de garder de grandes mesures, afin
  de passer pour se qu'ils ne sont pas.


Alida ruminated on her lonely situation. She reflected on former days,
and the many happy hours that had gone by for ever, when the roses of
health had arrayed her cheeks, and gay thought had filled her fancy, and
every object was decked with the charms of fascination, when her heart
was unacquainted with sorrow, and experienced serenity and happiness
without alloy. She deplored the loss of a kind father; in him she was
deprived of a friend, who could never be again supplied to her, and in
whose society her mind was in a constant progressive state of
improvement. His filial affection, his kindness, his watchful endeavours
for her welfare, were evinced by a careful anxiety and pains to
enlighten her mind with those qualities and acquirements, that would be
most conducive to enlarge her sphere of usefulness in life, and furnish
her with the means of rational pleasure, and to blend with her personal
appearance the more fascinating charms of a well-improved understanding.

She mourned his loss at a residence where every object recalled him
continually to her remembrance. She was wholly absorbed in melancholy,
and amid these sad ideas that agitated her bosom alternately, Bonville
arrived from the neighbouring village, and her attention was for a time
diverted, and she was relieved from a train of painful reflections. Her
brother had a long conversation with him respecting Theodore, and
wondered how it happened that his friend Raymond had never received any
intelligence from him.

Bonville seemed much embarrassed at these observations of Albert, and it
was some length of time before he made any reply. Then biting his lips,
and putting on an air of displeasure, he said that he had actually
thought of going to England himself, to trace him out, and ascertain the
cause of his strange conduct. Then assuming a look of insignificance,
accompanied with several speeches in double entendre, he remained in
sullen silence.

The conduct of Theodore certainly, thought Alida, is mysterious and
singular, and his long silence is truly unaccountable, and the idea of
ever meeting him again with these different impressions, that at present
bore sway over her mind, agitated her greatly. In happier days, when her
hopes had rested on him in full confidence, she thought herself
sufficiently strong to bear every other evil; but to be assured of his
inconstancy, was an idea she could scarcely endure.

Although Albert might decidedly be called a person of discernment, still
he had not yet fully discovered the deceptive powers of Bonville, whose
many evil propensities were in a manner concealed, by a condescending
courtesy and affability; though his mind inherited ill-nature and
sarcasm in the extreme.

The sprightliness of his manners, mingled with a certain degree of
humour and generous sentiments, occasionally mingling with his
discourse, threw a veil over his imperfections, and excited one's
admiration.

Albert thought him ungenerous for many scandalous assertions concerning
Theodore, and he still hoped he might again arrive on his native shores,
and be able to answer all suggestions to his disadvantage.

Alida had never discerned his real character, therefore she reposed full
confidence in all he said. His behaviour to her was respectful, and his
exterior extremely prepossessing. He appeared all goodness and
benevolence, and ever expressed the most generous sentiments towards
those he pretended to censure.

These deceitful appearances were joined with a semblance of piety; and
he could at any time make himself appear to advantage, by the display of
a variety of superficial knowledge. He was proud to excess, as if he
really possessed qualities to be proud of. One would scarcely suppose
that such a person could be capable of true attachment, but so it
certainly was; that knowing the many imperfections of his own nature,
caused him more deeply to revere the opposite qualities in Alida, and
the idea of shortly gaining her hand, carried his senses to such a pitch
of enthusiasm, that it would not be thought strange to suppose, that the
disappointment of his pride would overwhelm him with lasting dismay.

The superior excellence of Theodore furnished a mark for the calumny of
Bonville, supposing his own success depended on the disparagement of the
other. Thus envy is usually led to asperse what it cannot imitate; and
the little mind scandalizes the pre-eminence of its neighbour, and
endeavours to depreciate the good qualities that it cannot attain to.

Thus the distempered eye is impatient of prevailing brightness, and by
attempting to observe the lucid object, inadvertently betrays its own
weakness; and persons of their unhappy complexion, regard all praises
conferred upon another, as derogatory from their own value. And a person
without merit may live without envy; but who would wish to escape it on
these terms!




CHAPTER XXXI.

  May he again return, and with him bring
  A soft serenity on pleasure's wing;
  While anxious fears, and doubt, shall disappear,
  The heavy mists of gloomy thought to clear.


The scenes of solitude were now more pleasing to Alida than ever. She
loved to wander through the shady grove and lonely valley, and adapt
their retirement to her own particular situation. She would often stray
as far as the cottage or the farmhouse, at a little distance, and would
sometimes take the winding path through a beautiful piece of wood which
led to Raymond's, where the thick foliage formed a grateful shade.

There she would indulge herself in solitary thought. "How changeable are
all things terrestrial," said she, "the varied year has its seasons, and
winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of each other. The elements
are frequently disturbed by storms and tempests, so, in like manner, is
the human breast at intervals troubled and discomposed, and often
remains overshadowed with pensive sadness and cheerless reverie; and
these desponding ideas must continue to have influence over the mind,
till the sunshine of reason and religion kindly dispels the gloom, and
awakens anew the feelings of the heart to the rays of hope and more
enlivening sensations." She had just returned home one afternoon from
Raymond's, when her brother, who had been absent on business to the
city, drove up the avenue, accompanied by Mr. More.

Albert informed his sister of the arrival of Theodore. She almost
fainted at the intelligence, so unexpected: and although she wished of
all things, to learn all the circumstances attending his absence, yet
she dreaded the event, to behold him again, fearing the truth of
Bonville's suggestions.

In the midst of these thoughts and fears, Theodore alighted at the
house, and was shown by the servant into the drawing-room.

Theodore, regardless of all around him, as soon as he beheld Alida, he
grasped her hand, exclaiming with rapture, "Has the period at length
arrived, and am I indeed once more so happy as to meet again my
much-esteemed and long-lost friend."

Alida gazed on him in silence. He saw her extreme agitation, and after
they were seated, he observed more particularly her altered appearance.
What surprise and grief was manifest in his countenance, when he saw the
paleness of her cheek, and the roses that once spread their healthy hue
over them, now seemed fled for ever. In a length of time, she became
somewhat more composed; but in what light to consider Theodore, she yet
did not know, and former ideas still clouded her imagination.

At length she assumed sufficient courage, to ask him, why he had not
thought proper to inform any of his friends of the circumstances
attending his absence.

Theodore could scarcely remain silent while Alida was speaking; he was
surprised beyond all description at what he heard. "Can it be possible,"
said he, "that you have missed of information concerning me, when I
delayed not to inform you of all my movements, every opportunity I had
to convey intelligence." He then informed her that the letters had been
sent to Raymond, and those for herself were enclosed, and committed to
his care; and through this channel, he had related minutely all the
various trials and circumstances attending his unexpected journey, and
the cause of his protracted stay. Alida was evidently convinced, and
appeared again assured of the truth of her lover. The energy with which
he spoke, his agitated feelings, joined to the distress visible in his
countenance, convinced her of his sincerity, at least caused her to
doubt, what a few moments before appeared so incontestible: and her
present happiness fully compensated for the lengthy period of distress
and anxiety she had experienced.

Albert was delighted at the return of Theodore, and highly gratified in
his hopes, to find in his early friend, still the man of honour he had
ever considered him. He had never once mentioned his name to Alida
during their separation; although his thoughts often revolved on the
unhappy result of their acquaintance, and the future welfare of his
sister.

Mr. More was a silent spectator of this joyful meeting. He now beheld
the person who had been so happy as to win the esteem and affections of
Alida, a person that he had heard spoken of, though it had appeared that
he never expected to see.

He witnessed the happy meeting. Sighs and tears from this time were his
only companions, while his aspect pourtrayed nought but anguish and
utter despair. He looked upon this happy pair as already united. He shed
tears of evident anguish, when he took leave of Alida, and his looks
told her it must now be forever.

The evening was not far advanced, when Bonville, who was altogether
ignorant of Theodore's arrival, unexpectedly made his appearance. Struck
with the utmost consternation at seeing him, he involuntarily receded a
few paces, then suddenly advancing, as if recollecting himself, he gave
him his hand with seeming cordiality.

The natural politeness and civility of the other supplied the place of a
more cordial reception.

Ten thousand fears at once agitated the bosom of Bonville, while he
appeared half frantic with grief and apprehension. Dismay threw a sudden
cloud over his understanding; he was confused in the extreme. He had
intercepted all the letters of Theodore; he secretly reproached himself
for his treacherous conduct.

He now saw the termination of all his hopes. Disappointment he could not
brook, his pride could never submit to it with any degree of
resignation, and the bitterness that pervaded his mind, almost bordered
on phrenzy.

His conscience reproved him for reiterated misrepresentations and
calumnies of Theodore, with which he had harrassed the mind of Alida. He
knew that a discovery must now be made of his perfidy, and on his return
home to the village, he was confined to his room with a sudden illness,
succeeded by a dangerous fever.




CHAPTER XXXII.

  O, time! roll on thy wheels, and bring around the period, when
  social joy shall smile before me; when in the vernal day of life,
  or evening serene, I grow of one dear object more and more
  enamoured; while my remembrance swells with many a proof of
  interested friendship.


The present situation of Albert was happily independent. The prolific
soil of the estate, on which he lived, furnished him with an ample
abundance. The prospect that surrounded him was inimitably beautiful,
and the peculiar advantages of his eligible situation, was the
admiration of the stranger who frequented the vicinity, or resorted in
the summer season to the neighbouring village.

Albert had descended from an ancient family, he had an estate to
preserve, but not an entailed one, as was the case with many of his
family, at this time in England.

He was a gentleman, placid, humane and generous; altogether
unacquainted with that ambition which sacrifices every thing to the
desire of fortune, and the superfluous splendour that follows in her
train. He was unacquainted with love too, the supreme power of which
absorbs and concentrates all our faculties upon one sole object. That
age of innocent pleasure, and of confident credulity, when the heart is
yet a novice and follows the impulse of youthful sensibility, and
bestows itself unreservedly upon the object of disinterested affection;
then, surely, friendship is not a name. Albert, during his abode in the
city, had associated with ladies of rank, beauty and accomplishments. He
was a general favourite among them; he had been flattered, courted and
caressed, but none had the power to fix his attention. Since his return
to the country, he had been frequently invited to assemble among the
artless villagers, decorated in their own native beauty, assisted
sometimes for ornament with the spoils of Flora. Health, pleasure and
naivette, was in the air of these charmers, and all that was pleasing to
win his regard and esteem. These scenes of rural pleasure, these social
parties, were adapted to his taste. In comparison of which the gay
assemblages of the city had been formerly uninteresting; and he had been
heard to say, that whenever his mind should become fixed, his choice
would be some lady who resided in the country.

Although Albert experienced a degree of happiness and contentment
unknown to many, in his present situation, yet he sometimes felt himself
very lonely.

Alida was anxious that her brother should look out for a suitable
companion; if he could be fortunate enough to find one that was amiable
and sensible, and whose actions should be under the influence of genuine
piety; one who would be ambitious to preserve domestic sunshine, by the
goodness and equanimity of her disposition; who would have a tear for
distress, a heart for friendship and love, exerted in benevolence and
charity, and in the mean time have a care to the good order and
arrangement of domestic duties and economy.

Albert often descanted in conversation with his friends, on the general
neglect of female education, which consisted of a few trifling
embellishments, while those of the more substantial order were left out
of the question. He thought that young ladies generally were not
sufficiently learned in the solid branches, to exercise their mental
powers to advantage, or to be agreeable, intelligent companions.

"If it be true," said he, "that our pleasures are chiefly of a
comparative or reflected kind, how supreme must be theirs, who
continually reflect on each other the portraitures of happiness,
whose amusements

  "Though varied still, are still the same
  In infinite progression."

"How tranquil must be the state of that bosom, which has, as it were,
a door perpetually open to the reception of joy or departure of pain, by
uninterrupted confidence in, and sympathy with, the object of its
affection!" "I know of no part of the single life," said Albert, "more
irksome than the privation we feel by it, of any friendly breast wherein
to pour our delights, or from whence to extract an antidote for whatever
may chance to distress us."

"The mind of a good man is rather communicative than torpid. If so, how
often may a person of even the best principles, expose himself to very
disagreeable sensations, from sentiments inadvertently dropped, or a
confidence improperly reposed. What but silence can be recommended,
since, in breaking it, so much danger is incurred among those who are
little interested in our welfare? A good heart, it is true, need not
fear the exposition of its amiable contents. But, is it always a
security for us, that we mean well, when our expressions are liable to
be misconstrued by such as appear to lay in wait only to pervert them to
some ungenerous purpose?"

"The charms, then, of social life, and the sweets of domestic
conversation, are pre-eminent. What more agreeable than the converse of
an intelligent, amiable, interesting friend; and who more intelligent
than a well educated female? What more engaging than gentleness and
sensibility itself? Or what friend more interesting, than one we have
selected from the whole world, as a companion in every vicissitude of
life?"

"If either party be versed in music, what a tide of innocent pleasure
must it prove, to be able to soothe in adversity, to humanize in
prosperity, to compose in jargon, and to command serenity in every
situation? How charming a relaxation from the necessary avocations of
business on the one hand, and the employments at home, in domestic
affairs, on the other! And as a finale, to chant the praises of the
Almighty in hymns of praise and thanksgiving."

Albert had lately made several visits at some distance from home, where
he had told his sister, were several young ladies, who were very
agreeable. Alida did not think this of any importance, as she knew her
brother heretofore had been difficult to please. She was one day rather
surprised, when he wished her to accompany him thither. She declined the
invitation, however, not thinking he wished it for any particular
reason.

In the course of a few days he pressed her again to go with him. Alida
now thought she would accompany him, if it was only out of curiosity.
When they arrived at the house of Albert's new acquaintance, several
ladies were introduced one after the other, and Alida soon found, that
one of them had arrested the attention of her brother particularly. She,
however, thought him rather premature, as he had so recently become
acquainted with the family. On their return home, he gave her to
understand, that his affections were engaged, and in the course of a few
months, she was called on to attend their nuptials.

The appearance of Eliza was interesting; she was tall and graceful. Her
large dark hazel eyes sparkled beneath a beautiful arched eyebrow, and
her transparent complexion was shaded and adorned by profuse locks of
dark brown hair.

In the meantime Albert appeared perfectly happy, that he had at length
found a fair one to please him, and shortly after he returned home with
his bride, with sanguine expectations before him, anticipating much
future happiness.




CHAPTER XXXIII.

  "On punit plus severement un ennemi par le mepris et par l'oubli,
  que par les chatimens les plus rigorieux: c'est, pour ainsi dire,
  le reduire au néant."


The disagreeable facts so long in detail, had now taken a new turn for
the better, and Theodore and Alida were again in possession of more than
former felicity, after their long separation. Alida soon began to
recover in some degree her native cheerfulness, soothing the bosom of
her lover with her grief-dispersing smile. The unpleasant fears that had
such a length of time harrassed her mind, were now happily terminated by
the return of Theodore and the clearing up of all doubts and suspicions
concerning him, to the utter confusion of Bonville. All her corroding
anxieties were now removed, and recent events had made her happy in
comparison to what she was a few weeks before, and her present
consolation fully compensated for all the preceding months of
unhappiness.

Theodore was again happy in the society of Alida, the pensive sweetness
of her manner, her innate goodness, and amiability, which had attracted
and secured the early affections of his heart, and made impressions that
could never be obliterated. He gave a minute account of all that had
happened, from the time they had parted until they had met again.

He had visited the merchants in England with whom his father had been
concerned in business, and he found as he expected, that he had been
overreached by swindlers and sharpers. The pretended failure of the
merchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as, also, the
reported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants had fled to
England; he had them arrested, and they had given up their effects to
much more than the amount of their debts. He therefore procured a
reversion of his father's losses, with costs, damages and interests,
when legally stated.

Theodore then made his next visit to Raymond's. His friends were
joyfully surprised at his arrival. He stayed the night and related a
long narrative to his friend. Early next day he proceeded from thence to
his father's house, where he arrived after a considerable journey.
Theodore found his parents more happy than he expected. With abundant
joy they welcomed him whom they had given up for lost.

Theodore then related to his father all the incidents that had happened
in England, minutely particularizing his conduct with regard to the
merchants with whom his father had been connected, and then presented
him with the reversion of the estate.

The old gentleman fell on his knees, and with tears streaming down his
cheeks, offered devout thanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies.

In the meantime, the illness of Bonville had increased to an alarming
degree. He sent for Theodore. He thought it his duty to attend the
summons. When he arrived at the house of Bonville he was shown
immediately into his apartment. He was surprised to see him stretched on
a mattrass, his visage pale and emaciated, his countenance haggard, his
eyes inexpressive and glaring. He held out his hand and feebly beckoned
to Theodore, who immediately approached the bed-side.

"You behold me, Theodore," said he, "on the verge of eternity. I have
but a short time to continue in this world." He evidently appeared to
have suffered much from the remembrance of his ungenerous conduct
towards Theodore.

"I have caused much unhappiness between you and your Alida," said
Bonville, "to which you will scarcely think it possible that I was
designedly accessory." He then confessed to Theodore that he had
intercepted his letters, and begged his forgiveness. "I could say much
more on the subject would my strength admit," said he, "but it is
needless." Here Bonville ceased. Theodore found he wanted rest; medical
aid had been applied, but without effect. Theodore then left him,
promising to call again next morning.

He was startled at the confession of Bonville; he felt at first
indignant, and meditated what course to pursue. After due reflection,
he at length made the decision.

His devotions to Alida he did not wonder at. The pride of parental
attachment and nature had graced her with every charm and
accomplishment. He at length determined to cast a veil of pity over the
actions of Bonville, and not to upbraid him, but to treat his past
conduct with silent contempt, and endeavour as far as possible, to bury
the remembrance of his errors in oblivion. He called to see him next
morning; he perceived an alarming alteration in his appearance. He was
cold--a chilling sweat stood upon his face, his respiration was short
and interrupted, his pulse weak and intermitting. He took the hand of
Theodore and feebly pressed it. He soon fell into a stupor; sensation
became suspended. Sometimes a partial revival would take place, when he
would fall into incoherent muttering, calling on the names of his
deceased father, mother, and Alida. Towards night he lay silent, and
only continued to breathe with difficulty, when a slight convulsion gave
his freed spirit to the unknown regions of existence. Theodore attended
his funeral, and then journeyed on to the dwelling of Albert. He
informed Alida of the death of Bonville, and of his confession.

At the mention of Bonville's fate, she sighed deeply. "It is true," said
she, "he has perplexed me with many vain fears, by misrepresentation,
but could he have lived, I would freely have forgiven him."

He evidently fell a victim to disappointed pride and remorse at the
remembrance of his own baseness.




CHAPTER XXXIV.

  In the Almighty Power he placed his trust,
    Through all the changing scenes of deep distress;
  His fortune now is better than before;
    Again the Omniscient Hand has deigned to bless.


Theodore's father was soon in complete re-possession of his former
property. The premises from which he had been driven by his creditors,
were yielded up without difficulty, to which he immediately removed. He
not only recovered the principal of the fortune he had lost, but the
damages, with the interest; so that, although like Job, he had seen
affliction, like him, his latter days were better than the beginning.
Like him, he reposed faith and confidence in his Maker, who had secretly
supported him in his misfortunes; and who now, like a cheering sun
dispersing the surrounding gloom, again gladdened his heart with
returning peace and prosperity. Wearied of the business of life, he did
not again enter into its affairs, but placing his money at interest in
safe hands, he lived retired on his estate.

It was also the decided choice of Theodore and Alida to reside in the
country. The calm and serene pleasures of retirement were particularly
interesting to both, and they were now supremely blest in each other's
society.

The parents of Theodore rejoiced at their present happiness, and took
upon themselves the necessary preparations for their nuptials, which
were to take place as soon as all was in readiness for this happy event.

No cross purposes stood ready to intervene, to disturb their repose or
interrupt their tranquillity. It was at that season when nature was
arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest
fragrance. Silk-winged breezes played amidst the flowers, and birds of
every description carolled their song in varying strains. The air was
clear and salubrious, and the scene enchanting.

And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thy
bosom, at the approaching union of Theodore and Alida. To our hero and
heroine, the rural charms of the country furnished a source of pleasing
variety. Spring, with its verdant fields and flowery meads--summer, with
its embowering shades--the fertility of autumn, with its yellow
foliage--winter, with its hollow blasts and snowy mantle, all tended to
fill their bosoms with sensations of pleasing transition.

Their religious principles were the same. They were a constant
assistance to each other in the fulfilment of their pious duties, truly
endeavouring to follow the life of the Redeemer, who taught by his
example and practice, what he required of us. Assiduously cultivating
those innate Christian principles and perfections, best calculated to
promote the praise and glory of God, and whereby we may obtain the
everlasting favour of that ineffable Disposer of all things, in whom we
live, and move, and have our being.

But soon a mournful shade was thrown over their peaceful tranquillity
and happy anticipations; and manifest was their grief, when they
received the dreadful intelligence that Mr. More had committed suicide.
At the news of this rash and sinful action, they were thrown into an
abyss of sorrow, the painful remembrance of which, for a long time,
threw a dark and melancholy cloud over their felicity.

It is to be regretted that a spirit of religion and philosophy had not
been more duly exercised in the mind of Mr. More, that at length by
patience and resignation, he might have been brought to see how vain and
transitory are all these things; and thereby have been led to look for
permanent happiness to a nobler source.




POEMS.


  HYMN.

  O Thou, Creator of my frame,
    Thy righteous pow'r display;
  May'st Thou direct my wand'ring ways,
    Nor let me ever stray.

  Thy mercy still to me impart,
    And thy blest spirit give;
  Kindly sustain my drooping hopes,
    And all my strength revive.

  Guide me by Thy protecting hand,
    Incline the will to thee;
  Endue me with Thy heav'nly grace,
    From earth's allurements free.

  May true devotion in my breast
    Still fix my thoughts on heaven;
  While I the song of tribute raise,
    For every blessing given.


  CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE.

  "Be doubly blest th' auspicious day
    The edifice was plann'd;
  And may immortal gifts repay
    The founder's lib'ral hand:"
  Angels with joy beheld it rise,
  To train immortals for the skies.

  How sweet to mark the artless throng,
    To hear the ingenuous youth,
  Raise with one voice the infant song,
    And learn the word of truth.
  "Delightful work his path to trace,
  Who died to save our ruined race."

  "Now, Fancy, o'er life's little span
    Glances her busy eyes,
  And sees them bear the name of man,
    Industrious, good, and wise:"
  Bids them each useful art employ,
  Anticipates their future joy.

  With ardent zeal some students may
    From hence arise and shine,
  To wipe the orphan's tears away,
    And heal with balm divine;
  "With winning eloquence to tell,
  What glories in Emmanuel dwell."

  Some of the little ones may live
    To adorn their country's name;
  "Indulgent heav'n by them may give
    Fresh lustre to her fame.
  Some may the blessed Gospel bear,
  To distant lands, and plant it there."

  And many to this favour'd spot,
    On God's eventful day,
  O happy, enviable lot,
    Grateful shall point and say,
  "There--there--to us the bliss was given,
  To seek and find the path to heaven."


  FRIENDSHIP.

  "Oh, give me the friend, from whose warm, faithful breast,
    The sigh breathes responsive to mine;
  Where my cares may obtain the soft pillow of rest,
    And my sorrows may love to recline."

  Not the friend who my hours of pleasure will share,
    But abide not the season of grief;
  Who flies from the brow that is darken'd by care,
    And the silence that looks for relief.

  Not the friend who suspicious of change or of guile,
    Would shrink from a confidence free;
  Nor him who with fondness complacent can smile,
    On the eye that looks coldly on me.

  "As the mirror that's just to each blemish or grace,
    To myself will my image reflect;
  But to none but myself will that image retrace,
    Nor picture one absent defect."

  To myself let my friend be a mirror as true,
    Thus my faults from all others conceal,
  Nor ever when absent those foibles renew,
    "That from heav'n and from man he should veil."


  TO MARIA.

  If sense and complacence their charms combine,
  To make each grace with double lustre shine--
  If mind serene, and innocently gay,
  Makes life compare with an unclouded day:

  And piety thy guide, whose gentle pow'r,
  To calm each thought, and brighten ev'ry hour;
  Then thou, Maria, much esteem'd must be,
  These happy traits are all combined in thee.


  THE SUN.

  Splendid orb of living light,
  That wakes the world from silent night,
  Still warm this dark opaque domain,
  Thou brightest of the solar train.
  "When the soft cooling show'r descends,
  And to the earth its moisture lends."
  When murky clouds obscure thy way,
  And part exclude thee from the day,
  Ah, yet again wilt thou revive,
  And o'er the globe thy lustre give;
  Yet shall thy beams "from day to day,
  The great Creator's power display;"
  And thy resistless radiant blaze,
  "In silent fervour muse his praise."


  THE VOICE OF TIME.

  Did we e'er mark the budding rose,
  And see its fragrant sweets disclose,
  Observe it grow from day to day,
  Till full perfection crowned the spray.
  Then straight we see it fade apace,
  And lose each vivifying grace;
  And ev'ry balmy leaf we find,
  Is shortly given to the wind.
  Watch, then, says Time, each hour you live,
  Nor with ill deeds my spirit grieve;
  From first beginning is my birth,
  And for your good, ye sons of earth;
  O, fill the Father's high behest,
  And lead the way to heav'nly rest;
  For all below must soon decay,
  And, like the rose, must pass away.


  In Memory

  of

  MRS. WILLIAM RICHARDS.

  Where late was gladness, when the morn arose.
  And cheerful musing, on the evening's close,
  Serenest pleasure dwelt with gentle sway,
  And peaceful slumber closed the joyful day.
  Where now, alas! affliction's deepest sigh,
  Is heard around in mournful symphony;
  A mother's tears are shed in bitter wo,
  And in despondency her sorrows flow:
  While sad vibrations agitate the breast,
  And friendship's voice is heard in deep distress.
  'Tis past--the sigh is breathed, the tear is shed,
  And Anna's number'd with the silent dead.
  She was all goodness--gen'rous was her mind,
  Warm with benevolence to human kind:
  O'er the dark mind to pour instruction's ray,
  And lead the ignorant in wisdom's way;
  With patient zeal the Christian's path to smooth,
  And wide diffuse the genial light of truth.
  One lonely bosom breathes a deeper sigh,
  Connected by a near, and dearer tie:
  With him she trod the late delightful road;
  For him her heart with friendly fervour glow'd.
  He'll ne'er forget how many social hours
  Derived new joy from her soft, soothing pow'rs.
  Can he upon the scenes look back unmoved,
  When pious converse still the hours improved;
  While fancy, led by hope, the theme pursued,
  And future happiness in prospect view'd.
  Fancy, where now are thy illusive dreams?
  Faded thy visions bright, with golden gleams;
  _Friendship_, thy hope's, untimely fled away,
  And _this_ the last sad tribute we can pay.
  Our _loss_ demands--_receives_ the mournful strain,
  Let sounds of triumph celebrate her gain;
  The spirit 'scaping from its bonds of clay,
  Traces, with angel guides, the lucid way;
  Exalted notes from harps celestial rise,
  And kindred spirits hail her to the skies.


  INVOCATION TO PRAYER.

  Morning.

  To prayer, to prayer; for the morning breaks,
  And earth in her Maker's smile awakes.
  His light is on all, below and above;
  The light of gladness, and life, and love;
  Oh, then, on the breath of this early air,
  Send upward the incense of grateful prayer.

  Evening.

  To prayer; for the glorious sun is gone,
  And the gathering darkness of night comes on:
  Like a curtain, from God's kind hand it flows,
  To shade the couch where his children repose;--
  Then pray, while the watching stars are bright,
  And give your last thoughts to the Guardian of night!

  Sabbath.

  To prayer; for the day that God has blest,
  Comes tranquilly on with its welcome rest;
  It speaks of creation's early bloom,
  It speaks of the Prince who burst the tomb.
  Then summon the spirit's exalted powers,
  And devote to Heaven the hallowed hours!




  Subscribers' Names


  Allison, Mr.
  Allison, Miss Elizabeth,
  Allison, Miss Mary,
  Allison, Henry,
  Alfa, John,
  Alfa, Miss Victorine,

  Bradford, Hersey,
  Blake, Mrs. Ira,
  Burke, Miss Julia A.
  Brooks, Miss Margaret,
  Brown, T.
  Belknap, J.
  Belknap, Miss Anna,
  Belknap, Miss Mary,
  Brown, Miss Sarah B.
  Blackwell, S.
  Broom, Mr.
  Bosworth, Mrs. Charlotte,
  Bosworth, Miss Clementina,

  Clayton, Mrs. Mary,
  Clayton, Miss Emma,
  Covert, Miss Mary,
  Clarkson, Mr.
  Colgate, Miss Catharine,
  Crosby, Mrs. J.
  Crosby, Mrs.
  Clement, Miss Elizabeth,
  Clement, Mrs. Mary,
  Clement, Miss Sarah E.
  Clement, Miss Mary,
  Collins, Charles, Governor of Rhode Island.

  Douglass, N. A.
  Delaplane, Mr.

  Ely, Mrs. Ann,
  Everson, Miss,
  Everson, Mrs.
  Elliott, James,
  Elliott, Mrs. Elizabeth,

  Foster, Miss Martha C.
  Filby, T. E.
  Frances, Edward,
  Frances, Miss Anna,
  Ferris, J.
  Ferris, Miss Ann Eliza,
  Ferris, Miss Amanda,

  Gracie, Mrs. Anna,
  Gillett, Miss Mary L.
  Garretson, G. R.
  Griffin, Mrs. L.
  Gracie, Mrs. William,
  Greenoak, Samuel,
  Goodwin, Rev. F. J.
  Greenwood, Mrs.
  Glover, Mrs.
  Glover, Miss,

  Hamilton, Miss M. T.
  Hazard, Rowland R.
  Herriman, James, Esq.
  Hatfield, Mrs.
  Higby, Washington,
  Higby, Mrs. Washinaton,
  Hobbs, Mrs. Helen M.
  Hasell, Mrs.
  Hackett, Mrs.
  Hawks, Rev. Doct.
  Howland, Mrs. Gardenfer,
  Hardenbrook, Mr.
  Hardenbrook, Miss Mary,
  Hasbrook, Miss Caroline,
  Halsey, A.
  Howard, Mr.
  Howard, Miss Ellen,
  Hall, Edward,
  Hurlbeck, Mrs. Eliza,
  Hurlbeck, Miss Maria,
  Hadden, Mrs. David,

  Johnson, Rev. William,
  Johnson, Mrs. Mary,
  Johnson, Henry,
  Jones, Mrs. Ann,

  King, Mrs. John,
  King, Miss Ellen,
  Kimber, Miss Anna,
  King, Mr.
  Kissam, Dr. L. H.
  King, Mrs. Joseph,

  Lawrence, Mrs. Elizabeth,
  Lawrence, William A.
  Lawrence, Mrs. Catharine,
  Lawrence, Mrs. H. S.
  Lamberson, Judge David,
  Lawrence, Mrs. Effingham,
  Lowe, Miss Amelia,
  Lanius, Mrs. Henry,
  Limmor, William L.
  Lyman, Mr.
  Lyman, Miss Rebecca,
  Laidlaw, Miss Elizabeth,

  Mitchell, G. G.
  Mitchell, Mrs. M. E.
  Mills, Mrs. Sarah,
  Mitchell, Mrs. M. A.
  Mitchell, Wm. Augustus,
  Miller, Miss Mary L.
  Mikell, Mrs. J. C.
  Maxwell, Mr.
  Montgomery, J.
  Mitchell, Miss Rosalie A.
  Mitchell, Mrs. M. A.

  Nicholls, Percival,

  Penington, Mrs. Ann,
  Pell, L. H.
  Pell, Mrs. L. H.
  Prescott, W.

  Quarterman, Mrs. Elizabeth,

  Rider, James, Esq.
  Roe, George B.
  Riker, Mr.
  Riker, Miss Eliza,
  Rayburg, Miss Sarah,
  Reeve, Lorenzo,

  Sisson, Miss Caroline,
  Shelton, Dr. Nathan,
  Shelton, Dr. Jolm D.
  Smith, John, Esq.
  Sandford, William,
  Sandford, Mrs. William,
  Smith, John C. Esq.
  Stryker, Mrs. Elizabeth,
  Silliman, Miss Sarah,
  Smith, Mrs. Amelia T.
  Savage, Mrs. William,
  Sanford, Charles,
  Schoonmaker, Rev. Dr.
  Schoonmaker, Miss,
  Southgate, Miss Emma,
  Stevenson, Mr.
  Stratton, Mrs. Robert M.

  Torrey, Mrs. C. C.
  Trulock, Mrs. Eliza,

  Vanzandt, Mrs. L. B.
  Volk, Mrs. John,
  Vanzandt, Mrs. Mary L.

  Welling, Miss Victoria,
  Warren, A.
  Walkling, Mrs. Anna,
  Weeks, Miss Sarah Elizabeth,
  Wells, Mrs., of Brooklyn,
  Watrous, Charles L.
  Winter, William,
  Winter, Mrs. G.


       *       *       *       *       *
           *       *       *       *


Errors and Inconsistencies

French and Italian quotations are shown as printed, including obvious
errors. Most English spellings are unchanged, including:

  fulfil; mattrass; visiter; pourtray; Genessee; wo

The use of "filial" for "parental" and the random variation between
"meantime" and "mean time" are also unchanged. In Chapter XXVII,
"team-boat" is not an error. Larger-scale errors of fact are noted in
the parallel version of the text.


Title Page

  ... for sale by the Booksellers. [Rooksellers]

Chapter II

  Her father observed her affliction in commisseration
    [_spelling unchanged_]

Chapter III

  scene of business and confusion, scarcely reconcileable.
    [_text unchanged: the word "reconcileable" may be contamination
    from end of preceding paragraph_]

Chapter V

  O, who that sighs to join the scenes of war?
    [_phrase "who that sighs" unchanged_]
  When, the goddess halted by his side,  [_comma in original_]
  And a banner ...
    [_open quote printed before fourth instead of first line_]
  "Hold fast the glorious prize;  [_open quote missing_]

Chapter IX

  the test that reaches to the bottom of the worst
    [_unchanged: standard reading is "tent that searches"_]

Chapter XII

  his own fate unconnected with that of Alida.
    [_text unchanged: see source_]
  "to remain here until .... may yet be happy."
    [_quotation marks missing_]
  "Something extraordinary," said Mrs. Raymond  [Mr.]
  He now joined the forces under Colonel Van Renssalaer
    [_spelling unchanged_]

Chapter XIV

  One evening as ... began to fall in abundance, Where now
    [_punctuation and capitalization unchanged: may be intentional_]
  Omniscient Dispenser of destinies!  [Omiscient]
  the fashion mania which sometimes attack young people
    [_text unchanged_]

Chapter XV

  rigid discipline, and military trainings  [_plural in original_]

Chapter XVI

  ... spring had succeeded to the blustering gales of winter
    [_text unchanged: "to" may be an error_]
  The day was calm and serene
    [_paragraph at page break added by transcriber_]

Chapter XVII

  Her natural and acquired endowments  [_"and" missing: see source_]
  Neighbourly and companionable  [companiable]

Chapter XVIII

  commanded by sir George Prevost  [_capitalization unchanged_]
  some arrangements,--whereby the New England States
    [_punctuation unchanged_]

Chapter XXI.

  He was preparing for his departure thence.
    [_text unchanged: error for "thither"?_]

Chapter XXII.

  turning his insidious eyes towards Alida  [insiduous]

Chapter XXIII.

  cleared the atmosphere and revived the earth  [the the earth]

Chapter XXIV.

  on which account they have placed a chevaux-de-frieze
    [_unchanged: source has "frise"_]
  several taverns, the largest of which called Shepherd's hotel
    [_missing "at": see source ("at the largest...")_]

Chapter XXVI.

  They were formed like a battalion  [battallion]
  Shews countless ages it has run its course.
    [_archaic spelling unchanged_]
  the wild'red eye surveys
    [_text unchanged: may be error for "wilder'd"_]

Chapter XXIX.

  When the sun was gilding the western hemisphere  [gliding]

Chapter XXXII.

  Health, pleasure and naivette  [_spelling unchanged_]
  ... the object of its affection!" "I know ...
    [_quotation marks unchanged_]
  such as appear to lay in wait  [_text unchanged_]

List of Subscribers

  Lawrence, Mrs. Effingham  [_. invisible_]
  Weeks, Miss Sarah Elizabeth  [_final , missing or invisible_]


       *       *       *       *       *
           *       *       *       *
       *       *       *       *       *


ALIDA: Details

[Transcriber's Note:

The following is a little more personal than the average Transcriber's
Note. Given the nature of the book, this may be inescapable.

In classical literature, there is a form called the _cento_. The word
does not mean a hundred of anything; it comes from the Greek word for
patchwork. In its original form, the cento takes small pieces of
familiar works such as the Aeneid and reassembles the segments--
anywhere from a few words to two full lines-- into a new text. As
rearranged, the content can be anything from saints' lives to outright
obscenity.

With rare exceptions, _Alida_ cannot be called a cento. While some
borrowings involve single phrases, most range from to paragraphs to
entire chapters. I (the transcriber) first stumbled across the book
while searching for the originals of some quoted passages in _Alonzo and
Melissa_. This novel turns out to have been one of _Alida_'s favorite
sources, contributing a solid six-chapter block as well as many shorter
segments. Appropriately, _Alonzo and Melissa_ was itself pirated; its
credited author did not actually write the book. Conversely, a number of
other sources were formally copyrighted-- sometimes in the same office
where the copyright of _Alida_ was filed.

Only about half the sources (by rough word count) have been identified.
Isolated phrases-- three or four significant words-- were disregarded
unless they were very unusual, or from a source quoted many other times.
Unidentified sources include:

  -- most of the longer poetry
  -- discussions of education (female and general)
  -- religious material, probably from a then-new denomination such as
    Baptist or Methodist
  -- most references to the secondary character Mr. More (apparently
    from a single source, possibly a subplot in some other book)

If you come across a long passage that you recognize, e-mail lucy2424
at sbcglobal dot net.]


Alida: The Author

One of the few things definitely known about Amelia Stratton Comfield,
the author of _Alida_, is what she looked like in 1852, when her
portrait was painted by David Rogers. A smaller form of the painting
is included with the HTML version of this file. At time of preparation
(mid-2010), the original was online at the Smithsonian collection:
http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/

Amelia Stratton Comfield was probably related to Southern writer and
educator Catherine Stratton Ladd (1808-1899), who wrote under a number
of pseudonyms--including "Alida".


Alida: Chronology

The chronology is internally consistent: that is, the passage of time
based on descriptions of seasons agrees with datable external events,
even in the part of the story that draws heavily on _Alonzo and
Melissa_. The war of 1812 began in mid-1812 and ended in December 1814;
evidently the news reached New York before it reached New Orleans.

  1811 and earlier
  Death of Alida's mother
  Alida goes to seminary in New York:
    "The season was now far advanced in autumn"

  1812
  Alida returns home:
    "The spring was advancing"
  [June 1812: War declared]
  Father's birthday; Alida is sixteen
  From Alonzo and Melissa:
    "It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived."
    "It was the beginning of autumn"
    "... and sung a requiem to departed summer"
    "... the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season"
    "Winter came on; it rapidly passed away."

  1813
    "Spring advanced, and the marriage day was appointed."
    "Nature was adorned with the bridal ornaments of spring"
    "Fleecy summer clouds ..."
  Theodore has not yet enlisted
    "... weary summer had lapsed into the fallow arms of autumn"
  After father's remarriage:
    "the cool breezes of autumn had changed to the hoarse murmuring
      gales of winter"

  1814
    "the mild and salubrious breezes of spring had succeeded to
      the blustering gales of winter"
  Father's birthday
  [August 1814: burning of Washington]
  [December 1814: Treaty of Ghent]
  [December 1814-January 1815: Hartford Convention]
    "... taken up their residence in the city for the winter"

  1815
  [January 1815: battle of New Orleans]
  War is over; celebration of peace
    "winter's snow was passing from the face of nature"
    "verdant scenery of spring"
    "showers of April had cleared the atmosphere"
  Father's birthday
  Alida leaves for tour of New York state:
    "The summer was past its meridian"
    "The number of travellers this summer were unusually great"

  1816
  After death of Alida's father:
    "at the commencement of the ensuing spring"
  Theodore returns


Alida: Sources

Abbreviated titles of the most frequently cited works are given here in
[brackets]. Unless otherwise noted, the quoted edition was picked simply
because it was the most readily available; it may or may not have been
the edition used by the author. All [_sic_] notations were added by the
transcriber; all brackets in _Alonzo and Melissa_ are in the original.

Sources that are used only once are identified as they occur in the
text.

_Non-Fiction_

  Karl Bernhard, Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach: _Travels through North
  America, during the years 1825 and 1826_. Translation published
  1828.  [Abbreviated "Travels"]
    Chapters XXIV-XXVII inclusive, except the poetry, are taken from
    this book. See beginning of chapter XXIV for more information.

  John Warner Barber: _Interesting Events in the History of the United
  States ..._ (exact title varies). First edition 1827; later editions
  include 1828 and 1834, with reprints of each. Details of wording
  point to the 1828 edition as the source.
    The segments dealing with the war of 1812 are quoted extensively:
    "Second War with Great Britain"; the battles of Queenstown, Lake
    Erie, Niagara and Lake Champlain; Death of Tecumseh; the Hartford
    Convention; "Piracies in the West Indies".

  Nathaniel Dwight: _Sketches of the lives of the Signers of the
  Declaration of Independence_. First Edition 1830; quotations from
  1840 edition (reprint of 1830). [Abbreviated "Lives of Signers"]
    Used primarily for character descriptions. Most are applied to
    male characters in the novel, but one passage is inserted into a
    description of Dolly Madison. With one exception, all selections
    are taken from representatives of Northern states.

  Mrs. James Madison. Here quoted from _The American Magazine of
  Useful and Entertaining Knowledge_; the article was printed in
  other publications.
    Some parts of this article refer to the period when James Madison
    was Secretary of State under Jefferson.
    Much of the article quotes from the chapter on Dolly Madison
    in a longer work: American Academy of the Fine Arts (James Herring
    and James Barton Longacre), _The National Portrait Gallery of
    Distinguished Americans_ (no later than 1834).

  _A sketch of the life and public services of William H. Harrison,
  commander in chief of the North-western army during the War of 1812,
  &c._ Many editions from 1835 and later.

  Charles Phillips: Speech at Dinas Island on George Washington.
  Widely reprinted; the version published in the author's Collected
  Speeches is different from earlier published versions quoted here.

  Lindley Murray: _The Power of Religion on the Mind_. First edition
  1836; many later editions and reprints. Quotations from 1863 (the
  only edition available to me).
    Not a religious work but a collection of short biographies with
    character description. Except for the article on Job, attributions
    are too short to be certain; _Alida_ may have found similar
    phrases in a different source.

  Francis Smith Eastman: _A history of the state of New York ..._
  First edition 1828; later edition (with reprints) 1831. Details of
  wording identify the 1831 edition (or a later one) as the source.

_Fiction_

  Daniel Jackson/Isaac Mitchell: _Alonzo and Melissa_. For details,
  see Project Gutenberg e-text 28112. Written 1804 by Mitchell; first
  book publication (pirated by Jackson) 1811, with many reprints.
  Wording in _Alida_ does not consistently correspond to any of the
  editions used for the _Alonzo and Melissa_ e-text. Quotations are
  generally from 1811 except where a different edition matches the
  wording more closely.  [Abbreviated "A&M"]
    By word count, _Alida_'s favorite source: chapters VII-XII
    inclusive, much of the adjoining chapters VI and XIII, most of
    XXXIII-XXXIV (the final two chapters), and many other passages of
    varying length. See beginning of chapter VI for more information.

  Regina Maria Roche: _The Children of the Abbey_. First published
  1796, reprinted throughout the following century. Quotations from
  1877.

  Mrs. (Mary Martha) Sherwood:
  _The Broken Hyacinth_; _The Lady of the Manor_.
    _Alida_ may contain other quotations from this author; most
    phrases are too short to be unambiguous. Mrs. Sherwood's fiction
    has a strong religious element, and she seems the kind of author
    Amelia Comfield would have liked.

  Robert Folkestone Williams: _Mephistophiles in England, or the
  Confessions of a Prime Minister_. 1835.
    _Alida_ only quotes one passage from this two-volume novel. The
    episode may have been reprinted in some other text, or the novel
    itself may have lifted it from an earlier source.

  Amelia Stratton Comfield: _Alida_.
    When all else fails, the book quotes itself. One passage appears
    three times.

_Periodicals and Short Fiction_

  _The New-York Weekly Magazine, Or, Miscellaneous Repository_: Volume
  II, 1797. Reprinted as a single bound volume containing 52 8-page
  issues (July 1796-June 1797).  [Abbreviated "NY Weekly"]
    Only two volumes of this periodical, and a few issues of the
    third, were published; only volume II was available to me. At
    least 30 separate pieces are quoted in _Alida_, so it is likely
    that some unidentified sources are in volumes I or III.
    Most essays were printed with minimal attribution, or none at all;
    some can also be found in other sources. "The Nettle and the Rose"
    also appears in _The Blossoms of Morality_ (1796) and in _New-York
    Magazine_, N.S. II (1797). "On Education" is taken from the
    writings of Vicesimus Knox; "Detraction" is by Nathaniel Cotton.

  "Amelia, or the Faithless Briton". Here quoted from _The New-York
  Magazine, or, Literary Repository_: Vol. VI (1795); the story also
  appears in _The Lady's Weekly Miscellany_ (1810).

  "The Merchant's Daughter". Here quoted from _The American Monthly
  Magazine_, Vol. 3, 1834.

  "The Story of an Unfortunate Young Lady". Here quoted from _The
  Lady's Miscellany, or, Weekly visitor..._ Vols. 14-15 (1811)

_Poetry_

[Most poems are quoted only once, and will be identified as they appear.
The author of _Alida_ was obviously fond of poetry, especially obscure
poems found in periodicals or privately published books.]

  James Thomson (d. 1748): _The Seasons_. The work was reprinted
  many times. Quotations are from the 1829 Hartford edition.
    There exists an 1842 edition of _The Seasons_ which also contains
    Bloomfield's _Farmer's Boy_ (see chapter XIV). If similar
    collections were published earlier, this might be the source for
    both poems.
    In _Alida_, passages from _The Seasons_ are almost always in
    quotation marks.

  Mary (Mrs. Henry) Tighe: _Psyche, with Other Poems_. Quoted from
  1816 London edition.
    Quoted works: _Verses Written at the Commencement of Spring_ (1802);
    _Verses Written in Sickness_ (1804); _A Faithful Friend is the
    Medicine of Life_.

       *       *       *       *       *
           *       *       *       *
       *       *       *       *       *


ALIDA: parallel version

[The prefatory material and list of subscribers have been omitted. Some
long paragraphs have been broken up for easier comparison. In the source
text, a set of three dots ... on a line of their own means that one or
more complete paragraphs or stanzas have been skipped.]

  [Frontispiece Caption:]
  "Optimum vitæ genus eligito nam consuetudo faciet jucundissimum."

    [[Attributed to Pythagoras in Diogenes Laertius viii; cited in
    _Spectator_ 447.]]

  [Title Page:]
  Incidents / During the Late American War. / Founded on Fact.

    [[The phrase "founded on fact" appears in the title of several of
    _Alida_'s sources, notably _Alonzo and Melissa_. The opening words
    of _Alonzo and Melissa_ are "During the late [American]
    Revolution..."]]

  [Dedication:]
  His Excellency, / Charles Collins, Governor of Rhode-Island

    [[Charles Collins was never Governor of Rhode Island. He was
    Lieutenant Governor from 1824 to 1833.]]




CHAPTER I.

  "Rien n'est si contagieux qui l'exemple; et nous ne faisons jamais
  de grand biens: ni de grand maux, qui n'en produisent de semblables."

    [La Rochefoucauld: _Moral Maxims_:

      Rien n'est si contagieux que l'exemple, et nous ne faisons
      jamais de grands biens ni de grands maux qui n'en produisent
      de semblables.]


The ancestry of Alida was of ancient date in English heraldry, some of
whom emigrated to America a short time before the revolution, and
settled in the southern provinces, while her father fixed his abode in
the state of New-York.

In the calm retirement of the country, at a considerable distance from
the bustle of the town, was situated his beautiful residence, which had
every advantage in point of prospect that luxuriant nature could give
when it is most lavish of its bounties.

    [_NY Weekly_: Essay No. I:

  Their eyes wander with languor and indifference, over those scenes
  in which nature has been most lavish of its beauties.]

The mind of its owner took particular delight in rural pleasures and
amusements; in dissipating a part of his time in the innocent scenes of
rustic life, and in attending to the cultivation of his estate, which
was large and extensive.

    [_Alida_ page 207 (chapter XXIX):

  Like him he was fond of rural pleasures and amusements, and to
  dissipate care amid the diversified scenes of rustic life, afforded
  him satisfaction and pleasure.]

Here he would contemplate, in all their variety, the natural beauties
of creation, when arrayed in its richest attire; in the inimitable
splendour of the surrounding scenery; or amuse himself in attendance to
diversified employments, some of which, as pastimes, served the two-fold
purposes of recreation and amusement.

    [_Alida_ page 62 (chapter IX):

  It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
  natural beauties of creation.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Thornton of New Hampshire:

  where, in an attendance on his diversified employments, some of
  which, as pastimes, served the twofold purposes of recreation and
  amusement....]

Thus his years glided on in the most harmonious tranquillity; where his
cares were dissipated alternately in the bosom of his family, and the
"tumults of life, real or imaginary, fleeted away in a mutual confidence
and unreserved friendship."

    [_A&M_ (describing Alonzo):

  There his cares were dissipated, and the troubles of life, real or
  imaginary, on light pinions fleeted away. How different would be the
  scene when debarred from the unreserved friendship and conversation
  of Melissa!]

Here he would accustom himself to rise at early dawn, and dwell with
particular pleasure on the morning scenery. The dappled, rosy-fingered,
blushing morn, arrested his attention; those mild tints that
particularly express the break of day, just awakening from repose; when
the curtain of the night seems insensibly withdrawn, and the varied
landscape exhibits itself by degrees, while the colours of the
atmosphere yet seem doubtful, and the scene imperfect to the view; when
the darkness is not entirely fled, nor the light of the new day is fully
seen; when coolness sits upon the hills, and the dews hang trembling
upon every leaf; when the groves begin to resound with the murmurs of
warbling melody, and the valleys echo with reverberated sounds.

    [_NY Weekly_: On Landscape Painting:

  The poets, of all ages and all languages, have dwelt with particular
  delight upon the morning scenery, and the epithets of the dappled,
  the rosy fingered, the saffron, and the blushing morn.... those
  chaste and reserved tints that particularly express the break of
  day, just awakening from repose; when the curtain of the night seems
  to be insensibly withdrawn, and the landscape appears to open by
  degrees, when the colours of the sky are yet doubtful, and the
  landscape imperfect to the view; in short, when darkness is not
  entirely fled, nor light distinctly seen....

  When coolness sits upon the mountains, and freshness delights
  the plains, when the dews hang trembling upon every leaf, and the
  insects flutter on every thorn; when the groves begin to resound
  with the murmurs of the dove, and the vallies to echo with the
  twitterings from the spray....]

How pleasing at such a time to adore in his works the wonders of the
Creator. That period when the sun begins to diffuse his early rays, to
tip the mountains with light, and the breezes in the air mildly
prognosticate the soft blushes of the morning:

    [_NY Weekly_: On Landscape Painting:

  how pleasing at such a time are the feelings of anticipation to
  those who adore in his works, the wonders of the Creator!

  Of that period, when the sun begins to diffuse his early rays, to
  tip the mountains with light, and.... those breezes in the air that
  mildly prognosticate, the blushes of the morning....]

  "For far beyond the pageantry of power,
  He lov'd the realms of Nature to explore;
  With lingering gaze Edenian spring survey'd--
  Morn's fairy splendours--Night's gay curtain'd shade--
  The heaven-embosom'd sun--the rainbow's dye,
  Where lucid forms appear to Fancy's eye;
  The vernal flower, mild Autumn's purpling glow,
  The Summer's thunder, and the winter's snow."

    [Timothy Dwight: _The Conquest of Canaan_ (1785), as quoted
    in A&M:

      "For far beyond the pride or pomp of power,
      He lov'd the realms of nature to explore;
      With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd;
      Morn's fairy splendors; night's gay curtain'd shade,
      The high hoar cliff, the grove's benighting gloom,
      The wild rose, widow'd o'er the mouldering tomb;
      The heaven embosom'd sun; the rainbow's die
      Where lucid forms disport to fancy's eye;
      The vernal flower, mild autumn's purpling glow,
      The summer's thunder and the winter's snow."]

    [_The Conquest of Canaan_, original text:

      But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power,
      He lov'd the realms of nature to explore;
      With lingering gaze, Edenian spring survey'd;
      Morn's fairy splendors, night's gay curtain'd shade;
      The high hoar cliff; the grove's benighting gloom;
      The wild rose, widow'd, o'er the mouldering tomb;
      The heaven-embosom'd sun; the rainbow's die,
      Where lucid forms disport to fancy's eye.]

    [[The last two lines in the _Alonzo and Melissa_ version ("vernal
    flower..." and "Summer's thunder...") do not appear to be in
    Dwight's poem.]]

Or, when the evening approached, he would observe the twilight hour,
which for a time hangs balanced between darkness and the pale rays of
the western sky, communicating a solemn pleasure to every thing around.
When evening began to throw her dusky mantle over the face of nature,
and the warm glow of the summer sun had departed; when the stars were
glistening in the heavens, and the moon had already risen, shedding its
pale lustre over the opposite islands "that appeared to float dimly
among the waves, the twinkling fire-fly arose from the surrounding
verdure, and illumined the meadow below with a thousand transient gems."
The rustling breezes played among the trees of the wood, while the air
was filled with the fragrance of various flowers, and the sound of
melodious music was wafted from the neighbouring village, rendered
apparently more soft and sweet by the distance.

    [_NY Weekly_: On Landscape Painting:

  how extatic is the twilight hour, which, for a time, hangs
  balanced between the dispersion of darkness, and the dapplings of
  the east; and which gives a solemn pleasure to every thing around!]

    [_A&M_:

  Evening had now spread her dusky mantle over the face of nature.
  The stars glistened in the sky. The breeze's rustling wing was in
  the tree. The "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook, and the far
  off water fall, were faintly heard. The twinkling fire fly arose
  from the surrounding verdure and illuminated the air with a thousand
  transient gleams. The mingling discordance of curs and watch-dogs
  echoed in the distant village, from whence the frequent lights
  darted their pale lustre through the gloom.]

    [_A&M_ (different passage):

  The moon shone in full lustre, her white beams trembling upon the
  glassy main, where skiffs and sails of various description were
  passing and repassing. The shores of Long-Island and the other
  islands in the harbour, appeared dimly to float among the waves. The
  air was adorned with the fragrance of surrounding flowers; the sound
  of instrumental music wafted from the town, rendered sweeter by
  distance....]

The buildings on the estate consisted of a large mansion-house,
farm-house, and an ancient stone cottage that stood on the margin of the
water, shaded by willow trees, and surrounded by romantic scenery.

The charming appearance which nature threw around the place on which the
mansion-house was situated, was scarcely less interesting in winter than
in the more gay and verdant months of the summer season. The falling of
the snow and hail, and the sparkling icicles hanging upon the woods and
shrubbery, sometimes almost conveyed the idea of enchantment to the
imagination of the spectator.

    [Mrs. Sherwood: _The Broken Hyacinth_:

  The charming country in which our house was situated, was scarcely
  less lovely when covered with snow than in the summer. The purity of
  the snow, and the sparkling icicles which hung on the woods, almost
  conveyed the idea of enchantment....]

The view on all sides was magnificent. The bay, gently winding, glided
into the river beyond, where ships, steamboats, and craft of every
description, floated upon the waters, and gave interest to the
appearance of several beautiful villages that were seen at a little
distance in the landscape.

This villa was separated about a mile from the flourishing village of
----, where the many white buildings, some of which might be called
magnificent, had a remarkably pleasing and picturesque appearance,
forming a lively contrast with the evergreen trees with which they were
interspersed.

The house of Alida's father was the seat of hospitality;--scenes of
festivity would sometimes have place within its walls;--"music and mirth
would occasionally echo through its apartments." He was kind, generous,
and benevolent; while his independence, assisted by a charitable
disposition, enabled him to contribute largely to the happiness of
others. His manners were highly pleasing, his conversation was
interesting, humorous, and instructive; and, although at this time he
was rather advanced in years, yet the glow of health still shone upon
his cheek and sparkled in his eye; and his fine expressive countenance
still gave lustre to a peculiar dignity and energy in his personal
appearance.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Hart of New Jersey

  his house was the seat of hospitality, charity, and piety.]

It was now many years since he had made this delightful spot his
residence. He had married early in life a lady of engaging manners, and
captivating beauty, who was amiable, sensible, and pious, and whose mind
was a pattern of every female excellence, combined with a taste and
judgment that had been properly directed by a suitable education; who
had been taught to esteem no farther all the acquirements and qualities
of which the human mind is capable than as they might be conducive to
enable us to excel in the duties of the Christian religion, and cause us
more fully to experience "the blessings of the truth."

    [_A&M_ (describing Melissa):

  Her mind was adorned with those delicate graces which are the first
  ornaments of female excellence. Her manners were graceful without
  affectation, and her taste had been properly directed by a suitable
  education.]

These parents had reared up all their family except Alida, their
youngest child, who at this time was placed at a boarding-school, at the
village of ----, where she was taught, in addition to the different
studies belonging to a Christian education, the French and Italian
languages.

Their elder daughters had married, and were settled at some distance
from them, and their two sons were engaged in mercantile business in
New-York. It was their principal endeavour, as their thoughts often
revolved in anxious solicitude for the welfare and future happiness of
their children, to unite their efforts to persuade them, and inculcate
in their minds all that was praiseworthy, by the immediate influence of
their own example, considering that the precepts which they taught them,
however wise and good, would avail but little unassisted by the aid of
example.

  "Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie, la dérègle, et la rend
  malheureuse."

    [Etienne François De Vernage (1690):

  Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie la dérègle et la rend
  malheureuse.]

It was their first care to exercise the minds of their children, in all
the important moral and religious duties; to be careful in due time to
regulate their natural propensities; to render their dispositions mild
and tractable; to inspire them with the love, respect, and implicit
obedience due to parents, blended with a genuine affection for relations
and friends.

"To endeavour to form their first ideas on principles of rectitude,
being conscious of the infinite importance of first impressions, and
beginning early to adhere to a proper system of education, that was
principally the result of their own reflections and particular
observations."

Their children were assembled annually to celebrate the birthday of
their father, together with other social friends and acquaintances,
consisting chiefly of those whose beneficent feelings were in accordance
with their own, in testifying their gratitude to their Creator for daily
benefits, blended with a thankful cheerfulness, which is the offspring
of moral excellence.

    [_A&M_ (Melissa speaking):

  once a year my father celebrates his birth day....]

  O, Thou enthroned where perfect day,
  In brightest beams of glory, play
    Around thy radiant throne;
  Where angels strike celestial lyres,
  And seraphs glow with sacred fires,
    Address'd to thee alone.

  Still may thy providential care,
  With blessings crown the circling year,
    Each human ill restrain:
  O, may thy truth inspire my tongue,
  And flow through all my varying song,
    And shine in every strain.

    [Cunningham, "Ode to the New Year, 1769" (here from _Poems on

    various subjects..._, ed. Thomas Tomkins 1780), stz. 5-6:

      O thou! alike where perfect day
      In bright refulgent glories play,
        Around thy awful throne!
      When seraphs glow with sacred fires,
      When angels tune celestial lyres,
        To hymn thy praise alone!

      Still may thy providential care
      With blessings crown the rising year!
        Impending ills restrain!
      Thy wisdom guide my youthful muse!
      Thy sacred eloquence diffuse,
        And consecrate my strain!]

  Give me the calm, the soft serene,
  Of summer, when it glads the scene,
    And scatters peace around;
  Bless'd image of the happy soul.
  That does the heav'n-born mind control,
    While conscious joys abound.

  That this may be my bounteous share,
  Ascends my ever constant prayer
    To Thee, all-perfect Mind!
  O, aid me in the gen'rous strife,
  Through each inconstant scene of life,
    To all thy ways resign'd.

    [same, stz. 10-11:

      Unlike its placid form, serene,
      When Zephyr breathing o'er the scene,
        Sheds balmy peace around;
      Bless'd emblem of the conquering soul,
      Whose every passion knows controul,
        While conscious joys abound!

      That this may prove my bounteous share,
      Ascends my ever constant prayer,
        To thee, all perfect mind;
      O aid me in the arduous strife,
      Through each perplexing maze of life,
        To all thy ways resign'd!]




CHAPTER II.

  The scenes that once so brilliant shone are past, and can return
  no more to cheer the pensive heart; and memory recalls them with
  a tear; some lowering cloud succeeds, and all the gay delusive
  landscape fades.

    [On the Death of a Friend and Schoolfellow (here from "Poetical
    Essays" in _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. 32, 1762), opening lines:

      Scarce rolls, alas! o'er mortal buds a year,
      But claims afresh the tributary tear:
      Soon each fair hope some lowering cloud invades,
      And all the gay delusive landscape fades.]


While Alida remained at the village school, surrounded by the festive
scenes of childhood, and pursuing her studies with assiduous emulation,
with the hope of meriting, in future time, the praises of her fond
parents, an unforeseen misfortune awaited her that no human foresight
could have power to arrest.

The health of her mother had been long declining, and her illness at
this time increased so far as to render medical assistance useless, and
baffled the skill of the ablest physicians. A trial so new, so
afflicting, and so grievous to her youthful mind, to lose one of her
honoured parents, and to be unexpectedly summoned to her parental home
to receive the last benediction of a beloved mother, and at this early
period of her life to be deprived of her kind care and protection, was
unfortunate in the extreme.

    [["Baffled the skill of the ablest physicians" was a stock
    phrase.]]

Every anxious solicitude and responsibility now rested alone upon a
widowed father, who mourned deeply their common bereavement, while he
felt conscious that all his fatherly care and caresses could never
supply to Alida all the necessary requisitions that she had unhappily
lost in so dear and interested a friend. When he observed her spirits
languish, and the tear frequently starting in her eye, and her former
sprightly countenance shaded with the deep tinges of melancholy, he saw
that the cheerfulness and gaiety of her natural disposition had received
a powerful check, which promised to be lasting.

    [["Sprightly" is a favorite adjective in _Alonzo and Melissa_;
    by the time of _Alida_ it was going out of fashion.]]

From this unhappy period she remained at home a long time with her
father. In kindred grief there was derived a congenial sympathy, and her
society contributed in some degree to allay his sorrow, as the deep
concern he felt in her welfare caused him sometimes to restrain the flow
of it in her presence. Self-exertion roused him in a measure from his
lethargy, and by thus assuming serenity, to become in reality something
more composed. Nevertheless, he would often witness the excess of
anguish which had taken place in the bosom of his child, and behold her
interesting face bathed in tears, and her youthful brow clouded with a
sadness that nothing seemingly could dissipate.

    [_NY Weekly_: Mrs. Mordaunt:

  to me they were inexpressibly soothing, from kindred grief there
  was derived a congenial sympathy.
  ...
  Their happiness, the education of my child, and self-exertion,
  roused me from the lethargy of grief, and diffused a calm over my
  mind I never hoped to have experienced.]

His situation now became more sequestered than ever; he roamed in
solitude, or pleased himself in ranging through silent glens in
loneliness. His thoughts were absorbed in the gloomy experience of the
misery of a painful separation from a dear and beloved object; he wept
for her whose mild and winning graces had power to soften and illuminate
the darkest shades of life, or alleviate the distressful scenes of
adversity.

    [[This unidentified paragraph about Alida's widowed father reads
    like the description of a young romantic hero.]]

His mind was wholly absorbed in those gloomy reflections that scarcely
admitted a ray of consolation, when the weekly newspaper arrived from
the neighbouring village; he took it up, hoping to find something to
amuse his thoughts; he opened it to read the news of the day; he ran his
eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, "when the death list
arrested his attention by a display of broad black lines," and he, who
had not yet become reconciled to his present misfortune, was now about
to experience another equally severe.

    [_A&M_ (Alonzo reads of Melissa's death):

  He returned, and as he was entering the door he saw the weekly
  newspaper of the town, which had been published that morning, and
  which the carrier had just flung into the hall. The family had not
  yet arisen. He took up the paper, carried it to his chamber, and
  opened it to read the news of the day. He ran his eye hastily over
  it, and was about to lay it aside, when the death list arrested his
  attention, by a display of broad black lines.]

What could equal his bitterness, his surprise and grief, when he read
the disastrous news that his youngest son (who had lately gone on a
foreign expedition) had died of a fever in a distant land a few weeks
previous!

The paper fell from his palsied hand,--a sudden faintness came over
him,--he fell back almost senseless in his chair,--exhausted by excess
of grief, he remained a long time in a stupifying anguish.

    [_A&M_:

  The paper fell from his palsied hand--a sudden faintness came upon
  him--the room grew dark--he staggered, and fell senseless upon the
  floor.
  ...
  Exhausted by excess of grief, he now lay in a stupifying
  anguish....]

The tidings were so unlooked-for of the premature death of his
unfortunate son, who about this time was expected to arrive in New-York.
For him an only brother was inconsolable; and Alida, who had long been
accustomed to his kindness and caresses, was overcome with a dejection
that time alone could alleviate.

Her father observed her affliction in commisseration with his own,--he
was dejected and lonely, and the world appeared like a wilderness;
nothing could lessen his present evil, or soothe his afflicted mind.

The former peaceful serenity of his life was materially clouded; and in
his turn calamitous wo had overtaken him--the inalienable portion of
humanity,--and the varied and shifting scenery in the great drama of
time had brought with it disaster. His spirit was sunk in despondency,
and his sensations became utterly absorbed in melancholy; and all the
pious and philosophical reflections that he exerted himself to bring to
his remembrance, could scarcely afford even a transitory consolation in
this afflicting dispensation.

    [_A&M_ (same scene, author's own voice):

  mark well the varied and shifting scenery in the great drama
  of time ... then say, if disappointment, distress, misery and
  calamitous woe, are not the inalienable portion of the susceptible
  bosom.]

    [_A&M_ (later scene):

  Alonzo was too deeply absorpt in melancholy reflection....]

  From foreign lands the tidings borne,
    With pain to wake a parent's anguish,
  O, brother dear, beloved of all,
    For thee a brother's heart must languish.

  "That eye of brightness glows no more,
    That beaming glance in night is clouded;"
  On Maracaibo's distant shore,
    "In death's dark cell untimely shrouded."

    [Tighe, _Verses Written at the Commencement of Spring_, stz. 12, 13
    (mid-line ellipses in original):

      Haste, sweetest Babe, beloved of all!
        Our cheerful hours without thee languish:
      Ah! hush!.... he hears no more thy call!
        Ah! hush!.... nor wake a parents anguish!]

      That lip of roses glows no more;
        That beaming glance in night is clouded;
      Those bland endearments all are o'er,
        In death's dark pall for ever shrouded.]

  Alas! for him no kindred near
    In hopes to minister relief;
  He sees no tear of pity shed,
    He sees no parents' anxious grief.

  And as still evening came on,
    In saddest solitude and tears,
  His thoughts would turn on distant home,
    On peaceful scenes and happier years.

  He thought, too, what a favour'd clime
    His gallant bark had left behind;
  He thought how science there, sublime,
    Beam'd her full radiance on the mind.

  Though destined in a stranger's land,
    Detain'd from all he held most dear,
  Yet one kind hand, benevolent,
    Was found the gloomy hours to cheer.

  O, how consoling is the eye
    Of him who comes to soothe our woes;
  O, what relief those cares supply
    Which a kind, watchful friend bestows.

  When from this hand full well he found
    How much can lenient kindness do
  The generous Briton strives with care
    His drooping spirits to renew.

  Yes, stranger, thou wast kind, humane,
    With quick assistance prompt to move;
  To ease the lingering hours of pain,
    In pity's kind endeavour strove.

  When sickness o'er thy pallid cheek
    Had stole the lustre from thine eye,
  When near the doubtful crisis drew,
    And life approach'd its latest sigh,--

  He moved thee to his own retreat,
    In his own mansion watch'd thee there;
  Around thy couch he still remained,
    Thy drooping heart with hopes to cheer.

    [Tighe: _Verses Written in Sickness_, stanzas 3-12 (of 15).

      Alas! for him whose youth has bowed
        Beneath the oppressive hand of pain;
      Whose claim to pity disallowed,
        Bids him the unheeded groan restrain.

      Alas! for him who droops like me,
        Who mourns life's fueled vigour flown,
      But finds no soothing sympathy,
        No tender cares his loss atone.

      For him no wakeful eye of love
        Resists the slumbers health would shed,
      With kind assistance prompt to move,
        And gently prop the aching head:

      With delicate attention paid
        In hope to minister relief,
      He sees no sacrifices made;
        He sees no Mother's anxious grief!

      But I, poor sufferer, doomed in vain
        To woo the health which Heaven denied,
      Though nights of horror, days of pain
        The baffled opiate's force deride,

      Yet well I know, and grateful feel,
        How much can lenient kindness do,
      From anguish half its darts to steal,
        And faded Hope's sick smile renew.

      That love which brightened gayer hours,
        When light youth danced to pleasure's strain,
      Exerts even yet unwearied powers,
        The sweet support of nights of pain.

      Oh! how consoling is the eye
        Of the dear friend that shares our woes!
      Oh! what relief those cares supply,
        Which watchful, active love bestows!

      And these are mine! -- Shall I then dare
        To murmur at so mild a lot?
      Nor dwell on comforts still my share
        With thankful and contented thought?

      Though destined to the couch of pain,
        Though torn from pleasures once too dear,
      Around that couch shall still remain
        The love that every pain can cheer.

  "Peace, wing'd in fairer worlds above,"
    Has ta'en thy form away from this;
  Has beckon'd thee to seats of glory,
    To realms of everlasting bliss.

    [John Bowring: Benevolence (hymn), stz. 2, lines 5-8:

      Peace, winged in fairer worlds above,
      Shall bend her down to brighten this,
      When all man's labour shall be love
          And all his thoughts--a brother's bliss.]

  So rich in piety and worth,
    Too soon, alas! lamented one,
  Thou hast been call'd away from earth,
    And heaven has claim'd thee for its own.

    [James G. Brooks and Mary E. Brooks: To Cora (in _The Rivals of
    Este, and Other Poems_, 1829), stz. 3, lines 1-4:

      Cora! thou wast not formed for earth:
        So bright thy angel beauty shone,
      So rich in innocence and worth,
        That heaven has claimed thee for its own.]




CHAPTER III.

  "'T is by degrees the youthful mind expands; and every day,
  Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm;
  Then infant reason grows apace, and calls
  For the kind hand of an assiduous care."
  "Delightful task, to rear the tender thought,
  To pour the new instruction o'er the mind,
  To breathe the enlivening spirit, and to fix
  The generous purpose in the glowing breast."

    [Thomson: _Seasons_: end of "Spring":
                      By degrees,
      The human blossom blows; and every day,
      Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm,
      The father's lustre, and the mother's bloom.
      Then infant reason grows apace, and calls
      For the kind hand of an assiduous care.
        Delightful task! to rear the tender thought.
      To teach the young idea how to shoot,
      To pour the fresh instruction o'er the mind,
      To breathe th' enlivening spirit, and to fix
      The generous purpose in the glowing breast.]


The period at length arrived, when it became necessary that Alida should
receive further instruction in the various branches of female
literature. With this view, her father thought proper to change the
place of her studies from the village school to the New-York Seminary.

It was his idea that nothing afforded so pleasing a prospect as the
graces of beauty, aided by wisdom and useful knowledge, and that care
should be taken that the mind should first be initiated in the solid
acquirements, before the embellishments of education should be allowed
to take up the attention or engross the thoughts; and that the first
purposes of the teacher should be directed to endeavour to cause the
mental powers of the scholar to be excited, in the first place, to
attain to whatever is most useful and necessary, and that suitable
application and industry was the only means whereby we may gain
celebrity in any art or science, or therein arrive at any degree of
perfection.

"His heart glowed with paternal fondness and interesting solicitude,
when he beheld the countenance of his child sparkling with intelligence,
or traced the progress of reason in her awakened curiosity when any new
object attracted her attention or exercised her imagination." Delightful
indeed were the sensations of a parent in the contemplation of so fair a
prospect, which in some degree recalled again to his bosom some
transient gleams of happiness.

The season was now far advanced in autumn, and the trees were nearly
stripped of their foliage; the radiant sun had in part withdrawn his
enlivening rays to give place to the approaching coldness of winter,
when Alida left her home, amid the innumerable regrets of her juvenile
companions, to accompany her father to the city to finish her education.

They journeyed in a stage-coach from the village of ----, which, in the
course of a few hours, conveyed them amid the tumultuous din of the busy
metropolis. The female seminary to which Alida repaired was pleasantly
situated in the western part of the town, where the refreshing and
salubrious breezes of the Hudson rendered it a healthy and desirable
situation at all seasons of the year.

Although her father had only performed his duty in placing his child
once more at school, yet it was at a greater distance from the paternal
roof than formerly, and when he returned again to his residence, he felt
his situation more lonely than ever, and he could scarcely reconcile
himself to the loss of her society.

All was novel-like in the city to Alida, where she at once saw so many
different objects to excite alternately her surprise, curiosity, and
risibility, and where she experienced so many different sensations,
arising from the sudden transition in being removed from scenes of
uninterrupted tranquillity to those of gaiety and pleasure, of crowded
streets and riotous entertainments, of obsequious beaux and dashing
petits maîtres, and where all appeared to her one continued scene of
business and confusion, scarcely reconcileable.

In the meantime her mind became engrossed by various new occupations.
Among her favourite studies was the French language, which, at this
period, was considered as one of the necessary appendages to female
education, when scarcely any new work could be read without a regret to
those who did not understand it. Music, dancing, and drawing occupied
her time alternately, and while these different amusements afforded a
pleasing variety, they animated her mind anew with the powers of
exertion that had been excited by early impressions--that whatever she
attempted to learn, to be assiduous to learn it well, and that a mere
superficial knowledge, in any science or accomplishment, was by no means
desirable.

All her studies and amusements had their regular arrangements, and due
application gave her many advantages over those of her own age, while it
expanded her mind in a greater degree, and facilitated her progress in
learning, and gave more ready improvement to her understanding and
native capacities.

Her only surviving brother, whose name was Albert, had been a merchant
in the city a number of years, and he still continued to live amid its
perplexities, (although numbers had been unfortunate around him,) with
as good success as could be expected at this time, on account of the
restrictions on American commerce. One probable reason may be assigned
why he had been more successful in his business than many others: he was
guided in the management of his affairs by vigilance and industrious
perseverance, and he was not only endued with the best abilities to
fulfil the duties incumbent on his station in life, but was not remiss
in the exercise of them. His manners, generally, were reserved, though
he could be humorous and gay whenever occasion required; and when in
convivial society, he could make one among the number of those who
amused themselves in sallies of wit and pleasantry. He had acquired much
useful and general information in his commerce with the world at large,
which he employed at this time in various conversations on politics, as
he could not be able to render himself serviceable to his country in any
other way, being exempt from his childhood from performing military
duty. His personal advantages were only surpassed by the superior
qualifications of his mind, that had long been under religious influence
and impressions.

In his public and private life he fully answered the expectations of his
numerous acquaintance and friends, as well as the most sanguine wishes
of an anxious and affectionate father, who yet seemed disposed to
indulge in melancholy reflections, while his friends kindly endeavoured,
by many pious and philosophical discourses, to awaken him to a
consideration of his former piety, and humble trust in an all-wise
Providence, reminding him that our greatest consolation consists in
resigned and devotional feelings of gratitude to our Maker, even in the
severest afflictions; who, although he may have thought fit to deprive
us of some, for the many remaining blessings we may still be in
possession of; and that a firm reliance on Providence, however our
affections may be at variance with its dispensations, is the only
consolatory source that we can have recourse to in the gloomy hours of
distress; and that such dependance, though often crossed by troubles and
difficulties, may at length be crowned with success in our most arduous
undertakings, and we may again meet with unlooked-for and unexpected
happiness.

    [_A&M_, Preface:

  One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on providence,
  however the affections might be at war with its dispensations, is
  the only source of consolation in the gloomy hours of affliction;
  and that generally such dependence, though crossed by difficulties
  and perplexities, will be crowned with victory at last.]

  "Afflictions all his children feel,
    Affliction is the Father's rod;
  He wounds them for his mercy sake,
    He wounds to heal."

    [James Montgomery: The Grave. In _The Wanderer of Switzerland_
    (1806). Stz. 1:

      A bruised reed he will not break,
      Afflictions all his children feel;
      He wounds them for his mercy's sake,
      He wounds to heal!]

The clear, calm sunshine of a mind illumined by piety, and a firm
reliance upon Supreme wisdom, crowns all other divine blessings. It
irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils attendant on our
nature; it renders the mind calm and pacific, and promotes that
cheerfulness and resignation which has its foundation in a life of
rectitude and charity; and in the full exercise of Christian principles
we may find still increasing happiness.

    [_NY Weekly_: Chearfulness (quoting Dr. Blair):

  It is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by piety and
  virtue. It crowns all other good dispositions, and comprehends the
  general effect which they ought to produce on the heart.
  ...
  A chearful temper irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the
  evils of sublunary nature.]




CHAPTER IV.

  Still may the soaring eagle's quenchless eye,
    Watch o'er our favour'd country, brave and free,
  Where the bright stars and stripes in honour wave,
    The sacred emblems of our liberty.

    [M. W. Beck: "The Ballot-Box" (song). Here quoted from _The United
    States magazine and Democratic review_, Volume 5, 1839. Last
    verse:

      Let your eagle's quenchless eye,
      Fixed, unerring, sleepless, bright,
      Watch, when danger hovers nigh,
      From his lofty mountain height;
      While the stripes and stars shall wave
      O'er this treasure, pure and free,
      The land's Palladium, it shall save
      The home and shrine of liberty.]


Many disagreeable circumstances now combined to disturb the happy
tranquillity of the American government. "A war had for some time
existed between France and England. America had endeavoured to maintain
a neutrality, and peacefully to continue a commerce with both nations.
Jealousies, however, arose between the contending powers with respect to
the conduct of America, and events occurred calculated to injure her
commerce and disturb her peace.

    [_Interesting Events_: Second War:

  The remote causes of the second War with Great Britain appear to
  have arisen from the war existing between that power and France.
  America endeavored to maintain a strict neutrality, and peaceably
  to continue a commerce with them. Jealousies, however, arose between
  the contending powers, with respect to the conduct of America, and
  events occurred, calculated to injure her commerce, and to disturb
  her peace.]

"Decrees were first issued by the French government preventing the
American flag from trading with the enemy; these were followed by the
British orders in council, no less extensive than the former in design,
and equally repugnant to the laws of nations. In addition to these
circumstances, a cause of irritation existed sometime between the United
States and Great Britain. This was the right of search claimed by Great
Britain as one of her prerogatives. To take her native subjects,
wherever found, for her navy, and to search American vessels for that
purpose. Notwithstanding the remonstrances of the American government,
the officers of the British navy were not unfrequently seen seizing
native British subjects who had voluntarily enlisted on board our
vessels, and had also impressed into the British service some thousands
of American seamen.

    [_Interesting Events_: Second War:

  The Berlin Decree of 1806, and that of Milan, in the succeeding
  year, (both issued by the French government, to prevent the American
  flag from trading with their enemy,) were followed by the British
  Orders in Council; no less extensive than the former, in the design,
  and equally repugnant to, the law of nations. In addition to these
  circumstances, a cause of irritation existed some time between the
  United States and Great Britain. This was the right of search,
  claimed by Great Britain, as one of her prerogatives. This was to
  take her native born subjects, wherever found, for her navy, and to
  search American vessels for that purpose. Notwithstanding the
  remonstrances of the American government, the officers of the
  British navy, were not unfrequently seizing native born British
  subjects, who had voluntarily enlisted on board of our vessels,
  and had also impressed into the British service some thousands of
  American seamen.]

"In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture of
all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress,
therefore, on the recommendation of the president, laid an embargo on
all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States.

    [_Interesting Events_: Second War:

  In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture
  of all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable.
  Congress, therefore, on the recommendation of the President, on the
  22d of December, 1807, laid an embargo on all vessels within the
  jurisdiction of the United States.]

"In a moment, the commerce of the American republic, from being, in
point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting
trade between the individual states. The opposition to the act in
several of the states was so great that they unanimously declared
against it, and individuals throughout the whole seized every
opportunity of infringement; therefore Congress thought proper to repeal
the embargo law, and substituted a non-intercourse with France and
England."

    [_Interesting Events_: Second War (quoting "Grimshaw's Hist.
    U. States"):

  "In a moment, the commerce of the American Republic, from being, in
  point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting
  trade between the individual States." The opposition to the act in
  several States was so great, that they declared against it, and
  individuals throughout the whole, seized every opportunity of
  infringement. In 1809 Congress repealed the embargo law, and
  substituted a non-intercourse with France and England.]

It was now generally expected that the session in Congress, with the
decision of the president, would eventually terminate in actual
hostilities. The difficulties the chief executive had to encounter
were many and perplexing, being fully convinced, under existing
circumstances, that the Americans must engage in combat after all. He
therefore knew it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the American
people, to realize, more clearly than they did, the true situation of
their country, that they might be prepared for the approaching crisis
that he believed unavoidable.

    [_A&M_:

  The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from
  America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring
  into actual hostilities.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Hancock of Massachusetts:

  The difficulties which he had to encounter were many and
  perplexing.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: John Adams of Massachusetts:

  Being fully convinced ... that "they must fight after all," he felt
  it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the delegates from other
  colonies, to realize, more clearly and more correctly than they did,
  the true situation of their country. This he saw was indispensable,
  that they might be prepared for that distressing crisis of their
  political affairs, which it was obvious was approaching; and which
  he even then, with a few others, believed was unavoidable.]

This period was full of anxiety and danger. A war was deprecated by all
the leading patriots of the day; they were fully persuaded that it must
take place; they therefore unitedly determined to prepare for the storm
in the best manner they were able. All material business was in a manner
suspended in New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the
greater part of the community were in dismay. A heavy gloom hung over
the inhabitants generally, while all their affairs appeared in a
declining state, discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the
people.

    [_Lives of Signers_: John Adams of Massachusetts:

  The period was full of anxiety and danger.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Gerry of Massachusetts:

  A civil war was deprecated by all the leading patriots of that day.
  But the measures which the British government had long pursued
  towards the colonies, had fully persuaded them that it must take
  place.... and they unitedly determined to prepare for the storm in
  the best manner they were able.]

    [_Alida_ page 143 (chapter XVIII):

  All business of importance, at this time, was in a manner suspended
  in New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the
  greater part of the community were in dismay; occasioned by the
  continuance of hostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a
  declining state, discouraging to the industry and best prospects of
  the inhabitants.]

Alida's father was no friend to political controversy, yet he passed
much of his time in conversing with his friends on the present affairs
of America. He knew that party spirit and animosity existed more or less
at this time, and that he must consequently often meet with those of
opposite opinions; yet his honest and patriotic zeal for the good of his
country still remained the same. He was attached to liberty from
principle; he had talents to discriminate and see into the justice of
the measures of government; his retirement gave him full opportunity to
reflect on them seriously, and solve them in his own mind, and see their
absolute necessity, in order to maintain the honour, freedom, and
independence of the American nation. Would the same wisdom in the
government continue that had so nobly preserved us since our
independence? But he had no reason at present to suppose otherwise, and
that he who now guided the helm of affairs, was one of steady and
uncorrupt principles, of stable character, altogether uninfluenced by
any sinister views, and was willing to sacrifice his individual repose
for the noble purpose, and with the hope of settling it again on the
nation, with a firmer basis, at some future period, when the expected
contest should be decided.

    [_NY Weekly_: "Champagneaux" in "Anecdotes and Remains of
    Persons Connected with the French Revolution":

  He ... was attached to liberty from principle, at a time, and in a
  country, when it was not unusual to be so, from mere speculation!]

What feelings of commotion and deep anxiety must agitate the bosom of
the magnanimous hero who is labouring truly for the interest of his
country, and is actuated alternately by the claims of justice and
humanity, and on whom a whole community must depend for council in cases
of severe emergency, when his chief satisfaction consists in promoting
the interest and welfare of that community. When the hour of exigency
arrives, his mind, endued with the light of piety, feels its own
littleness, his weighty thoughts are big with the impending danger that
no human arm may be able to arrest. Impressed with religious awe, and
feeling conscious of his dependence for aid on the all-wise Disposer of
events, he bends in humble supplication to implore the favour of that
great and beneficent Being whose power alone can save, and in whose
mighty arm alone is victory.

    [["(All-wise) Disposer of events" was a stock phrase.]]

The father of Alida received regular intelligence by the daily papers
respecting the political excitement in New-York; besides, he made
frequent visits to the city to see his several children, as one of his
daughters had resided there since her marriage. There was every kind of
conveyance at the neighbouring village suited to the accommodation of
travellers, both summer and winter, and the rapid improvement of the
town had long been a current topic of the inhabitants as well as
visiters, while they praised the proprietor of the new pavilion, in his
manner of conducting it, and his excellent accommodations; and it was
the general opinion that in the course of a few years this would become
a place of no small consideration.




CHAPTER V.

  O, who that sighs to join the scenes of war?
    If heaven-born pity in thy bosom glow,
  Reject the impurpled wreath; the laurel crown
    Can flourish only in the scenes of wo.

    [_NY Weekly_: Military Fame, stz. 1, 2:

      O Thou that sigh'st to join the scenes of war,
        And gain the glories of the martial train;
      Reflect what woes surround the trophied car,
        What crimson tints the wish'd-for circlet stain.

      If tender sympathy be not unknown,
        If heaven-born mercy in thy bosom glow,
      Reject the impurpl'd wreath, the laurel crown
        Can flourish only in the scenes of woe.]

At length it became the unhappy fate of America to be a second time
involved in a war with Great Britain. "In a manifesto of the president,
the reasons of the war were stated to be the impressment of American
seamen, by the British; the blockade of the enemy's ports, supported by
no adequate force; in consequence of which the American commerce had
been plundered in every sea; and the British orders in council."

    [_Interesting Events_: Second War (quoting "Grimshaw's Hist.
    U. States"):

  In the Manifesto of the President, the reasons of the war were
  stated to be "the impressment of American seamen by the British; the
  blockade of her enemies, supported by no adequate force, in
  consequence of which the American commerce had been plundered in
  every sea; and the British orders in council."]

The declaration of war was a source of unavoidable regret to the good
and wise president,* which affected his mind with feelings approaching
to melancholy. No one possessed qualities more inclined to peace, and a
wish to settle all affairs of state in a pacific manner, more than he
did, if it were possible, and it could have been done without
sacrificing all the dearest rights and interests of the people; and
nothing but these repeated persuasions in his mind, founded on the
principles of justice and honour, caused him at length to be willing to
yield to the stern necessity of deciding the existing differences by
combat.

    [* James Madison.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Morris of New York:

  The object sought and desired from the deliberations of that
  assembly, was a settlement in a pacific manner, of all the existing
  difficulties....]

He possessed the qualities of a statesman in an eminent degree;
he had well reflected on what he considered as inevitable. He was well
versed in political science, and now only saw the realization of
anticipated events, of which there had been sufficient warning. Although
he had to contend with innumerable difficulties, having once formed his
opinion of what was to be done, his patriotism was undeviating, and his
integrity inflexible.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Floyd of New York:

  Having once formed his opinions, he set himself about accomplishing
  his purposes.... His patriotism was undeviating; his integrity
  inflexible....]

Since his country was again brought to a lamentable destiny, he now
became ardently active in its cause, and was prepared to carry to the
full extent such measures of defence and resistance as should be
necessary to repel every invasion of the just rights and privileges of
the Americans that they had long been in possession of since their
dear-bought independence, and could not therefore be willing to submit
to anything like oppression, even from the mother country.

This national calamity, that seemed to awaken feelings of hilarity to
some few among the multitude, but those of the deepest regret to so many
others, where the parties must at length become personally engaged and
animated against each other with an enthusiastic ardour, and with the
hope to signalize themselves by their bravery--where the impetuosity of
youth and the experience of age are called forth in open field to
execute the decided discussions of government, and to engage with
patriotic zeal in the common defence of their just rights and liberties;
impelled with ambitious impulse to enlist themselves under the proud
banners of their country, while the sound of martial music strikes a
feeling of enthusiasm and enterprise to the bosom of the patriot.

    [_NY Weekly_: On War:

  On the first appearance of this dreadful and destructive calamity,
  the parties more particularly and personally engaged, are animated
  with an enthusiastic ardour, to have an opportunity of signalizing
  themselves in it. It is then that the impetuosity of youth, the
  fervour, the experience, the sapience, of old age, are called forth
  in open field, to put in force the discussions of the cabinet, and
  to engage with real zeal in the cause of their country; it is then
  that every manly breast feels a warlike impulse thrilling the whole
  frame! The sound of drums, the roaring of cannon, the clangor of
  every species of martial music, rise figuratively within us....]

Thus, in the name and cause of honour, the youth, generous and brave,
with all those who are compelled to take arms, sally forth with the
ambitious hope to bear down at once all contending opposition, and give
themselves no time to reflect on the many disconsolate ones they leave
behind them, that, however deeply concerned, can neither engage or
assist in the shocking contest; while they go forward hastily to meet
the foe, and hosts are advancing to dispute with them the victory, and
they can indulge no thought concerning those who, when the battle is
over, may have to lament the loss of a father, brother, or some other
dear friend, and who mournfully await the decisive tidings, which
perhaps is to render them for ever disconsolate; while they remain a
prey to that incessant anguish which naturally awaits those who have
lost, in this manner, their dearest friends and relations.

    [_NY Weekly_: On War:

  we sally forth, and bear down all mortal opposition. We
  scarcely, in our thoughts, survey the disconsolate many we left
  behind; who, though concerned, are not engaged, in the murderous
  contest. Flushed with the hopes of suspended victory, the insignia
  of triumph hanging doubtful over our heads, whole hosts advancing to
  dispute with us our martial prowess, we indulge no thoughts about
  those who lament the loss of a father, a child, a husband, a
  brother, or a friend.

  Stunned with the fatal tidings, which mournfully announce the death
  of an affectionate father, behold the wretched family, the
  disconsolate.... A prey to that incessant grief which naturally
  accompanies those to whom the fatal loss happens, the worthy sire,
  and the tender matron, lament the eternal exit of their ill-fated
  son....]

  Thick clouds were darkly pending
    Above the battle fray,
  And foemen were contending
    For the fortune of the day.

  And high in air the banner bright,
    Waving o'er land and sea,
  The potent symbol of their might,
    The emblem of the free.

  Brave hearts that stood amid the storm
    That burst in fury round;
  With many a stern and manly form,
    Sunk powerless to the ground.

  Deep gloom had settled round them,
    And darkness veil'd the sky,
  When Freedom, with her starry train,
    Descended from on high.

  When, at her bidding, lo, a chief
    Amid the throng appear'd;
  When, the goddess halted by his side,
    And thus his spirits cheer'd:

  "Oh, let not care oppress thee,
    But banish far thy fears,
  For, in blessing, I will bless thee,
    And will wipe away thy tears;

  "And a banner thou shalt still retain,
    And a hand to lead the brave
  To glory and to victory,
    Or to the hero's grave."

  Then fear not, honoured chieftain,
    For yet again shall be,
  Your flag shall wave o'er every land,
    And float on every sea.

  What though in foreign clime it waves,
    Careering on the wind,
  Whatever shore the ocean laves,
    A due respect will find.

  And the thunders of your ships of war
    Along the deep shall roll,
  While the canvas of your merchantmen
    Shall sweep from pole to pole.

  "And now, oh gallant chief," she cried,
    "Hold fast the glorious prize;
  The flag with blue and crimson dyed,
    And stars that gemmed the skies,

  "Have left their native spheres to shed
    Their radiance o'er the field;
  Then while it waves above your head,
    To the foeman never yield.

  "Bright forms shall hover o'er thee
    In the midst of war's alarms;
  And in triumph shall restore thee
    To a nation's waiting arms.

  "Then on to Freedom's stormy height,
    Go forth in valour and in might,
  And bear aloft this emblem bright,
    Amid the battle fray."

  Now around their chief they rally,
    And with zeal their bosoms glow;
  While the hoarse cannon bellows forth
    Defiance to the foe.

  The battle rages loudly,
    A dreadful carnage flows;
  When the messenger of victory
    The clarion trumpet blows.

  Now clap your wings, oh Liberty,
    And upward take your flight;
  And let the gladsome tidings ring
    Throughout the realms of light.

  And bid your eagle sound her cry,
    Wide o'er the land and sea;
  For patriot arms have triumphed,
    And the nation still is free.

  Once more the song of Victory
    Shall spread the earth around,
  And the freemen on a thousand hills
    Re-echo back the sound.

  And a banner long shall wave on high,
    And long your children stand,
  United, with a sacred tie,
    To guard their native land.

    [[A song called "Thick Clouds Were Darkly Pending" was popular in
    the Civil War years, but has not been located.]]




  [Transcriber's Note:

  The next several chapters--most of VII-XII, and much of VI and
  XIII--are taken from _Alonzo and Melissa_ (see Sources section),
  often verbatim.

  Substitutions:
    Melissa = Alida; Alonzo = Theodore; Beauman = Bonville;
    Vincent and Mrs. Vincent = Raymond and Mrs. Raymond;
    Melissa's brother Edgar = Alida's brother Albert;
    Melissa's aunt has no equivalent, except as a walk-on.
    New London and New York are conflated into New York;
    the Revolutionary War is changed to the War of 1812.

  In _Alonzo and Melissa_, the father is cruel and mercenary; the plot
  complications (all seen from Alonzo's point of view) are, as the
  title has it, "caused by the barbarity of an unfeeling father".
  Melissa's mother is alive throughout the novel, but she is such a
  doormat that her existence makes no difference to the plot.]


CHAPTER VI.

    And may each day returning, with it bring
  That peace that o'er the weary senses fling
  A calm content; where no alloy attends
  The pleasing intercourse of happy friends.


Albert, the brother of Alida, during his residence in New-York, had
formed an indissoluble friendship with a young gentleman who had lately
graduated at Columbia College. His name was Theodore. He was about
twenty years of age: he had been esteemed an excellent student. His
appearance was manly, open, and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of
mind; he was naturally cheerful, although his aspect was tinged with
melancholy, and his disposition was rather of the romantic cast. His
father was an eminent merchant in the city, and had long been engaged in
the various scenes of commerce. His son was designed for the law; but as
the students were allowed some vacant time after their graduation before
they entered upon their professional studies, he thought to improve this
interim in mutual friendly visits, mingling sometimes with select
parties in the amusements of the day, and in travelling through some
parts of the United States.

    [_A&M_ (opening paragraph):

  In the time of the late revolution, two young gentlemen of
  Connecticut, who had formed an indissoluble friendship, graduated
  at Yale college in New Haven; their names were Edgar and Alonzo;
  Edgar was the son of a respectable farmer, Alonzo's father was an
  eminent merchant--Edgar was designed for the desk, Alonzo for the
  bar; but as they were allowed some vacant time after their
  graduation before they entered upon their professional studies,
  they improved this interim in mutual, friendly visits, mingling
  with select parties in the amusement of the day, and in travelling
  through some parts of the United States.]

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo was about twenty one years old; he had been esteemed an
  excellent student. His appearance was manly, open and free--His eye
  indicated a nobleness of soul; although his aspect was tinged with
  melancholy, yet he was naturally cheerful. His disposition was of
  the romantic cast....]

The spring was advancing, and already began to shed its cheering
influences over the face of nature, when, after a long period of clouds
and darkness, the sun, with his illuminating beams, was chasing away the
gloomy remains of winter, and recalling again to life and animation the
innumerable beauties of creation.

The day was fixed on when Alida was to return to her native residence.
Albert was to attend her home, and he invited his friend Theodore to
accompany him. It was evening when they arrived at the house of Albert's
father, where they found considerable company collected, as was
customary on the celebration of his birth-day.

    [_A&M_ (second paragraph):

  Edgar had a sister who, for some time had resided with her cousin
  at New-London. She was now about to return, and it was designed
  that Edgar should go and attend her home: previous to the day on
  which he was to set out, he was unfortunately thrown from his
  horse, which so much injured him as to prevent his prosecuting
  his intended journey; he therefore invited Alonzo to supply his
  place....
  ...
  It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar's cousin.]

He received his children with gladness and joy, and Theodore with
friendly politeness.

    [_A&M_:

  Her cousin waited on Alonzo to the ball, and introduced him to
  Melissa, who received him with politeness.]

"This meeting must be highly pleasing to you, miss," said Theodore to
Alida, "after your long absence from home." "It is so, indeed," replied
she, "and highly gratifying to my father, to meet here his children, and
relations, on the annual occasion of celebrating his birth-day, when we
are honoured with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins,
nephews, and nieces, that one would suppose we were connected with half
the families in the state. And sometimes they do not all leave us, in
several weeks afterwards, and regale themselves in riding about the
country and visiting the neighbours in the vicinity."

    [_A&M_:

  "We have been thronged with company for several days, [said Melissa]
  once a year my father celebrates his birth day, when we are honored
  with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and
  nieces, that were you present, you would suppose we were connected
  with half the families in Connecticut.]

In the course of the evening they were joined by a number from the
neighbouring villages, and among the rest was the son of a gentleman who
had been long acquainted with the family. He was a gay young man; his
address was easy; his manners rather voluptuous than refined; confident,
but not ungraceful.

    [_A&M_:

  Melissa's partner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of
  independent fortune in New-London. He was a gay young man, aged
  about twenty five. His address was easy, his manners rather
  voluptuous than refined; confident but not ungraceful.]

He led the ton in fashionable circles, and was quite a favourite with
the ladies generally. His name was Bonville. He had seen Alida long
before, but her additional graces since that time appeared far to exceed
his expectations.

    [_A&M_:

  He led the ton in fashionable circles; gave taste its zest, and was
  quite a favorite with the ladies generally. His name was Beauman.]

Alida at sixteen displayed many pleasing attractions. Her height rose to
the majestic. She was tall and graceful, and her expressive features
were adorned with hair of light auburn, which hung about her neck in
natural ringlets; while her dark blue eyes, mingled at once the rays of
sprightly intelligence, and a pleasing affability.

    [_A&M_:

  Melissa, the sister of Edgar, was about sixteen years of age.]

    [[The phrase "her height rose to the majestic" is widely quoted
    from Robertson's _History of Scotland_, describing Mary Queen
    of Scots.]]

    [Mrs. Sherwood: _Lady of the Manor_:

  her brown hair hanging in natural ringlets about her neck....
  ...
  her eyes were dark blue, and sparkling with intelligence, and
  her head, before she was half a year old, was adorned with the most
  abundant ringlets of the richest auburn hair.]

She was arrayed on this occasion, in a dress of white muslin, richly
inwrought with needle-work. A silk embroidered sash surrounded her
waist, and she wore on her head a wreath of artificial flowers. Her
elder sisters manifested their pleasure in beholding the artless,
unadorned school-girl, metamorphosed to the interesting young lady of
fascinating manners and amiable deportment.

    [_A&M_:

  She was dressed in white embroidered and spangled with rich silver
  lace; a silk girdle, enwrought and tasseled with gold, surrounded
  her waist; her hair was unadorned except by a wreath of artificial
  flowers, studded by a single diamond.]

    [_A&M_ (different scene):

  She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with
  a deep fringe of lace.]

Social converse and rural amusements took up the greater part of the
evening, when the general conversation of the gentlemen turned upon a
topic in which they were all more or less interested, on what might be
the unhappy result of the present contest, in which the American nation
was engaged, which continued to engross their thoughts, and it was a
late hour when the company separated.

Those who remained behind accompanied Alida on the next Sabbath to the
village church, where they heard an able and sublime discourse delivered
by the parish minister; highly edifying to the understanding and
improving to the minds of the hearers.

This divine was fully competent in the possession of Christian
principles and knowledge for his arduous calling, and had a happy talent
of conveying them to others with effect, and communicating them in
persuasive eloquence, for the benefit and reformation of mankind.

His powers of intellect and sentiments were no less liberal and
enlarged, than they were ingenious and elegant. His aspect was serene,
and his manners were cheerful, and the unruffled calmness of his mind
bore the same character of exalted excellence, and gave testimony of a
peaceful bosom, rich in good works.

    [_NY Weekly_: Select Reflections On Education:

  He who is conversant with the best Greek and Roman writers, with a
  Plato, a Xenophon, and a Cicero, must imbibe, if he be not deficient
  in the powers of intellect, sentiments no less liberal and enlarged
  than ingenious and elegant.]

He manifested a lively interest in the welfare of his congregation, and
by his genuine goodness and pious example made many proselytes.

It was his endeavour to unite the minds of the people in one interest,
and excite them to be zealous in the common cause of Christianity, where
each individual, acting for the benefit of the whole, would find their
own happiness blended with that of society in general, and be blessed in
the reciprocal communication of charity and benevolence.




CHAPTER VII.

  "Come, Friendship, twine a wreath for me,
  And weave it with the choicest flowers,
  To cheat the ling'ring steps of time,
  And gladden all life's passing hours."


The time now arrived when Theodore was to enter upon his professional
studies, and he became engaged in the office of an eminent attorney in
New-York. He frequently absented himself, however, to accompany Albert
to visit his father's family, and since his acquaintance with Alida,
there was a charm that attracted him thither. If he had admired the
manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the gentle graces
of the sister? If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship had
been drawn forth toward the former, must not all the softer
sensibilities of the heart be attracted by the milder and more refined
excellencies of the other?

    [_A&M_ (beginning of continuous text):

  The time now arrived when Edgar and Alonzo were to part. The former
  repaired to New-York, where he was to enter upon his professional
  studies. The latter entered in the office of an eminent attorney in
  his native town, which was about twenty miles distant from the
  village in which lived the family of Edgar and Melissa. Alonzo was
  the frequent guest of this family; for though Edgar was absent,
  there was still a charm which attracted him thither. If he had
  admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the
  sublimer graces of the sister. If all the sympathies of the most
  ardent friendship had been drawn forth towards the former, must not
  the most tender passions of the soul be attracted by the milder and
  more refined excellencies of the other?]

Bonville had become the admirer of Alida; of course he and Theodore
sometimes met. He had made no serious pretensions, but his particularity
indicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, his
independent situation, entitled him to respect. "It is not probable,
therefore, that he will be objectionable to her friends, or to Alida
herself," said Theodore, with an involuntary sigh, and as his visits
became more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in his bosom. He
wished her to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave
him inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply to him the happy
hours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingering
moments when she was gone?

    [_A&M_:

  Beauman had become the suitor of Melissa; but the distance of
  residence rendered it inconvenient to visit her often. He came
  regularly once in two or three months, of course Alonzo and he
  sometimes met. Beauman had made no serious pretensions, but his
  particularity indicated something more than fashionable politeness.

  His manners, his independent situation, his family, entitled
  him to respect. "It is not probable therefore, that he will be
  objectionable to Melissa's friends, or to Melissa herself," said
  Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh.

  But as Beauman's visits to Melissa became more frequent, an
  increasing anxiety took place in Alonzo's bosom. He wished her
  to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him
  inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply the happy hours
  he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingering
  moments when she was gone?]

How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved
friendship and conversation of Alida. And unreserved it could not be,
were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there not
something of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilection
for the company of Alida? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, his
family, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those of
Bonville.

    [_A&M_:

  How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved
  friendship and conversation of Melissa! And unreserved it could not
  be, were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there not
  something of a more refined texture than friendship in his
  predilection for the company of Melissa? If so, why not avow it? His
  prospects, his family, and of course his pretensions might not be
  inferior to those of Beauman.]

But perhaps he was preferred. His opportunities: his prior acquaintance
with the lady. Distance was no barrier to his addresses. His visits
became more and more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that he
had gained her affections?

    [_A&M_:

  But perhaps Beauman was preferred--His opportunities had been
  greater--He had formed an acquaintance with her. Distance proved no
  barrier to his addresses. His visits became more and more frequent.
  Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections?]

Thus reasoned Theodore, but the reasoning tended not to allay the
tempest that was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his carriage, and
was in a short time at the seat of Alida's father. It was summer, and
towards evening when he arrived. Alida was sitting by the window when he
entered the hall. She arose and received him with a smile. I have just
been thinking of an evening's walk, said she, but had no one to attend
me, and you have come just in time to perform that office. I will order
tea immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey.

    [_A&M_:

  Thus reasoned Alonzo, but the reasoning tended not to allay the
  tempest which was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his horse, and
  was in a short time at the seat of Melissa's father.

  It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived, Melissa was
  sitting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose and
  received him with a smile. "I have just been thinking of an
  evening's walk, (said she) but had no one to attend me, and you
  have come just in time to perform that office. I will order tea
  immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey."]

When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letter which
he had found in the yard. Alida received it. "'Tis a letter," said she,
which I sent by Bonville to a lady in the village, and the careless man
has lost it. Turning to Theodore, I forgot to tell you, that your friend
Bonville has been with us a few days; he left us this morning. "My
friend," replied Theodore, hastily. "Is he not your friend?" inquired
Alida. "I beg pardon, madam," said he "my mind was absent." "He
requested us to present his respects to his friend Theodore," said she.
Theodore bowed and turned the conversation.

    [_A&M_:

  When tea was served up a servant entered the room with a letter
  which he had found in the yard. Melissa received it.--"'Tis a letter
  (said she) which I sent by Beauman, to a lady in New-London, and the
  careless man has lost it." Turning to Alonzo, "I forgot to tell you
  that your friend Beauman has been with us a few days; he left us
  this morning." "My friend!" replied Alonzo hastily. "Is he not your
  friend?" enquired Melissa. "I beg pardon madam (answered he) my mind
  was absent." "He requested us to present his respects to his friend
  Alonzo," said she--Alonzo bowed and turned the conversation.]

They now walked out, and took a winding path which led through pleasant
fields until they reached the water, and continued to pursue their way
along the shore till they came to a beautiful and shady grove, where the
thick foliage afforded a delightful retreat from the warm rays of the
sun, and at the extremity of which was a sloping eminence, which
commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, part of
Long-Island sound and the junction of the bay with the eastern river.

    [_A&M_:

  They walked out and took a winding path which led along pleasant
  fields by a gliding stream through a little grove, and up a sloping
  eminence, which commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding
  country, Long Island and the sound between that and the main land,
  and the opening there off to the distant ocean.]

A soft and silent shower had descended. A thousand transitory gems
trembled upon the leafy foliage, glittering in the western ray. A bright
rainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among the
branches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, and moved the
tops of the deep green forest with majestic grandeur; while flocks,
herds, and cottages were scattered over the resplendent landscape.

    [_A&M_:

  A soft and silent shower had descended; a thousand transitory gems
  trembled upon the foliage glittering in the western ray. A bright
  rainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among
  the branches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, or waved
  the tops of the distant, deep green forest with majestic grandeur.
  Flocks, herds and cottages were scattered over the variegated
  landscape.]

"This is a most delightful scene," said Alida. "It is, truly," replied
Theodore, "do you think that New-York can boast of so charming a
prospect?" "Yes, one," answered she, it is the walk on the battery, the
water prospect is similar to this, but the landscape is not so
variegated.

    [_A&M_:

  .... "This is a most delightful scene," said Melissa.

  It is indeed (replied Alonzo,) can New London boast so charming
  a prospect?]

See that ship, Theodore, coming down the sound, how she ploughs through
the white foam, while the breezes flutter in the sails, varying with the
vivid rays of the sun. "Yes," said Theodore, it bounds with rapid
motions over the waves, and ere the day has departed it will probably
safely reach the wharf of the city.

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. See that ship, Alonzo, coming up the sound; how she ploughs
  through the white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails,
  varying with the beams of the sun.
  ...
  Al. O yes--the ship--it--it bounds with rapid motion over the
  waves.]

They walked leisurely around the hill, and then moved slowly towards
home. The sun was sinking gradually behind the western horizon. Twilight
arose dimly in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began to
hover around the woodlands and valleys. The beauties of the landscape
slowly receded; the breezes had gone down with the sun, and a perfect
calm succeeded.

    [_A&M_:

  A pause ensued. They walked leisurely around the hill, and moved
  toward home. The sun sunk behind the western hills. Twilight arose
  in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began to hover
  around the woodlands and vallies. The beauties of the landscape
  slowly receded.]

"I shall never forget this charming promenade," said Theodore, as he
approached the threshold of the door, with a deep drawn sigh, "and the
remembrance of the sweet pensive scenery of this delightful spot, will
ever continue to haunt my memory."

    [_A&M_ (Melissa speaking):

  I shall never forget the sweet pensive scenery of my favorite rock.
  "Nor I neither," said Alonzo, with a deep drawn sigh.]




CHAPTER VIII.

  To lull affection's sigh,
  And dry the tear of sensibility;
  I'll think of thee, in all my lonely hours,
  Though thou, perhaps, may ne'er remember me.

    [_NY Weekly_: Stanzas Addressed to a Young Lady, stz. 4.1-4:

      To lull the heart-rent pang of Nature's sigh,
      And dry the tear of sensibility,
      In these lone solitary wilds I'll call on thee,
      Whilst thou, perhaps, wilt ne'er remember me.]


The next day Theodore returned to his studies; but different from his
former visits to Alida, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this had
tended to depress them. He doubted whether she was not already engaged
to Bonville. His hopes would persuade him this was not the case; but his
fears declared otherwise.

    [_A&M_:

  The next day Alonzo returned to his studies; but different from his
  former visits to Melissa, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this
  had tended to depress them. He doubted whether Melissa was not
  already engaged to Beauman. His hopes would persuade him that this
  was not the case; but his fears declared otherwise.]

It was some time before he renewed his visits again. In the interim he
received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Alida's father;
an extract from which follows: "We are soon to have a wedding here; you
are acquainted with the parties--Alida M. and Bonville. Such at least is
our opinion from appearances, as this gentleman is now there more than
half his time. You will undoubtedly be invited. We had expected that you
would have put in your claims, from your particular attention to the
lady. She is a fine girl, Theodore." I shall never be a guest at Alida's
wedding, said Theodore, as he hastily paced the room; but I must again
see her before that event takes place, when I shall lose her forever.

    [_A&M_:

  It was some time before Alonzo renewed his visit. In the interim he
  received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa's
  father; an extract from which, follows:

  "We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with the
  parties--Melissa D.---- and Beauman. Such at least is our opinion
  from appearances, as Beauman is now here more than half his time.
  You will undoubtedly be a guest. We had expected that you would have
  put in your claims, from your particular attention to the lady. She
  is a fine girl, Alonzo."

  "I shall never be a guest at Melissa's wedding," said Alonzo, as he
  hastily paced the room, "but I must once again see her before that
  event takes place, when I lose her forever."]

The ensuing day he repaired to her father's. He inquired for Alida; she
was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by Bonville.
At evening they returned. Bonville and Theodore addressed each other
with much seeming cordiality. "You have deserted us, Theodore," said
Alida, "we concluded you had forgotten the road to this place." "Was not
that a hasty conclusion?" said Theodore. "I think not," she answered,
"if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear
your excuse," said she, smiling, "by and by, and perhaps pardon you."

    [_A&M_:

  The next day he repaired to her father's. He enquired for Melissa,
  she was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by
  Beauman. At evening they returned. Beauman and Alonzo addressed each
  other with much seeming cordiality. "You have deceived us, Alonzo,
  (said Melissa)--We concluded you had forgotten the road to this
  place." "Was not that a hasty conclusion?" replied Alonzo. "I think
  not, she answered, if your long absence should be construed into
  neglect. But we will hear your excuse (said she smiling) by and by,
  and perhaps pardon you."]

He thanked her for her condescension.

    [_A&M_:

  He thanked her for her condescension.]

The next morning Bonville set out to go to New-York. Theodore observed
that he took particular leave of Alida, telling her, in a low voice,
that he should have the happiness of seeing her again, within two or
three weeks certainly.

    [_A&M_:

  The next morning Beauman set out for New-London; Alonzo observed
  that he took a tender leave of Melissa, telling her in a low voice
  that he should have the happiness of seeing her again within two or
  three weeks.]

After he was gone, as Alida and Theodore were sitting in the room alone,
"Well," said she, "am I to hear your excuses, Theodore?" "For what,
madam?" "For neglecting your friends." "I hope it is not so considered,
madam." "Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this
place no charms in the absence of my brother?"

    [_A&M_:

  After he was gone, as Melissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room
  alone, "well, (said she) am I to hear your excuses?"

  Alonzo. For what, madam?

  Melissa. For neglecting your friends.

  Al. I hope it is not so considered, madam.

  Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this
  place no charms in the absence of my brother?]

"Would my presence have added to your felicity, Alida?" "You never came
an unwelcome visiter here." "Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive when
Bonville is your guest." "I have supposed you were on friendly terms,"
said she. "We are, but there are seasons when friendship must yield its
pretensions to a superior claim."

    [_A&M_:

  Al. Would my presence have added to your felicity, Melissa?

  Mel. You never came an unwelcome visitor here.

  Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive.

  Mel. What times?

  Al. When Beauman is your guest.

  Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms.

  Al. We are.

  Mel. Why then intrusive?

  Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to
  a superior claim.

  ...]

"Will you answer me one question, Alida, are you engaged to Bonville?"
"He has asked me the same question concerning you," replied she,
(blushing.)

    [_A&M_:

  Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question?
  ...
  Al. Are you engaged to Beauman?

  Mel. [blushing] He has asked me the same question concerning you.]

"Do you," continued Theodore, "prefer him to any other?" Alida,
(blushing deeply.) "He has made the same inquiries respecting you."

    [_A&M_:

  Al. Do you prefer him to any other?

  Mel. [deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor] He has made
  the same enquiry respecting you.]

"I beg, madam, you will deal with me candidly," said Theodore, (taking
her hand with anxiety.) "I am entitled to no claims, but you know what
my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Bonville or Theodore
must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing."

    [_A&M_:

  Al. [Taking her hand with anxiety] Melissa, I beg you will deal
  candidly. I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart
  would ask. I will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must
  relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.]

The cheeks of Alida were suffused with a varying glow, her lips were
pale, her voice tremulous, and her eyes cast down. "My father has
informed me," she said, "that it is improper to receive the particular
addresses of more than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that
the reproof is just. One, therefore, must be dismissed." But, (she
blushed deeper,) and a considerable pause ensued.

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. [Her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, her
  voice tremulous, her eyes still cast down.] My parents have informed
  me that it is improper to receive the particular addresses of more
  than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is
  just. One therefore must be dismissed. But--[she blushed.]

  A considerable pause ensued.]

At length Theodore arose. "I will not press you further," said he.
"I know the delicacy of your feelings; I know your sincerity; I will not
therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding against
me. Your conduct in every point of view has been discreet. I would have
no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction them, or they
would be unhallowed, and unjustifiable. I shall ever pray for your
felicity. Our affections are not under our direction; our happiness
depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my
sufferings, you are unblameable, and irreproachable."

    [_A&M_:

  At length Alonzo arose--"I will not press you farther, [said he] I
  know the delicacy of your feeling, I know your sincerity; I will not
  therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding
  against me. Your conduct, in every point of view, has been discreet.
  I could have no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction
  them or they would be unhallowed and unjustifiable.--I shall ever
  pray for your felicity. Our affections are not under our direction;
  our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever,
  then, may be my sufferings, you are unblamable and irreproachable."]

He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared himself to take
leave. Alida had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and
collected her scattered spirits.

    [_A&M_:

  He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared to take his
  leave.

  Melissa had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and
  collected her scattered spirits.]

"Your conduct, Theodore," said she, "is generous and noble. Will you
give yourself the trouble, and do me the honour to see me once more?"
"I will," said he, "at any time you shall appoint."

    [_A&M_:

  "Your conduct, Alonzo, (said she) is generous and noble. Will you
  give yourself the trouble, and do me the honor to see me once more?"
  "I will, [said he] at any time you shall appoint."]

"Four weeks, then," said she, "from this day, honour me with a visit,
and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer." "I will be
punctual to the day," he replied, and bade her adieu.

    [_A&M_:

  "Four weeks, then, [she said] from this day, honor me with a visit,
  and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer." "I
  will be punctual to the day," he replied, and bade her adieu.]

Theodore's hours from this time winged heavily away. His wonted
cheerfulness fled; he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of musing,
moping melancholy. He loved to wander through lonely fields, when dewy
twilight robed the evening mild, or to trace the forest glen, through
which the moon darted her silvery intercepted rays. His agitated
thoughts preyed upon his peace incessantly, and deeply disturbed his
repose.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo's hours now winged heavily away. His wonted cheerfulness
  fled; he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of "musing, moping
  melancholy." He loved to wander through lonely fields, or along the
  verge of some lingering stream, "when dewy twilight rob'd the
  evening mild," or "to trace the forest glen, thro' which the moon
  darted her silvery intercepted ray."

  He was fondly indulging a tender passion, which preyed upon his
  peace, and deeply disturbed his repose.]

He looked anxiously to the hour when Alida was to make the decision. He
wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or thought he
foresaw, a withering blight to all his hopes, and a final consummation
to his foreboding fears. He had pressed Alida, perhaps too urgently, to
a declaration. Had her predilection been in his favour, would she have
hesitated to avow it? Her father had advised her to relinquish one, and
to retain the other, nor had he attempted to influence or direct her
choice. Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation and
embarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that her
ultimate decision would be in favour of Bonville?

    [_A&M_:

  He looked anxiously to the hour when Melissa was to make her
  decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or
  thought he foresaw, a withering blight to his budding hopes, and a
  final consummation to his foreboding fears. He had pressed Melissa,
  perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. Had her predilection been in
  his favor, would she have hesitated to avow it? Her parents had
  advised her to relinquish and had permitted her to retain one
  suitor, nor had they attempted to influence or direct her choice.
  Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation and
  embarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that
  her ultimate decision would be in favor of Beauman?]

While Theodore's mind was thus in agitation, he received a second letter
from his friend in the neighbourhood of Alida. He read the following
clause therein with emotions more easily to be conceived than expressed:
"Alida's wedding-day is appointed. I need not tell you that Bonville is
to be the happy deity of the hymenial sacrifice. I had it from his own
declaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to be
soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, and receive an
invitation."

    [_A&M_:

  While Alonzo's mind was thus agitated, he received a second letter
  from his friend in the neighborhood of Melissa. He read the
  following clause therein with emotion more easily to be conceived
  than expressed:--

  "Melissa's wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you that
  Beauman is to be the happy deity of the Hymeneal sacrifice. I had
  this from his own declaration. He did not name the positive day, but
  it is certainly to be soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have
  timely notice, as a guest."]

"We must pour out a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Theodore,
and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Bonville should
devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a
week, and departed for New-York yesterday, but is shortly to return."

    [_A&M_:

  "We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Alonzo, and
  twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Beauman ought to
  devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for
  a week, and departed for New-London yesterday, but is shortly to
  return."]

And why have I ever doubted this event? said Theodore. What infatuation
hath then led me on in the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I have
had, it is true, no positive assurances that Alida would be disposed to
favour my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she
enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the soft powers of my heart by
that winning mildness, and the favourable display of those complicated
and superior attractions which she must have known were irresistible?
And now she would have me dance attendance to her decision in favour of
another--insulting; let Bonville and herself make it, as they have
formed this farcical decision. I absolutely will never attend it. Why
did she not spurn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me that my
attentions were untimely and improper?

    [_A&M_:

  "And why have I ever doubted this event? [said Alonzo.] What
  infatuation hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal
  bliss? I have had, it is true, no positive assurance that Melissa
  would favor my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did
  she enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the tender powers of
  my soul by that winning mildness, and the favorable display of those
  complicated and superior attractions which she must have known were
  irresistible? Why did she not spurn me from her confidence, and
  plainly tell me that my attentions were untimely and improper?--And
  now she would have me dance attendance to her decision, in favor of
  Beauman--Insulting! Let Beauman and she make, as they have formed,
  this farcical decision; I absolutely will never attend it.]

But, I have engaged to see her at an appointed time; my honour is
therefore pledged for an interview; it must take place. I shall
endeavour to support it with becoming dignity, and I will convince Alida
and Bonville, that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But, let me
consider--What has Alida done to deserve censure or reproach? Her
brother was my early friend; she has treated me as a friend to that
brother. She was unconscious of the affection which her charms and
mental graces had kindled in my bosom. Her evident embarrassment, on
receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior attachment.
What could she do to save herself the pain of a direct denial? She has
appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more delicate and formal
manner--and I must therefore meet it.

    [_A&M_:

  --But stop:--I have engaged to see her at an appointed time; my
  honor is therefore pledged for an interview; it must take place. I
  shall support it with becoming dignity, and I will convince Melissa
  and Beauman that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But let me
  consider--What has Melissa done to deserve censure or reproach? Her
  brother was my early friend--she has treated me as a friend to her
  brother. She was unconscious of the flame which her charms had
  kindled in my bosom. Her evident embarrassment and confusion on
  receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior
  attachment. What could she do? To save herself the pain of a direct
  denial she has appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more
  delicate and formal manner--and I must meet it."]




CHAPTER IX.

  The time draws near when I shall meet those eyes, that may
  perchance look cold on me--"but doubt is called the beacon
  of the wise, the test that reaches to the bottom of the worst."

    [_Troilus and Cressida_, II.ii:
                      but modest doubt is called
      The beacon of the wise, the tent that searches
      To th' bottom of the worst.]


On the appointed day, Theodore proceeded to the house of Alida's father,
where he arrived late in the afternoon. Alida had retired to a little
summer-house at the end of the garden. A servant conducted him thither.

    [_A&M_:

  At the appointed day, Alonzo proceeded to the house of Melissa's
  father, where he arrived late in the afternoon. Melissa had retired
  to a little summer house at the end of the garden; a servant
  conducted Alonzo thither.]

She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, richly embroidered.
Her hair was in dishevelled curls; she was contemplating a bouquet of
flowers which she held in her hand. Theodore fancied she never appeared
so lovely. She arose to receive him.

    [_A&M_:

  She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with
  a deep fringe of lace. Her hair hung loosely upon her shoulders--she
  was contemplating a bouquet of flowers which she held in her hand.
  Alonzo fancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive
  him.]

We have been expecting you for some time, said she; we were anxious to
inform you that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which
he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains
of your not visiting him lately so frequently as usual. Theodore thanked
her for the information; said that business had prevented him; he
esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more particular
in future.

    [_A&M_:

  "We have been expecting you some time, [said Melissa,] we were
  anxious to inform you, that we have just received a letter from my
  brother, in which he desires us to present you his most friendly
  respects, and complains of your not writing to him lately so
  frequently as usual." Alonzo thanked her for the information--said
  that business had prevented him--he esteemed him as his most
  valuable friend, and would be more particular in future.]

"We have been thronged with company several days," said Alida. The last
of them took their departure yesterday. And I have only to regret, that
I have nearly a week been prevented from taking my favourite walk to the
grove, to which place you attended me when you were last here. "We will
walk there, then, if you have no objections, as no doubt it is much
improved since that time," said Theodore. They resorted thither towards
evening, and seated themselves in the arbour where they sat some time
contemplating the scenery.

    [_A&M_:

  "We have been thronged with company for several days, [said Melissa]
  once a year .... The last of this company took their departure
  yesterday, and I have only to regret that I have for nearly a week,
  been prevented from visiting my favorite hill, to which you attended
  me when you was last here. It is much improved since then; I have
  had a little arbor built under the large tree on its summit: you
  will have no objection to view it, Alonzo?" He assured her he
  accepted the invitation with pleasure, and towards evening they
  resorted to the place and seated themselves in the arbor.]

    [[The omitted text, referring to Melissa's father's birthday
    celebration, was used earlier in _Alida_.]]

It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
natural beauties of creation. The withering forest began to shed its
decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet
fields;--the low sun extended its lengthening shadows;--curling smoke
ascended from the neighbouring village and the surrounding cottages;--a
thick fog crept along the valleys;--a grey mist hovered over the tops of
the distant hills;--the glassy surface of the water glittering to the
sun's departing ray;--the solemn herds lowed in monotonous
symphony;--the autumnal insects, in sympathetic wafting, plaintively
predicted their approaching fate.

    [_A&M_:

  It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
  fading charms of nature. The withering forest began to shed its
  decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet
  fields. The low sun extended the lengthening shadows; curling smoke
  ascended from the surrounding cottages. A thick fog crept along the
  vallies, a grey mist hovered over the tops of the mountains. The
  glassy surface of the Sound glittered to the sun's departing ray.
  The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony.--The autumnal insects
  in sympathetic wafting, plaintively predicted their approaching
  fate.]

The scene is changed since we last visited this place, said Alida; "the
gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must soon yield their
splendours to the rude despoiling hand of winter."

    [_A&M_:

  "The scene is changed since we last visited this place, [said
  Melissa;] the gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must
  soon yield their splendors to the rude despoiling hand of winter."]

"That will be the case," said Theodore, "before I shall have the
pleasure of your company here again." "That may probably be, though it
is nearly two months yet to winter," said Alida.

    [_A&M_:

  "That will be the case, (said Alonzo) before I shall have the
  pleasure of your company here again."

  Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet to
  winter.]

"Great changes may take place within that time," said Theodore. Yes,
changes must take place, she answered, but nothing, I hope to embitter
present prospects.

    [_A&M_:

  Al. Great changes may take place within that time.

  Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but nothing, I hope, to embitter
  present prospects.]

As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam. "And I sincerely hope not,
as it respects you, Theodore." That wish, said he, I believe is vain.

    [_A&M_:

  Al. (Peevishly) As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam.

  Mel. (Tenderly) And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you,
  Alonzo.

  Al. That wish--I believe--is vain.]

Your feelings accord with the season, Theodore; you are melancholy.
Shall we return?

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alonzo; you are
  melancholy. Shall we return?]

"I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of
returning; you know the occasion of my being here. You cannot have
forgotten your own appointment and consequent engagement?" She made no
answer.

    [_A&M_:

  Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of
  returning--You know the occasion of my being here.
  ...
  (She made no reply.)

  Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequent
  engagement?

  (She made no answer.)]

I know, Alida, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion. I have
promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently submit to
your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the time you
have appointed. The pain of present suspense can scarcely be surpassed
by the pang of disappointment. On your part you have nothing to fear.
I trust you have candidly determined, and will decide explicitly.

    [_A&M_:

  Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion.
  I have promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently
  submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is
  the time you have appointed. The pains of present suspense can
  scarcely be surpassed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part
  you have nothing to fear. I trust you have candidly determined, and
  will decide explicitly.]

"I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation," answered Alida,
(sighing.) "I know you are, madam," said Theodore, "but your own honour,
your own peace, require that you should extricate yourself from the
perplexing embarrassment."

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. (sighing) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation.

  Al. I know you are,--but your own honor, your own peace,
  require that you should extricate yourself from the perplexing
  embarrassment.]

"That I am convinced of," replied she. "I know that I have been
inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Bonville and
yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have
both treated me honourably and with respect. You are both on equal
grounds as to standing in life. With Bonville I became first acquainted.
As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since you
came here."

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been
  inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Beauman
  and yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You
  have both treated me honorably, and with respect. You are both on
  equal grounds as to your character and standing in life. With
  Beauman I became first acquainted. As it relates to him, some new
  arrangements have taken place since you were here, which----]

Theodore interrupted her with emotion. "Of those arrangements I am
acquainted, I received the intelligence from a friend in your
neighbourhood. I am prepared for the event."

    [_A&M_:

  Al. (interrupting her, with emotion) Of those arrangements I am
  acquainted.
  ...
  Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbourhood.
  ...
  Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event.]

Alida remained silent. "I have mentioned before," resumed Theodore,
"that whatever may be your decision, no impropriety can attach to you.
I might add, indeed, from various circumstances, and from the
information I possess, I perhaps should not have given you further
trouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction. And I
am now willing to retire without further explanation, without giving you
the pain of an express decision, if you think the measure expedient.
Your declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of which
I know, and my proposition may save your feelings."

    [_A&M_:

  (She was silent.)

  Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, no
  impropriety can attach to you. I might not, indeed, from various
  circumstances, and from the information I possess, I perhaps should
  not, have given you farther trouble on the occasion, had it not been
  from your own direction and appointment. And I am now willing to
  retire without further explanation, without giving you the pain of
  an express decision, if you think the measure expedient. Your
  declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of which
  I know, and my proposition may save your feelings.]

"No, Theodore," replied she, "my reputation depends on my adherence
to my first determination; justice to yourself and to Bonville also
demand it. After what has passed, I should be considered as acting
capriciously, and inconsistently, should I depart from it. Bonville will
be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us until that time;
the matter shall then be decided." "Yes," said Theodore, "it shall be as
you say, madam. Make your arrangements as you please."

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my first
  determination; justice to yourself and to Beauman, also demand it.
  After what has passed, I should be considered as acting capriciously
  and inconsistently should I depart from it. Beauman will be here
  to-morrow, and----

  Al. To-morrow, madam?

  Mel. He will be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us
  until that time; the matter shall then be decided.

  Al. I--yes--it shall be as you say, madam. Make your arrangements as
  you please.]

Evening came on, and spread around her sombre shades;--the breeze's
rustling wing was in the tree:--the sound of the low, murmuring brooks,
and the far-off waterfall, were faintly heard;--the frequent lights in
the village darted their pale lustre through the gloom:--the solitary
whip-poor-wills stationed themselves along the woody glens, the groves
and rocky pastures, and sung a requiem to departed summer;--a dark cloud
was rising in the west, across whose gloomy front the vivid lightning
bent its forky spires.

    [_A&M_:

  Evening had now spread her dusky mantle over the face of nature.
  The breeze's rustling wing was in the tree. The "stilly sound" of
  the low murmuring brook, and the far off water fall, were faintly
  heard. The twinkling fire fly arose from the surrounding verdure
  and illuminated the air with a thousand transient gleams. The
  mingling discordance of curs and watch-dogs echoed in the distant
  village, from whence the frequent lights darted their pale lustre
  through the gloom.--The solitary whipperwills stationed themselves
  along the woody glens, the groves and rocky pastures, and sung a
  requiem to departed summer. A dark cloud was rising in the west,
  across whose gloomy front the vivid lightning bent its forky
  spires.]

    [[The middle of this paragraph was used earlier in _Alida_.]]

Theodore and Alida moved slowly towards home; she appeared enraptured
with the melancholy splendours of the evening, but another subject
engaged the mental attention of Theodore.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo and Melissa moved slowly to the village; she appeared
  enraptured with the melancholy splendors of the evening, but the
  other subject engaged the mental attention of Alonzo.]

Bonville arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Theodore with seeming
warmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have been
affected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation of
Alida; her discourse, as usual, was sprightly and interesting. After
dinner she retired, and her father requested Theodore and Bonville to
withdraw with him to a private room. After they were seated, the old
gentleman thus addressed them:

    [_A&M_:

  Beauman arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Alonzo with
  seeming warmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have
  been affected. There was no alteration in the manners and
  conversation of Melissa; her conversation as usual, was sprightly
  and interesting. After dinner she retired, and her father requested
  Alonzo and Beauman to withdraw with him to a private room. After
  they were seated the old gentleman thus addressed them:--]

"I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent to my
daughter, and as a friend to you. You have both addressed Alida; while
your addresses were merely formal, they were innocent; but when they
became serious, they were dangerous. Your pretensions I consider equal,
and between honourable pretenders, who are worthy of my daughter,
I shall not attempt to influence her choice. That choice, however, can
rest only on one; she has engaged to decide between you. I am come, to
make in her name this decision. The following are my terms: no
difficulty shall arise between you, gentlemen, in consequence of her
determination; nothing shall go abroad respecting the affair; it shall
be settled under my roof. As soon as I have pronounced Alida's
declaration, you shall both depart, and absent my house for at least two
weeks, as it would be improper for my daughter to see either of you at
present; after that period I shall be happy to receive your visits."
Theodore and Bonville pledged their honour to abide implicitly by these
injunctions.

    [_A&M_:

  "I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent
  to my daughter, and as a friend to you. You are both suitors to
  Melissa; while your addresses were merely formal, they were
  innocent; but when they became serious they were dangerous. Your
  pretensions I consider equal, and between honorable pretenders, who
  are worthy of my daughter, I shall not attempt to influence her
  choice. That choice, however, can rest only on one: she has engaged
  to decide between you. I am come, to make in her name, this
  decision.--The following are my terms: No quarrel or difficulty
  shall arise between you, gentlemen, in consequence of her
  determination. Nothing shall go abroad respecting the affair; it
  shall be ended under my roof. As soon as I have pronounced her
  declaration, you shall both depart and absent my house, for, at
  least, two weeks, as it would be improper for my daughter to see
  either of you at present--after that period I shall be happy to
  receive your visits." Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honor to
  abide implicitly by these injunctions.]

He then further observed: "This, gentlemen, is all I require. I have
said that I considered your pretensions equal; so has my daughter
treated them. You have both made professions to her; she has appointed a
time to answer you. That time has now arrived, and I now inform
you--that she has decided in favour of Theodore."

    [_A&M_:

  Her father then observed--"This, gentlemen, is all I require. I have
  observed that I considered your pretensions equal--so has my
  daughter treated them. You have both made professions to her: she
  has appointed a time to answer you. That time has now arrived, and I
  now inform you that she has decided in favor of--Alonzo."]

These words from Alida's father, burst upon the mental powers of
Bonville like sudden and tremendous thunder on the deep and sullen
silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he had calculated on
assured success. His addresses to the ladies generally had been
honourably received. Alida was the first whose charms were capable of
rendering them sincere. He was not ignorant of Theodore's attentions to
her; it gave him, however, but little uneasiness. He believed that his
superior acquired graces would eclipse the pretensions of his rival. He
considered himself a connoisseur in character, especially in that of the
ladies. He conformed to their taste; he flattered their foibles, and
obsequiously bowed to the minutia of female volatility. He considered
himself skilled in the language of the heart; and he trusted that from
his pre-eminent powers in the science of affection, he had only to see,
to make use of, and to conquer.

    [_A&M_:

  The declaration of Melissa's father burst upon the mental powers of
  Beauman, like a sudden and tremendous clap of thunder on the deep
  and sullen silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he had
  calculated on success. His addresses to the ladies had ever been
  honorably received.

  Melissa was the first whose charms were capable of rendering them
  sincere. He was not ignorant of Alonzo's attention to her; it gave
  him however but little uneasiness. He believed that his superior
  qualifications would eclipse the pretensions of his rival. He
  considered himself a connoisseur in character, especially in the
  character of the ladies. He conformed to their taste; he flattered
  their foibles and obsequiously bowed to the minutia of female
  volatility. He considered himself skilled in the language of the
  heart; and he trusted that from his pre-eminent powers in the
  science of affection, he had only to see, to sue and to conquer.]

He had frankly offered his hand to Alida, and pressed her for a decisive
answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally named a day in
which to give him and Theodore a determinate one, though neither knew
the arrangements made with the other. Alida finding, however, the
dilemma in which she was placed, and she had previously consulted her
father. He had no objections to her choosing between two persons of
equal claims to affluence and respectability. This choice she had made,
and her father was considered the most proper person to pronounce it.

    [_A&M_:

  He had frankly offered his hand to Melissa, and pressed her for a
  decisive answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally
  appointed a day to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer, though
  neither knew the arrangements made with the other.

  Finding, however, the dilemma in which she was placed, she had
  previously consulted her parents. Her father had no objection to her
  choosing between two persons of equal claims to affluence and
  reputation; this choice she had made, and her father was considered
  the most proper person to pronounce it.]

When Bonville had urged Alida to answer him decidedly, he supposed that
her hesitation, delay and suspensions, were only the effect of
diffidence. He had no suspicion of her ultimate conclusion, and when she
finally named the day to decide, he was confident her voice would be in
his favour. These sentiments he had communicated to the person who had
written to Theodore, intimating that Alida had fixed a time which was to
crown his sanguine wishes. He had listened, therefore, attentively to
the words of her father, momentarily expecting to hear himself declared
the favourite choice of the fair. What then must have been his
disappointment when the name of Theodore was pronounced instead of his
own! The highly-finished scene of pleasure and future happy prospects
which his ardent imagination had depicted, now vanished in a moment. The
bright sun of his early hopes was veiled in darkness at this unexpected
decision.

    [_A&M_:

  When Beauman had urged his suit to Melissa, he supposed that her
  hesitations, delays and suspensions, were only the effects of maiden
  diffidence and timidity. He had no suspicions of her ultimately
  rejecting it; and when she finally named the day of decision, he was
  confident she would decide in his favor. These sentiments he had
  communicated to the person who had written to Alonzo, intimating
  that Melissa had fixed a time which was to crown his happiest
  wishes.

  He had listened, therefore, attentively to the words of Melissa's
  father, momentarily expecting to hear himself declared the favorite
  choice of the fair.

  What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzo
  was pronounced instead of his own! The highly finished scene of
  pleasure and future prosperity which his ardent imagination had
  depicted, had vanished in a moment. The rain-bow glories which
  gilded his youthful horizon, had faded in an instant--the bright sun
  of his early hopes, had set in mournful darkness.]

Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Theodore.
He had not even calculated on a decision in his favour; he believed that
Bonville would be the choice of Alida. She had told him, that the form
of deciding was necessary to save appearances; with this form he
complied, because she desired it, not because he expected the result
would be in his favour. He had not, therefore, attended to the words of
Alida's father with that eagerness which favourable anticipations
commonly produce.

    [_A&M_:

  Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of
  Alonzo. He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favor.
  He believed that Beauman would be the choice of Melissa. She had
  told him that the form of decision was necessary to save
  appearances--with this form he complied because she desired it, not
  because he expected the result would be in his favor. He had not
  therefore attended to the words of Melissa's father with that
  eagerness which favorable anticipations commonly produce.]

But when his name was mentioned; when he found that he was the choice,
the happy favourite of Alida's affection, every ardent feeling of his
soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of
sensibility. Like an electric shock it re-animated his existence, and
the bright morning of joy quickly dissipated the gloom which hung over
his mind.

    [_A&M_:

  But when his name was mentioned--when he found he was the
  choice--the happy favorite of Melissa's affection--every tender
  passion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to
  the refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it
  reanimated his whole frame, and vibrated every nerve of his heart.
  The glooms which hung about his mind were dissipated, and the bright
  morning of joy broke in upon his soul.]




CHAPTER X.

  "Dark gathering clouds involve the threat'ning skies,
    The billows heave with the impending gloom;
  Deep hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise,
    Ride on the blast, and urge the howling storm."

    [Charlotte Smith: _Elegy I_:

      Dark gathering clouds involve the threatening skies,
      The sea heaves conscious of the impending gloom,
      Deep, hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise;
      They come--the Spirits of the Tempest come!]


Several weeks passed away, and Theodore felt all that anxiety and
impatience which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He
framed a thousand excuses to visit Alida, yet he feared a visit might be
premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant
part of the country, after which he resolved to see her.

    [_A&M_:

  A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatience
  which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed a
  thousand excuses to visit Melissa, yet he feared a visit might be
  premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a
  distant part of the country, after which he resolved to see
  Melissa.]

He performed the business he went on, and was returning. It was toward
evening, and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season.
A rising shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapours
ascended in folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance.

    [_A&M_:

  He performed his business, and was returning. It was toward evening,
  and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season. A
  rising shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapor
  ascended in folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance.]

Theodore saw he should be overtaken by the rain. He discovered an
elegant seat about a hundred yards distant from the road; thither he
hastened to gain shelter from the approaching storm.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo saw he should be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat
  about one hundred yards distant from the road; thither he hastened
  to gain shelter from the approaching storm.]

The owner of the mansion met him at the door, and politely invited him
in, while a servant stood ready to take his horse.

    [_A&M_:

  The owner of the mansion met him at the door, politely invited him
  to alight and walk in, while a servant stood ready to take his
  horse.]

He was ushered into a large apartment, genteelly furnished, where the
family and several young ladies were sitting. As he glanced his eye
hastily around the room, he thought he recognized a familiar
countenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a moment crossed
his recollection. In a moment he discovered that it was Alida.

    [_A&M_:

  He was ushered into a large room neatly furnished, where the family
  and several young ladies were sitting. As Alonzo glanced his eyes
  hastily around the room, he thought he recognized a familiar
  countenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a moment,
  crossed his recollection.--In a moment he discovered that it was
  Melissa.]

By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed. Alida,
however, arose, and, in rather a confused manner, introduced Theodore to
the company as the friend of her brother.

    [_A&M_:

  By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed.
  Melissa, however, arose, and in rather a confused manner, introduced
  Alonzo, as the classmate of her brother, to the family of Mr.
  Simpson, and the company.]

The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Theodore was urged by the
family, and consented to stay the night. A moonlight evening succeeded
the shower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining
garden. Alida informed Theodore that the owner of the mansion was a
distant relative of her father, who had two amiable daughters, not far
from her own age. She had been invited there to pass a week, and
expected to return within two days. "And," she added, smiling, "perhaps,
Theodore, we may have an opportunity once more to visit our favourite
grove, before winter entirely destroys the remaining beauties of the
summer."

    [_A&M_:

  The rain continued most part of the afternoon, Alonzo was invited,
  and consented to stay all night. A moon light evening succeeded the
  shower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining
  garden. Melissa told Alonzo that Mr. Simpson was a distant relative
  of her father; his family consisted of his wife, two amiable
  daughters, not far from Melissa's age, and one son, named William,
  about seventeen years old. She had been invited there to pass a week
  and expected to return within two days. And she added, smiling,
  "perhaps, Alonzo, we may have an opportunity once more to visit the
  bower on my prospect hill, before winter entirely destroys the
  remaining beauties of the summer."]

Theodore felt all the force of the remark. He recollected the
conversation when they were last at the place she mentioned; and he well
remembered his feelings on that occasion.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo felt all the force of the remark. He recollected the
  conversation when they were last at the place she mentioned; and he
  well remembered his feelings on that occasion.]

"Great changes, indeed," he replied, "have taken place since we were
last there;--that they are productive of unexpected and unexampled
happiness to me, is due, Alida, to yourself alone."

    [_A&M_:

  "Great changes, indeed, (he replied) have taken place since we were
  last there; that they are productive of unexpected and unexampled
  happiness to me, is due, Melissa, to you alone."]

Theodore departed next morning, appointing the next week to visit Alida
at her father's house. Thus were the obstacles removed which had
presented a barrier to their united wishes. They had not, it is true,
been separated by wide seas, unfeeling parents, nor, as yet, by the
rigorous laws of war; but vexations, doubts, and difficulties had thus
far attended them, which had now happily disappeared, and they
calculated on no unpropitious event which might thwart their future
happiness.

    [_A&M_:

  Thus were the obstacles removed which presented a barrier to the
  united wishes of Alonzo and Melissa. They had not, it is true, been
  separated by wide seas, unfeeling parents, or the rigorous laws of
  war; but troubles, vexations, doubts and difficulties, had thus far
  attended them, which had now disappeared, and they calculated on no
  unpropitious event which might thwart their future union.]

All the hours that Theodore could spare from his studies were devoted to
Alida; and their parents began to calculate on joining their hands as
soon as his professional term of study was completed.

    [_A&M_:

  All the time that Alonzo could spare from his studies was devoted to
  Melissa, and their parents began to calculate on joining their hands
  as soon as Alonzo's professional term of study was completed.]

Hostilities that had previously commenced with England had been followed
by several battles. "The panic and general bustle which prevailed at
this time, will yet be remembered by many." These circumstances were not
calculated to impress the mind of Alida with the most pleasant
sensations. She foresaw that the burden of the war must rest on the
American youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of
Theodore. He, with others, should it continue, must take the field in
defence of his country. The effects of such a separation were dubious
and gloomy. Theodore and herself frequently discoursed on the subject,
and they agreed to form the mystic union previous to any wide
separation.

    [_A&M_:

  The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from
  America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring
  into actual hostilities, by the battle at Lexington, followed soon
  after by the battle at Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle
  which took place in America on these events, is yet well remembered
  by many. They were not calculated to impress the mind of Melissa
  with the most pleasing sensations. She foresaw that the burden of
  the war must rest on the American youth, and she trembled in
  anticipation for the fate of Alonzo. He, with others, should the war
  continue, must take the field, in defence of his country. The
  effects of such a separation were dubious and gloomy. Alonzo and she
  frequently discoursed, and they agreed to form the mystic union
  previous to any wide separation.]

    [[The phrase "actual hostilities" was used earlier.]]

One event tended to hasten this resolution: The attorney in
whose office Theodore was engaged received a commission in the
new-raised American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His
business was therefore suspended, and Theodore returned to the house of
his father. He considered that he could not remain long a mere spectator
of the contest, and that it might soon become his duty to take the
field, therefore concluded to hasten his marriage with Alida. She
consented to the proposition, and their parents made the necessary
arrangements for the event.

    [_A&M_:

  One event tended to hasten this resolution. The attorney in whose
  office Alonzo was clerk, received a commission in the new raised
  American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His business
  was therefore suspended, and Alonzo returned to the house of his
  father. He considered that he could not long remain a mere spectator
  of the contest, and that it might soon be his duty to take the
  field; he therefore concluded it best to hasten his marriage with
  Melissa. She consented to the proposition, and their parents made
  the necessary arrangements for the event.]

The place was fixed upon which was to be their future residence. It was
a pleasantly situated eminence, commanding an extensive prospect. On
the west, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, with here and there
a solitary field, newly cleared, and thinly scattered with cottages. To
the east, the eye extended over a soil at one time swelling into woody
elevations, and at another spreading itself into vales of the most
enchanting verdure. To the north it extended to the palisades, wooded
to their summits, and throwing their shadows over intervals of equal
wilderness, till at length the eye, wandering far beyond, was arrested
in its excursions by the blue mist which hovered over the distant
mountains, more grand, majestic, and lofty. The inhabitants around were
mild, sociable, moral, and diligent. The produce of their own fields
gave them the most of what was necessary, and they were happily free
from all dissipation and luxury.

    [_A&M_:

  They had even fixed upon the place which was to be the future
  residence of this happy couple. It was a pleasantly situated
  village.... On the west, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads,
  with here and there a solitary field, newly cleared, and thinly
  scattered with cottages. To the east, the eye extended over a soil,
  at one time swelling into craggy elevations, and at another
  spreading itself into vales of the most enchanting verdure. To the
  north it extended over a vast succession of mountains, wooded to
  their summits, and throwing their shadows over intervals of equal
  wilderness, till at length it was arrested in its excursions by the
  blue mists which hovered over mountains more grand, majestic and
  lofty.... The inhabitants of this modern Avernum were mostly
  farmers. They were mild, sociable, moral and diligent. The produce
  of their own flocks and fields, gave them most of their food and
  clothing. To dissipation they were strangers, and the luxuries of
  their tables were few.]

Such was the site marked out for the residence of Theodore and Alida.
They visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic
beauties.

    [_A&M_:

  Such was the place for the residence of Alonzo and Melissa. They had
  visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic
  beauties.]

"Here," said Theodore, "we will one day pass our time in all the
felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life will admit. In the
spring, we will roam among the flowers; in summer, we will gather
strawberries in yonder fields, or raspberries from the adjacent
shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning and the sighs of the evening
gale will be mingled with the songs of the various birds which frequent
the surrounding groves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and
will listen with pleasure to the hoarse, murmuring voice of winter--its
whistling winds, its driving snow and rattling hail--with delight."

    [_A&M_:

  "Here, (said Alonzo, one day to Melissa) will we pass our days in
  all that felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life admit.
  In the spring we will rove among the flowers. In summer we will
  gather strawberries in yonder fields, or whortleberries from the
  adjacent shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning, and the sighs
  of the evening gale, will be mingled with the songs of the thousand
  various birds which frequent the surrounding groves. We will gather
  the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listen to the hoarse voice
  of winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow, and rattling hail,
  with delight."]

The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Alida as Theodore
described this pleasing scene of anticipation.

    [_A&M_:

  The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo
  she anticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat in
  rapturous unison.]

Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and the
marriage day was appointed. Preparations for the hymenial ceremony were
making, and invitations had already gone abroad. Albert was particularly
sent for, and all was approaching to readiness for this happy event.

    [_A&M_:

  Winter came on; it rapidly passed away--Spring advanced, and the
  marriage day was appointed.
  ...
  Preparations for the hymeneal ceremony were making, and invitations
  had already gone abroad. Edgar, the brother of Melissa, had entered
  the army in the capacity of chaplain. He was soon expected home,
  where he intended to tarry until the consummation of the nuptials,
  before he set out for the camp.]

    [[The omitted text, concerning Alonzo's military plans, will be
    used later in _Alida_.]]

Theodore and Alida again promenaded to the spot which had been chosen
for their habitation; they projected the structure of the buildings,
planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, and the green
retreat of the summer-house; and already they realized in imagination
the various domestic blessings and felicities with which they were to be
surrounded.

    [_A&M_:

  About three weeks previous to the appointed marriage day, Alonzo and
  Melissa one afternoon rode out to the village which had been chosen
  for their future residence.... they projected the structure of the
  buildings, planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks,
  the mead, the fountains and the green retreat of the summer house,
  and they already saw, in anticipation, the variousdomestic blessings
  and felicities with which they were to be surrounded.]

Nature was adorned with the bridal ornaments of spring; the radiant sun
was sinking behind the groves, casting his sable shades over the valley,
while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminences
with yellow lustre; the birds sung melodiously in the grove; the air was
freshened by light western breezes, bearing upon their wings all the
entrancing odours of the season; while around the horizon clouds raised
their brazen summits, based in the black vapour of approaching night;
and as its darkening shades were advancing, Theodore and Alida returned
home. They seated themselves awhile on the piazza, to contemplate the
splendours of the evening, and to witness the beauties of one of the
most picturesque draperies painted in the landscape of nature.

    [_A&M_:

  ... nature was adorned in the bridal ornaments of spring; the sun
  was sunk behind the groves, which cast their sombre shades over the
  valley, while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern
  eminences with yellow lustre. The birds sung melodiously in the
  grove, the air was freshened by light western breezes, bearing upon
  their wings all the entrancing odors of the season. Around the
  horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based in the black vapor
  of approaching night.

  They slowly ascended the hill south of the town, where they paused a
  few moments to enjoy the splendors of the evening scene. This hill,
  which commanded a prospect of all the surrounding country, the
  distant Sound, and the adjacent towns and villages presented to the
  eye, on a single view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies
  painted by nature.]




CHAPTER XI.

  The dreadful din of war is heard
    Wide spreading o'er the land and sea;
  The battle's shout and cannon's roar
    Proclaim the nation shall be free.

  The nodding plumes, like waving pines,
    Are shaken by the morning breeze;
  The gilded armour brightly shines,
    And patriots sigh for victories.


The tumults of a second war with Great Britain still increased, and was
not only exhausting the finances of the country, but called for a still
greater sacrifice--all the bravest American youth. A large army of
reinforcements was shortly expected from England to land on our shores,
and the confused noise of the warriors, with more vigorous and intrepid
combat, were already anticipated.

    [_A&M_ (break in sequence):

  .... and great numbers of American youth volunteered in the service
  of their country. A large army of reinforcement was soon expected
  from England, to land on our shores, and "the confused noise of the
  warriors and garments rolled in blood," were already anticipated.]

Theodore had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enlisted
in the army, to join it also. He had an excuse: his father was a man in
extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a
number of agents and clerks under him, but began to feel himself unable
to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a
mercantile life. Theodore was his only son; his assistance, therefore,
became necessary, until, at least, his father could bring his business
to a close, which he was now about to effect.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
  pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had
  entered the army, to join it also. He had an excuse--His father was
  a man in extensive business, was considerably past the prime of
  life, had a number of agents and clerks under him, but began to grow
  unable to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands
  of a mercantile life.

  Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessary
  until, at least, his father could bring his business to a close,
  which he was now about to effect.]

Theodore stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every
occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his
country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs became
settled, he would, if necessary, join the army.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every
  occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his
  country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs should
  be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join the army.]

The president was now active in making every exertion in his power, to
rouse the feelings of his countrymen to act their parts with honour in
the scene that was now before them. He knew that much of the
responsibility rested on himself. The capacity he was in with regard to
the nation, caused the most material and important business--of
directing and superintending the weighty affairs of government--to fall
upon his hands; and such was the situation of the country, that it not
only called for the exertion, the wisdom, sound judgment, and policy of
the presidential chair, but likewise of every patriotic bosom to
participate in their endeavours to oppose the depredations against it.
The chief executive was entered on a theatre in which he was to act a
conspicuous part in this war of America with Great Britain, and to
occupy a station in the page of history, where the interesting detail
will reach the ear of remotest ages in the dates of time.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Taylor of Pennsylvania:

  entered on that theatre on which he was destined to act a
  conspicuous part in the great drama of the American revolution, and
  to occupy a station on the page of History that will reach the end
  of time.]

In the mean time, the father of Theodore had been absent for three or
four days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with some
merchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next day
after Theodore had got home; his aspect and his conversation were marked
with an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing,
discoursed much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted
by long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.

    [_A&M_ (earlier narrative resumes):

  His father had been absent for three or four days to one of the
  commercial seaports, on business with some merchants with whom he
  was connected in trade. He returned the next day after Alonzo got
  home; his aspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed
  and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing, discoursed
  much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted by long
  pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.]

After supper he asked Theodore "if it were not possible that his union
with Alida could be concluded within a few days?" Theodore, startled at
so unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be
considered extraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Alida had
named the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived at a
distance, whose daughter was to pass the summer with her, and was
expected to arrive before the appointed time. It would, he said, be a
delicate thing for him to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could give
some cogent reason for so doing, and at present he was not apprised that
any such existed. His father, after a few moments' hesitation, answered,
"I have reasons which, when told,"--here he stopped, suddenly arose,
hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind, and then retired
to his chamber.

    [_A&M_:

  After supper he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his
  marriage with Melissa could be consummated within a few days.
  Alonzo, startled at so unexpected a question, replied, that such a
  proposal would be considered extraordinary, perhaps improper;
  besides, when Melissa had fixed the day, she mentioned that she had
  an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina, whose
  daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to
  arrive before the appointed day. It would, he said, be a delicate
  point for him to request her to anticipate the nuptials, unless he
  could give some cogent reasons for so doing, and at present he was
  not apprised that any such existed. His father, after a few moments
  hesitation, answered, "I have reasons, which, when told"--here he
  stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room in much visible
  agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber.]

Theodore and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.
They could form no conjecture of its cause, or its consequence. Theodore
passed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted; he was
restless and uneasy: his sleep was broken and disturbed by incoherent
mutterings and plaintive moans. In the morning when he appeared at
breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and anguish. He
scarcely spoke a word; and after the cloth was removed, he ordered all
to withdraw except Theodore and his mother; when, with emotions that
spoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.
  They could form no conjecture of its cause or its consequence.
  Alonzo passed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were
  interrupted. He would frequently start up in bed, then sink in
  restless sleep, with incoherent mutterings, and plaintive moans. In
  the morning, when he appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the
  marks of dejection and anguish.

  He scarcely spoke a word, and after the cloth was removed, he
  ordered all to withdraw except his wife and Alonzo, when, with
  emotions that spoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus
  addressed them:]

"For more than thirty years I have been engaged in commerce, in order to
acquire independence for myself and my family. To accomplish this,
I became connected with some English importing merchants, in a seaport
town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned our
endeavours. On balancing our accounts, two years ago, we found that our
expectations were answered, and that we were sufficiently wealthy to
close business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed to
make one effort more, as some favourable circumstances appeared to
offer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation of
liberal and extensive proceeds.

    [_A&M_:

  "For more than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquire
  independence and ease for myself and my family. To accomplish this,
  I became connected with some English importing merchants in a
  seaport town, and went largely into the English trade. Success
  crowned our endeavors; on balancing our accounts two years ago, we
  found that our expectations were answered, and that we were now
  sufficiently wealthy to close business, which some proposed to do;
  it was, however, agreed to make one effort more, as some favorable
  circumstances appeared to offer, in which we adventured very
  largely, on a fair calculation of liberal and extensive proceeds.]

Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued,
and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that our
property in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, laden with
English goods, lying in English harbours, and just ready to sail for
America, have been seized as lawful prizes; added to this, three vessels
from the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on their
homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland.

    [_A&M_:

  "Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments
  ensued, and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find
  that our property in England has been sequestered; five of our
  ships, laden with English goods, lying in English harbors, and just
  ready to sail for America, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added
  to this, three vessels from the Indies, laden with island produce,
  have been taken on their homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her
  return from Holland.]

"This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only my
equal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I have been
connected, not one remains to share the fate of the event--all have
absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with my
creditors would be of little avail, so that the consequence to me is
inevitable ruin.

    [_A&M_:

  This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only
  my equal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I have
  been connected, not one remains to share the fate of the event; all
  have absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with
  my creditors would be of little avail, my whole fortune will not pay
  one fourth of the debts, so that compound or not, the consequence to
  me is inevitable ruin.]

"To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is
vested in real estate; and even if it would, I could not consent to it.
I could not consent to banish myself from my country, with the view to
defraud my creditors. No: I have lived honestly, and honestly will I
die. By fair application and industry my wealth has been obtained, and
it shall never justly be said that the reputation of my latter days were
sullied with acts of meanness. I have notified and procured a meeting of
the creditors, and have laid the matter before them. Some appeared
favourable to me, others insinuated that we were all connected in
fraudulent designs to swindle our creditors. To this I replied with
becoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediate
prosecution.

    [_A&M_:

  "To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is
  vested in real estate. And even if it would, I could not consent to
  it; I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee
  like a felon, to skulk from society with the base view of defrauding
  my creditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By
  fair application and long industry my wealth has been obtained, and
  it shall never justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days
  was stained with acts of baseness and meanness.--I have notified and
  procured a meeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters
  before them. Some appeared favorable to me; others insinuated that
  we were all connected in fraudulent designs, to swindle our
  creditors. This I repelled with becoming spirit, and was in
  consequence threatened with immediate prosecution.]

    [["acts of baseness and meanness": The edition of _Alonzo and
    Melissa_ that is generally closest to _Alida_ has the single word
    "baseness".]]

Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness,
Theodore, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your union with Alida
before our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents are old,
a little will serve the residue of their days. With your acquirements
you may make your way in life. I shall now have no property to give you;
but I would still wish you to ensure to yourself that which you prize
far above, and without which, both honours and emoluments would be
unimportant and worthless."

    [_A&M_:

  Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness,
  Alonzo, might yet be secured.--Hence I proposed your union with
  Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated.--Your parents
  are old; a little will serve the residue of their days. With your
  acquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have no property
  to give you, but I would still wish you to secure that which you
  prize far above, and without which, both honors and emoluments are
  unimportant and worthless."]

At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and
three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his
attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Theodore's father
and company, to levy on the property of the former, which orders they
faithfully executed by seizing the lands, tenements, and furniture. We
will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event--the
feelings of the family can better be conceived than described.

    [_A&M_:

  At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and
  three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his
  attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Alonzo's father
  and company, to level on the property of the former, which orders
  they faithfully executed, by seizing the lands, tenements and
  furniture....

  We will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event.
  The feelings of the family can better be conceived than detailed.]

Hurled, in a moment, from the lofty summit of affluence to the low vale
of indigence, Christian philosophy after a while came to the aid of the
parents, but who can realize the feelings of the son? Thus suddenly cut
short, not only of his prospects of future independence, but even
present support, what would be the event of his suit to Alida, and
stipulated marriage? Was it not probable that her father would now
cancel the contract? Could she consent to become his in his present
penurious situation? and could he himself be willing to make her
miserable?

    [_A&M_:

  Hurled in a moment from the lofty summit of affluence to the low and
  barren vale of poverty! Philosophy came to the aid of the parents,
  but who can realize the feelings of the son! Thus suddenly cut short
  of his prospects, not only of future independence, but even of
  support, what would be the event of his suit to Melissa, and
  stipulated marriage? Was it not probable that her father would now
  cancel the contract? Could she consent to be his wife in his present
  penurious situation? And indeed, could he himself, consent to make
  her his wife, to make her miserable?]

In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from a friend in the
neighbourhood of Alida, requesting him to come immediately to his house,
whither he repaired the following day.

    [_A&M_:

  In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from his friend
  in Melissa's neighborhood, requesting him to come immediately to his
  house, whither he repaired the following day.]

This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Theodore; he had
heard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in his
distress. He had lately married and settled near the residence of
Alida's father. His name was Raymond.

    [_A&M_:

  This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had
  heard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in
  his distress. He had lately married and settled in life;--his name
  was Vincent.]

When Theodore arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with
the same disinterested ardour he had ever been before, in the day of his
most unbounded prosperity. After being seated, Raymond told him the
occasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of certain
measures which he doubted not might be considered highly beneficial, as
it respected his future peace and happiness. "Your family misfortunes,"
continued he, "have reached the ear of Alida's father. I know old
people, generally speaking, too well to believe he will now consent to
receive you as his son-in-law under your present embarrassments. The
case is difficult, but not insurmountable. You must first see Alida; she
is now in the next room; I will introduce you in; converse with her,
after which I will lay my plan before you."

    [_A&M_:

  When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with
  the same disinterested ardor he ever had been in the day of his most
  unbounded prosperity. After being seated, Vincent told him that the
  occasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of
  certain measures which he doubted not might be considered highly
  beneficial as it respected his future peace and happiness. "Your
  family misfortunes (continued Vincent) have reached the ears of
  Melissa's father. I know the old gentleman too well to believe he
  will consent to receive you as his son-in-law, under your present
  embarrassments. Money is the God to which he implicitly bows. The
  case is difficult, but not insurmountable. You must first see
  Melissa; she is now in the next room; I will introduce you in;
  converse with her, after which I will lay my plan before you."]

Theodore entered the room. Alida was sitting by a window which looked
into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows where tall grass waved
to the evening breeze; further on, low valleys spread their umbrageous
thickets where the dusky shadows of night had began to assemble. On the
high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by the
billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hovered
around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints or
fringed with the gold of evening.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo entered the room; Melissa was sitting by a window which
  looked into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows, whose tall
  grass waved to the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread
  their umbrageous thickets, where the dusky shadows of night had
  begun to assemble. On high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests,
  majestically moved by the billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray.
  Fleecy summer clouds hovered around the verge of the western
  horizon, spangled with silvery tints or fringed with the gold of
  evening.]

A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the
garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wild
dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Alida. She was leaning
on a small table as she sat by the window, which was thrown up. Her
attention was fixed. She did not perceive Raymond and Theodore as they
entered. They advanced towards her; she turned, started, and arose. With
a melancholy smile she said she supposed it was Mrs. Raymond who was
approaching, as she had just left the room. Her countenance was
dejected, which, on seeing Theodore, lighted up into a languid
sprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping. Raymond retired, and
Theodore and Alida seated themselves.

    [_A&M_:

  A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the
  garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American
  wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She
  sat leaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Her
  attention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as they
  entered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose.
  With a melancholy smile, and tremulous voice, "I supposed (she said)
  that it was Mrs. Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left
  the room." Her countenance appeared dejected, which on seeing
  Alonzo, lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she
  had been weeping.

  Vincent retired and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the
  window.]

"I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps too unseasonably," said
Theodore. It is however the fault of Raymond; he invited me to walk into
the room, but did not inform me that you were alone.

"Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable," replied
Alida. I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in your
visits, Theodore?

    [_A&M_:

  "I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably
  (said Alonzo); it is, however, the fault of Vincent, he invited me
  to walk into the room, but did not inform me that you were alone."--
  "Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable,
  (replied Melissa.) I hope that you did not consider any formality
  necessary in your visits, Alonzo?"]

"I once did not think so," answered Theodore; now I know not what to
think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my
father's family, Alida?

"Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event," said she; an
event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the
immediate sufferers, than myself.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think--I
  know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my
  father's family, Melissa?

  Melissa. Yes. I have heard the circumstances attending that event,
  an event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the
  immediate sufferers, than myself.]

"Your father is also acquainted with my present situation," said
Theodore; and how did he receive the intelligence?

"With deep regret," replied Alida.

Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in an
unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.

    [_A&M_:

  Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation?

  Mel. He is.

  Al. How did he receive the intelligence?

  Mel. With deep regret.

  Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer?

  Mel. No. Not absolutely.

  Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I
  should know it.]

"It certainly is," said Alida. Soon after we received the intelligence
of your family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was
sitting: 'Alida,' said he, 'your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful
child,--mine, of an indulgent parent. My ultimate wish is to see my
children, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected. For this
purpose I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitably
to apportion my property among them. On their part, it is expected they
will act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things which
concern materially their future peace and welfare: the principal
requisite to insure this is a proper connexion in marriage.' Here my
father paused a considerable time, and then continued: 'I know, my
child, that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage-day is
appointed; it was named under the fairest prospects. By the failure of
Theodore's father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not
totally obliterated.

    [_A&M_:

  Mel. It certainly is. Soon after we received the intelligence of
  your family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was
  sitting, "Melissa, (said he) your conduct has ever been that of a
  dutiful child; mine of an indulgent parent. My first, my ultimate
  wish, is to see my children, when settled in life, happy and
  honorably respected. For this purpose, I have bestowed on them a
  proper education, and design suitably to apportion my property
  between them. On their part, it is expected they will act prudently
  and discreetly, especially in those things which concern their
  future peace and welfare; the principal requisite to ensure this is
  a proper connexion in marriage." Here my father paused a
  considerable time, and then continued, "I know, my child, that your
  situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed; it
  was appointed under the fairest prospects; by the failure of
  Alonzo's father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not
  totally obliterated.]

To commit your fortune through life to a person in his present
circumstances, would be hazardous in the extreme. The day named can at
least be suspended; perhaps something more favourable may appear. At any
rate, I have too much confidence in your discretion to suppose that you
will, by any rash act, bring reproach either upon yourself or your
connexions.' Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew.

    [_A&M_:

  "To commit your fortune through life, to a person unable to support
  you, would be hazardous in the extreme. The marriage day can at
  least be suspended; perhaps something more favorable may appear. At
  any rate, I have too much confidence in your discretion, to suppose
  that you will, by any rash act, bring either poverty or reproach
  upon yourself or your connexions." Thus spake my father, and
  immediately withdrew.]

"In our present dilemma," said Theodore, "what is proper to be done?"

    [_A&M_:

  In our present dilemma, (said Alonzo) what is proper to be done?]

"It is difficult to determine," answered Alida. "Should my father
expressly forbid our union, or to see each other at present, it is
probable he will carry his commands into effect. I would advise you to
call on him to-morrow with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the
event, I shall deal sincerely with you. Mrs. Raymond has been my friend
and associate from my earliest years--Raymond you know. In them we can
place the utmost confidence. From them you will be enabled to obtain
information should I be prevented from seeing you. My reliance on
Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects, at
present, are dark and gloomy."

    [_A&M_:

  It is difficult to determine, (replied Melissa.) Should my father
  expressly forbid our union, he will go all lengths to carry his
  commands into effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his
  prejudices, and resolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call
  at my father's house tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may
  be the event, I shall deal sincerely with you.... Mrs. Vincent has
  been my friend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you
  know. In them we can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on
  Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects,
  at present, are dark and gloomy.]

"Let us not despair," said Theodore; "perhaps those gloomy clouds which
now hover around us, may yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy.
Worth and innocence are the care of Heaven,--there rests my hope.
To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's. If I should be
debarred in future from seeing you, I will write as formerly, and direct
the letters to Raymond."

    [_A&M_:

  Let us not despair, (answered Alonzo) perhaps those gloomy clouds
  which now hover around us, will yet be dissipated by the bright
  beams of joy. Innocence and virtue are the cares of Heaven. There
  lies my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your
  father's.]

Alida now returned home, attended by Theodore. A whip-poor-will tuned
its nightly song at a distance; but the sound which had so late appeared
to them cheerful and sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.

    [_A&M_:

  Melissa now prepared to return home; a whipperwill tuned its nightly
  song at a little distance; but the sound, late so cheerful and
  sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.]




CHAPTER XII.

  "O, happiness, deceitful in thy dream,"
    Though wreaths all blooming hang upon thy brow,
  And quick dissolves the visionary gleam,
    Succeeded soon by various scenes of wo.


When Theodore returned to the house of his friend, he unfolded the plan
he had projected.

    [_A&M_:

  When Alonzo returned, Vincent unfolded the plan he had projected.]

"No sooner," said Raymond, "was I informed of your misfortunes, than I
was convinced that Alida's father (whom I have known for many years)
would endeavour to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. And
however he may doat on his children, or value their happiness, he will
not hesitate to sacrifice his better feelings to the accomplishment of
his wishes to see them independent. It appears that you have but one
resource left. You and Alida are now engaged by the most solemn ties, by
every rite except those which are ceremonial; these I would advise you
to enter into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Raymond has proposed
the scheme to Alida, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she
shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage; but when her father will
proceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think, consent to the
alternative.

    [_A&M_:

  "No sooner (said he) was I informed of your misfortunes, than I was
  convinced that Melissa's father would endeavor to dissolve your
  intended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, and
  however he may dote on his children, or value their happiness, he
  will not hesitate to sacrifice his other feelings to the acquirement
  of riches. It appeared that you had but one resource left. You and
  Melissa are now united by the most solemn ties--by every rite except
  those which are merely ceremonial. These I would advise you to enter
  into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Vincent has proposed the
  scheme to Melissa, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience,
  she shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage. But when her
  father shall proceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think,
  consent to the alternative...."
  ...]

The world is before you, Theodore," continued he; "you have
friends, you have acquirements which will not fail you. In a country
like this you can scarcely help obtaining a competency, which, with the
other requisites you have in your power, will not fail to insure your
independence and felicity."

    [_A&M_:

  "The world is before you, (answered Vincent) you have friends, you
  have acquirements which will not fail you. In a country like this,
  you can hardly fail of obtaining a competency, which, with the other
  requisites, will ensure your independence and felicity."]

"But the times have changed," said Theodore, since the commencement of
the war, and probably I may yet have to join the army. After I have made
my visit on the morrow to Alida's father, we will discourse further on
the subject.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed upon between Melissa
  and himself, respecting his visiting her on the morrow; "after which
  (he said) we will discourse further on the subject."]

In the meantime, Theodore proceeded on the morrow, to make his intended
visit. As he approached the house, he saw Alida sitting in a shady
recess at one end of the garden, near which the road passed. She was
leaning with her head upon her hand in a pensive posture; a deep
dejection was depicted upon her features, which enlivened into a
transient glow as soon as she saw Theodore. She arose, met him, and
invited him into the house.

    [_A&M_:

  The next day Alonzo repaired to the house of Melissa's father. As he
  approached he saw Melissa sitting in a shady recess at one end of
  the garden near which the road passed. She was leaning with her head
  upon her hand, in a pensive posture; a deep dejection was depicted
  upon her features, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as
  she saw Alonzo. She arose, met him, and invited him into the house.]

Theodore was received with a cool reserve by all except Alida. Her
father saluted him with a distant retiring bow, as he passed with her to
the parlour. As soon as they were seated, a lady who had lately come to
reside some time in the family, (who was a relative of her father's,)
entered the room and seated herself by the window, alternately humming a
tune and staring at Theodore, without speaking a word.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo was received with a cool reserve by all except Melissa. Her
  father saluted him with a distant and retiring bow, as he passed
  with Melissa to her room. As soon as they were seated, a maiden
  aunt, who had doubled her teens, outlived many of her suitors, and
  who had lately come to reside with the family, entered, and seated
  herself by the window, alternately humming a tune, and impudently
  staring at Alonzo, without speaking a word....]

This interruption was not of long continuance. Alida's father entered,
and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done; he
then addressed Theodore as follows:

    [_A&M_:

  This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa's father
  entered, and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was
  instantly done. He then addressed Alonzo as follows:]

"When I gave consent for your union with my daughter, it was on the
conviction that your future resources would be adequate to support her
honourably and independently. Circumstances have since taken place which
render this point extremely doubtful." He paused for a reply, but
Theodore was silent. He continued, "You, perhaps, may say that your
acquirements, your prudence, and your industry, will procure you a
handsome income; but to depend on these altogether for your future
exigencies is hazarding peace, honour, and reputation, at a single game
of chance. If, therefore, you have no resources or expectations but such
as these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately
relinquishing all pretensions to the hand of Alida, and from this time
to break off all communication with my daughter." He then immediately
left the room.

    [_A&M_:

  "When I gave consent for you to marry my daughter, it was on the
  conviction that your future resources would be adequate to support
  her honorably and independently. Circumstances have since taken
  place, which render this point extremely doubtful...." He paused for
  a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued--".... You may say that
  your acquirements, your prudence, and your industry will procure you
  a handsome support. This well may do in single life, but to depend
  on these for the future exigencies of a family, is hazarding peace,
  honor and reputation, at a single game of chance. If, therefore, you
  have no resources or expectations but such as these, your own
  judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately relinquishing
  all pretensions to the hand of Melissa"--and immediately left the
  room.]

Why was Theodore speechless through the whole of this discourse? What
reply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but misery
and wo? Where, indeed, were the means by which Alida was to be shielded
from indigence, if connected with his fortunes?

    [_A&M_:

  Why was Alonzo speechless through the whole of this discourse?--What
  reply could he have made? what were the prospects before him but
  penury, want, misery and woe! Where, indeed, were the means by which
  Melissa was to be shielded from poverty, if connected with his
  fortunes.]

The idea was not new, but it came upon him at this time with redoubled
anguish. He arose and looked around for Alida, but she was not to be
seen. He left the house and walked slowly towards Raymond's. At a little
distance he met Alida who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. He
informed her of all that had passed; it was no more than they both
expected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain.
Disappointment seldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her.

    [_A&M_:

  The idea was not new, but it came upon him with redoubled anguish.
  He arose and looked around for Melissa, but she was not to be seen.
  He left the house, and walked slowly towards Vincent's. At a little
  distance he met Melissa, who had been strolling in an adjoining
  avenue. He informed her of all that had passed; it was no more than
  they both expected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could
  scarcely sustain. Disappointment seldom finds her votaries prepared
  to receive her.]

Alida told Theodore that she knew her father's determinations were
altogether unchangeable at present. Her brother, she said, would be at
home in a few days; how he would act on this occasion, she was unable to
say; but were he ever so far their friend, he would have but feeble
influence with her father. "What is to be the end of these troubles,"
continued she, it is impossible to foresee. Let us trust in the mercy of
Heaven, and submit to its dispensations.

    [_A&M_:

  Melissa told Alonzo, that her father's determinations were
  unchangeable.... Her brother would be at home in a few days; how he
  would act on this occasion she was unable to say: but were he even
  their friend he would have but feeble influence with her father and
  aunt. "What is to be the end of these troubles [continued Melissa]
  it is impossible to foresee; let us trust in the mercy of heaven and
  submit to its dispensations."]

Theodore and Alida, in their happier days, had, when absent from each
other, corresponded. This method it was now thought best to resume. It
was agreed, besides, that Theodore should frequently visit Raymond's,
and Alida would resort there also, as she should find opportunity.
Having concluded on this, Alida returned home, and Theodore to the house
of his friend.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days had, when absent,
  corresponded by letters. This method it was now thought best to
  relinquish.--It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently to
  Vincent's, where Melissa would meet him as she could find
  opportunities. Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and
  Alonzo to the house of his friend.
  ...]

The next morning Theodore repaired to the dwelling where his aged
parents now resided. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish when he
arrived there: his own fate unconnected with that of Alida. His father
was absent when he first reached home, but returned soon after. A beam
of joy gleamed upon his countenance as he entered the house. "Were it
not, Theodore, for your unhappy situation," said he, "we should once
more be restored to peace and happiness. A few persons who were indebted
to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling creditors,
reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me, amounting to
something more than five thousand pounds. With this I can live as well
and conveniently as I could wish, and can spare some for your present
exigencies, Theodore."

    [_A&M_:

  The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents
  now dwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His own fate,
  unconnected with that of Melissa, he considered of little
  consequence. But their united situation tortured his soul....

  Alonzo's father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after.
  A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered
  the house. "Were it not, Alonzo, for your unhappy situation, [said
  he] we should once more be restored to peace and comfort. A few
  persons who were indebted to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed
  by my unfeeling creditors, reserved those debts in their hands, and
  have now paid me, amounting to something more than five hundred
  pounds. With this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated
  farm, with convenient tenements. I have enough left to purchase what
  stock and other materials I need, and to spare some for your present
  exigencies, Alonzo."]

Theodore thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that from his
former liberality, he had yet sufficient for all his wants. "But your
affair with Alida," asked his father, "how is that likely to terminate?"
"Favourably, I hope, sir," answered Theodore.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness; but told him that from
  his former liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that
  he should soon find business which would amply support him. "But
  your affair with Melissa, [asked his father] how is that likely to
  terminate?" "Favorably, I hope, sir," answered Alonzo.]

He could not consent to disturb the happy tranquillity of his parents by
reciting his own wretchedness. He passed a week with them. He saw them
once more comfortably seated at a calm retreat in the country; he saw
them serenely blest in the pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of
joy illumined his troubled bosom.

    [_A&M_:

  He could not consent to disturb the tranquility of his parents by
  reciting his own wretchedness.

  A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to their little
  farm, which was to be managed by his father and a hired man. He saw
  them comfortably seated; he saw them serenely blest in the calm
  pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his
  troubled bosom.]

    [[The 1804 newspaper serial has "illumined", while all known book
    versions have "illuminated".]]

  "Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
  A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd,
  A bright, impassion'd, cheering glow express'd
  The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast:
  But soon dark gloom the feeble smiles o'erspread;
  Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendours fled;
  Returning anguish froze his feeling soul;
  Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll!"

    [_A&M_:

      "Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
      A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd,
      A bright, impassion'd cheering glow express'd,
      The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast:
      But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread;
      Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendors fled;
      Returning anguish froze his feeling soul,
      Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll."]

    [[This unidentified verse is also quoted in the later _Memoirs of
    the Notorious Stephen Burroughs, 1765-1840_ with different lines
    3 and 4]]

His memory dwelt on Alida, from whom he had heard nothing since he had
last seen her. He thought of the difficulties with which he was
surrounded. He thought of the barriers which were now opposed to their
happiness; and he immediately set out for the house of Raymond. He
arrived at his residence near the close of the day. Raymond and his lady
were at tea, with several young ladies that had passed the afternoon
there. Theodore cast an active glance at the company, in hopes to see
Alida among them, but she was not there. He was invited, and took a seat
at table.

    [_A&M_:

  He thought of Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last
  saw her. He thought of the difficulties which surrounded him. He
  thought of the barriers which were opposed to his happiness and the
  felicity of Melissa, and he set out for the house of Vincent.

  Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincent near the close of the
  day. Vincent and his lady were at tea with several young ladies who
  had passed the afternoon with Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an active
  glance around the company, in hopes to find Melissa, but she was not
  there. He was invited and accepted a seat at table.]

After tea was over, Raymond led Theodore into an adjoining room. "You
have come in good time," said he. "Something speedily must be done, or
you lose Alida forever. The day after you were here, her father received
a letter from Bonville, in which, after mentioning the circumstances of
your father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probably
be a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might essentially
injure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life; to prevent
which, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he offered to marry
her at any appointed day, provided he had her free consent.

    [_A&M_:

  After tea Vincent led him into an adjoining room.--"You have come in
  good time, [said he] something must speedily be done, or you lose
  Melissa forever. The day after you were here, her father received a
  letter from Beauman, in which, after mentioning the circumstance of
  your father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would
  probably be a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might
  essentially injure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life;
  to prevent which, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he
  offered to marry her at any appointed day, provided he had her free
  consent.]

As Bonville, by the recent death of his father, had been put in
possession of a splendid fortune, the proposition might possibly allure
the father of Alida, to use his endeavour to bring his daughter to yield
implicit obedience to his wishes.

    [_A&M_:

  "As Beauman, by the recent death of his father, had been put in
  possession of a splendid fortune, the proposition allured her
  father, who wrote him a complaisant answer, with an invitation to
  his house. He then strove to extort a promise from Melissa, that she
  would break off all connexion with you, see you no more, and admit
  the addresses of Beauman.]

Were he to command her to live single, it might be endured; but if
he should endeavour to persuade her to discard you from her thoughts
entirely, and to give her hand to a person she could have no esteem for,
would be to perjure those principles of truth and justice, which he
himself had ever taught her to hold most inviolable. To add to Alida's
distress, Bonville arrived there yesterday, and, I hope in some measure
to alleviate it, Albert, her brother, came this morning. Mrs. Raymond
has despatched a message to inform Alida of your arrival, and to desire
her to come here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply with the
invitation, if not prevented by something extraordinary."

    [_A&M_:

  .... Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured;
  but to give her hand to any except you, would be to perjure those
  principles of truth and justice which he himself had ever taught her
  to hold most inviolable.... To add to Melissa's distress, Beauman
  arrived at her father's yesterday; and I hope, in some measure to
  alleviate it, Edgar her brother came this morning.--Mrs. Vincent
  has dispatched a message to inform Melissa of your arrival, and to
  desire her to come here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply
  with the invitation, if not prevented by something extraordinary.]

Mrs. Raymond now came to the door of the room, and beckoned to her
husband, who went out, but soon returned, leading in Alida, after which
he retired. "Oh, Theodore," was all she could say, her further utterance
was interrupted by her tears. Theodore led her to a seat, and overcome
by sadness was unable to speak. Recovering at length, he begged her to
moderate her grief.

    [_A&M_:

  Mrs Vincent now came to the door of the room and beckoned to her
  husband, who went out, but immediately returned leading in Melissa
  after which he retired. "Oh, Alonzo!" was all she could say, and
  burst into tears. Alonzo led her to a seat, gently pressed her hand,
  and mingled his tears with hers but was unable to speak. Recovering
  at length he begged her to moderate her grief.]

"Where," said he, "is your fortitude, and your firmness, Alida, which I
have so often seen triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme anguish
prevented a reply. Theodore endeavoured to console her, though
consolation was a stranger to his own breast.

    [_A&M_:

  "Where is your fortitude and your firmness (said he) Melissa, which
  I have so often seen triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme
  anguish prevented a reply. Deeply affected and alarmed at the storm
  of distress which raged in her bosom, he endeavoured to console her,
  tho' consolation was a stranger to his own breast.]

"Let us not," said he, "increase our flood of affliction by a tide of
useless sorrow. Perhaps more prosperous days are yet in reserve for us;
happiness may yet be ours. Heaven cannot desert Alida," said Theodore;
"as well might it desert its angels. This thorny path may lead to fair
fields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded by calms; wars end
in peace; the splendours of the brightest morning arise on the wings of
blackest midnight. Troubles will not always last."

    [_A&M_:

  "Let us not Melissa (said he) increase our flood of affliction by a
  tide of useless sorrow: perhaps more prosperous days are yet in
  reserve for us; happiness may yet be ours--never, never! (she
  exclaimed) Oh what will become of me! Heaven cannot desert you (said
  Alonzo) as well might it desert its angels. This thorny and gloomy
  path may lead to fair fields of light and verdure. Tempests are
  succeeded by calms, wars end in peace; the splendors of the
  brightest morning arise on the wings of blackest midnight.

  "Troubles will not always last...."]

The grief which had almost overwhelmed Alida, now began to subside, as
the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion after
the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep and long drawn sighs
succeeded. The irritation of her feelings had caused a more than usual
glow upon her cheek which faded away as she became composed, until a
livid paleness spread itself over her features.

    [_A&M_:

  The rage of grief which had overwhelmed Melissa, began now to
  subside as the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous
  commotion, after the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep sobs and
  long drawn sighs succeeded to a suffocation of tears. The irritation
  of her feelings had caused a more than usual glow upon her cheek,
  which faded away as she became composed, until a livid paleness
  spread itself over her features....
  ...]

Raymond and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged the
propriety and necessity for Theodore and Alida to enter into the bands
of matrimony.

"The measure would be hazardous," remarked Alida. "My circumstances,"
said Theodore. "Not on that account," interrupted Alida, "but the
displeasure of my father."

"Come here, Alida, to-morrow evening," said Mrs. Raymond. "In the mean
time you will consider the matter and then determine." To this Alida
assented and prepared to return home.

    [_A&M_:

  Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged
  the propriety and the necessity of Alonzo and Melissa's entering
  into the bands of wedlock immediately. "The measure would be
  hazardous," remarked Melissa. "My circumstances"--said Alonzo.
  "Not on that account, (interrupted Melissa) but my father's
  displeasure"--"Will be the same, whether you marry Alonzo, or refuse
  to marry Beauman," replied Vincent. Her resolution appeared to be
  staggered. "Come here, Melissa, tomorrow evening (said Mrs.
  Vincent); meantime you will consider the matter, and then
  determine."--To this Melissa assented, and prepared to return home.]

Theodore attended her as far as the gate which opened into the yard
surrounding the dwelling. It was dangerous for him to go further, lest
he should be discovered even by a domestic of the family. He stood here
awhile looking anxiously after Alida as she walked up the avenue, her
white robes now invisible, now dimly seen, until they were totally
obscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the night, ere she
reached the door of her father's mansion.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yard
  surrounding her father's house. It was dangerous for him to go
  farther. Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of
  the family, it must increase the persecutions against her. They
  parted. Alonzo stood at the gate, gazing anxiously after Melissa as
  she walked up the long winding avenue, bordered with the
  odor-flowing lilac, and lofty elm, her white robes now invisible,
  now dimly seen, as she turned the angles of the walk, until they
  were totally obscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the
  night.]

"Thus," said Theodore, "fades the angel of peace from the visionary eyes
of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds of early
morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle." With mournful
forebodings he returned to the house of his friend. After passing a
sleepless night, he arose and walked out into an adjoining field; he
stood for some time, leaning, in deep contemplation, against a tree,
when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned around, and saw
Albert approaching. In a moment they were in each other's arms, and
mingled tears. They soon returned to Raymond's where they conversed
largely on present affairs.

    [_A&M_:

  "Thus, (said Alonzo) thus fades the angel of peace from the
  visionary eyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky
  clouds of early morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent
  battle."

  With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of Vincent. He
  arose after a sleepless night, and walked into an adjoining field.
  He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he heard
  quick footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching; in
  a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. They
  returned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs.]

"I have discoursed with my father on the subject," said Albert; "I have
urged him with every possible argument, to relinquish his determination
to keep you and Alida separate. I fear, however, he is inflexible."

    [_A&M_:

  "I have discoursed with my father on the subject, (said Edgar) I
  have urged him with every possible argument to relinquish his
  determination; I fear, however, he is inflexible.]

"To endeavour to assuage the grief which rent Alida's bosom was my next
object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see
her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You,
Theodore, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable,
but they are right. We must acquiesce in its dealings; we cannot alter
its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is
one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and
will ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied
happiness."

    [_A&M_:

  "To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my
  next object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You
  will see her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned.
  You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are
  inscrutable, but they are right.

  "We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees.
  Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of
  those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and ever
  find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendor, far
  beyond trouble and the tomb."]

Albert told Theodore that circumstances compelled him that day to return
to the city. "I would advise you," said he, "to remain here until your
affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be
terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."

    [_A&M_:

  Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to
  depart for the army. "I would advise you, (said he) to remain here
  until your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere
  long, be terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."]

Theodore feelingly expressed his gratitude to Albert. He found in him
that disinterested friendship which his early youth had experienced.
Albert the same day departed for New-York.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in him
  that disinterested friendship, which his early youth had
  experienced.--Edgar the same day departed for the army.
  ...]

The shades of night came on almost insensibly, as Theodore was anxiously
expecting Alida. He anticipated the consolation her presence would
bestow. Albert had told him she was more composed. The evening passed
on, but she came not.

    [_A&M_:

  Night came on, and he ardently and impatiently expected Melissa. He
  anticipated the consolation her presence would bestow. Edgar had
  told him she was more composed.... The evening passed on, but
  Melissa came not. Alonzo grew restless and uneasy. He looked out,
  then at his watch.]

Raymond assured him she would soon be there. He paced the room, and then
walked out on the way whither she was expected to come. He hesitated
some time whether to advance or return. It was possible, though not
probable, that she might have come some other way. He hastened back to
the house of his friend; she had not arrived.

    [_A&M_:

  Vincent and his lady assured him that she would soon be there. He
  paced his room. Still he became more impatient. He walked out on the
  way where she was expected to come....

  .... Alonzo hesitated whether to advance or to return. It was
  possible, though not probable, that Melissa might have come some
  other way. He hastened back to Vincent's. She had not arrived.]

"Something extraordinary," said Mrs. Raymond, "has undoubtedly prevented
her coming. Perhaps she is ill." Theodore shuddered at the suggestion.
He looked at his watch: it was past twelve o'clock. Again he hastily
sallied out and took the road to her father's.

    [_A&M_:

  --"Something extraordinary (said Mrs. Vincent) has prevented her
  coming. Perhaps she is ill." Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion. He
  looked at his watch; it was half past eleven o'clock. Again he
  hastily sallied out, and took the road to her father's.]

The night was exceedingly dark, being illuminated only by the feeble
glimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of the
house, and as he drew near, no lights were visible, all was still and
silent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and approached the
door. A solemn stillness prevailed around, interrupted only by the
discordance of nightly insects. The dwelling was shrouded in darkness.
In Alida's room no gleam of light appeared.

    [_A&M_:

  The night was exceedingly dark, and illuminated only by the feeble
  glimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of the
  house, and as he drew near, no lights were visible, all was still
  and silent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and
  approached the door.... A solemn stillness prevailed all around,
  interrupted only by the discordance of the nightly insects, and the
  hooting of the moping owl, from the neighboring forest. The dwelling
  was shrouded in darkness. In Melissa's room no gleam of light
  appeared.]

"They are all buried in sleep," said Theodore, deeply sighing, and I
have only to return in disappointment.

    [_A&M_:

  "They are all buried in sleep, (said Alonzo, deeply sighing) and I
  have only to return in disappointment."
  ...]

Theodore now withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he
came. As he went back through the garden, he found a person standing at
the foot of it, near the road. After a moment's scrutiny, he perceived
it to be Bonville.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he came.
  As he jumped back over the garden wall, he found a man standing at
  its foot, very near him; after a moment's scrutiny he perceived it
  to be Beauman.]

"What, my chevalier, why are you here?" said he to Theodore. "Hast thou,
then, eluded the watchful eyes of Argus, and the vigilance of the
dragon?"

    [_A&M_:

  "What, my chevalier, [said he to Alonzo] such an adept in the
  amorous science already? Hast thou then eluded the watchful eyes of
  Argus, and the vigilance of the dragon!"]

    [[In _Alonzo and Melissa_, "Argus" and "the dragon" are two
    different people, Melissa's father and her aunt.]]

"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder!" retorted Theodore, "dost thou add
impudence to thy interference? Go," said he, "you are unworthy of my
anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to win to your arms a lady
who must ever continue to despise you."

    [_A&M_:

  "Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, [retorted Alonzo, seizing hold
  of him] is it not enough that an innocent daughter must endure a
  merciless parent's persecuting hand, but must thou add to her misery
  by thy disgusting interference!"--"Quit thy hold, tarquin, [said
  Beauman.] Art thou determined, after storming the fortress, to
  murder the garrison?"--"Go," said Alonzo, quitting him, "go sir; you
  are unworthy of my anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to
  force to your arms a lady who abhors you, and were it not on one
  account, must ever continue to despise and hate you."]

"Theodore," replied Bonville, "You and I were rivals in the pursuit for
the hand of Alida. Whether from freak or fortune the preference was
given to you, I know not; and I retired in silence. From coincidence of
circumstances, I think she will now be induced to give the preference to
me, especially after her prospects of connecting with you are cut off by
the events which ruined your fortune. You, Theodore, have yet, I find,
to learn the character of woman. It has been my particular study. Alida,
now ardently impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recent
disappointment, her feelings delicate and vivid, her affections
animated, it would be strange if she could suddenly relinquish premature
attachments founded on such premises. But remove her from your presence
one year, with only distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again,
admit me as the substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as
freely as she would now receive yours. I had no design. It never was my
wish to marry her without her free consent;--that I believe I shall yet
obtain. Under existing circumstances it is impossible but that you must
be separated. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to the wild vagaries
of fancy, she will discover the dangerous precipice to which her present
inclinations lead. She will prefer indifference and splendour to love
and a cottage.

    [_A&M_:

  "Alonzo," replied Beauman, I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I
  were rivals in our pursuit--the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak
  or fortune, the preference was given to you, and I retired in
  silence. From coincidence of circumstances, her father has now been
  induced to give the preference to me. My belief was that Melissa
  would comply with her father's will, especially after her prospects
  of connecting with you were cut off by the events which ruined your
  fortune. You, Alonzo, have yet, I find, to learn the character of
  women. It has been my particular study. Melissa, now ardently
  impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recent
  disappointment, her passions delicate and vivid, her affections
  animated and unmixed, it would be strange, if she could suddenly
  relinquish primitive attachments founded on such premises, without a
  struggle. But remove her from your presence one year, with only
  distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again, admit me as the
  substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as freely as she
  would now receive yours. I had no design--it was never my wish to
  marry her without her consent. That I believe I shall yet obtain.
  Under existing circumstances it is impossible, but that you must be
  separated for some considerable time. Then--when cool deliberation
  succeeds to the wild vagaries, the electric fire of frolic fancy,
  she will discover the dangerous precipice, the deadly abyss to which
  her present conduct and inclinations lead.... She will prefer
  indifference and splendor to love and a cottage.]

"At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I shall return
home. When Alida, from calm deliberation, and the advice of friends,
shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return to receive it.
I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these intentions to her
father; but it being later than I was aware of, the family had gone to
rest. I was about to return, but, looking back again at the house, to
see if I could descry a light, I stood a moment by the garden gate, when
you approached and discovered me." So saying, he bade Theodore good
night, and walked hastily away.

    [_A&M_:

  "At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I return to
  New London. When Melissa, from calm deliberation and the advice of
  friends, shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return
  to receive it. I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these
  intentions to her father, but it being later than I was aware of,
  the family had gone to rest. I was about to return, when I saw a
  light from the chamber window, which soon withdrew. I stood a moment
  by the garden wall, when you approached and discovered me." So
  saying, he bade Alonzo good night, and walked hastily away.]

"I find he knows not the character of Alida," said Theodore, as he
pursued his way to Raymond's. When he arrived at the house of his
friend, he related all that had passed between himself and Bonville; and
from what he related, the Raymonds concluded that Alida must be watched
and guarded.

    [_A&M_:

  --"I find he knows not the character of Melissa," said Alonzo, and
  returned to Vincent's.

  The next day Alonzo told the Vincents of all that had passed....]

    [[Continuous text from _Alonzo and Melissa_ ends here.]]




CHAPTER XIII.

  Friendship! thou sovereign balm of every care.
  When all serene and placidly appear;
  Domestic happiness! of that possessed,
  Then may we leave to Providence the rest.

    [Anonymous Couplet, no later than 1770:

      Nor fell Despair, nor Noise invades the Ear;
      But all serene and placid does appear.]


The father of Alida now thought proper to enter into a second marriage.
A lady of worth and understanding had wrought upon his fancy, and won
his particular regards. Her elegance of manner and dignified deportment
engaged general attention; and although she was rather advanced in life,
yet "the remains of former beauty were still visible in her appearance."

She was honourably descended from English parents, who had resided in
New-York since the revolution. Her father had been actively engaged in
business there, which had been ultimately crowned with the successful
gifts of fortune.

Her education had been governed by the strictness of the English
discipline. A foundation laid in early piety continued to influence her
mind with unaffected ardour, blended with a generous benevolence, the
genuine effects of the inexhaustible goodness of her heart. She was one
who manifested to the world that a "doer of good" is far preferable to
any other character, and in a superlative degree above those who
maintain high principles in theory, without ever once reducing them to
practice.

This lady had an only sister, who married a native of Ireland, and after
the course of a few years went to reside there, where she had recently
died. The children returned to this country, having lost their father
long before, and several of her nephews now resided in the city. Having
been always accustomed to reside in town herself, where her many
excellent qualities had endeared her to numerous friends and
acquaintances, who would now feel themselves lost without her society,
therefore the parents of Alida formed the conclusion to pass their
winters in the city, and return to the country in the summer season.

In the mean time, Alida's father thought the event fortunate, and was
pleased at this time to remove his daughter from the place where the
late scenes appeared so trying and afflictive, with the hope that in
mingling her with the gay world she would in a while forget Theodore,
while he in his turn would be induced to leave the neighbourhood.

It was now at that season when weary summer had lapsed into the fallow
arms of autumn, and was approaching to the chilly breezes of winter. The
morning was clear, and the light gales bore invigorating coolness on
their wings as they tremulously agitated the foliage of the western
forest, or fluttered among the branches of the trees that surrounded the
mansion. The green splendours of the lawn had faded into a yellow
lustre; the flowery verdure of the fields was changed to a russet hue.

    [_A&M_:

  It was that season of the year when weary summer is lapsing into the
  arms of fallow autumn. The day had been warm, and the light gales
  bore invigorating coolness on their wings as they tremulously
  agitated the foliage of the western forest, or fluttered among the
  branches of trees surrounding the mansion. The green splendors of
  spring had begun to fade into a yellow lustre, the flowery verdure
  of the fields was changed to a russet hue.]

A robin chirped in a favourite tree in the yard; a wren chattered
beneath, while some few solitary birds still continued to warble their
notes among the leaves of the aspen.

The surrounding groves partially rung with melody; while deep in the
adjacent wilderness the woodpecker, hammering on some dry and blasted
trees, filled the woods with reverberant echoes.

    [_A&M_:

  A robin chirped on a neighboring oak; a wren chattered beneath,
  swallows twittered around the decayed buildings, the ludicrous
  mocking bird sung sportively from the top of the highest elm, and
  the surrounding groves rung with varying, artless melody; while deep
  in the adjacent wilderness the woodcock, hammering on some dry and
  blasted trees, filled the woods with reverberant echoes.]

The face of the Sound was ruffled by the lingering breezes, as they idly
wandered over its surface. Long Island was thinly enveloped in smoky
vapour; scattered along its shores lay the numerous small craft, with
larger ships, of the hostile fleet. A few skiffs were passing and
re-passing the Sound. Several American war-sloops lay on a point which
jutted out from the mainland into the river.

    [_A&M_:

  The sound was only ruffled by the lingering breezes, as they idly
  wandered over its surface. Long-Island, now in possession of the
  British troops, was thinly enveloped in smoky vapor; scattered along
  its shores lay the numerous small craft and larger ships of the
  hostile fleet. A few skiffs were passing and repassing the Sound,
  and several American gun-boats lay off a point which jutted out from
  the main land, far to the eastward.]

Alida walked leisurely around the yard, contemplating the various
beauties of the scene, the images of departed joys (that she was now
about to leave). The days when Theodore participated with her in
admiring the splendours of rural prospect, raised in her bosom the sigh
of deep regret. She entered the garden, and traced the walks, now
overgrown with weeds and tufted grass. The flower-beds were choked with
the low running brambles, and tall rushes and daisies had usurped the
empire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was principally gone to
decay, and the eglantine blushed mournfully along the fences.

    [_A&M_:

  Melissa walked around the yard, contemplating the varying beauties
  of the scene: the images of departed joys--the days when Alonzo had
  participated with her in admiring the splendours of rural prospects,
  raised in her bosom the sigh of deep regret. She entered the garden
  and traversed the alleys, now overgrown with weeds and tufted knot
  grass. The flower beds were choaked with the low running bramble and
  tangling five finger; tall, rank rushes, mullens and daisies, had
  usurped the empire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was
  broken, and principally gone to decay; yet the "lonely wild rose"
  blushed mournfully amidst the ruins.]

Alida continued to walk the garden until the servant informed her that
the carriage was waiting to take her to the city.

Although they set out rather late in the day, they arrived in town some
hours before sunset. They drove immediately to their dwelling, which was
situated in a pleasant part of Greenwich-street, near the Battery.

Alida, after she had thrown off her travelling apparel, seated herself
by the window in silence. Her mind was absorbed in deep reflection and
thoughtfulness. She watched the slow declining sun, as it was sinking
beneath the horizon. Pensive twilight spread her misty mantle over the
landscape. The western sky glowed with the spangles of evening;
deepening glooms advanced. The last beam of day faded from the view, and
all was enveloped in night. Innumerable stars glittered in the
firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours
of the milky way.

    [_A&M_:

  She then retired to her chamber, seated herself at the western
  window, and watched the slow declining sun, as it leisurely sunk
  behind the lofty groves. Pensive twilight spread her misty mantle
  over the landscape; the western horizon glowed with the spangles of
  evening. Deepening glooms advanced. The last beam of day faded from
  the view and the world was enveloped in night. The owl hooted
  solemnly in the forest, and the whipperwill sung cheerfully in the
  garden. Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling
  their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milky way.]

When Alida was summoned to tea, her parents made various observations to
endeavour to amuse her thoughts, and draw her from her taciturnity.
After tea she again returned to the window, where she sat till a late
hour, apparently in deep meditation, till at length growing weary and
restless, she retired to her room.

As she had for several nights in succession slept but little, she soon
fell into a slumber, and did not awake till near the dawn of day. She
did not close her eyes again to sleep. Daylight soon appeared, and the
cheerful sun darting his enlivening rays through the windows of this
antique mansion, recovered her exhausted spirits, and dissipated, in
some measure, the cheerless reflections that still continued to hover
about her imagination.

    [_A&M_:

  .... As she, for two nights, had been deprived of her usual rest,
  she soon fell into a slumber.
  ...
  Daylight soon appeared, and the cheerful sun darting its enlivening
  rays through the crevices and windows of the antique mansion,
  recovered her exhausted spirits, and dissipated, in some degree, the
  terrors which hovered about her mind.]

She arose, and went down to breakfast with spirits somewhat revived,
and changed to a temporary resignation to past events and recent
occurrences. A thought impressed her mind which gave her new
consolation.

"Who knows," said she, "but that the sun of peace may yet dispel the
glooms of these distressful hours, and restore this throbbing bosom to
its former serenity?"

    [_A&M_ (Alonzo speaking):

  "Who knows (he said) but that this may finally be the case; but that
  the sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful
  hours!"]

In the meantime, Theodore remained in the neighbourhood of Alida until
he heard the family had left and gone to the city. He then prepared
himself to set out early the next day for the habitation of his parents.

He informed Raymond of his promise to write to Alida, and to transmit
letters through his agency for her inspection every convenient
opportunity.

After passing a weary watchful night, he arose at the first dawning of
day, and proceeded on his journey with a heavy heart and painful
reflections.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame
  of spirits.]

After he had passed through the neighbouring village, and gained the
bridge, he looked over and bade the residence of Alida a mournful
farewell. Fearful forebodings crossed his mind that they were separated
forever; then again those more consolatory, that, perhaps, after a long
delay, he and Alida might yet again meet and be happy.

    [_A&M_:

  He then, in extreme vexation and disappointment, flung himself into
  the sedan, and drove from the mansion. Frequently did he look back
  at the building, anxiously did he scrutinize every surrounding and
  receding object. A thrill of pensive recollection vibrated through
  his frame as he passed the gate, and the keen agonizing pangs of
  blasted hope, pierced his heart, as his carriage rolled over the
  bridge.]

Traits of glory had painted the eastern skies. The glittering day-star,
having unbarred the portals of light, began to transmit its retrocessive
lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon's decrescent form. Low,
hollow winds murmured among the bushes, or brushed the limpid drops from
the intermingling foliage.

    [_A&M_ (before previous passage):

  Traits of glory now painted the eastern skies. The glittering
  day-star, having unbarred the portals of light, began to transmit
  its retrocessive lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon's
  decrescent form. Low, hollow winds, murmured among the bushes, or
  brushed the limpid drops from intermingling foliage.]

The dusky shadows of night fled to the deep glens and rocky caverns of
the wilderness. The American lark soared high in the air, consecrating
its matin lay to morn's approaching splendours.

    [_A&M_:

  The dusky shadows of night fled to the deep glens, and rocky caverns
  of the wilderness. The American lark soared high in the air
  consecrating its matin lay to morn's approaching splendours.]

The woodlands and forest tops on the high hills caught the sun's first
ray, which, widening and extending, soon gemmed the landscape with a
varying brightness.

    [_A&M_:

  The forest tops, on high mountains, caught the sun's first ray,
  which widening and extending, soon gem'd the landscape with
  brilliants of a thousand various dies.]

It was late in the afternoon before Theodore arrived at his father's. He
found his parents contented and happy at their present residence, which
was extremely pleasant, and afforded them many accommodations.

    [_A&M_:

  In pursuance of his design he went to his father's. He found the old
  gentleman, with his man contentedly tilling his farm, and his mother
  cheerfully attending to household affairs, as their narrow
  circumstances would not admit her to keep a maid without
  embarrassment....]

"You have been long gone, my son," said his father: "I scarcely knew
what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer, I know little of
what is going on in the world, and we were never happier in our lives.
We live as independently as we could desire, and realize the blessings
of health and contentment. Our only disquietude is on your account,
Theodore. Your affair with Alida, I suppose, is not so favourable as you
could wish. But despair not, my son; hope is the harbinger of fairer
prospects; rely on Providence, which never deserts those who
submissively bow to its dispensations.

    [_A&M_:

  "You have been long gone, my son, (said his father) I scarcely knew
  what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer I know little
  of what is going forward in the world; and indeed we were never
  happier in our lives ... we live frugally, and realize the blessings
  of health, comfort and contentment; our only disquietude is on your
  account, Alonzo. Your affair with Melissa, I suppose is not so
  favourable as you could wish, but despair not, my son; hope is the
  harbinger of fairer prospects; rely on Providence, which never
  deserts those who submissively bow to the justice of its
  dispensations."]

Place entire confidence and dependence on the Supreme Being," said his
father, "and the triumph of fortitude and resignation will be yours."
His father paused. His reasonings, however they convinced the
understanding, could not heal the wounds of Theodore's bosom. In Alida
he had looked for as much happiness as earth could afford, nor could he
see any prospect in life which could repair to him her loss.

    [_A&M_ (Benjamin Franklin speaking):

  "... place entire dependence on the SUPREME, and the triumph of
  fortitude and resignation will be yours."

  Franklin paused. His reasonings, however they convinced the
  understanding, could not heal the wounds of Alonzo's bosom. In
  Melissa he looked for as much happiness as earth could afford, nor
  could he see any prospect in life which could repair the loss he had
  sustained.]

Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, he did not wish to
acquaint them with the whole affair of his troubles. He answered, that
perhaps all might yet be well; that, however, in the present state of
his mind, he thought a change of place and scene might be of advantage.
He said, moreover, that he no longer had an excuse, and that
circumstances now compelled him to join the army.

    [_A&M_ (previous sequence resumes):

  Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not
  tell them his troubles; he answered that perhaps all might yet come
  right, but that as in the present state of his mind he thought a
  change of situation might be of advantage, he asked liberty of his
  father to travel for some little time.]

A sorrow unknown before seized upon the minds of his parents as Theodore
repeated these words. Sad and dreadful ideas crowded their imagination
at this gloomy period, when in the war's dread emergency they must risk
the life of an only son, to march to the field of battle. 'Tis true, he
might be again restored to them, but were there not a thousand chances
to one? They were overwhelmed with sorrow at these thoughts, till at
length they finally felt themselves obliged to consent to what they
considered his inevitable destiny, leaving the result of their united
wishes and prayers for his safe preservation to an over-ruling
Providence.

His father then offered him money he had on hand to defray his expenses.
Theodore refused, saying, his resources had not yet left him. He then
disposed of his horses and carriages, the insignia of his better days,
but now useless appendages.

    [_A&M_ (continuing from mid-paragraph):

  To this his father consented, and offered him a part of the money he
  had on hand, which Alonzo refused, saying he did not expect to be
  long gone, and his resources had not yet failed him.

  He then sold off his books, his horses, his carriages, &c. the
  _insignia_ of his better days, but now useless appendages from which
  he raised no inconsiderable sum.]

After taking an affectionate leave of his parents, he set out the
ensuing day to join his companions on their route to meet the army,
which was far distant. When hostilities first commenced, Theodore had
said, that when it became actually necessary, and his father's affairs
were settled, he would enlist in the service of his country.
Nevertheless, he journeyed with a heavy heart and an enfeebled frame of
spirits, through disappointment, vexation, and fatigue. The scenes he
had so lately experienced moved in melancholy succession over his mind,
and his despondency had not abated, even in a small degree, when he
reached the army.

    [_A&M_:

  He then took a tender and affectionate leave of his parents, and set
  out for New-London.

  Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame
  of spirits. Through disappointment, vexation, and the fatigues he
  had undergone in wandering about, for a long time, in search of
  Melissa, despondency had seized upon his mind....]

    [[Middle of paragraph summarizes the earlier "He had an excuse..."
    passage in _A&M_.]]

He now joined the forces under Colonel Van Renssalaer, "who, with a
detachment of about one thousand men, crossed the river Niagara, and
attacked the British on Queenstown heights. This detachment succeeded in
dislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced by the militia from the
American side, as was expected, they were ultimately repulsed, and
obliged to surrender. Eight hundred British soldiers now came to the aid
of the others, and pressed on to renew the attack. The Americans for a
time continued to struggle against this force, but were finally obliged
to surrender themselves prisoners of war."

    [_Interesting Events_: Battle at Queenstown:

  Early in the morning of the 13th of October, 1812, a detachment
  of about 1000 men, from the army of the Centre, crossed the river
  Niagara and attacked the British on Queenstown heights. This
  detachment, under the command of Colonel Solomon Van Rensellaer,
  succeeded in dislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced by the
  militia, from the American side, as was expected, they were
  ultimately repulsed, and were obliged to surrender.
  ...
  Eight hundred British soldiers, from fort George, now hove in sight,
  and pressed on to renew the attack. The Americans, for a time,
  continued to struggle against this force, but were finally obliged
  to surrender themselves prisoners of war.]

The fate of war was hard for Theodore, on his first expedition. He was
taken, and carried among the rest on board a prison-ship, and sent with
a number of others to England.

    [[This paragraph summarizes the equivalent of several chapters
    of _Alonzo and Melissa_.]]

This disastrous event, however, was shortly followed by one more
fortunate for the Americans. "General Dearborn embarked at Sackett's
Harbour, with sixteen hundred men, on an expedition against York, and
succeeded in the capture of that place.

    [_Interesting Events_: Capture of York:

  Gen. Dearborn embarked at Sackett's Harbor, with sixteen hundred
  men, on an expedition against York....]

"York was the seat of government for Upper Canada, and the principal
depot for the Niagara frontier. More naval stores were taken by the
Americans than could be carried away. The government hall was burned,
contrary to the orders of the American general."

    [_Interesting Events_: Capture of York:

  ... more naval stores were taken by the Americans than could be
  carried away.... York was the seat of government for Upper Canada,
  and the principal depot for the Niagara frontier, and Detroit....
  In the government hall ... the mace and other emblems of power.
  This building was burned, contrary to the orders of the American
  General.]




CHAPTER XIV.

  "See, winter comes," and boisterous on its way,
  See darkening clouds obscure the cheerful day;
  Its hollow voice is muttering in the gale,
  While chilling hail and snow the earth assail.

    [[The phrase in quotation marks is from Thomson's _Seasons_
    (see second paragraph, below).]]


Some length of time had elapsed since the family had been settled in the
city, and the cool breezes of autumn had changed to the hoarse murmuring
gales of winter. No sound scarcely was heard except blustering winds, or
their whistling murmurs around the angles of the mansion, blended with
the more slow, monotonous cadence of the advancing waves of the Hudson.

The evenings were cold, dark, and gloomy, except when the resplendent
rays of the moon's mild lustre was seen dispensing its light and
cheering influence, dissipating, in a material degree, the dreariness of
the evenings of this inclement season. Winter had commenced, "sullen and
sad, with all his rising train." "Vapours, and clouds, and storms,"
succeeded each other. Instead of copious showers of rain, snow and ice
were spread over the pavement in heavy masses.

    [Thomson: _Seasons_: Winter, first three lines:

  See, Winter comes, to rule the varied year;
  Sullen and sad, with all his rising train;
  Vapours, and Clouds, and Storms....]

One evening as a storm was approaching, and the winds blew tremendously,
and the snow began to fall in abundance, Where now, thought Alida, is
Theodore? though the cold may pierce and storms molest him, yet there is
no friend to sympathise with him in his distress, or to mitigate the
heaviness of his cheerless hours, and shed the rays of gladness over his
troubled mind.

    [Robert Bloomfield: _The Farmer's Boy; a Rural Poem_ (1798,
    quoted from 1820): Winter:

  _Him_, though the cold may pierce, and storms molest,
  Succeeding hours shall cheer with warmth and rest;
  Gladness to spread, and raise the grateful smile,]

How great the contrast is now with his former fortunes, how severe his
afflictions! He feels not so much the loss of wealth, but he sighs for
the smiles of former associates and friends. She looked upon her finger,
there was the ring he had given her in happier days. This she vowed to
keep and cherish, through every trial and affliction. It was Theodore's
last gift. Where was he now? What dangers he may have encountered, and
what hardships endured! and what might he not yet have to suffer, ere
she should behold him again, if indeed she ever should.

She had not heard from him in a long time. He had promised to write--why
was he not faithful to his promise?

    [The Merchant's Daughter:

  How great the contrast-- how severe her afflictions! She felt not
  the loss of wealth, she sighed not for the smiles of former
  associates.... She looked upon her finger, there was the plain gold
  ring-- the only one of all her jewels that she had not parted with--
  she vowed she would keep and cherish it through every trial and
  affliction-- it was George's last gift. Where was he now? What
  dangers he must have encountered, what hardships endured; and what
  might he not yet have to suffer before he returned, if indeed he
  ever should return-- she had not heard from him in a long time; and
  when he last wrote he was ignorant of her father's failure. Would he
  be faithful to his plight in this reverse of fortune?]

Thus meditated Alida. At length she articulated in a calmer tone, and
her feelings became more composed.

Infinite Ruler of events! Great Sovereign of this ever-changing
world! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser of
destinies! In thy hands are all things terrestrial, and the condition
of our lives are at thy disposal. The beginning, the progression, and
the end is thine. Unsearchable are thy purposes!-- mysterious thy
movements!-- inscrutable thy operations! Thy will must be done. To
bow in submission to thy decrees, is right:-- for we are unable to
scrutinize the past, and incompetent to explore the future.

    [_A&M_ (Alonzo speaking):

  Infinite Ruler of all events; Great Sovereign of this ever changing
  world! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser
  of destinies! The beginning, the progression, the end is thine.
  Unsearchable are thy purposes! mysterious thy movements! inscrutable
  thy operations! An atom of thy creation, wildered in the mazes of
  ignorance and woe, would bow to thy decrees. Surrounded with
  impenetrable gloom, unable to scrutinize the past, incompetent to
  explore the future--]

Alida had lived retired since she had been in town, although in the
midst of gay scenes of every description. The acquaintance she had made
were few. Her second mother had no relatives there, except her sister's
children, which formed a principal part of her society.

    [[_Alida_ page 105 (chapter XIII), referring to Alida's "second
    mother", says that "her many excellent qualities had endeared her to
    numerous friends and acquaintances".]]

Her oldest nephew was about twenty-five years of age. The personal
appearance of Mr. Bolton was highly prepossessing. He was particularly
distinguished for his genuine politeness, affability, and witticism.

He inherited a considerable patrimony from his grandfather, which proved
to be a disadvantage, as it prevented him from applying himself to any
particular occupation. Since his aunt's marriage, and his acquaintance
with Alida, his visits had become frequent, accompanied with partial
attention; though on her part, indifference was visible, as his earnest
assiduities, were altogether unexpected, and implied a thing she had not
thought of.

No one had as yet observed his growing fondness and predilection for
Alida, except her father, to whom it was by no means pleasing. The
habitual idleness of this young gentleman, caused him in a great measure
to pass over the consideration of his many excellent qualities.

Among those, with whom Alida had become acquainted during her residence
in the city, was the son of an old friend of her father's. This
gentleman had place among the merchants in Broadway, and who, by a long
course of industrious trading had amassed a handsome competency. There
was something peculiar in his air and manner, which distinguished him
among the men of business.

Speak of a person of commanding aspect, tall, slender, and majestic;
quick in step, fluent in speech, with large light blue eyes, and light
hair, approaching a little to the yellow. That was Mr. More. There was a
neatness and uniformity in his appearance and dress. He might have been
known by his blue suit, white vest, and cambric handkerchief. He was
polite and agreeable, and by his associates, he was much esteemed as an
acquaintance. His judgment was mature in regard to his business. He
managed his affairs with prudence and economy, and still stood firm amid
the shock of failures around him.

    [The Merchant's Daughter (describing the young lover):

  George Gilmore was the son of an old friend of the family....]

    [The Merchant's Daughter (describing the merchant):

  Mr. Alstyne was a merchant in New York, who, by a long course of
  industrious trading had amassed a handsome competency. There was
  a something in his air and manner which distinguished him in Wall
  street--speak of a man about fifty years of age, stout, not
  corpulent; quick in step, fluent in speech, with a lively black
  eye, and dark hair slightly silvered on the temples,--that was Mr.
  Alstyne. There was a neatness and uniformity too, in his dress--he
  might have been known by his blue coat, white marseilles vest, black
  pantaloons, and linen cambric napkin....]

Though his means were ample, his expenditures were not extravagant;
every thing about him partook of the convenient and useful. Suitably
free from the fashion mania which sometimes attack young people like an
epidemic, he preferred rational pleasures, and the company of a few
young men of liberal views and sentiments, to the empty display and
unsubstantial show, which wins the smile of moneyed plebians.

    [The Merchant's Daughter:

  Though his means were ample, his expenditures were moderate: every
  thing around him was neat and plain, and intended only for use. Free
  from the fashion-mania which at that time attacked certain people
  like an epidemic, he preferred comfort and ease at his own fireside,
  and the company of a few friends to the empty display, and
  unsubstantial show which win the smile of moneyed plebeians.

His general deportment, his countenance and manner, discovered a mind
and disposition, that had always been accustomed to unremitting
indulgence. He was ardent in friendship; possessing a heart of the
keenest sensibility, with a scrupulous regard for the feelings of
others. He had been much in female society--in company with the amiable
and intelligent. Still he had never seen any one that he thought was
possessed of congenial feelings, or whose mind would assimilate with his
own.

    [The Merchant's Daughter:

  He married, when young, a lady of congenial feelings....]

When he became acquainted with Alida, his sensations were awakened to a
new influence;--that he did not attempt to banish from his mind. He
never before had seen any one he thought so worthy of esteem, or so
calculated to inspire him with lasting friendship. "The kindness, and
sincerity of her heart, speaks in her artless manner," said he, (as he
was one evening returning home from her father's.) "She delights the old
and captivates the young. Yet her beauty is not so dazzling at first
glance, but every day that she is seen, the more her features charm, the
more her manners please. Innocence dwells in the silvery curls of her
light auburn hair, that waves over her shoulders in simple elegance. She
has been reared with proper care and attention, and educated not to
shine in a ball-room, but with a soft soothing friendship, to dissipate
ennui and gloom, and make the happiness of the domestic circle."

    [The Merchant's Daughter:

  the sincerity of her artless smile delighted the old and captivated
  the young. Her face was of the grecian mould, -- beautiful, yet her
  beauty was not so dazzling as at a first glance to hold the gazer in
  thrall -- but every day that she was seen, the more her features
  charmed, the more her manners pleased. The fresh bloom of health
  sported on her cheek, and innocence dwelt in the rich curls of her
  dark hair, that waved over a pure and stainless neck. In every
  motion of her sylph-like form was gayety and unaffected grace. She
  was reared with tender care, and educated not to shine in a
  ball-room, or flirt at a "rout," but to make a frugal housewife....]




CHAPTER XV.

  Come, Contemplation, with thy boundless gaze,
  Inspire my song, while I his merits praise,
  A true description of his greatness name,
  And fame's bright annals, shall record the same.


Many were at this time risking their lives in defence of American
liberty, and privileges;--nor were there at present any prospects of
conciliatory measures between the contending powers. It became necessary
for the people in the meantime, to call forth all their energies and
patriotism, with the utmost exertion on their parts--in support of their
country, in order to maintain the burden of the arduous conflict in
which it was engaged, and sustain the present contest with honour to
themselves, and with the hope that its final settlement might be to the
satisfaction of America, and the future prosperity of the nation.

Many heroes ventured forth to the field of battle, with the ardent
endeavour, still to preserve their independence; while at the same time
the hearts of many were failing them with fear. It was a time for the
patriot to use his influence to animate others anew to bravery, and
persuade them to be zealous, in a just cause; at this season of general
excitement, in which the feelings of the whole community had become
strongly interested. Party spirit, and the conflicting interests of the
different states were found to operate injuriously on many in their
commercial transactions. The people were impoverished by the expenses of
the war. Some were in debt. Creditors resorted to legal measures to
enforce a collection of their demands, which involved many families in
deep embarrassment. Peace was sighed for by the multitude, but there
were yet no signs of its realization.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Bartlett of New Hampshire (quotation marks in
    original):

  "when every face gathered blackness, and the stoutest men's hearts
  were failing them for fear;"]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Hancock of Massachusetts:

  Seasons of much excitement, in which the feelings of a whole
  community are strongly interested ...
  ...
  Conflicting interests of different states were found to operate
  injuriously on those of individuals, in their commercial
  transactions.... The people were impoverished by the expenses of the
  war. Many were in debt. Creditors resorted to legal measures to
  enforce a collection of their demands, which involved many families
  in deep embarrassment.]

An engagement had just taken place on Lake Erie. The American fleet was
commanded by Commodore Perry, a young officer; that of the British under
Com. Barclay, an old and experienced officer, who had served under
Nelson. After a contest of three hours the Americans gained a complete
victory, and captured every vessel of the enemy. Commodore Perry
announced this victory in the following laconic style: "We have met the
enemy, and they are ours." The Americans took six hundred prisoners,
which exceeded their whole number engaged in the action. This battle was
succeeded, several weeks afterwards, by another that was alike
fortunate, between the American army under General Harrison, and the
British under Gen. Proctor, in which they were defeated, and Detroit
fell into the hands of the Americans.

    [_Interesting Events_: Battle on Lake Erie:

  The American fleet consisted of nine vessels, carrying fifty-four
  guns, commanded by Commodore Perry, a young officer. The British
  fleet of six vessels and sixty-three guns, under Commodore Barclay,
  an old and experienced officer, who had served under Nelson.
  ...
  After a contest of three hours the American fleet gained a complete
  victory, and captured every vessel of the enemy. Commodore Perry
  announced this victory in the following laconic style:-- "_We have
  met the enemy, and they are ours!_"

  The Americans.... took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded the
  whole number of Americans engaged in the action.]

    [_Interesting Events_: Death of Tecumseh (immediately after
    preceding passage):

  On the 5th of October, a battle was fought between the American army
  under Gen. Harrison, and the British, under Gen. Proctor, in which
  the British were defeated, and Detroit fell into the hands of the
  Americans.]

The success of this action may be entirely attributed, (under the favour
of heaven,) to the abilities and military skill of General Harrison.

    [_Sketch of Harrison_ (disconnected passages throughout):

  his patriotism, his abilities, and his military skill.]

After General Hull had tamely surrendered to the British this important
post, with the gallant force that composed the garrison, an event which
spread consternation far and wide throughout the western country, and
greatly increased the difficulty and arduous nature of Gen. Harrison's
duties, he immediately organized the brave troops under his command, and
commenced a course of rigid discipline, and military trainings, with the
confident hope of retrieving the consequent disasters of this
proceeding.

    [_Sketch of Harrison_:

  About this time the cowardice and imbecility of General Hull tamely
  surrendered to the British the important post of Detroit, with the
  gallant force which composed its garrison. This event spread
  consternation, far and wide, through the western country, and
  greatly increased the difficulty and arduous nature of Governor
  Harrison's duties. He immediately organized the brave troops under
  his command, and commenced a course of rigid discipline and military
  training: with the confident hope of retrieving the disasters
  consequent upon the cowardly surrender of Detroit.]

The American army advanced in order of battle, and were in the immediate
neighbourhood of the enemy; the reconnoitering parties brought in
intelligence of the dispositions Proctor had made, wherein he had
committed an irretrievable error in ranging his regular soldiers in
order, and extending his line by placing the files at a distance of
three or four feet from each other. Harrison, with the rapid decision of
an able general, instantly availed himself of the error of his opponent.
The extended and weakened line of the enemy, could offer but a feeble
resistance to the charge of his gallant troops, who dashed forward at
the earnest solicitation of the people of the territory,--and with the
public expression of the most flattering approbation, on the part of the
chief executive;--till at length they gained a complete victory.

    [_Sketch of Harrison_:

  General Proctor.... committed an irretrievable error, in placing
  his regular soldiers in open order, and extending his line by
  placing the files at a distance of three or four feet from each
  other.

  The American army advanced in order of battle, and when in the
  immediate neighbourhood of the enemy, the reconnoitering parties
  brought in intelligence of the dispositions Proctor had made.
  Harrison, with the rapid decision of an able general, instantly
  availed himself of the error of his opponent.... The extended and
  weakened line of the enemy could offer but a feeble resistance to
  the charge of these gallant troops; who dashed through their
  ranks....]

    [_Sketch of Harrison_ (as governor of Indiana):

  ... he was re-appointed, at the earnest solicitation of the people
  of the territory, and with the public expression of the most
  flattering approbation on the part of our chief executive....]

The various and arduous duties of the governor of Indiana, required, for
this office, a man of very superior abilities--one possessed of stern
integrity and prudent moderation, accompanied by the most unwavering
firmness. Such a man Governor Harrison, in the long course of his
administration, fully proved himself to be. And in acting his part as a
general he merits no less the applauses of his countrymen, in training
and leading their armies to victory. The nervous and impassioned
eloquence, and classical felicity of illustration, with which he
enforced his arguments, gained him much applause and influence,-- and
discovered his abilities to be of the highest order, blended with the
truest republican principles;-- in which were manifested an ardent zeal
for the good of his country, and an earnest desire to serve her best
interests. Though vested with unusual powers, both as governor and
general, he was never known during the whole of his command, to exercise
his authority in an unjust or oppressive manner. His measures were
energetic but always qualified by his characteristic moderation and
humanity, joined with integrity, prudence, and capacity for civil
government. Many high encomiums were lavished upon him by those whose
friends and neighbours had participated in this campaign, and who were
consequently familiar with its details, and with the merits of their
commander.

    [_Sketch of Harrison_:

  The various and arduous duties of governor of Indiana required, for
  this office, a man of very superior abilities -- one possessed of
  stern integrity and prudent moderation, accompanied by the most
  unwavering firmness. Such a man Governor Harrison, in the long
  course of his a administration fully proved himself to be.
  ...
  his remarkable readiness in debate soon rendered him a prominent
  member, and the nervous and impassioned eloquence, and classical
  felicity of illustration with which he enforced his arguments,
  gained him much influence.
  ...
  with abilities of the highest order, with integrity pure as the
  unsullied snow, and with the truest republican principles....
  ...
  an ardent love for his country, and an earnest desire to serve her
  best interests....
  ...
  though vested with unusual powers, General Harrison was never known,
  during the whole of his command, to exercise his authority in an
  unjust or oppressive manner. His measures were energetic, but always
  qualified by his characteristic moderation and humanity....
  ...
  integrity, prudence, and capacity for civil government.
  ...
  This high encomium came from those whose friends and neighbours had
  participated in the late campaign, and who were consequently
  familiar with its details, and with the merits of the commander.]

And Detroit is destined to be remembered, as the place of the battle
ground of one of the most remarkable and decisive actions that took
place during the late war.

    [_Sketch of Harrison_:

  a place which is destined to be remembered, as the battle ground of
  one of the most remarkable and decisive actions fought during the
  war.]

Shortly after this action was over, Bonville, who was one among the
soldiers, returned to New-York. He furnished plausible reason, and
obtained a furlough from his commanding officer, for leave of absence.
In the meantime, he thought again to visit Alida; he had at present a
double motive again to address her,--and if he should prove successful,
her expected fortune would make him ample amends for what he had
squandered away in scenes of folly. And if the father of Theodore had
become a bankrupt by misfortune, he had now almost become one by
dissipation and extravagance.

Albert had been extremely busy through the day, and was just returning
home from his store in Pearl-street one evening, when he met Bonville in
Broadway on his way to his father's. He accosted him in a very friendly
manner, and then interrogated him by numerous questions concerning the
family,--and very inquisitively with regard to his sister. Albert made
no reply that gave him any particular satisfaction. When they arrived at
the house, they found no company except Mr. More. Alida was truly
shocked and surprised at this unexpected visit from Bonville, who she
had no idea was in town. After making to her his compliments, and
expressing his pleasure at finding her well, he by degrees drew her into
a conversation which lasted the greater part of the evening. He offered
an ill-timed consolation for the absence of Theodore, and affected much
regret,--although he said his case was not as deplorable as that of many
others, as he was still among the living. That though he was a person he
could not esteem, still he had felt so far interested in his welfare, as
to make particular inquiries how the British were accustomed to treat
their prisoners. He then gave some dark intimations against his general
character, which could not fail to throw over the mind of Alida a deep
dejection.

    [_Alida_ page 158 (chapter XXI):

  Alida was truly shocked and surprised at a proposition so unexpected
  from Mr. Bolton....]

    [_A&M_ (Melissa speaking):

  My aunt added her taunts to his severities, and Beauman interfered
  with his ill timed consolation.]

    [_Alida_ page 168 (chapter XXIII):

  He expressed his surprise, and after giving many dark intimations of
  his perfidy, he changed the subject....]

She was now apprised of the fate of Theodore:--She was unable to
suppress the feelings of sorrow, that these words of Bonville had
excited. She remained silent; wholly engrossed by the confused thoughts
and sad ideas, that arose in succession in her mind, till at length she
became regardless of all around her.

The penetrating eyes of Mr. More were fixed upon her during this
conversation. He seemed wholly insensible to every other object. He was
apprehensive that her heart was insensible to the strong affection that
pervaded his own,--and he thought should she prove incapable of loving
like himself, and should become devoted to another, thoughts he could
scarcely endure,--though they sometimes impressed the idea that she
might never be interested in his favour. Hope would again flatter him
with the pleasing thought, that her bosom may have been fraught with
congenial feelings, and her heart beat with sensations even more fervent
than his own. Her image filled his waking thoughts, and disturbed with
visionary happiness his sleeping hours,--yet it seemed to his devoted
mind the love of merit alone; and he imagined that while she was happy,
he could never be altogether otherwise.

After Mr. More and Bonville had taken leave, and her parents had retired
to rest, Alida remained by the fire-side till a late hour. She was
meditating on recent circumstances, on the many late trying events which
had crowded so rapidly that they could scarcely be said to succeed each
other, and which had given so great variety to her life, that for years
had rolled on in the same peaceful, unvaried course. She felt displeased
at Bonville for his insinuations concerning Theodore, which were
ungenerous and ill-natured,--while he seemed to flatter himself with the
idea that she would become forgetful of him. He had hitherto yielded to
every selfish propensity, without once seriously reflecting on its
consequences to himself or others. His understanding, warped by
prejudice, and without control, often misled him, and the superiority an
elevated station gave him caused him to neglect to practice those better
principles of which his nature might have been capable. His pride would
suffer to see Alida united to another, therefore he was determined not
to relinquish her. He concluded that finally she would look upon
Theodore with indifference, and become favourably disposed towards
himself; while his regard for her should prove unchangeable. That,
unacquainted as she was with the world, she would at length be brought
to accede to his wishes. That his rhetoric operating on her inexperience
would ultimately influence her in his favour.




CHAPTER XVI.

  "Dejection pales thy rosy cheek,
    And steals the lustre from thine eye;
  The minutes of each tedious hour,
    Are mark'd by sad anxiety:

  "And all thy soft, endearing smiles,
    That spoke with such expressive grace,
  Alas! are fled, and only care
    Is seen upon that pensive face."

    [_NY Weekly_: On the recovery of an Only Child from the Small-pox,
    lines 1-8:

      When sickness pal'd thy rosy cheek,
      And stole the lustre from thine eye,
      The minutes of each tedious hour
      Were mark'd by sad anxiety.
      For all thy soft endearing smiles,
      Which spoke with such expressive grace,
      Alas! were fled, and only pain
      Was trac'd upon thy cherub face.]


The sublime works of nature had shed abroad their cheering influences,
and the mild and salubrious breezes of spring had succeeded to the
blustering gales of winter. The parents of Alida made preparation to
return to the country. Alida's father was declining in health. He had
imparted to his son his wish for him to close and settle his mercantile
affairs in the city, (as the times were dreary,) and return to the
paternal estate. In the meantime, Albert's assistance was necessary to
alleviate his father, as he was now advanced in years, and had
principally relinquished all public business, except attending to its
calls only when requested in cases of emergency.

    [_Alida_ page 153 (chapter XX):

  He had long wished him to close his affairs of business in the city,
  and settle himself on the paternal estate.]

    [_Alida_ page 206 (chapter XXIX):

  It had long been the wish of his parent, that he should close his
  business in New-York, and settle himself on the paternal estate.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Thornton of New Hampshire:

  Being advanced in years, he principally relinquished the business of
  his medical profession, attending to its calls only when requested
  in cases of special urgency.]

Mr. Bolton had been with the family several days, and attended them on
board the steamboat. One would scarcely suppose that so interesting an
exterior as his, blended with highly polished manners, should not have
made some impression on the mind of Alida if her heart had been
disengaged. Besides, he was a person too amiable not to be esteemed. His
ideas with regard to Alida were altogether sanguine. He believed, as
soon as he should ask the consent of her parents, he would easily obtain
his wishes. He considered his own fortune already sufficient, without
seeking more in the din of business. And he possessed many other
advantages which pleaded in his favour. With these hopes of assured
success, he made proposals to her father. The manner in which her father
replied to him was altogether discouraging, which excluded the hope of
his ever gaining the hand of his daughter by his consent. This denial
was a sensible cause of chagrin to Mr. Bolton, but yet it did not
discourage him.

The impatience sometimes of obtaining a thing which is refused to us,
renders it still more desirable, and the heart is never in a greater
flutter than when it is agitated with the fear of losing the object it
most wishes to gain. Moreover, he believed that Alida was already
interested in his favour, and he determined to suggest to her, the first
opportunity, the plan to elope with him, and thus put it out of the
power of her father to impede their happiness.

The day was calm and serene, and the air invigorating. The steam-boat
floated slowly upon the waters in monotonous movement. There was music
on board. A company of militia were going to the village of ----, where
they usually paraded the town for several hours, took dinner at the
hotel, and then returned again to the city.

Alida remained on deck nearly the whole way, to be a spectator of the
various, beautiful landscapes that presented themselves on the river,
particularly at this season of the year. A gentle breeze sprung up as
they passed the little islands at the entrance of the bay, on whose
glassy surface the sun shone with meridian splendour, illustrating the
peculiar beauty of the diversified scenery. In the course of a few hours
they arrived at the village of ----, where they obtained a conveyance to
take them on to their family residence, where they arrived some time in
the afternoon.

    [[The phrase "shone with meridian splendour" is widely quoted
    from Boswell's _Life of Johnson_.]]

Although all nature was smiling around, and the variegated landscape
never appeared more enchanting, birds of every description were seen
chirping on the spray, and the trees resounded with their sportive
melody, and Alida might still have been happy if she had never become
acquainted with Theodore; yet while she had the appearance of serenity,
she still cherished a secret uneasiness. She had never received any
intelligence concerning him since they had last parted. She imagined
herself altogether forgotten, as Bonville had frequently suggested.
Besides, he had represented Theodore as worthless. Harrassed and
oppressed by a thousand different conjectures, she could scarcely
support herself under them with any degree of resignation.

In this frame of mind, in serious meditation, she took a seat by the
window. The sun was declining slowly beneath the horizon to gladden
other regions. The spire of the village church was tipped with gold, and
the resplendent rays reflected from the window dazzled the eye. Above
was the azure vault variegated with fleecy clouds; beneath was nature's
verdant carpet. The little songsters of the adjoining grove were paying
their tribute of praise in melodious strains. The bleating of the lambs,
and the lowing of the milky train, re-echoed from the fields and
valleys; while the gentle murmuring of the water-fall at the mill, with
its rumbling cadence over the dam, was heard at a little distance.

    [_NY Weekly_: A Fragment, after the manner of J. Y. (abbreviated
    "Fragment JY"):

  The sun was retiring behind a lofty ridge of mountains to gladden
  other regions; the towering spires of the village churches were tipt
  with gold; while the resplendent rays reflected from the windows
  dazzled the eye. Above was the azure vault, variegated with fleecy
  clouds; beneath was Nature's verdant carpet. The little songsters of
  the grove were paying their tributes of praise in melodious strains;
  the bleatings of the lambs, and the lowings of the milky mothers
  re-echoed from the vallies.]

    [_Alida_ page 166 (chapter XXIII):

  The rumbling water-fall was again heard at the mill....]

"How still is nature," said Alida. "The sun has withdrawn his radiance,
yet the gleam from yonder western sky bespeaks him still at hand,
promising to return with his reviving warmth when nature is refreshed
with darkness. The bay is already beginning to be silvered over by the
mild rays of the queen of night. Gently she steals on the world, while
she bestows on us her borrowed splendour. She lights the wandering
traveller, she warms the earth with gentle heat. She dazzles not the eye
of the philosopher, but invites him to contemplate and admire. Scarcely
a breeze is stirring; the shadow of each tree remains undisturbed; the
unruffled bay and river glide smoothly on, reflecting nature's face.
Again the attention is drawn, and the eye wanders to yon vast concave,
where the mind follows in silent wonder, wandering among the planets,
till, struck with beauty of the whole, it acknowledges 'the Hand that
made it is divine.'

    [_NY Weekly_: An Evening Meditation:

  Now all is hushed, and nature seems to make a pause; the sun has
  withdrawn his radiance, yet the gloom [_sic_] from yonder western
  sky bespeaks him still at hand, promising to return with his
  reviving warmth, when nature is refreshed with darkness.]

    [_NY Weekly_: Fragment JY:

  The waters of a gently murmuring stream, which ran by the foot of a
  mountain, were silvered o'er by the mild rays of the queen of night.
  The soothing sound of a distant cataract gently saluted the car. The
  fragrant oders of flowers, watered by gentle zephyrs, breath'd a
  delightful perfume.]

    [_NY Weekly_: An Evening Meditation:

  The moon borrows her light, and bestows it upon us; she arises in
  silent majesty, humbly waiting to reign when he resigns his throne.
  No chorus ushers in his reign, no rays pronounce her approach;
  gently she steals on the world, and sits in silent majesty to view
  the good she does. She lights the wandering traveller, she warms the
  earth with gentle heat, she dazzles not the eye of the philosopher,
  but invites him to view and to admire--How still is nature! not a
  breeze! each tree enjoys its shadow undisturbed, the unruffled
  rivers glide smoothly on reflecting nature's face ...
  ...
  Oh see, by night, beauties transcendant and glorious; such as draw
  up the eye to yon vast concave, where the mind's eye follows in
  silent wonder, quickly passing from star to star, till struck with
  the beauty of the whole, it feels "the hand that made it is
  divine."]

"Surely," said Alida, "all nature conspires to calm the mind, to restore
tranquillity, to soften every care and corroding thought. But what can
ease the troubled mind, which, like the angry sea, after agitation by
blustering winds, 'tis still tumultuous?" Where now, thought she, is
Theodore? What sadness and difficulty may not his noble and generous
spirit have had to encounter! His tender sensibility, his serene and
pacific disposition, may have had numerous trials; and how unhappy he
may be, who was ever ardent in his endeavours to communicate peace and
happiness to others! When she reflected upon all his goodness, his
zealous piety, his religious sentiments the same as her own, and
recalled to her memory happier days, when she had listened with pleasure
to the powerful eloquence of a corresponding spirit. And her esteem for
him rose higher, while he commented on religious truths, and bade her
place a firm dependence on Divine Providence. Amid these uneasy
sensations, which filled the bosom of Alida with anxiety and grief, and
left her mind in a state of despondency, the period arrived for the
celebration of her father's birth-day, which brought with it, as usual,
much company from the city, from the neighbouring village, with the
parish minister and his family.

    [_NY Weekly_: Fragment JY:

  Surely, says Amelia, all nature conspires to calm the mind, to
  restore tranquility, to soften every care. But what can ease the
  torture of a love-sick soul; like the angry sea after agitation by
  blustering winds, 'tis still tumultuous.]

After her several sisters had arrived, and nearly all the company had
collected, Alida entered the drawing-room with spirits somewhat
re-animated. Bonville was already there. He arose and handed her to a
seat. He accompanied the first salutations with many flattering
compliments, but with all his endeavours to win her favour, he could not
awaken even a temporary regard in the bosom of Alida. In the meantime,
she had full leisure to observe his singular behaviour, to listen to his
insinuating address, to hear him mention the name of Theodore, and when
he observed her feelings were excited, to hear him suddenly change the
subject. He sometimes appeared to regard her with an eye of pity, but it
arose from a consciousness of his own errors, bordering on baseness. He
felt unhappy at his own want of integrity, and his heart reproached him
with injustice and treachery.




CHAPTER XVII.

  A polished mien, with elegance of mind,
  A winning grace, with taste and sense refined,
  A kindly, sympathizing heart, sincere,
  The gloomy scene, the pensive thought to cheer.


In a series of events, a period at length arrived, which manifested to
mankind, in a more melancholy degree, the shocking consequences and
devastation of war, the overwhelming sorrow that is brought on families
for the loss of friends, with the discouraging embarrassments attending
all kinds of business.

A severe engagement had recently taken place within half a mile of the
Niagara cataract. General Scott, on his arrival at Niagara Falls,
learned that the British were in force directly in his front, separated
only by a narrow piece of wood. He soon pressed through the wood, and
engaged the British on the Queenstown road. He advanced upon the enemy,
and the action commenced at six o'clock in the afternoon, and continued
with little intermission until twelve at night. The thunder of the
cannon, the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of artillery
during the six hours in which the parties were in combat, heightened by
the circumstance of its being night, afforded such a scene as is rarely
to be met with in the history of the wars of nations. The evening was
calm, and the moon shone with lustre when not enveloped in clouds of
smoke from the firing of the contending armies. Taking into
consideration the numbers engaged, few contests have ever been more
sanguinary. The battle was one of the most severe that had been fought
during the war. The British troops engaged in this action amounted to
5000 men; many of them were selected from the flower of Lord
Wellington's army. Colonel Miller's achievement, in storming the
battery, was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature, and entitled
him to the highest applause among the Americans.

    [_Interesting Events_: Battle of Niagara (citing "Perkins Late
    War"):

  Gen. Scott arrived at the Niagara cataract, and learned that the
  British were in force directly in his front, separated only by a
  narrow piece of wood. Having despatched this intelligence to Gen.
  Brown, he advanced upon the enemy, and the action commenced at six
  o'clock in the afternoon.... Gen. Scott had pressed through the
  wood, and engaged the British on the Queenston road.... The battle
  continued with little intermission, from six in the afternoon until
  twelve at night.... Col. Miller's achievement, in storming the
  battery, was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature; it was
  decisive of the events of the battle, and entitled him and his corps
  to the highest applause.... The battle was fought to the west of,
  and within half a mile of the Niagara cataract. The thunder of the
  cannon, the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of
  musketry, the groans of the dying and wounded during the six hours
  in which the parties were engaged in close combat, heightened by the
  circumstance of its being night, afforded such a scene, as is rarely
  to be met with, in the history of human slaughter. The evening was
  calm, and the moon shone with lustre, when not enveloped in clouds
  of smoke from the firing of the contending armies. Considering the
  numbers engaged, few contests have ever been more sanguinary.

  This was one of the most severe and bloody battles, which was fought
  during the war. The British force engaged in this battle amounted to
  5,000 men: many of their troops were selected from the flower of
  Lord Wellington's army.]

The measures of the president relative to the war were of such a nature
as greatly to draw upon him the approbation and gratitude of the nation.
He early began to turn his mind to a contemplation of the general
politics of his country. He, therefore, became advanced in the requisite
qualifications to assume and maintain the important station he held over
it. He had imbibed an attachment for civil liberty almost from his
infancy, which influenced his every action. He was of a pacific
temperament, and pursued those measures as long as they would answer.
But when it became actually necessary for him to recommend to congress
to pursue a different course, it was then that the benefactor of his
country endeavoured to concert measures still to preserve America as an
asylum for civil and religious liberty. He possessed qualities well
calculated to fulfil the duties of his high station with honour to
himself and justice to the community. He was dignified in his
deportment, kind, generous, and condescending; a patron to science;
a uniform promoter of honourable enterprise, but an enemy to every thing
dishonest, hypocritical, and disingenuous. And, as a Christian, he
firmly adhered to the gospel, and regulated his life by its precepts and
injunctions, in a consistent and exemplary manner.

    [_Lives of Signers_: John Adams of Massachusetts

  very early began to turn his mind to a contemplation of the general
  politics of his country.
  ...
  As, therefore, he increased in years, he advanced in qualifications
  to assume and maintain the important station he held in the
  revolutionary struggle which ensued.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Hancock of Massachusetts

  Mr. Hancock from his infancy, had imbibed an attachment to civil
  liberty. This attachment influenced....]

    [_Lives of Signers_: John Adams of Massachusetts

  an asylum for civil and religious liberty....]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Stockton of New Jersey

  He was dignified in his deportment; affable, kind, and condescending
  to his inferiors and dependents; a patron of science; an uniform
  promoter of virtues and honorable enterprise, but an enemy to
  every thing dishonest, hypocritical, and disingenuous. And, as a
  Christian, he was a firm believer in the evangelical doctrine of the
  gospel; regulated his life by its precepts and injunctions, in a
  consistent and exemplary manner....]

This illustrious president had the good fortune to be blessed with a
consort whose qualifications in her particular capacity were no less
adequate to fill with dignity her elevated station. The parents of Mrs.
Madison were natives of Virginia. Their daughter was educated in
Philadelphia among the Friends. She was, therefore, little indebted to
acquired graces and accomplishments for the admiration and regard which
followed her wherever she was known. To much personal beauty she added a
warm heart and a benevolent disposition--charms and attractions which
won for her not only admirers but friends, and exalted her to high
eminence in the public estimation. Her natural and acquired endowments
she carried into society with such pleasing manners and graceful
demeanour, as produced almost universally an impression highly
favourable to herself among the citizens of Washington. Her society was
much esteemed in all the companies she frequented. Her mental powers
were of a superior grade, and the effects of genuine piety and Christian
benevolence distinguished all her actions. To these she added an
amiability of temper, the polished address of a lady, with a
conversation both pleasing and instructive. Her deportment to all was
prepossessing, by the affectionate manner in which she addressed them
separately, and the interest she manifested in their welfare. In these
she showed no difference between the rich and the poor, and devoted much
of her time to the cause of charity. She was eminently distinguished for
her amiable qualities, and a peculiar versatility of talent in her
conversation and manners. She entertained the numerous friends and
guests of the president with cordial hospitality. She treated her
husband's relatives with regard and kindness; and in the president's
house, whenever there were female guests, Mrs. Madison always presided.

    [_Mrs. Madison_
    (any quotations are from National Portrait Gallery: see Sources):

  The parents of Mrs. Madison, whose maiden name was Dolly Payne, were
  natives of Virginia.... Their daughter was educated in Philadelphia
  in all the strictness of the sect to which the family belonged. She
  was, therefore, but little indebted to acquired graces and
  accomplishments for the admiration and regard which followed her
  wherever she was known. To much personal beauty, she added a warm
  heart and a benevolent disposition; charms and attractions which won
  for her not only admirers but friends....]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Rush of Pennsylvania (first paragraph refers
    to Dr. Rush's mother):

  must exalt her to high eminence in our estimation.
  ...
  His natural and acquired endowments he carried into society with
  such pleasing manners and graceful demeanor, as produced, almost
  universally, an impression highly favorable to himself among the
  citizens of Philadelphia. His society was much esteemed by all the
  companies he frequented. His mental powers were of a superior grade.
  To these he added the polished address and manners of a gentleman,
  and a conversation both pleasing and instructive. His deportment in
  the sick room was prepossessing, by the affectionate manner with
  which he addressed his patients, and the strong interest he
  manifested for their recovery. In these he showed no difference
  between the rich, who could amply reward him, and the poor, whose
  only requital was their cordial gratitude and their prayers.]

    [_Lives of Signers_: Witherspoon of New Jersey:

  possessed a great versatility of talent, which he could successfully
  apply to any subject he chose to handle.]

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  Here she entertained his numerous friends and guests with an
  abundant and cordial hospitality. Her mother and sisters lived with
  her, and the regard and kindness with which her husband treated
  them, was repaid on her part by similar attentions to the happiness
  and comfort of his aged mother, who continued to live with her son.]

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  "The President's house was the seat of hospitality, where Mrs.
  Madison always presided in the absence of Mr. Jefferson's daughters,
  when there were female guests.]

After the president's, the house of the secretary of state was the
resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its mistress
gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there assembled. All
foreigners who visited the seat of government, strangers from the
different states of the Union, the heads of departments, the diplomatic
corps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled with an ease and
freedom, a sociability and gaiety to be met with in no other society.
Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it then was, by her
gentleness, was disarmed of its asperity.

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  After the President's, the house of the Secretary of State was the
  resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its
  mistress gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there
  assembled. All foreigners who visited the seat of government--
  strangers from the different states of the Union, the heads of
  departments, the diplomatic corps, senators, representatives, and
  citizens, mingled with an ease and freedom, a sociability and
  gaiety, to be met with in no other society.--Even party spirit,
  virulent and embittered as it then was, by her gentleness was
  disarmed of its asperity."]

Individuals who never visited the president's dwelling, nor met at the
other ministerial houses, could not resist the softening influences of
her conciliatory disposition, with her frank and generous manners. She
was constantly receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind
and friendly manner with the inhabitants of Washington. The president,
being wholly absorbed in public business, left to Mrs. Madison the
discharge of the duties of social intercourse. And never was woman
better calculated for the task. Exposed as she necessarily was, in so
conspicuous a situation, to envy, jealousy, and misconstruction, she so
managed as to conciliate the good-will of all, without offending the
self-love of any of the numerous competitors for her favour and
attention. Every visiter left her with the pleasing impression of being
an especial favourite, of having been the object of peculiar attention.
She never forgot a name she had once heard, nor a face she had once
seen, nor the personal circumstances connected with every individual of
her acquaintance. Her quick recognition of persons, her recurrence to
their peculiar interests produced the gratifying impression in each and
all of those who conversed with her that they were especial objects of
regard. The house was very plainly furnished, and her dress in no way
extravagant; and it was only in hospitality and charity that her
profusion was unlimited.

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  "Individuals who never visited at the President's, nor met at the
  other ministerial houses, could not resist the softening influences
  of her conciliatory disposition, of her frank and gracious
  manners....

  "... receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind and
  friendly manner; The Secretary himself, being wholly absorbed in
  public business, left to Mrs. Madison the discharge of the duties of
  social intercourse. And never was a woman better calculated for the
  task. Exposed, as she necessarily must have been in so conspicuous a
  situation, to envy, jealousy, and misconstruction, she so managed as
  to conciliate the good-will of all, without offending the self-love
  of any of the numerous competitors for her favor and attention.
  Every visitor left her with the pleasing impression of being an
  especial favorite, of having been the object of peculiar attention.
  She never forgot a name she had once heard, nor a face she had once
  seen, nor the personal circumstances connected with every individual
  of her acquaintance. Her quick recognition of persons; her
  recurrence to their peculiar interests, produced the gratifying
  impression, in each and all of those who conversed with her, that
  they were especial objects of regard.

  "Her house was very plainly furnished, and her dress in no way
  extravagant. It was only in hospitality and in charity that her
  profusion was unchecked...."]

The amiable and engaging qualities which have been here described,
characterized Mrs. Madison in her husband's public life. In the midst of
the bitterness of party spirit, and the violence of political animosity,
she was mild and courteous to all. The political assailants of her
husband she treated with a kindness which disarmed their hostility of
its individual rancour, and sometimes even converted political enemies
into personal friends, and still oftener succeeded in neutralizing the
bitterness of opposition.

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  The amiable and engaging qualities which have been described,
  characterized Mrs. Madison through the whole of her husband's public
  life. In the midst of the bitterness of party spirit and the
  violence of political animosity, she was mild and courteous to all.
  The political assailants of her husband she treated with a kindness,
  which disarmed their hostility of its individual rancor, and
  sometimes even converted political enemies into personal friends,
  and still oftener succeeded in neutralising the bitterness of
  opposition.]

At this period her courage and firmness were put to a severe test. In
August, 1814, the British troops landed forty miles below Washington,
and approached that city. The president left the city to hold a council
of war. Before his departure he anxiously inquired if she had courage or
firmness to remain in their house until his return on the morrow, or
succeeding day. She assured him she had no fear but for him and the
success of the army. When the president reached Bladensburgh he
unexpectedly found the two armies engaged. Meanwhile terror spread over
the city--all who could obtain conveyances fled to the adjoining towns.
The sound of the cannon was distinctly heard, and universal confusion
and dismay prevailed. Some personal friends who remained with Mrs.
Madison, strongly urged her to leave the city. They had her carriage
brought to the door, but could not persuade her to enter it till her
husband should return, and accompany her. And she did not finally depart
till several messengers had been despatched to bid her fly.

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  During the last war her courage and firmness were put to a severe
  test. In August, 1814, the British troops landed forty miles below
  Washington, and approached that city. The President left the city to
  hold a council of war.

  Before his departure, he anxiously inquired if she had courage or
  firmness to remain in the President's house until his return on the
  morrow or succeeding day. She assured him she had no fear but for
  him and the success of our army. When the President reached
  Bladensburgh he unexpectedly found the two armies engaged. Meanwhile
  terror spread over the city. All who could obtain conveyances fled
  to the adjoining towns. The sound of the cannon was distinctly
  heard, and universal confusion and dismay prevailed. Some personal
  friends who remained with Mrs. Madison strongly urged her to leave
  the city. They had her carriage brought to the door, but could not
  persuade her to enter it till her husband should return and
  accompany her. And she did not finally depart till several
  messengers had been despatched to bid her fly.]

Much as she graced her public station, she was not less admirable in
domestic life. Neighbourly and companionable among her country friends,
as if she had never lived in a city, delighting in the society of the
young, and never better pleased than when promoting every youthful
pleasure by her participation;--she still proved herself the
affectionate consort, without neglecting the duties of a kind hostess,
and a faithful friend and relation. She smoothed and enlivened, occupied
and appeased, each varying scene of life. Her husband knew, appreciated,
and acknowledged the blessing which heaven had bestowed on him, in
giving him such a companion.

    [_Mrs. Madison_:

  "Much as she graced her public station, she has been not less
  admirable in domestic life. Neighborly and companionable among her
  country friends, as if she had never lived in a city; delighting in
  the society of the young, and never better pleased than when
  promoting every youthful pleasure by her participation; she still
  proved herself the affectionate wife during the years of suffering
  health of her excellent husband. Without neglecting the duties of a
  kind hostess, a faithful friend and relative, she smoothed and
  enlivened, occupied and amused the languid hours of his long
  confinement. He knew, appreciated and acknowledged the blessing
  which heaven had bestowed on him in giving him such a wife."]




CHAPTER XVIII.

  And many an aching heart at rising morn,
    A sad memento of the day that's past,
  From long protracted slumbers, slowly drawn;
    From wearied spirits--with a gloom o'ercast.


All business of importance, at this time, was in a manner suspended in
New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part
of the community were in dismay; occasioned by the continuance of
hostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a declining state,
discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the inhabitants;--and
although there had been some rumours of peace, it was not yet concluded.

    [_Alida_ page 35 (chapter IV):

  All material business was in a manner suspended in New-York; the
  face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part of the
  community were in dismay. A heavy gloom hung over the inhabitants
  generally, while all their affairs appeared in a declining state,
  discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the people.]

A severe battle had lately taken place at New-Orleans, in which the
Americans were victorious. Another was fought some little time
afterwards on Lake Champlain. The British fleet, with 1050 men
approached Plattsburgh, while the American fleet were lying off that
place. The British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle,
commanded by sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada. Commodore
Macdonough, the American commander, ordered his vessels to be cleared
for action, and gallantly received the enemy. The engagement was
exceedingly obstinate. After a contest of two hours, the British ships
and several sloops of war fell into the hands of the Americans. Before
sunset the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced, and every
attempt to cross from Plattsburgh to the American works was repelled. At
nine o'clock the object was abandoned, and the British general hastily
drew off his forces. Large quantities of military stores were left
behind, and fell into the hands of the Americans.

    [_Interesting Events_: Piracies in the West Indies:

  An engagement with the pirates ensued, in which the Americans were
  victorious.]

    [_Interesting Events_: Battle on Lake Champlain:

  In September, 1814, an army of 14,000 men, under the command of Sir
  George Prevost, Governor General of Canada, and a fleet on Lake
  Champlain, under Commodore Downie, carrying 95 guns, and 1050 men,
  approached Plattsburgh.

  The American fleet, commanded by Commodore Macdonough, carried but
  86 guns, and 826 men. While lying off Plattsburgh, on the 11th of
  September, the British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle.

  Ordering his vessels to be cleared for action, Commodore Macdonough
  gallantly received the enemy. The engagement was exceedingly
  obstinate.... After an engagement of two hours and twenty minutes,
  the British ships were silenced, and one frigate, one brig, and two
  sloops of war, fell into the hands of the Americans.]

    [_History of New York_:

  Before sunset, the temporary batteries of the enemy were all
  silenced, and every attempt to cross from Plattsburg to the American
  works repelled. At 9 o'clock, the object was abandoned, and the
  British general hastily drew off his forces... Large quantities of
  military stores were abandoned, and fell into the hands of the
  Americans.]

The people of the United States were at this time divided into two
political parties; one party condemned the war as unwise and
unnecessary; the other contending that the war was just, and necessary,
for the maintenance of national honour. The opposition to the war was
the greatest in the New England states, and during its continuance this
opposition was confirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instances
discouraged, and dissentions arose between the general and state
governments, respecting the command of the militia, called out by order
of the former, to defend the sea-board. Accordingly the legislature of
Massachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with the delegates
from the states of New England, or any of them, upon the subject of
their public grievances and concerns. The delegates met at Hartford,
Connecticut, in 1815, and sat nearly three weeks with closed doors. This
convention consisted of delegates from the state of Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and Rhode Island; two members from New Hampshire, and one
from Vermont. After their adjournment, the convention published an
address, charging the nation with pursuing measures hostile to the
interest of New England, and recommended amendments to the Federal
Constitution.

    [_Interesting Events_: Hartford Convention (quoting "Goodrich"):

  During the second war with Great Britain, the people of the United
  States were divided into two political parties, one party condemning
  the war as unwise and unnecessary; the other contending that the war
  was just, and necessary for the maintenance of national honor. The
  opposition to the war was the greatest in the New-England States,
  and during its continuance this opposition was confirmed.
  Enlistments of troops was [_sic_] in some instances discouraged,
  and dissentions arose between the general and state governments,
  respecting the command of the militia, called out by order of the
  former, to defend the sea-board. In October, 1814, the Legislature
  of Massachusetts appointed "delegates to meet and confer with the
  delegates from the States of New England, or any of them, upon the
  subjects of their public grievances and concerns." The delegates met
  at Hartford, Con. Dec. 15th, 1814, and sat nearly three weeks with
  closed doors. This Convention consisted of delegates from the States
  of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode-Island; two members from
  New-Hampshire and one from Vermont: these last were appointed at
  County meetings. After their adjournment, the Convention published
  an address, charging the National government with pursuing measures
  hostile to the interests of New-England, and recommending amendments
  to the Federal Constitution.]

The report of the Hartford Convention concluded with the resolution
providing for the calling of another convention, should the United
States refuse their consent to some arrangements,--whereby the New
England States, separately, or in concert, might be empowered to assume
upon themselves the defence of their territory against the enemy. The
committee appointed to communicate these resolutions to Congress, met at
Washington the news of peace: and owing to this event, another
Convention was not called. And may it never be the fate of America, to
be again involved in hostilities with her mother country, from whence is
derived her revered religion;--each nation possessing towards the other
reciprocal fellow-feelings, becoming Christian brethren.

    [_Interesting Events_: Hartford Convention (quoting "Goodrich"):

  The report of the Convention concluded with a resolution, providing
  for the calling of another convention, should the United States
  "refuse their consent to some arrangement whereby the New England
  States, separately, or in concert, might be empowered to assume upon
  themselves the defence of their territory against the enemy"....

  The committee appointed to communicate these resolutions to
  Congress, met at Washington the news of peace: and owing to this
  event another Convention was not called.]

  How shall we to his memory raise
    A theme that's worthy to record;
  The tribute of a nation's praise
    In grateful accents sent abroad.

  Let eloquence his deeds proclaim.
    From sea-beat strand to mountain goal;
  Let hist'ry write his peaceful name.
    High on her truth-illumin'd scroll.

  Let poetry and art through earth,
    The page inspire, the canvass warm,
  In glowing words record his worth.
    In living marble mould his form.

  A fame so bright will never fade,
    A name so dear will deathless be;
  For on our country's shrine he laid
    The charter of her liberty.

  Praise be to God: his love bestowed
    The chief, the patriot, and the sage;
  Praise God! to him our father owed
    This fair and goodly heritage.

  The sacred gift time shall not mar.
    But wisdom guard what valour won,
  While beams serene her guiding star,
    And glory points to Madison.

    [Park Benjamin: Ode on the Death of James Madison (here quoted
    from _The American Monthly Magazine_, N.S. 2, 1836):

      How shall we mourn the glorious dead?
      What trophy rear above his grave,
      For whom a nation's tears are shed--
      A nation's funeral banners wave!

      Let Eloquence his deeds proclaim,
      From sea-beat strand to mountain goal;
      Let Hist'ry write his peaceful name,
      High on her truth-illumined scroll.

      Let Poetry and Art through Earth
      The page inspire, the canvass warm--
      In glowing words record his worth,
      In living marble mould his form.

      A fame so bright will never fade,
      A name so dear will deathless be;
      For on our country's shrine he laid
      The charter of her liberty.

      Praise be to God! His love bestowed
      The chief, the patriot, and the sage;
      Praise God! to Him our fathers owed
      This fair and goodly heritage.

      The sacred gift, time shall not mar,
      But Wisdom guard what Valor won--
      While beams serene her guiding star,
      And Glory points to Madison!]




CHAPTER XIX.

  O, glorious prospect, see the smile benign,
    Of heav'n-born peace, refulgent spread its rays;
  To peace and concord, may the world incline,
    And these our later be our happier days.


Some length of time had elapsed since the parents of Alida had taken up
their residence in the city for the winter, when the news of peace
reached New-York. The cries of peace resounded throughout the city at
these joyful tidings,--and the evening of this day was celebrated by a
splendid illumination. Transparencies, emblematical of the liberties of
the country, were exhibited at all the public edifices. The fine and
melodious music in the Park, drew the people together in crowds within
the inclosure, till scarcely another could enter,--and although the snow
had fallen profusely, and the walking was extremely bad, yet it seemed
as if all the inhabitants, generally, were out, parading on foot, to
witness the general rejoicing.

In the mean time, a visible change for the better took place almost
immediately, and these happy effects shed their benign influence
throughout all ranks of society, and among all classes of the people.
Those who had been in despair on account of the times, had now the
charming prospect before them of returning happiness and prosperity,
when the active scenes of life would again impel the multitude to the
exercise of laudable industry, whereby they might ultimately realize the
success and proceeds attending on an honest perseverance in business.

The country that had been unwillingly drawn into combat had been
victorious, and its inhabitants left in peaceful possession of the
warrior's field. An honourable peace had been concluded, and happy
tranquillity was once more the fate of the American nation.

The miseries and unhappy grievances occasioned by war, were again at an
end, and happily terminated. The cheering consequences of peace again
communicated their happy effects among the people, awakening to their
imagination new hopes and prospects, filling their minds with
exultation, and anticipations the most sanguine.

The painful, unpleasant effects of discord, animosity, and contention,
were now changed to the exercise of those better qualities and
dispositions, more pacific and praiseworthy. The scenes of fury, terror,
and confusion, were succeeded by those of placid serenity. The hours but
a short time before spent in moping melancholy and sadness, in
individual discouragement and wo, were now passed in listening to
musical serenades, in scenes of mirth and festivity. The people whose
independence had been gloriously won, nearly half a century before, by
the superior prowess of a renowned hero,* who, as a general, marshalled
the peasant into a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence of
experience, and through the vicissitudes of a protracted conflict
displayed a magnanimity that defied misfortune, and a moderation that
ornamented victory.

    [_Alida_ page 58 (chapter VIII), quoting _Alonzo and Melissa_
    (itself quoting an earlier text):

  he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of musing, moping
  melancholy....]

    [* Washington.]

    [Phillips: Speech on Washington:

  As a General, he marshalled the peasant into a veteran, and supplied
  by discipline the absence of experience;]

    [Phillips: Speech on Washington:

  through all the vicissitudes of her protracted conflict, displaying
  a magnanimity that defied misfortune, and a moderation that
  ornamented victory.]

America, already revered in the annals of fame, now saw her rights again
secured to her by the charter of her liberties. With the view before
her of witnessing again the subsequent advantages of free trade and
commerce; while her swelling canvass shall be spread over the seas of
distant nations, and her star-spangled banner shall proclaim to them her
liberty--glory and honour shall kindle in the bosom of the patriot at
the name of her Madison. While the wealth of her commerce, the renown
of her arms, the fame of her philosophy, the eloquence of her senate,
and the inspiration of her bards, shall cause her to emerge from her
horizon, and shine with splendour over the vast expanse of the universe,
claiming from remotest regions the respect due to her superiority. Happy
America! thy freedom is once more ensured to thee, and thy hero has
turned upon the vanquished only the retribution of his mercy.

    [Phillips: Speech on Washington:

  and glory rekindle at the urn of her Washington.
  ...
  now rivals the wealth of their commerce, the glory of their arms,
  the fame of their philosophy, the eloquence of their senate, and the
  inspiration of their bards!... that mighty continent may emerge from
  the horizon....
  ...
  and turned upon the vanquished only the retribution of his mercy.]




CHAPTER XX.

  Charmed by returning pleasure's gentle voice,
    Each waken'd sense with new-born rapture beats;
    The adverse heart the welcome stranger greets,
  And bids each trembling nerve again rejoice.

    [_NY Weekly_: To Emma, lines 1-4:

      Charm'd by returning Friendship's gentle voice,
        Each waken'd pulse with new-born rapture beats;
        My lonely heart the welcome stranger greets,
      And bids each quiv'ring, trembling nerve rejoice.]


The patriotic feelings of Alida's father partook in the general joy and
satisfaction of the community, and he soon turned his attention to
celebrate the event of the late peace with tokens of rejoicing. Numerous
were the company that collected at his house on the day set apart for
this purpose. The dwelling was illuminated, and the guests assembled at
an early hour in the evening on this joyful occasion.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Wilson of Pennsylvania:

  it was resolved to celebrate the event with tokens of rejoicing....]

    [_NY Weekly_: Extraordinary Adventure of a Spanish Nobleman:

  which was finely illuminated on this joyful occasion....]

Unaffected pleasure enlivened the scene, and presided throughout the
assembly; light-hearted wit broke forth in a thousand brilliant sallies,
while unfeigned joy heightened the flush on the cheek of youth, and
smoothed the furrows on the brow of age. Nor did the sprightly fair
ones, with the gay young gentlemen, fail to exert themselves to enhance
the present felicity of the company. The gaiety of the scene, the flow
of general joy, the sight of so many happy people, the countenances of
the happy parents in witnessing the innocent mirth of their children,
with the benevolent looks of the noble bestower of the entertainment,
formed altogether a scene which failed not to fill the heart with
sensations the most pleasing and satisfactory.

    [_NY Weekly_: An Account of a Melancholy Transaction ...

  Unaffected satisfaction presided in the assembly, light-hearted wit
  broke forth in a thousand brilliant sallies, while joy heightened
  the flush on the check of youth, and smoothed the furrows on the
  brow of age: nor did the sprightly fair one, who was just verging
  upon sixteen, fail to exert herself to enhance the hilarity of the
  company.]

    [_NY Weekly_: A Rural Picture:

  the gaiety of the scene, the flow of general joy, the sight of so
  many happy people, the countenances of the enraptured parents, who
  seem to live anew again, the sprightly season of youth in their
  children, with the benevolent looks of the noble bestowers of the
  feast, filled my eyes with tears and my swelling heart with a
  sensation of pure, yet lively transport....]

Mr. Bolton was occupied in attending the ladies generally, while a
genuine witticism occasionally mingling with his discourse, gave one no
mean opinion of his understanding, and increased their admiration of his
talents. He was well calculated to please; there was something
remarkably graceful in his exterior, and he exerted himself this evening
particularly to assist Alida to entertain the numerous visiters.

Bonville endeavoured in various ways to attract attention. He was
extremely humorous and gay, and the whole party was enlivened by his
vivacity. He described the folly of some of the prevailing fashions of
the town with sarcastic pleasantry, and related many anecdotes of the
gay world and fashionable life, interesting to those who had lived in
retirement. Alida could not but listen with some degree of pleasure to
his amusing conversation, and the pleasing allusions he frequently made
gradually drew the attention of the whole company.

Albert selected from the rest an interesting young lady, to whom he
directed the most of his attention, while she, pleased with his
politeness, exerted all her conversational powers to entertain him. His
father was much pleased to see his son endeavour to make himself
agreeable in ladies' society; he thought it augured a good sign, and
would be conducive to meliorate and refine his manners. He had long
wished him to close his affairs of business in the city, and settle
himself on the paternal estate. He was anxious that he should seek out
an amiable companion, of pious principles and exemplary manners, of
genuine goodness and benevolence, in whose deportment was mingled the
rays of mildness, amiability, and cheerfulness; well-meaning towards
all, blended with an unaffected ease and politeness, joined with the
usual accomplishments to complete the character of a lady.

    [_Alida_ page 128 (chapter XVI):

  He had imparted to his son his wish for him to close and settle his
  mercantile affairs in the city, (as the times were dreary,) and
  return to the paternal estate.]

    [_Alida_ page 206 (chapter XXIX):

  It had long been the wish of his parent, that he should close his
  business in New-York, and settle himself on the paternal estate.]

An unusual degree of innocent amusement prevailed throughout the circle
on this evening of general joy, and all were more or less enlivened and
cheered by its salutary effects, except Mr. More, who, in the midst of
music and mirth, remained sad and melancholy; despondent reflections at
times deeply disturbed his tranquillity. In the midst of these scenes of
festivity, he was serious and thoughtful; gloomy ideas would in spite of
himself cloud his imagination, whenever his thoughts foreboded the fear
of losing the only object of his affection.

The elderly gentlemen had a long consolatory conversation on the present
affairs of the country, and their happy termination; the wisdom of the
government and its coinciding regulations, concluding that the late
peace, founded on principles of justice and honour, promised to be
lasting.

These festive scenes of gladness were concluded by a variety of music,
both vocal and instrumental; the powerful influence of which all must
acknowledge; which is alike visible in all places, and in every stage of
society. And while it flings its spell over the gay abodes of pleasure,
it produces likewise its sweet enchantment in the domestic dwelling. The
ladies alternately played the piano, while the gentlemen assisted in
singing, forming altogether a concert of melodious harmony that wakened
the mind to the softest raptures, and threw its bewitching influences
over the imagination, calming all former corroding sensations, and
animating anew all the soft and sympathetic emotions.

    [_Mephistophiles in England_:

  It flings its spell over the gay abodes of pleasure, and produces as
  sweet an enchantment in the dull dwellings of traffick.]

  Music! wake thy heavenly numbers,
    Queen of every moving measure,
  When at thy voice all sorrow slumber,
    Sweetest source of purest pleasure!

    [Joseph Warton: _Ode to Music_, lines 1-2:

      Queen of every moving measure,
      Sweetest source of purest pleasure,]

  Who listens to thy varying strains,
    Will find their bosoms gently sooth'd,
  Lulled to repose all cares and pains,
    And waked to sympathy and love,

  That calms with soft persuasive air
    The heart to harmony and peace.
  If any grief yet linger there,
    But touch thy chords and it will cease.

  Who does not feel their bosoms glow,
    When the full choir their voices raise,
  To the Supreme of all below,
    Pour forth their song of ardent praise?

  Each heart by sacred impulse driven,
    To high exalt his glorious name,
  Loud hallelujahs raise to heaven,
    And with one voice His praise proclaim.

  Then music, queen of every art,
    O still thy matchless powers employ;
  Since none like thee can peace impart,
    And none like thee awaken joy.

    [Ode to Music, lines 3-4:

      Music! why thy powers employ
      Only for the sons of Joy?]




CHAPTER XXI.

  'Tis true indeed, there's danger in delay,
  Then let us speed, and hasten far away;
  For what of fear, or what of doubts molest,
  When deep affection reigns within the breast.


Several weeks now passed away without any material occurrence, and the
season of the year came round when the winter's snow was passing from
the face of nature, succeeded by heavy showers of rain, and the days had
become more pleasant, because they were something longer. The air was
more salubrious, and invited the citizens to inhale its healthful
draught without their dwellings, where they had been several months in a
manner shut up from the inclemencies of the cold season.

One morning after the family had taken breakfast, they sat talking over
late events and recent occurrences that had varied so materially within
the last three months. In this conversation, they were unmindful of the
hour, until Mr. Bolton, without ceremony, (as was his custom,) entered
the breakfast parlour. After the usual salutations to her parents, and
conversing some time with his aunt, he addressed Alida with his native
pleasantry, relating to her some stories of the satirical order as the
current news of the city. He afterwards informed her of the conversation
between himself and her father, and in what manner the latter had
replied. Alida remained silent, with her eyes fixed upon the floor, as
if revolving in her mind what to say.

In the meantime, he did not await her reply, but entreated her in the
most pathetic language to consent to elope with him, and at all events
to unite her destiny with his; at the same time telling her that
implicit obedience to a parent's will, in an affair that so materially
concerned her happiness, could not be expected, and that her father was
much to blame in attempting to control her liberty of choice; saying,
moreover, that after their views should be accomplished, that he had no
doubt whatever of his reconciliation. He had lately received
intelligence of the death of an uncle in Savannah, who had bequeathed to
him his fortune. He was preparing for his departure thence. He would
not, therefore, give up his former project, and thought to avail himself
of this opportunity, (by all the rhetoric he was master of,) to urge
Alida to accept him and accompany him on his journey. He even proposed
whither they should escape from the eye of her father for the
performance of the marriage ceremony.

    [[This section is recycled from _A&M_, referring to the proposed
    elopement with Alonzo/Theodore. The passage was previously cited
    verbatim.]]

Alida was truly shocked and surprised at a proposition so unexpected
from Mr. Bolton, after he had known her father's decision. She had never
considered him in any other light than as a brother; and being a
connexion in the family, they had always been on terms of friendly
intercourse. She, therefore, would have avoided this meeting if she
could have had previously an idea of the result.

    [_Alida_ page 125 (chapter XV):

  Alida was truly shocked and surprised at this unexpected visit from
  Bonville....]

After he had made to her these several propositions, her displeasure
held her for some time silent, while it affected her mind sensibly.
Nevertheless, she endeavoured to recover herself to answer him in a
decided, and, at the same time, in a manner compatible with her present
feelings. She commenced urging him to endeavour to forget her in any
other light than as a friend. "Can you suppose, Mr. Bolton," said she,
"that I would set a parent's will at defiance, by committing so unwary
an action as to dispose of myself in a clandestine manner, nor could you
again imagine that I would give my hand where my heart has no particular
regard." She scarcely uttered this, and could say no more ere he
conjured her not to shut her heart against him for ever, and entreated
her to permit him still to hope that after a while her compassion might
become awakened to the remembrance of a sincere, true, and constant
heart, which would cause her to heave the sympathetic sigh for one who
could never eradicate her from his memory, even for a moment, or chase
from his bosom the esteem and love that time could neither weaken nor
extinguish. He was extremely sorrowful in taking leave of Alida and the
family, and set out the ensuing day on his journey.

Alida felt unhappy at the earnest importunities of a person she could
not but have some esteem for. She could not fail to admire the superior
powers of his mind. In his conversation, he was all that was agreeable,
entertaining, and improving, which abounded with sallies of wit and
humour, joined to a fund of erudition acquired by a collegiate
education. He was particular to associate only with young men of merit,
talents, and genius. He possessed a native vein of satire, which he
sometimes indulged with much effect; though, however, he had this
dangerous weapon under such thorough discipline, that he rarely made use
of it in a way which gave offence to any. He never accumulated any
wealth by his own exertion, as he thought what he already inherited was
more than sufficient for all his wants. He seemed not to seek for an
abundance, like many others, as necessary to his happiness, thinking
that, with contentment, the peasant is greater than the prince destitute
of this benign blessing, and that a competency, rather than a
superfluity, could convey real happiness to man. He thought, that to the
improper pursuit after happiness could be attributed much of the misery
of mankind; daily he saw dread examples of this serious truth, that
many, in grasping at the shadow, had lost the substance. A near relative
had now been bountiful to leave him a fortune. That, however, he was
thankful for, as it increased his fund for charitable purposes. His
intention was to get possession of this and return to the city of
New-York, to make it his permanent residence.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Walton of Georgia:

  But he was attentive to merit; and towards young men of talents and
  genius he was respectful.... He possessed a native vein of satire,
  which he at times indulged with much effect. It is said of him,
  however, that he had this dangerous weapon under such thorough
  discipline, that he rarely indulged it in a way which gave offence
  to any.
  ...
  Mr. Walton never accumulated wealth, as he seemed not to have sought
  for it, as necessary for his happiness.

    [_NY Weekly_: Happiness:

  Content constitutes continual happiness; for with that sweet
  companion, the peasant is greater than a prince destitute of the
  benign blessing....

  How few, even in any state, do we find happy? Alas! the number is by
  far too few. To the improper pursuit after happiness, can we only
  attribute the misery of mankind; daily, nay even hourly, do we see
  dread examples of this serious truth. But where is the eye that has
  not beheld, the mind that has not felt, or the heart that has not
  pitied, some object who has, in grasping at the shadow of happiness,
  lost the substance....]




CHAPTER XXII.

  Behold the beauteous scene, to fill the mind with wonder and
  delight;--the varied land and water prospect;-- from whence the
  arm of Commerce sends her store, to nations far remote;-- adjacent
  to a city, that's wealthy, large, and flourishing.


The genial warmth of the air had now animated anew the magnificence of
nature's works, and the verdant scenery of spring decked the landscape
with all its resplendent colouring and variety. As the season advanced,
all classes of people had recourse to their favourite walk on the
Battery, either for pleasure, or as an alleviation from the toils and
cares of business. This healthy promenade drew together a number of the
citizens in the morning, but many more resorted there in the evening,
and a numerous throng here regaled themselves, and rested from the busy,
bustling occupations of the day;--and at the same time were spectators
of the most splendid scene imaginable. When the sun had gone down
beneath a clear horizon, and the moon had risen in silent majesty,
dispensing her light over the unruffled face of the Hudson, decorated
with a numerous sail, representing an inimitable landscape, sublime and
beautiful.

    [_NY Weekly_: An Evening Meditation:

  The moon ... arises in silent majesty .... the unruffled rivers....]

    [same, unedited:

  The moon borrows her light, and bestows it upon us; she arises in
  silent majesty, humbly waiting to reign when he resigns his throne.
  No chorus ushers in his reign, no rays pronounce her approach;
  gently she steals on the world, and sits in silent majesty to view
  the good she does. She lights the wandering traveller, she warms the
  earth with gentle heat, she dazzles not the eye of the philosopher,
  but invites him to view and to admire--How still is nature! not a
  breeze! each tree enjoys its shadow undisturbed, the unruffled
  rivers glide smoothly on reflecting nature's face....]

Alida walked out one evening, and repaired thither, attended by Mr.
More. It was six o'clock when they reached the Battery, and a numerous
concourse of people had already collected there. The mild rays of the
setting sun were just visible above the horizon, and cast a soft lustre
over the adjacent landscape, when they entered Castle-Garden to
contemplate more nearly the surrounding scenery.

They seated themselves here, while they discoursed on the beauties of
nature, and the wonders of creation,--descanting on the goodness and
bounty of that ineffable Being, from whom all our blessings flow;--the
continual succession of so many various objects, to fill the mind with
rapture and enthusiasm, and strike us with veneration and awe.

    [_NY Weekly_: Essay No. I:

  In man there is a natural love of change and variety: the mind is
  wearied by continual succession of similar objects, those pleasures,
  which at first were capable of inspiring emotions of delight; which
  once filled the heart with rapture and enthusiasm.... neither strike
  them with veneration nor with awe.]

The beauty and mildness of the present season, the copious showers, that
caused the earth to abound with teeming verdure; all of which drew the
contemplative genius insensibly to consider the benevolent purposes, for
which all these varieties are called forth in such abundance, to excite
the gratitude of man, and furnish a perpetual source of pleasure and
delight. "And can we," said Alida, "who are conscious of deriving our
existence from a Being of such infinite goodness and power, properly
entertain other prospects than those of happiness, when we experience so
many blessings daily, to excite our thankfulness."

    [_NY Weekly_: Contemplation:

  .... To consider the benevolent purposes for which he called
  forth this variety and multitude of being, that comes under our
  cognizance, must be a perpetual source of comfort. A rational
  creature, that is conscious of deriving its existence from a being
  of infinite goodness and power, cannot properly entertain any
  prospect but of happiness.]

Mr. More expatiated on the pleasure there must be in passing a tranquil
life with a beloved object, turning his insidious eyes towards Alida as
he spoke; he seemed to say, that she was the being, with whom he could
be able to realize all the exalted ideas he entertained of such a life;
and to point out beauties, and furnish amusement, to a refined taste
like hers, would be to him one of the highest pleasures he could
possibly experience. When he declared to her his esteem and affection,
with his native sincerity, he seemed to be convinced, at the same time,
that she was favourably disposed towards him.

    [_Children of the Abbey_:

  to point out beauties to a refined and cultivated taste like hers
  would be to him the greatest pleasure he could possibly experience.

  Seated sometimes on the brow of a shrubby hill, as they viewed the
  scattered hamlets beneath, he would expatiate on the pleasure he
  conceived there must be in passing a tranquil life with one lovely
  and beloved object: his insidious eyes, turned towards Amanda, at
  these minutes seemed to say, she was the being who could realize all
  the ideas he entertained of such a life....]

On the contrary, she was evidently much embarrassed at this declaration.
She remained silent, and looked upon him with a degree of pity mingled
with regret; then casting down her eyes, she appeared greatly confused.
She could not make any returns in his favour, and the amiable Alida felt
extremely sorry to give pain or uneasiness to the friend and school
companion of an only brother. She had received him with complacency on
that account, which had served to increase his ill-fated partiality. She
felt that she could not give one word of encouragement, yet she did not
wish to drive him to despair.

    [_NY Weekly_: The Fatal Mistake:

  .... That amiable Almena received me with the sweetest complacency,
  as the friend of her brother.... Edward's penetration soon
  discovered the ill hid partiality....
  ...
  .... neither should she wish to throw me into despair....]

The band of music now began to play in the garden. They commenced with
the celebrated air of the Star-Spangled Banner, and continued playing
different pieces for the space of several hours.

As soon as the music ceased, they left the garden to return home, and
all the people now apparently thronged out of the gates with as much
avidity as they had entered them some hours before. When they arrived at
the dwelling of Alida, they found that the time had whiled away, and
that the evening had progressed to a late hour.

On his way home the mind of Mr. More was absorbed in the following
reflections. "When I told her my affection, the blush was diffused over
her cheek--and the tear of sensibility started in her eye. She evinced
her regard by silent expressions, which she has shown repeatedly in many
proofs of interested friendship, accompanied by the softness of her
winning manners, and the engaging mildness of her disposition. Bonville
is her declared admirer--but he may not be a favoured one. Should he
meet with her approbation at any future time, would not his own fate be
wretched, and the universe would become a blank deprived of the society
of Alida, shaded over with the deepest tints of darkness and
melancholy."




CHAPTER XXIII.

  O let me view, in annual succession, my children, friends, and
  relatives. Those that in friendship's bonds are linked together
  by ties of dear remembrance.


The scene was highly animated, and the days were delightfully pleasant,
when Alida returned with her parents to the country. The showers of
April had cleared the atmosphere and revived the earth with a lively
gaiety. The ice in the bay and river had melted away, and the steamboat
had again began its course. The rumbling water-fall was again heard at
the mill, the pensive stream stole its way through the forest,
reflecting from its lucid bosom the light cloud which dwelt in the
air--floating on the gentlest zephyrs. The hills and mountains teemed
with verdure, and the serpentine valleys were shaded by a friendly
foliage. All nature flourished, grew, and expanded, calling forth
ejaculations of gratitude and piety, and boldly declaring that a
celestial Being overshadows us with his providence.

    [_Alida_ page 131 (chapter XVI):

  while the gentle murmuring of the water-fall at the mill, with its
  rumbling cadence over the dam, was heard at a little distance.]

As soon as the family were settled in the country, the parents of Alida
made preparation to call the children together in commemoration of their
father's birthday. When the time arrived for the celebration of this
festive scene, the morning arose with every beauty that could bid fair
for a cheerful day, and the company assembled at an early hour. Bonville
was among those who arrived from the village. He appeared in excellent
spirits, as if some new thought had entered his mind, which had given
him new hopes of success. He informed Alida, in the course of the
afternoon, that he had received intimation from a friend in England,
that Theodore was now living in London. After hazarding many conjectures
respecting him, he then ventured to add that he hoped he had not met
there any new object, to cause him to become forgetful of former
friends.

    [The Story of an Unfortunate Young Lady (in _The Lady's
    Miscellany_, 1811):

  The morning of my unhappy existence arose with every beauty that
  could bid fair for a cheerful day.]

Displeasure was manifest in the countenance of Alida, at this suspicion,
although she feared it might be true. Theodore had promised to be
faithful in a correspondence, and he certainly might have found
opportunities, since the happy change of affairs in the country, to make
some communications to his friends, if he had been so disposed. Again
she thought, as they had been separated by parental authority, that it
might have its influence to cause him to become altogether forgetful;
and her spirits now sunk under the idea of Theodore's inconstancy.
Bonville continued to speak of him with indifference, observing
attentively how Alida was affected. He inquired earnestly if she had
ever received any intelligence from him, during his absence, (as he
thought he might have written to her brother.) She answered him in the
negative. He expressed his surprise, and after giving many dark
intimations of his perfidy, he changed the subject.

    [_Alida_ page 125 (chapter XV):

  He then gave some dark intimations against his general
  character....]

Alida was before this extremely pensive and thoughtful, and these
injurious insinuations of Theodore, increased her dejection. She once
firmly believed she had a friend she could lean upon under all
circumstances, and his falsity appeared to her now confirmed. A kind of
gloomy superstition pervaded her mind, an anxious foreboding of future
evil, which all her pious reflections and reasoning powers could not
wholly control. She endeavoured to repress these painful sensations,
when in the presence of her parents; but the eyes of her father
frequently rested on her in filial anxiety. Her brother likewise would
often observe her innate sadness, and whatever his thoughts might be as
to the cause, he was still reserved, and forebore to name any thing to
his sister.

Although Bonville was sometimes conscious of his injustice towards
Theodore, and felt ashamed of his conduct, he was still determined to
proceed with reiterated calumnies, to the ear of Alida, with the hope to
ensure to himself her hand before Theodore would probably return to
America.


  L' innocenza a e costretta a sofferire, talvolta le più crudeli
  persecuzioni; ma, con vergogna e con danno della calumnia e della
  malvagità, alla fine pur ne trionfa.

    [Francesco Soave: "Federigo Lanucci" (here taken from _Novelle
    morali_, 1837):

      "L'innocenza è costretta a sofferire talvolta le più terr ibili
      persecuziòni; ma con vergógna e con danno della calùnnia,
      e della malvagità, alla fine pur ne trionfa."]

The appearance of Bonville was imposing to look upon, his countenance
illumined by seeming sincerity and candour, no one could retain an idea
for any length of time, that was altogether detrimental. To a
treacherous heart, he joined a frankness of manner which amused and
interested every one in his favour. Though no one was ever more careless
of his veracity, yet he carried the appearance of authenticity in all he
said. He had never been used to restraint or disappointment, by the
silly indulgence of his parents, and seemed confident that he should
succeed in all his particular wishes, and thought that all obstacles
could be surmounted by his own machinations and management.

The evening was drawing near its close by a round of innocent
amusements, when a letter was handed Alida from her father, that he had
received from a friend in the city. It contained the unwelcome and
unexpected news of the death of Mr. Bolton, who arrived at Savannah at
an unfavourable season of the year, at a period when an epidemic fever
prevailed. He caught the infection, and a few days terminated the
existence of this amiable and accomplished youth. He was pious,
benevolent and charitable. He possessed a wisdom firm and unchangeable,
strictly adhering to the principles of the church and the Christian
religion, and was steadfast in his opinions against all opposition. He
was deeply regretted by a numerous acquaintance. His aunt mourned the
loss of her favourite nephew, and Alida's father likewise deplored his
premature death, although he had thought proper to oppose his wishes.




  [Transcriber's Note:

  Chapters XXIV-XXVII are taken from _Travels in North America_
  (see Sources section).

  Ellipses (....) represent longer omissions, generally two or more
  full sentences; shorter omissions are retained. In particular,
  _Alida_ omits all passages having to do with either American Indians
  or religious communities. Aside from omitted material, most
  quotations are verbatim except for changes of person (from "I" or
  "we" to "Alida" or "the group").

  The dramatic date of these chapters is summer 1815, or ten years
  before Karl Bernhard's visit. Note in particular the references to
  the Erie Canal and to the Superintendent of West Point.]


CHAPTER XXIV.

  There she might read in nature's page the wonders of Creation,
  almighty power, infinite wisdom and unbounded might. There truths
  that entertain, reward the searching mind, and onward lead
  inquiring thought. The curious wonders still unfold, and rise
  upon the view. The mind rejoicing, comments as she reads, and
  raises still to the Almighty Power increasing homage.

    [_NY Weekly_: The School of Nature (introductory poem: Theodosia):

      "------------ Nature spreads
      An open volume; where, in ev'ry page,
      We read the wonders of Almighty Pow'r,
      Infinite Wisdom, and unbounded Love.
      Here sweet instruction, entertaining truths,
      Reward the searching mind, and onward lead
      Enquiring Thought: new beauties still unfold,
      And op'ning wonders rise upon the view.
      The Mind, rejoicing, comments as she reads;
      While through th' inspiring page Conviction glows,
      And warms to praise her animated pow'rs."]


The summer was past its meridian, and had shed abroad its warmest
influences, and enriched the various scenes of nature with the
luxuriance and beauty of its foliage. In the meantime, Alida departed
again from her father's house for the city, to join a party composed of
gentlemen and matrons, Albert her brother, with several young ladies,
who all left the port of New-York for the Falls of Niagara. Her pensive
mind became cheered and animated as the gallant steamer left the shores
of the city and moved majestically over the smooth face of the Hudson.
The morning was extremely beautiful, and she surveyed with a new and
alleviating pleasure, the various and extensive prospect of the
surrounding country. The scenery on the river at this season surpassed
all description, and exhibited a landscape worthy to relate in history.
The borders of the river beautifully interspersed with cottages,
villages, and large flourishing towns, elegant country-seats, with
grounds tastefully laid out, which afforded to the eye of the traveller
a novel and enchanting appearance. They arrived about sunset at the city
of Albany, and took lodgings at Cruttenden's boarding-house, on an
eminence near the Capitol or State-house.

    [_Travels_ (middle of chapter V):

  At the village of Greenbush, near Albany, we crossed the Hudson or
  North river in a horse-boat, and upon our arrival in the city took
  lodgings at Cruttenden's boarding-house, on an eminence near the
  capitol or state-house.]

This city, which is situated on the right bank of the Hudson, and stands
westward upon a rising ground, received its name, when in possession of
the English, in honour of James II., who was the duke of York and
Albany. On the following morning they took a walk through the city. In
consequence of its vicinity to the Ballston, Saratoga, and New Lebanon
Springs, in the fashionable season the hotel was so full of strangers
that no more could be accommodated.

    [_Travels_:

  Albany contains about fifteen thousand inhabitants. It is situated
  upon the right bank of the Hudson, and extends westward upon an
  eminence. It was built by the Dutch in 1614, under the name of Fort
  Orange, and received its present name after it came into the
  possession of the English, in honour of the afterwards unfortunate
  King James II. who was then duke of York and Albany. Some of the
  Dutch houses are still standing, and several of the streets retain
  their original names.

  At the tavern we met with a Mr. Jackson, from New York, who had
  arrived at the same time, and who was accompanied by his sister and
  his son, Columbus, a sensible lad about ten years of age. Mr. J. is
  a teacher. In consequence of the vicinity to the Ballston, Saratoga,
  and New Lebanon springs, and the fashionable season, the hotel was
  so full of strangers, that I was obliged to sleep with Mr. Tromp, in
  a small chamber....]

Albany has received a new impulse, an increase of commerce, and expects
to reap the most happy results from the Erie canal, which commences
here, and runs a distance of three hundred and sixty-two miles to Lake
Erie. The company took a walk to the new basin, into which the canal
empties. It is separated from the Hudson by a dam which runs parallel
with the river.

    [_Travels_:

  Albany has received a new impulse, an increase of commerce, and
  expects to reap the most happy results from the Erie Canal, which
  has been lately established, and which commences here, and runs a
  distance of three hundred and sixty-two miles to Lake Erie.... We
  ... took a walk to the new basin, into which the canal empties. It
  is separated from the Hudson by a dam which runs parallel with the
  river....
  ...]

    [[The Erie Canal was begun in 1817 and completed in 1825.]]

On the morning of the 14th of August they took passage on board of the
Albany, one of the canal packet-boats, for Lake Erie. This canal, which
is three hundred and sixty-two miles in length, with eighty-three locks
between the Hudson river and Lake Erie, which lies six hundred and
eighty-eight feet above the level of the former river. The packet-boat
took them from thence to Schenectady. It was covered, and contained a
spacious cabin. On account of the great number of the locks, the
progress of their journey was but slow. The boat was drawn by three
horses, that walked upon a narrow path leading along the canal, and
beneath the numerous bridges which are thrown over it.

    [_Travels_ (chapter VI begins):

  On the morning of the 14th of August, we took passage on board the
  Albany, one of the canal packet-boats, for Lake Erie. This canal....
  is three hundred and sixty-two miles in length, with eighty-three
  locks, between the Hudson and Lake Erie, which lies six hundred and
  eighty-eight feet above the level of the former river.... The
  packet-boat which took us to Schenectady, was seventy feet long,
  fourteen feet wide, and drew two feet water. It was covered, and
  contained a spacious cabin, with a kitchen, and was very neatly
  arranged. On account of the great number of locks, the progress of
  our journey was but slow: our packet-boat went only at the rate of
  three miles an hour, being detained at each lock, on an average,
  four minutes. The locks are fourteen feet wide above the surface,
  and have a fall from seven to twelve feet. The packet-boat was drawn
  by three horses, which walked upon a narrow tow-path leading along
  the canal, and beneath the numerous bridges which are thrown over
  it....]

The distance from Albany to Schenectady by land is only fifteen miles,
and persons are enabled to travel it in a very short time in a stage
coach, but as they were anxious to see the canal, they preferred going
by water twenty-eight miles.

    [_Travels_:

  The distance from Albany to Schenectady, by land, is only fifteen
  miles, and persons are enabled to travel it in a very short time in
  the stagecoach; but as we were anxious to see the canal, and get
  leisure to complete our journals, we preferred going by water,
  twenty-eight miles.]

The city of Troy, five miles and a half above Albany, is pleasantly
situated on the left bank of the river, at the foot of several tolerably
high mountains, one of which is called Mount Ida. There is a branch
canal, which has two locks, and establishes a communication with Troy.
They soon arrived at a place where there were no less than nine locks,
with an ascent of seventy-eight feet. In front, and to the right of
this, is another canal, which unites with the Hudson and the canal from
Lake Champlain.

    [_Travels_:

  At Troy, five miles and a half from Albany, is the government
  arsenal, which appears to be a large establishment. As far as this
  place, the canal runs nearly parallel with the Hudson. Troy, which
  is very pleasantly situated on the left bank of the river, at the
  foot of several tolerably high mountains, one of which is called
  Mount Ida, appears, if we may be permitted to judge from the large
  store-houses and the good appearance of the dwellings, to be a
  wealthy place. Here is a branch canal which has two locks, and
  establishes a communication with Troy. Shortly after, we arrived at
  a place where there are no less than nine locks, with an ascent of
  seventy-eight feet. In front, and to the right of this, is another
  canal, which unites with the Hudson and the canal from Lake
  Champlain.]

At this place they left the Hudson, and directed their course along the
Mohawk river. During their ride, they observed a covered wooden bridge,
which extends over the latter river, a short distance from its mouth,
and is about six hundred feet in length, supported by fifteen wooden
piers. There was a fine view of the famous Cohoes Falls of the Mohawk
river, seventy-eight feet in height, and about four hundred feet wide.
In the spring, when these falls extend over the entire bed of the
Mohawk, they are said to be extremely magnificent. During this season of
dry weather, they presented a handsome appearance, though they were very
small, the river being almost completely dried up.

    [_Travels_:

  At this place we left the Hudson and directed our course along the
  Mohawk river. During our ride we observed a covered wooden bridge,
  which extends over the latter river, a short distance from its
  mouth, and is about six hundred feet in length, supported by fifteen
  wooden piers. Here we saw the famous Cohoes Falls of the Mohawk
  river, seventy-eight feet in height and about four hundred feet
  wide. In the spring, when these falls extend over the entire bed of
  the Mohawk, they are said to be extremely magnificent; during the
  present dry weather, they presented a very handsome appearance,
  though they were very small. The river was almost completely dried
  up....]

Finding great difficulty in continuing the canal on the right bank of
the Mohawk, they were obliged here to carry it to the opposite side of
the river by means of an aqueduct bridge one thousand one hundred and
eighty-eight feet in length. This bridge is supported by twenty-six
stone columns, on which account they have placed a chevaux-de-frieze to
keep off the ice in the river. The canal is cut through the rocks almost
the whole distance, where it runs along the left bank of the Mohawk, and
presents a very handsome appearance.

    [_Travels_:

  Finding great difficulty in continuing the canal on the right bank
  of the Mohawk, they were obliged here to carry it to the opposite
  side by means of an aqueduct-bridge, one thousand one hundred and
  eighty-eight feet in length. This bridge is of wood, and is
  supported by twenty-six stone columns, on account of which, they
  have placed a _chevaux-de-frise_, to keep off the ice in the river
  about one hundred yards off.... The canal is cut through the rocks,
  almost the whole distance, where it runs along the left bank of the
  Mohawk, and presents a very handsome appearance.]

Twelve miles further on, it returns again to the right bank of the
river, by a similar aqueduct, supported by sixteen piers. Four miles
farther on is Schenectady, where they arrived after sunset. Between this
town and Albany they passed no less than twenty-seven locks. At this
place they left the packet-boat, and found excellent lodgings at Given's
hotel, which, after the great heat they had endured during the day, was
exceedingly agreeable. Early on the next morning they walked through the
town, and visited Union College, which consists of two large buildings
situated at a short distance from the town, upon a little eminence. From
this building there is a beautiful view of the town and of the Mohawk
valley. They left Schenectady early in the morning on board the
packet-boat, which had engaged to take them to Utica, eighty miles
distant, by an early hour the next day. The canal again ran along the
well cultivated valley of the Mohawk, and the prospect of the country,
on account of the foliage of the trees upon the heights, was beautiful.

    [_Travels_:

  Twelve miles farther on, it returns again to the right bank of the
  Mohawk by a similar aqueduct, seven hundred and forty-eight feet in
  length and supported by sixteen piers. Above this aqueduct, which is
  also protected by a _chevaux-de-frise_, there is a common wooden
  bridge thrown over the river, for wagons. Four miles farther on is
  Schenectady, where we arrived after sunset. Between this town and
  Albany, we passed no less than twenty-seven locks.... At this place
  we left the packet-boat, in order to proceed to Utica next morning
  in another boat, and found excellent lodgings at Given's hotel,
  which, after the great heat we had endured during the day, was
  exceedingly agreeable. Its inhabitants are, in part, descendants of
  the Lower Saxons, and some of them whom I saw at the tavern
  conversed with me in bad Dutch. Early on the next morning we walked
  through the town, and visited Union College, which consists of two
  large buildings situated a short distance from the town upon a
  little eminence. It was the time of vacation, and consequently it
  was perfectly silent. From its decaying appearance, I should judge
  the college was not in a very prosperous condition. From this
  building you have a beautiful view of the town, and of the Mohawk
  valley, which appears here to be well settled. In the town we
  observed a peculiar windmill, with a horizontal wheel, whose sails,
  about twenty in number, stand perpendicularly.

  We left Schenectady early in the morning on board the packet-boat
  Samuel Young, which had engaged to take us to Utica, eighty miles
  distant, by an early hour the next day. It was a large boat, and, as
  the passengers are obliged to spend the night on board, is provided
  with separate apartments for the ladies. The canal again ran along
  the well-cultivated valley of the Mohawk, and the country, on
  account of the foliage of the trees upon the heights was beautiful.]

The village of Amsterdam consists of a few neat houses. The canal is
carried over two rivers, called Schoharie, Canajoharie, from which it
receives the most of its water. At this place the horses were conveyed
to the opposite side of the two rivers by means of a ferry-boat. At the
first ferry is a small village, called Fort Hunter, where at the time of
the revolution there had been a fort, or rather a redoubt of the same
name. Towards evening they passed through a valley, which is formed by
two rocky mountains. There are twenty locks between Schenectady and
Utica. The day was intolerably warm, and the company very much oppressed
by the heat, but in the evening fortunately there was a thunder-shower,
which cooled the air. They passed over an aqueduct bridge during the
night, which stands over a solace called Little Falls.

    [_Travels_:

  The village of Amsterdam consists of a few neat houses; and
  opposite, on the right bank of the Mohawk, is Rotterdam. On our way
  we passed several small aqueducts, the longest of which rest only
  upon three piers, and extend over small brooks, which, as well as
  the small rivulets, are distinguished by the Indian appellation of
  "creek." The canal is carried over two rivers, called Schoharie and
  Canajoharie creeks, from which it receives the most of its water. At
  this place the horses are conveyed to the opposite side of the two
  rivers by means of ferryboats. At the first ferry is a small
  village, called Fort Hunter, where, before the revolution, there had
  been a fort, or rather a redoubt of the same name. Towards evening
  we passed through a valley, which is formed by two rocky mountains,
  one of which is called Anthony's Nose. The houses we saw on our
  route, had generally a handsome appearance; to-day and yesterday I
  observed also some saw-mills. There are twenty-six locks between
  Schenectady and Utica. The day was intolerably warm, and our company
  was very numerous. I confined myself to writing, the whole day, as
  much as possible; but, in consequence of the heat, I could not avoid
  sleeping. In the evening we fortunately had a thunder-storm, which
  cooled the air.... During the night we passed an aqueduct bridge,
  which stands over a solace, called Little Falls.]

Towards morning they passed through a well-cultivated region called
German Flats, which was settled by some Germans during the time of Queen
Anne. At about ten o'clock they arrived at Utica, which is intersected
by the canal, and is a large, flourishing town. In fact it is only here
that a person begins to admire the great improvements in cultivation,
and gets perfectly new ideas of the works of man and of his enterprising
genius. Utica, on the right bank of the Mohawk, has two banks and four
churches. It has also several taverns, the largest of which called
Shepherd's hotel, they found excellent accommodations. There were
besides many large and convenient stores, a bookstore, and printing
office. The number of travellers this summer were unusually great,
especially from the southern states.

    [_Travels_:

  Towards morning we passed through a well-cultivated region, with
  some neat houses, called German flats, and which was settled by some
  Germans during the time of Queen Anne. At about twelve o'clock at
  noon we arrived at Utica, nine miles from the place where we passed
  a lock, which is the last that occurs in the next seventy miles. The
  land appeared to be marshy, and consisted of sand and pebbles.

  Utica, which is intersected by the canal, is a flourishing town, of
  about four thousand inhabitants.... In fact, it is only here that a
  person begins to admire the great improvements in cultivation, and
  gets perfectly new ideas of the works of man, and of his
  enterprising genius! Utica, on the right bank of the Mohawk, has two
  banks, four churches, an academy, and large and convenient stores, a
  bookstore, and printing-office. It has also several ale-houses, and
  three fine taverns, at the largest of which, called Shepherd's
  hotel, we found excellent accommodations. In this house there are
  always more than seventy beds for the accommodation of strangers;
  and these, on some occasions, are barely sufficient. The number of
  travellers this summer, is said to have been unusually great,
  especially from the southern states....]




CHAPTER XXV.

  When first beside the lake thy turrets rose,
    Extending far around in simple pride,
  A novel beauty o'er the landscape throws,
    Where gentle waters softly murmuring glide.


At Utica the gentlemen hired a stage to visit the Falls of Trenton,
distant fourteen miles. They were accompanied in this route by a number
of passengers from New-York and North Carolina. They crossed the Mohawk
upon a covered wooden bridge. After this the road gradually ascended to
a forest, which was in part cleared for new fields. At a little distance
from the falls is a tavern, where they left the carriage, and went on
foot through thick woods, from which a pair of stairs conducted to the
falls. The beautiful mass of green around, the azure sky, the large and
variegated rocks, and the three falls, produce a most happy effect. The
rocks of these falls are so excavated by the water, that they have the
form of a common kettle. The upper falls, which are about ninety feet
high, are the grandest. They dined at the tavern, and towards evening
returned to Utica.

    [_Travels_ (chapter VI continues):

  At Utica, seven of us for nine dollars hired a stage to visit the
  Falls of Trenton, distant fourteen miles. Our passengers were partly
  from New York, and partly from the state of North Carolina. We
  crossed the Mohawk upon a covered wooden bridge, built in a bad and
  awkward manner, on which I observed an advertisement, "that all
  persons who pass this bridge on horseback or wagon faster than a
  walk, shall be fined one dollar." After this, our road gradually
  ascended to a forest, which was, however, in part cleared for new
  fields. The timber is so much neglected here, that they will very
  probably feel the want of it in less than fifty years. At a short
  distance from the falls of West Canada Creek is a new tavern, which
  is situated in a lately cleared forest, and is built entirely of
  wood. At this tavern we left the carriage, and went on foot through
  thick woods, from which a pair of stairs conduct to the falls....
  This beautiful mass of green, the azure sky, the large and
  variegated rocks, and the three falls, produce a most happy effect.
  The rocks at these falls, which, on account of the great heat,
  scarcely extended over half the river, are so excavated by the
  water, that they have the form of a common kettle. The upper falls,
  which are about ninety feet high, are the grandest.... At the tavern
  where we had put up, we found a tolerably good dinner, and towards
  evening returned to Utica.]

The day was fine and pleasant. They regretted that it was too late, upon
their return thither, to visit a hydrostatic lock designed to weigh the
boats which pass on the canal. Having seen enough of the canal, and
being anxious to see the newly-settled country between this place and
Niagara, they continued their journey the next day in the stage coach.
With this intention they left Utica at four o'clock in the morning, and
the same day arrived at Auburn, distant seventy-three miles. They passed
through twelve villages on their route from Utica to Auburn. Between
Manchester and Vernon day dawned, and they found themselves in a rather
wild country, in the midst of a wilderness.

    [_Travels_:

  The day was fine and pleasant. The thunder-storm of yesterday, had
  done some good. I regretted that it was too late upon our return to
  Utica, to visit a hydrostatic lock, designed to weigh the boats
  which pass on the canal.

  Having seen enough of the canal, and being anxious to see the
  newly-settled country between this place and Niagara, we determined
  to continue our journey on the next day in the stage-coach. With
  this intention we left Utica at 4 o'clock in the morning of the 17th
  of August, and the same day arrived at Auburn, distant seventy-three
  miles.... The villages between Utica and Auburn were New Hartford,
  four miles, Manchester, five miles, Vernon, eight miles, Oneida,
  five miles, Lenox, four miles, Sullivan, eight miles, Manlius, six
  miles, Jamesville, five miles, Onandago Hollow, five miles, Onandago
  Hill, two miles, Marcellus, eight miles, and Skeneatelass, six
  miles.

  Between Manchester and Vernon day dawned, and we found ourselves in
  a rather wild country, in the midst of a wilderness.]

Behind the village of Oneida, the road led along a considerable hill,
from which they had a beautiful view of Oneida lake, which presented the
appearance of a large stream. Here there were a number of extensive
prospects, which, however, as there was but little cultivated land and
few houses, were rather uniform. Something further on, after they had
left Oneida, they came to a small lake, called Salt Lake, which is in
the midst of a forest, and has on its banks three picturesquely situated
towns, Liverpool, Salina, and Syracuse. At Salina are rich salt springs,
the water of which is collected in reservoirs, and it is evaporated by
the heat of the sun to procure the salt. Beyond Sullivan they passed
through the village of Chitteningo. A branch of the Erie canal forms a
kind of harbour at this place. They dined at Manlius, a new village.
From the canal, which forms an angle here, they drove in a southerly
direction in order to keep on the plains. The two Onondago villages are
pleasant places.

    [_Travels_:

  Oneida is an Indian settlement, and....

  Behind this village the road led along a considerable hill, from
  which we had a beautiful view of Oneida Lake, which presented the
  appearance of a large stream. Here you have a number of extensive
  prospects, which, however, as you see but little cultivated land and
  few houses, is rather uniform. Farther on we saw a small lake called
  Salt Lake, which is in the midst of a forest, and has on its banks
  three picturesquely situated towns, Liverpool, Salina, and Syracuse.
  At Salina are rich salt springs, the water of which is collected in
  reservoirs, and it is evaporated by the heat of the sun to procure
  the salt. Beyond Sullivan we passed through the village of
  Chitteningo. It contains several mills, a cotton factory, and a
  branch of the Erie Canal, which forms a kind of harbour, and serves
  as a landing place for articles manufactured here, and for the
  plaster and lime which are procured in the neighbourhood. This lime
  becomes hard under water, so that it is excellently adapted to
  waterworks. We dined at Manlius, a new village.... From the canal
  which forms an angle here, we drove in a southerly direction, in
  order to keep on the plains, as the main road, which is nearer,
  leads over a hill. The two Onondago villages appear to be
  flourishing manufacturing places, and are pleasantly situated.]

Beyond Marcellus the night unfortunately closed in, which prevented
their seeing Skaneateles Lake, as well as the town of the same name.
About nine o'clock in the evening they arrived at Auburn, and found good
accommodations at one of the public houses.

    [_Travels_:

  Beyond Marcellus the night unfortunately closed in, which prevented
  me from seeing Skeneatelass Lake, as well as the town of the same
  name, which is said to be extremely pleasantly situated on one of
  its banks. About nine o'clock in the evening we arrived at Auburn,
  and found good accommodations at one of the public houses.]

At four o'clock next morning they again set out in the stage coach for
Rochester, distant sixty-nine miles. It was just day-light when they
arrived in the vicinity of Cayuga, on the lake of the same name. This
lake empties into the Seneca river, which afterwards unites with the
Mohawk. They crossed the lake, not far from its mouth, on a wooden
bridge one mile in length. On the opposite side of the lake is a large
toll-house. At a short distance from this they arrived at Seneca Falls,
so called in consequence of the little falls of the Seneca river, which
are close by, and are chiefly formed by a mill-dam. Beyond Waterloo the
road in some places was made of logs, so that the passengers were very
disagreeably jolted. Geneva is situated at the north point of Seneca
Lake. The town derives its name from its similarity of situation to
Geneva in Switzerland. The Franklin hotel, situated on the bank of the
lake, is both spacious and beautiful.

    [_Travels_:

  This town contains upwards of one hundred and fifty houses, a
  court-house and penitentiary, which is said to be managed in a very
  excellent manner. To my regret I saw none of them; for at four
  o'clock the next morning, 18th of August, we set out in the
  stage-coach for Rochester, distant sixty-nine miles....

  It was just daylight as we arrived in the vicinity of Cayuga, on the
  lake of the same name, which is about twenty miles long,
  and from one to three wide. This lake empties into the Seneca
  river, which afterwards unites with the Mohawk. We crossed
  the lake not far from its mouth, on a wooden bridge, one mile in
  length, eighteen yards wide, and built in a very rough and careless
  manner: the planks are loose and the _chevaux-de-frise_ is in a bad
  condition. On the opposite side of the lake is a large toll-house.
  At a short distance from this we arrived at Seneca Falls, so called
  in consequence of the little falls of the Seneca river, which are
  close by, and are chiefly formed by a mill-dam. At the tavern we met
  an Indian and his wife....

  .... The country beyond Waterloo was boggy, and the road in some
  places made of large logs, so that we were very disagreeably jolted.
  Geneva is situated at the north point of Seneca Lake, which is
  between fifty and sixty miles long and about five wide. The town
  derives its name from its similarity of situation to Geneva in
  Switzerland. It is also quite new, and contains about four thousand
  inhabitants. It has two churches and several large stone and brick
  houses, of which the Franklin Hotel, situated on the bank of the
  lake, is the most spacious and beautiful....]

Canandaigua, which lies on the north point of the lake of the same name,
is an extremely pleasant town. The court was sitting here, and there was
a large collection of people, so that the town exhibited a very lively
appearance. At this place the road separates, the left goes through
Batavia and several small villages to Buffalo on Lake Erie; the right to
Rochester, and thence to Lake Ontario and the Falls of Niagara. And as
this road again approaches the Erie canal, it was said to be the most
interesting; on this account it was given the preference, though the
longest route.

    [_Travels_:

  Canandaigua, which lies on the north point of the lake of the same
  name, which is about twenty miles long, is an extremely beautiful
  and pleasant town, that has been but lately settled.... The court
  was sitting, and there was a large collection of people, so that the
  town exhibited a very lively appearance. At this place the road
  separates, the left goes through Batavia and several small villages
  to Buffalo on Lake Erie; the right, to Rochester, and thence to Lake
  Ontario and the Falls of Niagara: and as this road again approaches
  the Erie canal, it is said to be the most interesting. On this
  account we gave it the preference, although the longest route.]

They left Canandaigua in the afternoon, and rode through Victor, Mendon,
and Pittsford, to Rochester. They arrived at Rochester at half-past
eight o'clock in the evening, and took lodgings at the Eagle tavern.
They crossed the Genessee river, which divides Rochester into two parts,
on a wooden bridge built firmly and properly, and the next morning
walked through the town. Several hundred yards below the bridge the
Genessee river is about two hundred yards wide, and has a fall of
ninety-five feet. Above the falls is a race which conducts the water to
several mills, and it again flows up into the river below the falls,
where it forms three beautiful cascades.

Rochester is one of the most flourishing towns in the state of New-York.
At this place the Erie canal is carried over the Genessee river by a
stone aqueduct bridge. This aqueduct, which is about one hundred yards
above the Genessee Falls, rests upon a slate rock, and is seven hundred
and eighty feet long.

    [_Travels_:

  We left Canandaigua in the afternoon, and rode through Victor,
  Mendon, and Pittsford, to Rochester. On this route we observed
  nothing particularly interesting....

  We arrived at Rochester at half past eight o'clock in the evening,
  and took lodgings at the Eagle Tavern. We crossed the Genesee river,
  which divides Rochester into two parts, on a wooden bridge, the
  first that we had hitherto met in the United States that was built
  firmly and properly. It rests upon stone piers, and is made of solid
  beams, with thick and well fastened planks. The next morning we
  walked through the town, and were pleased with its rapid increase.
  In 1812, there was not a single house here; nothing but a
  wilderness; and the land could be purchased at one dollar and
  twenty-five cents per acre. At present, Rochester is one of the most
  flourishing towns in the state of New York.... Several hundred yards
  below the bridge the Genesee river is about two hundred yards wide,
  and has a fall of ninety-five feet, which at present, however, did
  not appear to much advantage. Above the falls is a race which
  conducts the water to several mills, and it again flows into the
  river below the falls, where it forms three beautiful cascades,
  which reminded me of the Villa di Macen, at Tivoli.

  At Rochester the Erie canal is carried over the Genesee river by a
  stone aqueduct bridge, and resembles that of the Bridgewater
  canal at Manchester, in England. This aqueduct, which
  is about one thousand yards above the falls, rests upon a base of
  slate rock, and is seven hundred and eighty feet long....]

    [[_Alida_ was written after the Erie Canal was enlarged and the
    Rochester aqueduct relocated. So "one hundred" and "one thousand"
    may both be correct, apart from the underlying anachronism.]]

The party now left Rochester at nine o'clock, and went on board the
canal packet-boat Ohio. The canal, between Lockport and Rochester, runs
the distance of sixty-three miles through a tolerably level country, and
north of the Rochester ridge. This ridge consists of a series of rocks,
which form the chain of mountains which commences north of Lake Erie,
stretches eastward to the Niagara river, confines it, and forms its
falls; then continues its course, and forms the different falls which
are north of Lake Ontario, and is at length lost in the neighbourhood of
the Hudson. The canal runs a distance through sombre forests, when they
reached Lockport on the 20th of August, about seven o'clock in the
morning. At this place the canal is carried over the ridge by five large
locks, through which the water is raised to the height of seventy-six
feet. The locks are ten in number, being arranged in two parallel rows,
so that while the boats ascend in one row, they may descend at the same
time in the other.

    [_Travels_:

  We left Rochester at nine o'clock, on board the canal packet-boat
  Ohio, Captain Storch. The canal, between Lockport and Rochester,
  runs a distance of sixty-three miles, through a tolerably level
  country, and north of the Rochester ridge. This ridge consists of a
  series of rocks, which form the chain of the mountains which
  commences north of Lake Erie, stretches eastward to the Niagara
  river, confines it, and forms its falls, then continues its course,
  and forms the different falls which are north of Lake Ontario, and
  is at length lost in the neighbourhood of the Hudson. It has only
  been within the last year that this part of the canal has been
  passable; its course is through dense sombre forests....

  We reached Lockport on the 20th of August, about 7 o'clock in the
  morning. At this place the canal is carried over the ridge
  by five large locks, through which the water is raised to the height
  of seventy-six feet. The locks are ten in number, being arranged
  in two parallel rows, so that while the boats ascend in one row,
  they may descend at the same time in the other. Through this
  arrangement the navigation is greatly facilitated, and the whole
  work, hewn through and surrounded by large rocks, presents an
  imposing aspect.]

Lockport is an extremely pleasant place, and is situated just above the
locks. At Lockport they took a dearborn for Buffalo, where they were
anxious to go, in order to see the union of the canal with Lake Erie.
Though a good stage runs between Lockport and the Falls of Niagara, they
went in this bad vehicle five miles to the navigable part of the canal.
They then took passage in a boat at Cottensburgh. At this place also,
the canal is cut through a rock to the depth of about thirty feet. About
two or three miles farther on it terminates in the Tonawanta creek,
which serves as a canal for twelve miles. The creek is about fifty yards
wide, and runs through a dense and beautiful forest.

    [_Travels_:

  Lockport, to which we repaired, while the boat was left in the basin
  at the foot of the locks, is an extremely interesting place, and is
  situated just above the locks....

  At Lockport we took a dearborn for Buffalo, where we were anxious to
  go, in order to see the union of the canal with Lake Erie. Though a
  good stage runs between Lockport and the Falls of Niagara, we went
  in this bad vehicle five miles, to the navigable part of the
  canal.... The village where we went on board, is called
  Cottensburgh, and is quite a new settlement. At this place also the
  canal is cut through rocks to the depth of about thirty feet. About
  two or three miles farther on, it terminates in the Tonnawanta
  Creek, which serves as a canal for twelve miles.... The creek itself
  is about fifty yards wide, and runs through a dense and beautiful
  forest, which has never been touched by the axe, except along the
  canal, where they have been obliged to make a tow-path....]

At the new town of Tonawanta, the creek unites with the Niagara river,
where the sluice leads off. At this place also Alida and her company had
the first view of the Niagara river, which conveys the waters of Lake
Erie into Lake Ontario, from the other extremity of which flows the St.
Lawrence. In this river they observed Grand Island. During the late war,
the Niagara, it is well known, formed the boundary line between the
United States and the British provinces in Upper Canada, and this island
bore testimony of the conflict.

    [_Travels_:

  .... not far from this junction was the site for the new town of
  Tonnawanta. A few small houses and a saw-mill were already erected;
  the inhabitants appeared also to suffer much from the intermittent
  fever. Here the Tonnawanta Creek, unites with the Niagara, where the
  sluice which we have just mentioned leads off. At this place also we
  had the first view of the Niagara river, which conveys the waters of
  Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, from the other extremity of which flows
  the St. Lawrence. In the river we observed Grand Island.... during
  the late war between England and the United States, the Niagara, it
  is well known, formed the boundary line between them and the British
  provinces of Upper Canada, and this island bore testimony of the
  bloody conflict.]




CHAPTER XXVI.

  From war's dread ravages again is seen,
  A spacious town, and Buffalo the name,
  Now rising from its ashes, spreads around.
  Various new structures fill the empty ground.


From Tonawanta to Buffalo is eight miles, five of which they travelled
on the canal which runs along the bank of the Niagara river as far as
Black Rock.

    [_Travels_ (chapter VI continues):

  From this place, the canal runs along the bank of the Niagara, from
  which it is separated only by a small bank, built rather carelessly,
  and several feet above the level of the river, which is already
  somewhat rapid on account of its vicinity to the falls. On the
  Tonnawanta Creek we saw several canoes which were made by excavating
  the trunks of trees. From Tonnawanta to Buffalo it is eight miles,
  five of which we travelled on the canal as far as Black Rock....]

Buffalo was burnt during the late war by the British, but it appeared to
be already rising from its ashes with increased beauty.

    [_Travels_:

  Buffalo was burnt during the late war, by the British, but it has
  arisen from its ashes with increased beauty.]

This town will soon become an important place, in consequence of its
situation near the mouth of the canal, and its harbour. At the entrance
of the harbour is a light-house, and on the lake were seen a number of
well-built vessels. A steam-boat called the Superior was ready to run
with fifty passengers to Erie, and thence to Detroit. There was an
amusing military spectacle. It consisted of a military parade,
consisting of thirty men, including seven officers and two cornets. They
were formed like a battalion into six divisions and performed a number
of manoeuvres.

    [_Travels_:

  The town contains about five thousand inhabitants, and will, in
  consequence of its situation near the mouth of the canal and its
  harbour, at which they are hard at work, soon become an important
  place. At the entrance of the harbour is a light-house, and on the
  lake we observed several schooners of about three hundred tons.
  A steam-boat, called the Superior, was ready to start with fifty
  passengers to Erie, and thence to Detroit. In the streets, we saw
  some tolerably well-dressed Indians of the Seneca tribe, who have
  their wigwam three miles distant. Amongst them were several women,
  who indeed, but for their complexion, might have been considered
  handsome. We also had an amusingmilitary spectacle. It consisted of
  a militia parade, consisting of thirty men, including seven officers
  and two cornets. They were formed, like a battalion, into six
  divisions, and performed a number of manoeuvres....]

On the following day, 21st August, the company left Buffalo for the
small village of Manchester, twenty-three miles distant, and situated on
the right bank of the Niagara, near the falls. As far as the village of
Tonawanta, the road passes along the canal. It was in a very bad
condition, cut through the forest, and the trees thrown on the road
side. On the left they had a view of the river and Grand Island. The
river is more than a mile wide below the island. On the Canada side is
the village of Chippewa. From this place, a distance of three miles,
they could already see the rising vapours of the falls. The water,
however, indicated no signs of the approach to the precipice. It is only
a short distance from Manchester, where you perceive the lofty trees on
Goat Island, with its heights situated in the midst of the falls, that
the river becomes rocky, and the rapids commence; these form a number of
small falls, which are nearly a mile long and the same in breadth,
running as far as where the two great falls are separated by Goat
Island.

    [_Travels_:

  On the following day, 21st of August, we left Buffalo for the small
  village of Manchester, twenty-three miles distant, and situated on
  the right bank of the Niagara, near the falls. As far as the village
  of Tonnawanta the road passed along the canal.

  It was in a very bad condition, cut through the forest, and no pains
  have been taken to remove the trees, which are thrown on the road
  side, and the most beautiful trunks are permitted to spoil in a
  pitiable manner. On the left we had a view of the river and of
  Grand-Island, thickly studded with timber. The river is more than
  one mile wide below the island. On the Canada side is the village of
  Chippewa. From this place, a distance of three miles, we could
  already see the rising vapours of the falls. The water, however,
  indicated no signs of the approach to the precipice. It is only a
  short distance from Manchester, where you perceive the lofty trees
  on Goat-Island with its heights, situated in the midst of the falls,
  that the river becomes rocky, and the rapids commence; these form a
  number of small falls, which are nearly a mile long and the same in
  breadth, running as far as where the two great falls are separated
  by Goat-Island.]

At Manchester they took lodgings at the Eagle Tavern, and hastened
immediately to the Falls; their steps were guided by the mighty roaring.
In a few minutes Alida and her company stood near the precipice, and saw
before them the immense mass of water which rushes with a tremendous
noise into the frightful abyss below. It is impossible to describe the
scene, and the pen is too feeble to delineate the simultaneous feelings
of our insignificance on the one hand, with those of grandeur and
sublimity on the other, which agitate the human breast at the sight of
this stupendous work of nature, which rivals that of all other
countries, in grandeur, beauty and magnificence. We can only gaze,
admire and adore. The rocks on both sides are perpendicular, but there
is a wooden staircase which leads to the bed of the river.

    [_Travels_:

  At Manchester, we took lodgings at the Eagle Tavern, and hastened
  immediately to the Falls: our steps were guided by their mighty
  roaring. In a few moments we stood near the precipice, and saw
  before us the immense mass of water which rushes with a tremendous
  noise into the frightful abyss below. It is impossible to describe
  the scene, and the pen is too feeble to delineate the simultaneons
  feelings of insignificence and grandeur which agitate the human
  breast at the sight of this stupendous work of nature! We can only
  gaze, admire, and adore. The rocks on both sides are perpendicular,
  but there is a wooden staircase which leads to the bed of the
  river.]

They descended, but in consequence of the drizzly rain which is produced
by the foam of the water, they had by no means so fine a prospect from
below as they anticipated. On this account, therefore, they soon again
ascended and satisfied themselves by looking from above upon this
sublime and majestic sight. As they returned, full of these mighty
impressions, to the Eagle Tavern, they found to their great joy a fine
opportunity to speak of the grandeur and magnificence they had just
beheld. There was another party just arrived from New-York, to render
homage to this great natural curiosity.

    [_Travels_:

  We descended, but in consequence of the drizzly rain which is
  produced by the foam of the water, we had by no means so fine a
  prospect from below as we anticipated. On this account, therefore,
  we soon ascended and satisfied ourselves by looking from above upon
  this sublime and majestic sight. As we returned, full of these
  mighty impressions, to the Eagle Tavern we found to our great joy a
  fine opportunity of speaking of the grandeur and magnificence we had
  just beheld. Lieutenants De Goer and Van Vloten, of the Pallas, had
  just arrived to render homage to this great natural curiosity.]

In company with these gentlemen and ladies, they took a walk to
Goat-Island, by a convenient wooden bridge, thrown over the rapids about
seven years since. The first bridge leads to a small island called
Bath-Island, which contains a bath-house; the second to Goat-Island,
which is about one mile in circumference, and overgrown with old and
beautiful trees.

    [_Travels_:

  In company with these gentlemen we took a walk to Goat-Island, by a
  convenient wooden bridge, thrown over the rapids about seven years
  since. The first bridge leads to a small island called Bath-Island,
  which contains a bath-house and billiard-room: the second to
  Goat-Island, which is about one mile in circumference, and overgrown
  with old and beautiful trees. The Indians who formerly resided in
  this part of the country....]

On Bath-Island a person may approach so near the American falls as to
look into the abyss below. From the foot of the falls you can see
nothing of the abyss, inasmuch as every thing is concealed by the smoke
and vapour. On Goat-Island a person may in the same manner approach the
Canadian falls in the centre of which is a semi-circular hollow, called
the Horse-shoe, and here the noise is still more tremendous than on the
other side. The vapour which rises from the Horse-shoe, forms a thick
mist, which may be seen at a great distance.

    [_Travels_:

  On Bath-Island a person may approach so near to the American falls
  as to look into the abyss below. The animals in the neighbourhood
  are so careless of this, that the cows and horses go into the river
  to drink within five yards of the brink of the precipice. From the
  foot of the falls you can see nothing of the abyss, inasmuch as
  every thing is concealed by the foam and vapour. On Goat-Island a
  person may in the same manner approach the Canadian falls, in the
  centre of which is a semicircular hollow, called the Horse-shoe, and
  here the noise is still more tremendous than on the other side. The
  vapour which rises from the Horse-shoe forms a thick mist, which may
  be seen at a great distance.]

To look into the Horse-shoe is awful and horrible. Nor can this be done
but at the instant when the vapour is somewhat dissipated. You stand
like a petrified being. The level of Lake Erie is said to be five
hundred and sixty-four feet above that of the sea, and three hundred and
thirty-four feet above the waters of Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario is
consequently two hundred and thirty feet above the level of the sea.
From Lake Erie to the rapids the water has a fall of fifteen feet, in
the rapids fifty-seven feet, and according to a recent measurement, the
falls on the American side are one-hundred and sixty-two feet high. From
this place to Lewistown the river has a fall of one hundred and four
feet, and thence to Lake Ontario, of two feet.

    [_Travels_:

  To look into the Horse-shoe is awful and horrible. Nor can this be
  done but at the instant when the vapour is somewhat dissipated. You
  stand like a petrified being. The level of Lake Erie is said to be
  five hundred and sixty-four feet above that of the sea, and three
  hundred and thirty-four feet above the waters of Lake Ontario. Lake
  Ontario is consequently two hundred and thirty feet above the level
  of the sea. From Lake Erie to the rapids the water has a fall of
  fifteen feet, in the rapids fifty-seven feet, and according to a
  recent measurement, the falls on the American side are one hundred
  and sixty-two feet high. From this place to Lewistown the river has
  a fall of one hundred and four feet, and thence to Lake Ontario, of
  two feet.]

The next morning they made another visit to Goat Island. They afterwards
descended the stairs to the river, which they crossed in a small boat,
at a short distance from both falls. The bed of the river is said to be
here two hundred and forty-six feet deep. The current passes beneath the
surface of the water, and does not again become visible till after a
distance of three miles. On the Canada side you have a much better view
of the falls than on the American, for you see both falls at the same
time. There is on the Canada side a covered wooden staircase, which they
ascended, and approached the falls, amidst a constant drizzling caused
by the falling water.

    [_Travels_:

  The next morning, 22d of August, we made another visit to
  Goat-Island. We afterwards descended the stairs to the river, which
  we crossed in a small boat, at a short distance from both falls. The
  bed of the river is said to be here two hundred and forty-six feet
  deep. The current passes beneath the surface of the water, and does
  not again become visible till after a distance of three miles. On
  the Canada side you have a much better view of the falls than on the
  American, for you see both falls at the same time. There is on the
  Canada side a covered wooden staircase, which we ascended, and
  approached the falls, amidst a constant drizzling caused by the
  falling water.]

The sun threw his rays upon the thick mist and formed a beautiful
rainbow. Another winding stair-case leads down the rocks near the falls,
under which you may walk to the distance of one hundred and twenty feet;
several of the gentlemen went in, but according to their report, they
could not see any thing. They were contented, therefore, to behold the
falls from Table rock, which almost overhangs them. A part of this rock
gave way several years ago and fell down the precipice, and the
remaining part is so much undermined by the water, that it will probably
soon follow. The whole distance from the American to the British shore
is fourteen hundred yards, of which three hundred and eighty belong to
the American falls, three hundred and thirty to Goat-Island, and seven
hundred to the Canada or Horse-shoe falls.

    [_Travels_:

  The sun threw his rays upon the thick mist and formed a beautiful
  rainbow. Another winding staircase leads down the rocks near the
  falls, under which you may walk to the distance of one hundred and
  twenty feet; several of the gentlemen present went in, but according
  to their report they could not see any thing. I was contented
  therefore to behold the falls from Table rock, which almost
  overhangs them. A part of this rock gave way several years ago and
  fell down the precipice, and the remaining part is so much
  undermined by the water that it will probably soon follow. The whole
  distance from the American to the British shore is fourteen hundred
  yards, of which three hundred and eighty belong to the American
  falls, three hundred and thirty to Goat-Island, and seven hundred
  yards to the Canada or Horse-shoe falls.]

On the British side, opposite to the falls, are two taverns, in the
larger of which, Forsyth's Hotel, they took lodgings until the next day.
During the late war a bridge was thrown over the river about one mile
above this tavern, which, together with a mill, was burnt by the
Americans on their retreat from the battle of Lundy's Lane. A few years
ago a burning spring was discovered here. It is surrounded by a cask,
and contains cold water of a blackish appearance, and of a sulphurous
taste. Within this cask is a small vessel which has a pipe at the upper
end. If a lighted candle be held within a foot of the mouth of this
pipe, it will instantly produce a strong flame, similar to a gas-light.
In the neighbourhood of Forsyth's Hotel is the only point from which you
have a full view of both falls at the same time, which, however, is
often interrupted by the ascending vapour.

    [_Travels_:

  On the British side, opposite to the falls are two taverns, in the
  larger of which, Forsyth's Hotel, we took lodgings until the next
  day, when we intended to pay a visit to the governor of Upper
  Canada, Sir Peregrine Maitland, who resides at his country seat
  within a few miles of the falls. During the late war a bridge was
  thrown over the river about one mile above this tavern, which,
  together with a mill, was burnt by the Americans on their retreat
  from the battle of Lundy's Lane. A few years ago a burning spring
  was discovered here, several of which are said to occur in different
  parts of the United States. It is surrounded by a cask, and contains
  a cold water of a blackish, slimy appearance, and of a sulphurous
  taste. Within this cask is a small vessel which is open at the
  bottom, and has a pipe at its upper end. If a lighted candle be held
  within a foot of the mouth of this pipe, it will instantly produce a
  strong flame, similar to a gas-light. If the vessel be taken out,
  and the candle be held over the surface of the water, it will
  produce the same effect, but the flame will soon disappear. In the
  neighbourhood of Forsyth's Hotel is the only point from which you
  have a full view of both falls at the same time, which, however, is
  often interrupted by the ascending vapour.]

On their return to the American shore, they examined a camera obscura,
which is situated at the head of the American stair-case, and was built
by a Swiss. This gives a tolerably good view of the falls. Afterwards
they took a ride to the Whirlpool, which is three miles down the
Niagara, and is formed by a kind of rocky basin where the river runs
between narrow rocky banks. It is singular to see this confusion of
water, whose appearance cannot be better described than by comparing it
with the flowing of melted lead. The lofty rocks which form the banks of
the river, are beautifully covered with wood, and present a stately,
majestic appearance. In the evening they again went to Goat-Island in
order to view the falls by bright moonlight; in this light they produce
a peculiarly beautiful effect, which is greatly heightened by a
moon-rainbow.

    [_Travels_:

  On our return to the American shore, we examined a camera obscura
  which is situated at the head of the American staircase, and was
  built by a Swiss. This gives a tolerably good view of the falls.
  Afterwards we took a ride to the Whirlpool, which is three miles
  down the Niagara, and is formed by a kind of rocky basin where the
  river runs between narrow rocky banks. It is singular to see this
  confusion of the water, whose appearance cannot be better described
  than by comparing it with the flowing of melted lead. The lofty
  rocks which form the banks of this river, are beautifully covered
  with wood and present a stately, majestic appearance. In the evening
  I again went to Goat-Island in order to view the falls by bright
  moonlight: in this light they produce a very peculiarly beautiful
  effect, which is greatly heightened by a moon-rainbow.]

The following day both parties went to the other side of the river, and
took lodgings at Forsyth's Hotel.

    [_Travels_:

  The following day, 23d August, all our company departed; my friend
  Tromp and myself alone remained. We went to the other side of the
  river, and took lodgings at Forsyth's Hotel....]

  High on Hyria's rock my muse repose,
  While I wild nature's direful scenes disclose,
  Nor let wing'd Fancy's bold creative aid,
  Paint beyond truth what nature's God has made;
  Inspir'd by him let every flowing line,
  Describ'd correctly, through the numbers shine.
  Fed by a thousand springs and purling rills,
  Ocean's internal, the wild torrent fills.
  Lakes Michigan, Superior, there we see,
  Concent'ring Huron's flood with proud Erie:
  The awful stream its wond'rous course began,
  Roll'd the rich flood before the date of man.
  From Buffalo to Chippewa bends its course,
  Full eighteen miles, with calm and rapid force,
  By Grand Isle passes, where its stream divides,
  Whose circling course, majestic, downward glides.
  Meets then again a verdant island long,
  Gathers the weeping brook, and swells more strong,
  Widening the swift high-mounted torrent flies
  Like lightning bursting from the thund'ring skies.
  The time-worn cliffs, retiring to their source,
  Shews countless ages it has run its course.
  The Schlosser fall eight hundred ninety-two
  Will count the feet how broad this current grew.
  Two thousand with two hundred crescent line
  Will the full breadth of Horse-Shoe Fall define.
  The little fall, with width of seventy-three,
  Will tell whence Neptune feeds his hungry sea.
  Tumbling one hundred sixty feet, they all
  Make one loud groaning in Niagara Fall.
  Thick hov'ring mists in mountain vapours rise,
  Bright colour'd rainbows gild the azure skies.
  The dazzled eye, fill'd with the novel blaze
  Beholds, astonished, their refracted rays.
  Nor ends the awful scene, till down the view,
  Through the dark gulf, these boiling floods pursue.
  Their course 'tween mountain rocks, which form the shore,
  Through which, tremendous raging billows roar.
  Until they form a bay, where tide-worn trees,
  In conflicts wild rage round the whirlpool seas:
  Huge splintered logs here twisting round and round,
  With many a turn before they quit the ground;
  At length escaping from the circling tide,
  Side-long slide off, and with a bouncing glide,
  Head-long adown through rapid streams are toss'd,
  Until in wide Ontario's lake are lost.
  Neptune thus roused leaves now the wat'ry plain,
  To seek the source from whence he holds his reign.
  Full in the view of this tremendous scene,
  Adjacent here, a table rock is seen;
  Where love-sick swains in clambering groups repair,
  Conducting tim'rous nymphs with anxious care:
  'Dew'd with the spray, the wild'red eye surveys,
  The rushing waters shout their Maker's praise.




CHAPTER XXVII.

  Revolving years have since rolled on apace,
    Since patriots here, convened to form we're told,
  The school to train the military band,
    And Putnam's fortress still we may behold.


The season was now far advanced. Alida and her brother felt uneasy at
being so long separated from their father. The rest of the party were
anxious again to see their friends in the city. After tarrying a few
days at Forsyth's Hotel, they determined to proceed on their way back
again to New-York without delay.

    [_Travels_ (chapter IX begins):

  As the season was so far advanced, I wished to reach New York
  without delay.]

They therefore concluded to travel soon, and visit Lake Champlain to its
southern extremity, then to Saratoga, Albany, taking the Catskill
mountains by the way, and inspecting the famous military school of West
Point.

    [_Travels_:

  We therefore concluded to travel soon, and visit Lake Champlain to
  its southern extremity, then to Saratoga, Albany, and further down
  the Hudson to New York, taking the Catskill mountains by the way,
  and inspecting the famous military school of West Point.
  ...]

The greatest breadth of Lake Champlain, which contains several large
islands, is six miles. The shore on the right, belonging to the state of
New-York, is low and covered with trees; the other belongs to Vermont,
and is more mountainous. As night approached, they were prevented from
beholding this beautiful part of the country; and were also, with
regret, prevented from seeing the battle-ground of Plattsburgh, at which
town the vessel made a short stay during the night, and then proceeded
to Burlington, in Vermont, and towards morning passed by the ruins of
Fort Crown Point, which lie on a hill.

    [_Travels_:

  The greatest breadth of Lake Champlain, which contains several large
  islands, is six miles. The shore on our right, belonging to the
  state of New York, is low and covered with trees; the other belongs
  to Vermont, and is more mountainous. As night approached, we were
  prevented from enjoying this beautiful part of the country; I was
  also with regret prevented from seeing the battle ground of
  Plattsburgh, at which town the vessel made a short stay during the
  night. Some American custom-house officers came on board, without,
  however, inquiring after our baggage, and this was a new and not
  disagreeable circumstance.

  The same night we stopped at Burlington in Vermont, and the Grymes'
  family left us here to go to Boston. I expected to meet this
  interesting family again in New York in fourteen days. Towards
  morning we passed the ruins of Fort Crownpoint, which lie on a
  hill.]

At this place the Lake is very narrow, and resembles a river. The shores
are generally covered with bushes and pine trees, are hilly, and afford
a pleasing prospect. They now pursued their journey as far as Lake
George, and arrived at the village of Caldwell. The shores of the Lake
are very hilly, the heights are all covered with trees, and are not
above eight hundred feet high. There are several islands in the lake,
generally covered with wood, and the scenery around is very handsome.
The level of the lake is about three hundred feet higher than that of
Lake Champlain. The stream which flows from the former into the latter
lake, forms, in its course, a succession of small cascades.

    [_Travels_:

  At this place the lake is very narrow and resembles a river. The
  shores are generally covered with bushes and pine trees, are hilly,
  and afford a pleasing prospect....
  ...
  From Ticonderoga we went in a stage three miles further to Lake
  George, through a very hilly country. The level of this lake is
  about three hundred feet higher than that of Lake Champlain; the
  stream which flows from the former into the latter lake, forms a
  succession of small cascades, and turns several saw-mills. We
  arrived at the northern point of Lake George, and entered the
  steam-boat Mountaineer, which was ready to depart; it was ninety
  feet long with a machine of sixteen horse-power.

  Lake George resembles the Scottish lakes. It is thirty-six miles
  long, and never more than five miles broad. The shores are very
  hilly, the heights are all covered with trees, and are not, as it
  seems to me, above eight hundred feet high. There are several
  islands in the lake, generally covered with wood.... The scenery is
  very handsome.... At the southern extremity, however, lies the
  village of Caldwell, founded about twenty years ago, which, besides
  a very good and large inn, where we took lodgings, contains several
  neat houses....]

They left Caldwell at eight o'clock the next day, in two inconvenient
carriages, and passed through a very uninteresting, deep, sandy road, in
a hilly part of the country, covered with thorny trees, on their route
to Saratoga Springs, to which the whole fashionable world of the United
States repair in summer, and the fashionables have here the same mania
which prevails in other countries, to visit the baths in summer, whether
sick or well. The distance is twenty-seven miles. On their passage was
seen but one interesting object, the Hudson falls, which river they had
left at Albany, and reached again nine miles from Caldwell, coming from
the west.

    [_Travels_:

  We left Caldwell at eight o'clock the next day, September 11, in two
  inconvenient carriages, and passed through a very uninteresting,
  deep, sandy road, in a hilly country, covered with thorny trees, on
  our route to Saratoga springs, to which the whole fashionable world
  of the United States repairs in summer, for the fashionables have
  here the same mania which prevails in other countries, to visit the
  baths in summer, whether sick or well. The distance is twenty-seven
  miles. On our passage, we saw but one interesting object--the Hudson
  falls, which river we had left at Albany, and reached again nine
  miles from Caldwell, coming from the west.]

These falls are, however, under the name of Glenn's Falls. A village of
the same name is built in their vicinity, on the rocky shores of the
river. The principal fall is forty feet high. These falls are not to be
numbered among the largest, but among the handsomest in the United
States. A constant mist arises from them, and, as the sun shone very
brilliantly, several rainbows were seen at the same time. In the rock,
as at Niagara, were some remarkable and deep cavities. At the base of
the small island which divides the chief fall into two parts,
a remarkable cave appears below the falls, leading to the other side of
the rock. The Hudson is partly navigable above Glenn's Falls, and two
miles farther up, feeds a navigable canal, with thirteen locks, which
runs seven miles north of the Hudson, and there joins Champlain canal.

    [_Travels_:

  These falls are known under the name of Glenn's Falls. A village of
  the same name is built in their vicinity, on the rocky shores of the
  river.... A single rock, on which, also, a saw-mill stands, divides
  into two parts, the principal fall, which is forty feet high. But
  there are, both above and below the principal falls, a number of
  smaller falls, which we could approach with ease, as the water was
  very low. These falls are not indeed to be numbered among the
  largest, but among the handsomest falls which I have seen. A
  constant mist arises from them, and, as the sun shone very
  brilliantly, we saw several rainbows at the same time. In the rock,
  as at Niagara, we observed some remarkable and deep cavities.... At
  the base of the small island, which divides the chief fall into two
  parts, a remarkable cave appears below the falls, leading to the
  other side of the rock.... The Hudson is partly navigable above
  Glenn's Falls, and two miles further up, feeds a navigable canal,
  with thirteen locks, which runs seven miles north of the Hudson, and
  then joins Champlain canal.]

The party arrived at Saratoga at two o'clock in the afternoon, and
stopped at Congress Hall. The greater part of the company had already
departed, among those who remained was the governor of the state of
New-York. They were introduced to his Excellency. The gentlemen
conversed with him freely, and found him intelligible and refined, and
scientific in his conversation.

    [_Travels_:

  We arrived at Saratoga at two o'clock in the afternoon, and stopped
  at Congress Hall. The greater part of the company had already
  departed, so that but forty persons remained; among these was the
  governor of the state of New York, the celebrated De Witt Clinton. I
  was immediately introduced to his excellency, and very well received
  by this great statesman.]

    [[During the period spanned by _Alida_ (1811-1816), the governor
    of New York was Daniel Tompkins.]]

In the evening the company assemble in the large hall in the lower
story, and pass away the time in music, dancing or conversation, where
they witness all the politeness, refinement, and hospitality that
characterize the Americans.

    [_Travels_:

  .... In the evening the company assembles in the large halls in the
  lower story, at this season, alas! by the fire, and pass the time in
  music, dancing, or conversation....]

The waters of the different springs are generally drank, but baths are
also erected. High Rock spring flows from a white conical lime-stone
rock, five feet high. The water is seen in this spring in constant
agitation. So much fixed air escapes from it, that an animal held over
it, as in the Grotto del Cane, near Naples, cannot live above half a
minute.

    [_Travels_:

  The different springs, which do not lie far from each other in
  a swampy ground in the same valley, are called Hamilton, Congress,
  Columbia, Flat Rock, Munroe, High Rock, President, and Red Spring.
  The water is generally drank, but baths are also erected. High Rock
  Spring flows from a white conical limestone rock, five feet high, in
  which there is a round aperture above, about nine inches in
  diameter, through which the water in the spring is seen in a state
  of constant agitation. So much fixed air escapes from it, that an
  animal held over it, as in the Grotto del Cane, near Naples, cannot
  live above half a minute....]

In a few days they left Saratoga Springs, in a convenient stage, to go
to Albany, thirty-six miles distant. They passed through a disagreeable
and sandy country. The uniformity was, however, very pleasingly
interrupted by Saratoga Lake, which is eight miles long.

    [_Travels_:

  The governor had the kindness to give me some letters for New York,
  and a letter of introduction to the Shakers of New Lebanon.
  Furnished with these, we left Saratoga Springs, September 12th, at 9
  o'clock, in a convenient stage to go to Albany, thirty-six miles
  distant. We passed through a disagreeable and sandy country. The
  uniformity was, however, very pleasingly interrupted by Saratoga
  lake, which is eight miles long....
  ...]

At the small town of Waterford they passed along the left shore of the
Hudson on a long wooden bridge, to avoid a bad bridge over the Mohawk.
They proceeded on their route in the night on a very good road, and
passed through Lansingburgh and Troy. The latter is very handsomely
built, and many stores were very well lighted up in the evening. Here
they returned to the right shore of the Hudson, and reached Albany at
ten o'clock at night.

    [_Travels_:

  At the small town of Waterford we passed along the left shore of the
  Hudson on a long wooden bridge, to avoid a bad bridge over the
  Mohawk. We proceeded on our route in the night on a very good road,
  and passed through Lansingburg and Troy. The latter is very
  handsomely built, and many stores are very well lighted up in the
  evening. Here we returned to the right shore of the Hudson, and
  reached Albany at 10 o'clock at night.
  ...]

At eight o'clock next morning they took passage on board the steam-boat,
to go down the river as far as the town of Catskill, at the foot of Pine
Orchard. The company ascended the mountain, which is twelve miles high,
in stages. They reached Pine Orchard a little before sunset. The
building on the mountain for the accommodation of visiters, is a
splendid establishment. Alida was truly delighted with the landscape it
presented in miniature; where large farms appeared like garden spots,
and the Hudson a rivulet, and where sometimes the clouds were seen
floating beneath the eye of the spectator.

    [[This paragraph does not appear in _Travels in North America_.]]

The next morning they again took the steam-boat at Catskill to go to
Hudson, twenty-seven and a half miles from Albany, which they reached
about noon. This city appears very handsome and lively. On the opposite
side of the river is Athens, between which and Hudson there seems to be
much communication kept up by a team-boat. A very low island in the
middle of the stream between the two places, rendered this communication
somewhat difficult at first, as vessels were obliged to make a great
circuit. To avoid this inconvenience, a canal was cut through the
island, through which the team-boat now passes with ease and rapidity.

    [_Travels_:

  At ten o'clock we embarked on board the steam-boat Richmond. The
  banks of the Hudson are very handsome, and here and there well
  cultivated. From Albany to New York it is one hundred and forty-four
  miles, and to West Point ninety-six. Hudson, a place twenty-seven
  and a half miles from Albany, which we reached at noon, seems to be
  very handsome and lively. We remarked in the harbour several sloops,
  and on shore some brick stores, five stories high. On the opposite
  side of the river lies Athens, between which and Hudson there seems
  to be much communication kept up by a team-boat. A very low island
  in the middle of the stream between the two places rendered this
  communication somewhat difficult at first, as vessels were obliged
  to make a great circuit. To avoid this inconvenience, a canal was
  cut through the island, through which the team-boat now passes with
  ease and rapidity.]

This place affords a very fine view of the lofty Catskill mountains.
They left the city of Hudson in the afternoon, and arrived at West Point
at eleven o'clock at night, on the right side of the Hudson, and landed
at a wharf furnished with a sentry-box. An artillerist stood sentinel.
They were obliged to ascend a somewhat steep road in order to reach the
house which is prepared for the reception of strangers. The building
belongs to the government, and is designed for the mess-room of the
officers and cadets. The purveyor for this table is bound by contract
with the government to keep several chambers with beds in order for the
reception of the relations of the cadets.

    [_Travels_:

  This place affords a very fine view of the lofty Catskill Mountains.

  About eleven o'clock at night we arrived at West Point, on the right
  side of the Hudson, and landed at a wharf furnished with a
  sentry-box. An artillerist, who stood sentinel, examined us. I
  afterwards discovered that this rule was made on account of the
  visits which the cadets receive. We were obliged to ascend a
  somewhat steep road in order to reach the house, which is prepared
  for the reception of strangers. A small but very clean room was
  prepared for us. The building belongs to the government, and is
  designed for the mess-room of the officers and cadets. The purveyor
  for this table is bound by contract with government to keep several
  chambers with beds in order, for the reception of the relations of
  the cadets, and thus a kind of inn arose.]

The morning after their arrival, the gentlemen paid an early visit to
lieutenant-colonel Thayer, superintendent of the military school, and
were received in a very friendly manner. He had presided over this
school several years. Colonel Thayer has entirely remodelled this
institution, and very much improved it.

    [_Travels_:

  The morning after our arrival we paid an early visit to
  lieutenant-colonel Thayer, superintendent of the military school,
  and were received in a very friendly manner. He has presided over
  this school eight years. It was founded in 1802, during the
  presidency of Jefferson. Colonel Thayer has entirely remodelled this
  institution. During his travels in Europe he visited the French
  military schools, and has endeavoured to make this resemble the
  polytechnic school. But he will find it difficult to equal this once
  celebrated school, as with the best will in the world he cannot find
  in this country such excellent professors as were assembled in that
  institution.]

    [[Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1872) was Superintendent of West Point from
    1817 to 1833.]]

The cadets, whose number may amount to two hundred and fifty, are
divided into four classes for the purposes of instruction. They are
received between the ages of fourteen and twenty, and must undergo an
examination before they enter.

    [_Travels_:

  The cadets, whose number may amount to two hundred and fifty, but at
  the last examination consisted of two hundred and twenty-one, are
  divided into four classes for the purposes of instruction. They are
  received between the ages of fourteen and twenty, undergo an
  examination before they enter....]

Instruction is communicated gratuitously to the cadets, each of whom
receives monthly eight dollars from government as wages.

    [_Travels_:

  Instruction is communicated gratuitously to the cadets, each of whom
  receives monthly eight dollars from government as wages.]

A public examination of the cadets takes place every year at the end of
June, by a commission appointed by the Secretary of War. This commission
consists of staff officers from the army and navy, members of Congress,
governors of states, learned men and other distinguished citizens. After
this examination, the best among those who have finished their course
are appointed as officers in the army.

    [_Travels_:

  A public examination of the cadets takes place every year at the end
  of June, by a commission, appointed by the secretary of war. This
  commission consists of staff-officers from the army and navy,
  members of congress, governors of states, learned men, and other
  distinguished citizens. After this examination, the best among those
  who have finished their course are appointed as officers in the
  army....
  ...]

The cadets live in two large massive buildings, three stories high, and
are divided into four companies. The institution possesses four
principal buildings. The two largest serve as barracks for the cadets,
a third contains the mess-room, and the fourth the church. A large level
space, consisting of several acres, lies in front of the buildings,
forming a peninsula, and commanding the navigation of the Hudson, above
which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight feet. Towards the
river it is surrounded by steep rocks, so that it is difficult to
ascend, unless by the usual way.

    [_Travels_:

  .... The cadets are divided in four companies, and live in two large
  massive buildings, three stories high....
  ...
  The institution possesses four principal buildings. The two largest
  serve as barracks for the cadets, a third contains the messroom and
  inn, and the fourth the church, chemical laboratory, library, and
  the hall for drawing, in which are some of the best drawings of the
  cadets....

  A large level space, consisting of several acres, lies in front of
  the buildings, forming a peninsula and commanding the navigation of
  the Hudson, above which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight
  feet. Towards the river it is surrounded with steep rocks, so that
  it would be difficult to ascend, unless by the usual way....
  ...]

The party now ascended the rocky mountain on which are to be seen the
ruins of Fort Putnam. The way led through a handsome forest of oak,
beech, chestnut and walnut trees. The fort occupying the summit of the
mountain, was erected in an indented form, of strong granite, and is
altogether inaccessible on the side next the enemy. It had but a single
entrance, with very strong casemates. It was built on private property
during the revolution; the owner of the ground claimed it, and
government were obliged to restore it. The government afterwards
acquired the ground on which West Point stands, as well as the adjoining
heights.

    [_Travels_:

  Notwithstanding my injured side, I ascended the rocky mountain on
  which the ruins of Fort Putnam lie. My way led through a handsome
  forest of oak, beech, chesnut, and walnut trees. The fort occupied
  the summit of the mountain, was erected in an indented form, of
  strong granite, and is altogether inaccessible on the side next the
  enemy. It had but a single entrance, with very strong casemates, and
  two small powder-magazines. It was built during the revolution on
  private property; the owner of the ground claimed it, and government
  were obliged to restore it to him, after which he destroyed the
  fort. The government afterwards acquired the ground on which West
  Point stands, as well as the adjoining heights....]

A very fine view one may have from Fort Putnam of the plains of West
Point and of the Hudson river. The view to the north is particularly
handsome, in which direction Newburgh, lying on the river, is seen in
the back ground.

    [_Travels_:

  A very fine view is enjoyed from Fort Putnam of the plain of West
  Point, and of the Hudson, which here calls to mind the high banks of
  the Rhine. The view to the north is particularly handsome, in which
  direction Newburgh, lying on the river, is seen in the back ground.
  We saw nothing of the Catskill mountains.
  ...]

A band of music, paid by the government, belongs exclusively to the
cadets, and is said to afford the best military music in the United
States.

    [_Travels_:

  .... A band of music, paid by the government, belongs exclusively to
  them, and is said to afford the best military music in the United
  States. Every one has his taste....]

    [[This passage is out of sequence. In _Travels_ it appears about
    midway between the paragraphs beginning "A large level space..."
    and "Notwithstanding my injured side..."]]

The party generally regretted leaving this agreeable place, where they
had been highly gratified during their short stay. They took passage on
board the steamboat Constitution, bound to New-York, sixty miles
distant.

    [_Travels_:

  I was very sorry that we were obliged on the third day after our
  arrival to leave this agreeable place, which had so extremely
  pleased me; but I was obliged to go to New York at last!...]

    [_Travels_ (Baltimore chapter):

  We went on board the steam-boat Constitution.]

They were now again on their way to one of the most flourishing cities
in the United States, which attracts a great part of the commerce of the
American nation. They came into the vicinity about sunset, and at eight
o'clock in the evening they landed in New-York. Leaving their friends in
the city, Albert and his sister took passage in a stage coach next
morning, and journeyed in a short time as far as the village of ----,
and from thence proceeded on to the residence of their father.

    [_Travels_:

  .... After sundown we came into the vicinity of New York, the largest
  city in the United States, which attracts nearly the whole commerce
  of the country, and now already numbers one hundred and seventy
  thousand inhabitants. We landed about eight o'clock in the
  evening....]

    [[_Travels in North America_ ends here.]]




CHAPTER XXVIII.

  Ah! now again all my sensations move to see a parent, and I sigh
  once more to meet the kind caresses of a father--and weeks seem ages
  in this separation.


The feelings of Alida were those of boundless joy to meet again her
parents, after an absence from them which appeared long to her.

    [The Merchant's Daughter:

  Her first feelings were those of boundless joy....]

She was grieved to find her father had suffered much from indisposition
during her absence. She endeavoured in vain, by every soothing
attention, to recall him again to health and happiness. His malady
increased daily, and he became a prey to infirmities, which at length
confined him to his room.

    [_Children of the Abbey_:

  Lord Dunreath had long been a prey to infirmities, which at this
  period generally confined him to his room....]

The gladsome sensations of Albert were changed soon to those of
melancholy, when he saw that his father was affected with a serious
illness, and dejection supplied the place of more happy and animated
feelings.

Alida, for several weeks, scarce left the apartment. One morning she
perceived that he had altered very materially for the worse. It was only
at intervals he could converse with her, and then his conversation was
calculated to give her fortitude and resignation, and prepare her mind
for an approaching melancholy event, which, whenever she received the
least hint of, her grief was inexpressible.

    [_Children of the Abbey_:

  Her father was considerably altered for the worse, and unable to
  rise, except for a few minutes in the evening, to have his bed made.
  He complained of no pain or sickness, but seemed sinking beneath an
  easy and gradual decay. It was only at intervals he could converse
  with his daughter. His conversation was then calculated to
  strengthen her fortitude and resignation, and prepare her for an
  approaching melancholy event. Whenever she received a hint of it,
  her agony was inexpressible....]

Her father observed her emotion. "Alida, my dear child," said he, "do
not be alarmed, as I appear much worse than I am in reality at present;"
but she had drawn these words from the physician that morning, that his
malady had increased greatly since the day before. Perceiving a visible
change in his appearance, she scarcely left the room of her father till
a late hour, when he, perceiving her almost fainting with fatigue,
requested her to retire to rest. Albert supplied the place of his
sister, and remained with his father, while the affectionate care of his
only surviving son was grateful to the bosom of a fond parent.

    [_Children of the Abbey_:

  her father who saw her ill, and almost sinking with fatigue,
  requested her to retire to rest....]

The slumbers of Alida were broken, and fearing to leave her father too
long, she arose very early next morning to attend him. He was evidently
much worse next day, which was Sunday, and intimated that he wished all
the family sent for. He then requested Alida to read some passages in
the bible, as was his daily custom.

"'Leave thy fatherless children to me and I will be their father,' what
words of consolation are these," said he, "what transport do they convey
to the heart of a parent, burthened with anxiety. Yes, divine Disposer,"
he exclaimed, "I will, with grateful joy, commit my children to thy kind
care and protection."

    [_Children of the Abbey_:

  It was now Sunday, and he desired the service of the day to be read.
  A small bible lay on the table before him, and Amanda complied with
  his desire. In the first lesson were these words: "Leave thy
  fatherless children to me, and I will be their father." The tears
  gushed from Fitzalan; he laid his hand, which appeared convulsed
  with agitation, on the book. "Oh! what words of comfort," cried he,
  "are these; what transport do they convey to the heart of a parent
  burthened with anxiety! Yes, merciful Power I will, with grateful
  joy, commit my children to thy care, for thou art the friend who
  wilt never forsake them."]

When the physician made his morning visit, as he was going to take
leave, Alida asked his opinion. He shook his head, and seemed to give no
hopes of recovery.

Her father requested her to be seated by the bedside. "My child," said
he, "I wish to discourse a little with you. And could I again see
Theodore, how gladly would I now receive him. I have deeply injured
him," said he, "and my child too; and have inflicted a wound still
deeper in my own bosom. I have often considered his piety and worth. His
moral character was all that it should be. Superfluous wealth is not
necessary to ensure earthly felicity, but a competency and contentment
therewith, is all that is necessary to happiness."

    [_A&M_ (Melissa's father to Alonzo):

  "I have injured (said he) my young friend, deeply injured you, but
  in doing this I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own
  bosom."]

"Do not renew your sorrows, dear father," said Alida, "what is past is
beyond recall. Let us confide in a just over-ruling Providence, that
disposes all material events for the wisest purposes." Her tears flowed
in abundance, as her looks rested upon the visage of her father, and
deep distress was depicted in her countenance.

    [_Lives of Signers_: Samuel Adams of Massachusetts:

  He had been accustomed for years, to confide in a just over-ruling
  Providence....]

"My dear child," said her father, "weep not for me, think that rest must
now be acceptable to the weary traveller, whose hopes are centred in the
Redeemer, (as the only name under Heaven, whereby we can be saved,) and
can leave the world in the joyful anticipation of receiving those
inestimable blessings, in a life to come, which the Gospel promises to
every true believer."

    [_Children of the Abbey_:

  my Amanda, weep not too bitterly for me; like a weary traveller,
  think that rest must now be acceptable to me.]

He had scarcely uttered these words, when he sunk almost senseless upon
his pillow. The greater part of the family now assembled round him. The
physician came and gave no hopes of recovery. He faithfully watched over
him the whole evening and a part of the night, and about twelve o'clock
his family had the sorrow and misfortune to witness the distressful and
trying scene. Their father was no more.

The distress, fatigue and agitation of Alida, could no longer be borne
with, and for many weeks she was confined to her room. The loss of her
parent and the terminating scene, had left her in deep affliction: all
repose seemed fled forever, and bitter anguish had succeeded, and taken
up its residence in her bosom. Reflections rose in her mind continually,
that her situation had been heretofore comparatively happy, to what it
at present afforded. An illness of short duration had suddenly deprived
her of a very dear father, and she now felt herself a lonely, dejected
orphan.




CHAPTER XXIX.

  Could I trace back the time, a distant date, since my ancestors
  traversed these fields, and held possession of this wide domain.


The melancholy event had taken place, and Albert had lost his father.
His heavy and heartfelt affliction could not at this time be alleviated,
and his mind was involved in gloom and sadness, which he endeavoured in
vain to dissipate.

He was now deprived of the kind hand of a parent, who had used his
endeavours to lead him in the way he should go, from his infancy: and
assisted him with a kindly advice, and supplied him with a timely
experience, and in the wisdom of whose salutary council, he could now no
longer repose.

He felt himself deprived of this kind assistant, whose precepts had been
his guide ever since the first dawning irradiations of reason had began
to appear, to enlighten his mind, and with the eye of vigilance watched
over him, endeavouring to trace out his good or evil propensities, and
to point to the particular advantages on the one hand, and the baneful
effects on the other, and to train his ideas to whatever was most
commendable, and praiseworthy.

Albert had ever evinced a disposition pleasing to parental hopes and
wishes, and flattering to a fond father's most sanguine anticipations.
He was ever cheerful in complying with whatever he considered his duty,
and conformable to the will of his interested parent.

He now revolved in his mind, and reflected what had heretofore been his
particular wishes. It had long been the wish of his parent, that he
should close his business in New-York, and settle himself on the
paternal estate. He, therefore, was diligent in his endeavours to do
this, as soon as his spirits would in any wise allow him to attend to
these affairs, and at the commencement of the ensuing spring, he happily
terminated his business in the city, and returned to the country.

    [_Alida_ page 128 (chapter XVI):

  He had imparted to his son his wish for him to close and settle his
  mercantile affairs in the city, (as the times were dreary,) and
  return to the paternal estate.]

    [_Alida_ page 153 (chapter XX):

  He had long wished him to close his affairs of business in the city,
  and settle himself on the paternal estate.]

The remembrance of his father for a long interval of time was in every
object around and about the mansion, in which he was established, and
reminded him of his bereavement, and he was affected with sorrowful
meditations, and a borrowed serenity was manifested in his appearance.

He reflected on his present condition,--he would say, how desultory is
the happiness of man, he lays plans of permanent felicity, when the
whirlwind of affliction arrives, and destroys the towering edifice of
creative hope, and his schemes of contentment are changed to
disappointment and wo.

    [_NY Weekly_: Mrs. Mordaunt:

  How desultory are the schemes of man, he lays plans of permanent
  felicity, when the whirlwind of affliction arrives, and destroys the
  towering edifice of creative hope.]

He had taken possession of the paternal estate, which had for some years
been the wish of his father. Like him he was fond of rural pleasures and
amusements, and to dissipate care amid the diversified scenes of rustic
life, afforded him satisfaction and pleasure.

    [_Alida_ page 13 (chapter I):

  The mind of its owner took particular delight in rural pleasures and
  amusements; in dissipating a part of his time in the innocent scenes
  of rustic life....]

To contemplate the inimitable works of Creation, was to him no less
pleasing than instructive. Where so many objects arrest the attention,
and afford abundance of entertainment, equally calculated to raise in
the human breast the most unfeigned offerings of wonder, gratitude and
praise to the great Dispenser of benefits to mankind, and the Author of
universal existence.

    [_NY Weekly_: The School of Nature:

  Nature presents to the imagination an inexhausted fund of rational
  amusement. To contemplate the inimitable works of creation, is no
  less instructive than pleasing. Animate as well as inanimate objects
  afford an abundance of entertaining ideas, equally calculated to
  raise in the souls of human beings the most unfeigned offerings of
  wonder, gratitude, and praise. The gaiety of spring, the smiles of
  summer, the secundity of autumn, and the dreariness of winter, all
  combine to celebrate the Author of universal existence.]

The magnificence of the celestial, and the curiosity and variety of the
vegetable world, that have properties which, if accurately seen, yield
inconceivable astonishment to the eye of the beholder, and confess alike
the happy influence of the Deity. It charms in all the genial warmth and
softness of spring, when the earth teems with a matchless splendour,
when its green hues and universal verdure come forth in all their
pristine elegance and enchanting attractions, which constantly afforded
the contemplative mind of Albert, an inexhaustible variety of
entertaining and useful lessons.

    [_NY Weekly_: The School of Nature:

  The magnificent and wonderful objects of the celestial, and the
  curiosity and variety of the vegetable world, as well as the
  formation of all animals, reptiles, insects, and other productions
  of Nature, have properties which, if accurately viewed, yield
  inconceivable astonishment to the beholder.]

    [_NY Weekly_: Detraction:

  In a word, the whole reign confessed the happy influences of the
  Deity, and charmed in all the genial softness of the spring.]

    [_NY Weekly_: The School of Nature:

  When spring, for example, returns with all it's native beauties, as
  succeeding the gloomy aspect and forbidding horrors of winter; when
  it teems with a matchless splendour and magnificence; when its
  green hues and universal verdure come forth in all their pristine
  elegance, and enchanting attractions.... which would afford him an
  endless variety of useful and instructive lessons....]

In the meantime his new station in life called him to new
responsibilities, and a new field of action, unknown to him before,
presented itself, wherein he must act in many different capacities. He
was naturally of a domestic turn of mind, and had always declined
entering into the constant routine of engagements, to which the most
part of the fashionable world, more or less, subject themselves. He
avoided all excess and extravagance, in every respect, in which people
of this description lose the greater part of their time. He was
extremely fond of walking, as he considered gentle exercise the best
medicine of life, and he passed much of his time in strolling over the
fields or in the forest glen, amid the green wood shade, wrapped up in
solitary reflection.

    [_NY Weekly_: Extraordinary Adventure of a Spanish Nobleman:

  .... but his grace, who was of a domestic turn, and averse from the
  vanities of high life, declined entering into any engagement which
  might subject him to the impertinence, folly, and etiquette, to
  which the major part of the fashionable world seem to abound, either
  as servile imitators, or involuntary slaves....]

When the sun was gilding the western hemisphere, and the day shone in
all the mildness of the season, enveloped in serious thought and
reverie, Albert walked forth among the surrounding shades. "Happy, ye
freeborn sons of Columbia," said he, "liberty and plenty now bless your
domestic retirements,--War, devastation and wide-wasting rapine have
fled your peaceful shores. No dread of destruction to disturb your
uninterrupted tranquillity; the exercise of laudable industry can again
bring home to each family competency and repose." The clear cerulean sky
added a soft beauty to the adjacent landscapes, as he listlessly
wandered along the beach. The idle murmuring of the waves upon the sandy
shore, the confused gabbling of the waterfowl, and the near view of the
full-spread vessel majestically advancing over the white-capped billows,
that advanced and receded in gentle monotony, tended to soothe the lone
bosom to calmness and quietude.

    [_NY Weekly_: The African's Complaint:

  Phoebus had immersed his flaming forehead in the Western
  main--smoothly glided the wild zephyrs.... enveloped in a pleasing
  reverie, I walked forth amongst the surrounding shades. ----"Happy,
  ye freeborn sons of Columbia," exclaimed I, "liberty and plenty
  bless your domestic retirements; war, devastation, and wide-wasting
  rapine have fled from your peaceful shores--no murderous assassin,
  or night prowling incendiary, carries the hidden dagger of
  slaughter, or dread torch of destruction to disturb your
  uninterrupted tranquility....]

    [_NY Weekly_: Extract from a Letter to Miss ****:

  .... When we sailed gently down the harbour, the clear cerulean of
  the sky added a softer beauty to the adjacent landscapes.... when
  listlessly wandering on the rocky beach, the idle murmuring of the
  waves upon the sandy shore, the confused gabbling of the sea fowl,
  and the distant view of the "full spread vessel majestically
  advancing over the white cap'd billows," tended to sooth the sorrows
  of humanity, and lull the mind to quietude.]

The day ended, and calm evening drew on. The silver rays of the
full-orbed moon shed a majesty on each surrounding object. The scene
appeared in solemn grandeur; the dusky forest reflected a yellow
radiance; and the rolling wonders of the heavens glittered over the
head, while awful stillness reigned, interrupted only by the strains of
the night-bird, whose melodious notes served to soothe the heart to
harmony.

    [_NY Weekly_: Extract from a Letter to Miss ****:

  The day ended, and still evening drew on. Then did nature appear in
  silent magnificence; while the silver rays of the full orbed moon
  shed a majesty on each surrounding object. The lofty summit of the
  cloud-topt mountain appeared in solemn grandeur; the dusky forest
  reflected a yellow radiance; and the rolling wonders of the skies
  glittered over our heads: while the awful stillness that reigned,
  interrupted only by the lonely strains of the whip-poor-will, served
  to exalt the soul, and distend the heart.]

Albert returned home with a leisurely step, his feelings were raised in
devotional gratitude to that beneficent Being, on whom we depend for
every present and future felicity, and who had surrounded us with so
many blessings, that conspire to compose the mind to calmness and
serenity.

    [_NY Weekly_: Chearfulness:

  Indeed, true piety is an invaluable treasure; and happy are they who
  esteem its salutary tendency. It meliorates the morals and
  disposition, and promotes present and future felicity.]




CHAPTER XXX.

  Ceux qui ne sont gens de bien qu'en apparence--sont obligés de
  se contraindre, beaucoup, et de garder de grandes mesures, afin
  de passer pour se qu'ils ne sont pas.

    [Abbé Claude Le Ragois: _Instruction sur l'histoire de France et
    romaine_ (1737): Proverbes ou Sentences:

      Ceux qui ne sont gens de bien qu'en aparence, sont obligez de
      se contraindre beaucoup, & de garder de grandes mesures, afin de
      passer pour ce qu'ils ne sont pas....]


Alida ruminated on her lonely situation. She reflected on former days,
and the many happy hours that had gone by for ever, when the roses of
health had arrayed her cheeks, and gay thought had filled her fancy, and
every object was decked with the charms of fascination, when her heart
was unacquainted with sorrow, and experienced serenity and happiness
without alloy. She deplored the loss of a kind father; in him she was
deprived of a friend, who could never be again supplied to her, and in
whose society her mind was in a constant progressive state of
improvement. His filial affection, his kindness, his watchful endeavours
for her welfare, were evinced by a careful anxiety and pains to
enlighten her mind with those qualities and acquirements, that would be
most conducive to enlarge her sphere of usefulness in life, and furnish
her with the means of rational pleasure, and to blend with her personal
appearance the more fascinating charms of a well-improved understanding.

    [_NY Weekly_: Essayist No. II:

  To review the transactions of former days, the many sportive hours
  which have long been past.... 'Twas then health and beauty bloomed
  upon the cheek, and every object was decked with the charms of
  fascination. 'Twas then the heart ignorant of vice and unacquainted
  with sorrow or misfortune, enjoyed every pleasure without alloy.]

    [Hannah More: On Dissipation:

  .... She who dedicates a portion of her leisure to useful reading,
  feels her mind in a constant progressive state of improvement....]

    [[This is the only identified passage from Hannah More. The text
    may have been reprinted in a periodical such as the New-York
    Weekly.]]

    [_NY Weekly_: Domestic Felicity:

  .... Maria, who has only completed fourteen, to a beautiful
  countenance, joins the more fascinating charms of a well-improved
  understanding....]

She mourned his loss at a residence where every object recalled him
continually to her remembrance. She was wholly absorbed in melancholy,
and amid these sad ideas that agitated her bosom alternately, Bonville
arrived from the neighbouring village, and her attention was for a time
diverted, and she was relieved from a train of painful reflections. Her
brother had a long conversation with him respecting Theodore, and
wondered how it happened that his friend Raymond had never received any
intelligence from him.

Bonville seemed much embarrassed at these observations of Albert, and it
was some length of time before he made any reply. Then biting his lips,
and putting on an air of displeasure, he said that he had actually
thought of going to England himself, to trace him out, and ascertain the
cause of his strange conduct. Then assuming a look of insignificance,
accompanied with several speeches in double entendre, he remained in
sullen silence.

The conduct of Theodore certainly, thought Alida, is mysterious and
singular, and his long silence is truly unaccountable, and the idea of
ever meeting him again with these different impressions, that at present
bore sway over her mind, agitated her greatly. In happier days, when her
hopes had rested on him in full confidence, she thought herself
sufficiently strong to bear every other evil; but to be assured of his
inconstancy, was an idea she could scarcely endure.

Although Albert might decidedly be called a person of discernment, still
he had not yet fully discovered the deceptive powers of Bonville, whose
many evil propensities were in a manner concealed, by a condescending
courtesy and affability; though his mind inherited ill-nature and
sarcasm in the extreme.

The sprightliness of his manners, mingled with a certain degree of
humour and generous sentiments, occasionally mingling with his
discourse, threw a veil over his imperfections, and excited one's
admiration.

Albert thought him ungenerous for many scandalous assertions concerning
Theodore, and he still hoped he might again arrive on his native shores,
and be able to answer all suggestions to his disadvantage.

Alida had never discerned his real character, therefore she reposed full
confidence in all he said. His behaviour to her was respectful, and his
exterior extremely prepossessing. He appeared all goodness and
benevolence, and ever expressed the most generous sentiments towards
those he pretended to censure.

These deceitful appearances were joined with a semblance of piety; and
he could at any time make himself appear to advantage, by the display of
a variety of superficial knowledge. He was proud to excess, as if he
really possessed qualities to be proud of. One would scarcely suppose
that such a person could be capable of true attachment, but so it
certainly was; that knowing the many imperfections of his own nature,
caused him more deeply to revere the opposite qualities in Alida, and
the idea of shortly gaining her hand, carried his senses to such a pitch
of enthusiasm, that it would not be thought strange to suppose, that the
disappointment of his pride would overwhelm him with lasting dismay.

The superior excellence of Theodore furnished a mark for the calumny of
Bonville, supposing his own success depended on the disparagement of the
other. Thus envy is usually led to asperse what it cannot imitate; and
the little mind scandalizes the pre-eminence of its neighbour, and
endeavours to depreciate the good qualities that it cannot attain to.

Thus the distempered eye is impatient of prevailing brightness, and by
attempting to observe the lucid object, inadvertently betrays its own
weakness; and persons of their unhappy complexion, regard all praises
conferred upon another, as derogatory from their own value. And a person
without merit may live without envy; but who would wish to escape it on
these terms!

    [_NY Weekly_: Detraction:

  Superior excellence is the general mark for calumny; and envy is
  usually led to asperse what it cannot imitate. A little mind is
  scandalized at the pre-eminence of its neighbour, and endeavours to
  depreciate the virtues which it cannot attain to. Thus the
  distempered eye is impatient of prevailing brightness; and, by
  attempting to observe the lucid object, inadvertently betrays its
  own weakness. Pride is the fruitful parent of Detraction; and it is
  the unjust estimate which men set upon themselves, that generates in
  their minds this ridiculous contempt of greater worth. Persons of
  this unhappy complexion regard all praises conferred upon another as
  derogatory from their own value.]

    [_NY Weekly_: Moral Maxims:

  A man without merit may live without envy; but who would wish to
  escape on these terms?]




CHAPTER XXXI.

  May he again return, and with him bring
  A soft serenity on pleasure's wing;
  While anxious fears, and doubt, shall disappear,
  The heavy mists of gloomy thought to clear.


The scenes of solitude were now more pleasing to Alida than ever. She
loved to wander through the shady grove and lonely valley, and adapt
their retirement to her own particular situation. She would often stray
as far as the cottage or the farmhouse, at a little distance, and would
sometimes take the winding path through a beautiful piece of wood which
led to Raymond's, where the thick foliage formed a grateful shade.

There she would indulge herself in solitary thought. "How changeable are
all things terrestrial," said she, "the varied year has its seasons, and
winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of each other. The elements
are frequently disturbed by storms and tempests, so, in like manner, is
the human breast at intervals troubled and discomposed, and often
remains overshadowed with pensive sadness and cheerless reverie; and
these desponding ideas must continue to have influence over the mind,
till the sunshine of reason and religion kindly dispels the gloom, and
awakens anew the feelings of the heart to the rays of hope and more
enlivening sensations." She had just returned home one afternoon from
Raymond's, when her brother, who had been absent on business to the
city, drove up the avenue, accompanied by Mr. More.

    [_NY Weekly_: The Nettle and the Rose:

  .... As the year has its seasons, and winter and summer are
  constantly in pursuit of each other, so changeable likewise is the
  condition of mortals; and as the elements are frequently disturbed
  by storms, hurricanes, and tempests, so is the mind of man
  frequently ruffled and discomposed, till the sun-shine of reason
  and philosophy bursts forth and dispels the gloom.....]

Albert informed his sister of the arrival of Theodore. She almost
fainted at the intelligence, so unexpected: and although she wished of
all things, to learn all the circumstances attending his absence, yet
she dreaded the event, to behold him again, fearing the truth of
Bonville's suggestions.

In the midst of these thoughts and fears, Theodore alighted at the
house, and was shown by the servant into the drawing-room.

Theodore, regardless of all around him, as soon as he beheld Alida, he
grasped her hand, exclaiming with rapture, "Has the period at length
arrived, and am I indeed once more so happy as to meet again my
much-esteemed and long-lost friend."

Alida gazed on him in silence. He saw her extreme agitation, and after
they were seated, he observed more particularly her altered appearance.
What surprise and grief was manifest in his countenance, when he saw the
paleness of her cheek, and the roses that once spread their healthy hue
over them, now seemed fled for ever. In a length of time, she became
somewhat more composed; but in what light to consider Theodore, she yet
did not know, and former ideas still clouded her imagination.

At length she assumed sufficient courage, to ask him, why he had not
thought proper to inform any of his friends of the circumstances
attending his absence.

Theodore could scarcely remain silent while Alida was speaking; he was
surprised beyond all description at what he heard. "Can it be possible,"
said he, "that you have missed of information concerning me, when I
delayed not to inform you of all my movements, every opportunity I had
to convey intelligence." He then informed her that the letters had been
sent to Raymond, and those for herself were enclosed, and committed to
his care; and through this channel, he had related minutely all the
various trials and circumstances attending his unexpected journey, and
the cause of his protracted stay. Alida was evidently convinced, and
appeared again assured of the truth of her lover. The energy with which
he spoke, his agitated feelings, joined to the distress visible in his
countenance, convinced her of his sincerity, at least caused her to
doubt, what a few moments before appeared so incontestible: and her
present happiness fully compensated for the lengthy period of distress
and anxiety she had experienced.

Albert was delighted at the return of Theodore, and highly gratified in
his hopes, to find in his early friend, still the man of honour he had
ever considered him. He had never once mentioned his name to Alida
during their separation; although his thoughts often revolved on the
unhappy result of their acquaintance, and the future welfare of his
sister.

Mr. More was a silent spectator of this joyful meeting. He now beheld
the person who had been so happy as to win the esteem and affections of
Alida, a person that he had heard spoken of, though it had appeared that
he never expected to see.

He witnessed the happy meeting. Sighs and tears from this time were his
only companions, while his aspect pourtrayed nought but anguish and
utter despair. He looked upon this happy pair as already united. He shed
tears of evident anguish, when he took leave of Alida, and his looks
told her it must now be forever.

The evening was not far advanced, when Bonville, who was altogether
ignorant of Theodore's arrival, unexpectedly made his appearance. Struck
with the utmost consternation at seeing him, he involuntarily receded a
few paces, then suddenly advancing, as if recollecting himself, he gave
him his hand with seeming cordiality.

    [_A&M_:

  Beauman and Alonzo addressed each other with much seeming
  cordiality.]

The natural politeness and civility of the other supplied the place of a
more cordial reception.

Ten thousand fears at once agitated the bosom of Bonville, while he
appeared half frantic with grief and apprehension. Dismay threw a sudden
cloud over his understanding; he was confused in the extreme. He had
intercepted all the letters of Theodore; he secretly reproached himself
for his treacherous conduct.

He now saw the termination of all his hopes. Disappointment he could not
brook, his pride could never submit to it with any degree of
resignation, and the bitterness that pervaded his mind, almost bordered
on phrenzy.

His conscience reproved him for reiterated misrepresentations and
calumnies of Theodore, with which he had harrassed the mind of Alida. He
knew that a discovery must now be made of his perfidy, and on his return
home to the village, he was confined to his room with a sudden illness,
succeeded by a dangerous fever.




CHAPTER XXXII.

  O, time! roll on thy wheels, and bring around the period, when
  social joy shall smile before me; when in the vernal day of life,
  or evening serene, I grow of one dear object more and more
  enamoured; while my remembrance swells with many a proof of
  interested friendship.

    [Thomson: _Seasons_: Spring, last 10 lines:

      As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll,
      Still find them happy; and consenting Spring
      Sheds her own rosy garland on their heads:
      Till evening comes at last, serene and mild;
      When after the long vernal day of life,
      Enamour'd more, as more remembrance swells
      With many a proof of recollected love,
      Together down they sink in social sleep;
      Together freed, their gentle spirits fly
      To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign.]


The present situation of Albert was happily independent. The prolific
soil of the estate, on which he lived, furnished him with an ample
abundance. The prospect that surrounded him was inimitably beautiful,
and the peculiar advantages of his eligible situation, was the
admiration of the stranger who frequented the vicinity, or resorted in
the summer season to the neighbouring village.

Albert had descended from an ancient family, he had an estate to
preserve, but not an entailed one, as was the case with many of his
family, at this time in England.

He was a gentleman, placid, humane and generous; altogether
unacquainted with that ambition which sacrifices every thing to the
desire of fortune, and the superfluous splendour that follows in her
train. He was unacquainted with love too, the supreme power of which
absorbs and concentrates all our faculties upon one sole object. That
age of innocent pleasure, and of confident credulity, when the heart is
yet a novice and follows the impulse of youthful sensibility, and
bestows itself unreservedly upon the object of disinterested affection;
then, surely, friendship is not a name.

    [_NY Weekly_: Baron de Lovzinski:

  How happy, but how fleeting is that time of life, when one is
  unacquainted with ambition, which sacrifices every thing to the
  desire of fortune and the glory that follows in her train, and with
  love, the supreme power of which absorbs and concentres all our
  faculties upon one sole object! that age of innocent pleasures, and
  of confident credulity, when the heart, as yet a novice, follows the
  impulse of youthful sensibility, and bestows itself unreservedly
  upon the object of disinterested affection! Then, surely, friendship
  is not a vain name!]

Albert, during his abode in the city, had associated with ladies of
rank, beauty and accomplishments. He was a general favourite among them;
he had been flattered, courted and caressed, but none had the power to
fix his attention. Since his return to the country, he had been
frequently invited to assemble among the artless villagers, decorated in
their own native beauty, assisted sometimes for ornament with the spoils
of Flora. Health, pleasure and naivette, was in the air of these
charmers, and all that was pleasing to win his regard and esteem. These
scenes of rural pleasure, these social parties, were adapted to his
taste. In comparison of which the gay assemblages of the city had been
formerly uninteresting; and he had been heard to say, that whenever his
mind should become fixed, his choice would be some lady who resided in
the country.

    [_NY Weekly_: A Rural Picture:

  .... led up their artless charmers, in straw hats adorned with the
  spoils of Flora....]

Although Albert experienced a degree of happiness and contentment
unknown to many, in his present situation, yet he sometimes felt himself
very lonely.

Alida was anxious that her brother should look out for a suitable
companion; if he could be fortunate enough to find one that was amiable
and sensible, and whose actions should be under the influence of genuine
piety; one who would be ambitious to preserve domestic sunshine, by the
goodness and equanimity of her disposition; who would have a tear for
distress, a heart for friendship and love, exerted in benevolence and
charity, and in the mean time have a care to the good order and
arrangement of domestic duties and economy.

Albert often descanted in conversation with his friends, on the general
neglect of female education, which consisted of a few trifling
embellishments, while those of the more substantial order were left out
of the question. He thought that young ladies generally were not
sufficiently learned in the solid branches, to exercise their mental
powers to advantage, or to be agreeable, intelligent companions.

"If it be true," said he, "that our pleasures are chiefly of a
comparative or reflected kind, how supreme must be theirs, who
continually reflect on each other the portraitures of happiness,
whose amusements

  "Though varied still, are still the same
  In infinite progression."

    [_NY Weekly_: Panegyric on Marriage:

  If it be true, that our pleasures are chiefly of a comparative or
  reflected kind--How supreme must be theirs, who continually reflect
  on each other, the portraitures of happiness--whose amusements--

    "Tho' varied still--are still the same--in infinite progression."]

"How tranquil must be the state of that bosom, which has, as it were,
a door perpetually open to the reception of joy or departure of pain, by
uninterrupted confidence in, and sympathy with, the object of its
affection!" "I know of no part of the single life," said Albert, "more
irksome than the privation we feel by it, of any friendly breast wherein
to pour our delights, or from whence to extract an antidote for whatever
may chance to distress us."

    [_NY Weekly_: Panegyric on Marriage:

  How tranquil is the state of that bosom, which has, as it were, a
  door perpetually open to the reception of joy, or departure of pain,
  by uninterrupted confidence in, and sympathy with, the object of its
  affection! I know of no part of the single or bachelor's estate,
  more irksome than the privation we feel by it, of any friendly
  breast in which to pour our delights, or from whence to extract an
  antidote for whatever may chance to give us pain--]

"The mind of a good man is rather communicative than torpid. If so, how
often may a person of even the best principles, expose himself to very
disagreeable sensations, from sentiments inadvertently dropped, or a
confidence improperly reposed. What but silence can be recommended,
since, in breaking it, so much danger is incurred among those who are
little interested in our welfare? A good heart, it is true, need not
fear the exposition of its amiable contents. But, is it always a
security for us, that we mean well, when our expressions are liable to
be misconstrued by such as appear to lay in wait only to pervert them to
some ungenerous purpose?"

    [_NY Weekly_: Panegyric on Marriage:

  The mind of a good man, I believe to be rather communicative than
  torpid:--If so, how often may a youth, of even the best principles,
  expose himself to very disagreeable sensations, from sentiments
  inadvertently dropped, or a confidence improperly reposed!--What,
  but silence, can be recommended to them; since, in breaking it: so
  much danger is incurred, among those little interested in our
  welfare? A good heart, it is true, need not fear the exposition of
  its amiable contents:--But, alas, is it always a security for us,
  that we mean well, when our expressions are liable to be
  misconstrued by such as appear to lie in wait only to pervert them
  to some ungenerous purpose?]

"The charms, then, of social life, and the sweets of domestic
conversation, are pre-eminent. What more agreeable than the converse of
an intelligent, amiable, interesting friend; and who more intelligent
than a well educated female? What more engaging than gentleness and
sensibility itself? Or what friend more interesting, than one we have
selected from the whole world, as a companion in every vicissitude of
life?"

    [_NY Weekly_: Panegyric on Marriage:

  The charms, then, of social life, and the sweets of domestic
  conversation, are no small incitements to the marriage state.--What
  more agreeable than the conversation of an intelligent, amiable, and
  interesting friend? But who more intelligent than a well-educated
  female? What more amiable than gentleness and sensibility itself? Or
  what friend more interesting than such a one as we have selected
  from the whole world, to be our steady companion, in every
  vicissitude of seasons or of life?]

"If either party be versed in music, what a tide of innocent pleasure
must it prove, to be able to soothe in adversity, to humanize in
prosperity, to compose in jargon, and to command serenity in every
situation? How charming a relaxation from the necessary avocations of
business on the one hand, and the employments at home, in domestic
affairs, on the other! And as a finale, to chant the praises of the
Almighty in hymns of praise and thanksgiving."

    [_NY Weekly_: Panegyric on Marriage:

  If either of these parties be versed in music, what a tide of
  innocent delight must it prove,--to soothe in adversity, to humanize
  in prosperity, to compose in noise, and to command serenity in every
  situation.... How charming a relaxation from the necessary
  avocations of business!----"Of business do you say?"--Yes; for I
  number this too, among the pleasures of the happily married. Let the
  lady find agreeable employment at home, in the domestic oeconomy of
  her household, but let the gentleman be pursuing by unremitted and
  honest industry, new comforts for her, for his children, and for
  himself.]

Albert had lately made several visits at some distance from home, where
he had told his sister, were several young ladies, who were very
agreeable. Alida did not think this of any importance, as she knew her
brother heretofore had been difficult to please. She was one day rather
surprised, when he wished her to accompany him thither. She declined the
invitation, however, not thinking he wished it for any particular
reason.

In the course of a few days he pressed her again to go with him. Alida
now thought she would accompany him, if it was only out of curiosity.
When they arrived at the house of Albert's new acquaintance, several
ladies were introduced one after the other, and Alida soon found, that
one of them had arrested the attention of her brother particularly. She,
however, thought him rather premature, as he had so recently become
acquainted with the family. On their return home, he gave her to
understand, that his affections were engaged, and in the course of a few
months, she was called on to attend their nuptials.

The appearance of Eliza was interesting; she was tall and graceful. Her
large dark hazel eyes sparkled beneath a beautiful arched eyebrow, and
her transparent complexion was shaded and adorned by profuse locks of
dark brown hair.

In the meantime Albert appeared perfectly happy, that he had at length
found a fair one to please him, and shortly after he returned home with
his bride, with sanguine expectations before him, anticipating much
future happiness.




CHAPTER XXXIII.

  "On punit plus severement un ennemi par le mepris et par l'oubli,
  que par les chatimens les plus rigorieux: c'est, pour ainsi dire,
  le reduire au néant."

    [De Vernage:

  On punit plus sévèrement un ennemi par le mépris et par l'oubli,
  que par les châtiments les plus rigoureux. C'est pour ainsi dire le
  réduire au néant....]


The disagreeable facts so long in detail, had now taken a new turn for
the better, and Theodore and Alida were again in possession of more than
former felicity, after their long separation. Alida soon began to
recover in some degree her native cheerfulness, soothing the bosom of
her lover with her grief-dispersing smile. The unpleasant fears that had
such a length of time harrassed her mind, were now happily terminated by
the return of Theodore and the clearing up of all doubts and suspicions
concerning him, to the utter confusion of Bonville. All her corroding
anxieties were now removed, and recent events had made her happy in
comparison to what she was a few weeks before, and her present
consolation fully compensated for all the preceding months of
unhappiness.

    [_A&M_ (Alonzo speaking):

  .... come in all thy native loveliness, and cheer the bosom of
  wretchedness by thy grief dispersing smile!]

Theodore was again happy in the society of Alida, the pensive sweetness
of her manner, her innate goodness, and amiability, which had attracted
and secured the early affections of his heart, and made impressions that
could never be obliterated. He gave a minute account of all that had
happened, from the time they had parted until they had met again.

    [_A&M_:

  .... that pensive sweetness, those unrivalled virtues and matchless
  worth, which he found in Melissa, and which attracted, fixed, and
  secured the youngest affections of his soul?...
  ...
  .... your ingenuous conduct has left impressions in my bosom which
  can never be obliterated....
  ...
  Alonzo then gave Melissa a minute account of all that happened to
  him from the time of their parting ... until he met with her the day
  before.]

He had visited the merchants in England with whom his father had been
concerned in business, and he found as he expected, that he had been
overreached by swindlers and sharpers. The pretended failure of the
merchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as, also, the
reported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants had fled to
England; he had them arrested, and they had given up their effects to
much more than the amount of their debts. He therefore procured a
reversion of his father's losses, with costs, damages and interests,
when legally stated.

    [_A&M_ (Benjamin Franklin speaking to Alonzo):

  .... I wrote to my correspondent in England, and found, as I
  expected, that he had been overreached by swindlers and sharpers.
  The pretended failure of the merchants with whom he was in company,
  was all a sham, as also the reported loss of the ships in their
  employ. The merchants fled to England; I have had them arrested, and
  they have given up their effects, to much more than the amount of
  their debts. I have therefore procured a reversion of your father's
  losses, which, with costs, damages, and interests, when legally
  stated, he will receive of my agent in Philadelphia....]

Theodore then made his next visit to Raymond's. His friends were
joyfully surprised at his arrival. He stayed the night and related a
long narrative to his friend. Early next day he proceeded from thence to
his father's house, where he arrived after a considerable journey.
Theodore found his parents more happy than he expected. With abundant
joy they welcomed him whom they had given up for lost.

    [_A&M_:

  The friends of Alonzo and Melissa were joyfully surprised at their
  arrival....

  Alonzo found his parents in penurious circumstances indeed, his
  father having, the preceding summer, been too indisposed to manage
  his little farm with attention, and being unable to hire labourers,
  his crops had yielded but a scanty supply, and he had been compelled
  to sell most of his stock to answer pressing demands. With great joy
  they welcomed Alonzo, whom they had given up as lost.]

Theodore then related to his father all the incidents that had happened
in England, minutely particularizing his conduct with regard to the
merchants with whom his father had been connected, and then presented
him with the reversion of the estate.

The old gentleman fell on his knees, and with tears streaming down his
cheeks, offered devout thanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies.

    [_A&M_:

  .... Alonzo then related to his father all the incidents of his
  travels, minutely particularizing the disinterested conduct of
  Franklin, and then presented his father with the reversion of his
  estate. The old man fell on his knees, and, with tears streaming
  down his withered cheeks, offered devout thanks to the great
  Dispenser of all mercies.]

In the meantime, the illness of Bonville had increased to an alarming
degree. He sent for Theodore. He thought it his duty to attend the
summons. When he arrived at the house of Bonville he was shown
immediately into his apartment. He was surprised to see him stretched on
a mattrass, his visage pale and emaciated, his countenance haggard, his
eyes inexpressive and glaring. He held out his hand and feebly beckoned
to Theodore, who immediately approached the bed-side.

    [_A&M_ (earlier):

  .... As he passed along the different apartments he was surprised
  at hearing his name called by a faint voice. He turned to the place
  from whence it proceeded, and saw stretched on a mattress, a person
  who appeared on the point of expiring. His visage was pale and
  emaciated, his countenance haggard and ghastly, his eyes
  inexpressive and glazy. He held out his withered hand, and feebly
  beckoned to Alonzo, who immediately approached him....]

    [[In _Alonzo and Melissa_, this episode takes place in an English
    prison hospital. Beauman has had a leg amputated.]]

"You behold me, Theodore," said he, "on the verge of eternity. I have
but a short time to continue in this world." He evidently appeared to
have suffered much from the remembrance of his ungenerous conduct
towards Theodore.

    [_A&M_:

  "... you behold me on the verge of eternity; I have but a short time
  to continue in this world."]

"I have caused much unhappiness between you and your Alida," said
Bonville, "to which you will scarcely think it possible that I was
designedly accessory." He then confessed to Theodore that he had
intercepted his letters, and begged his forgiveness. "I could say much
more on the subject would my strength admit," said he, "but it is
needless." Here Bonville ceased. Theodore found he wanted rest; medical
aid had been applied, but without effect. Theodore then left him,
promising to call again next morning.

    [_A&M_:

  "You are unhappy, Alonzo, [said Beauman] in the death of your
  Melissa, to which it is possible I have been undesignedly accessory.
  I could say much on the subject, would my strength permit; but it is
  needless--she is gone, and I must soon go also...."

  Here Beauman ceased. Alonzo found he wanted rest: he enquired
  whether he was in want of any thing to render him more comfortable;
  Beauman replied he was not; "for the comforts of this life [said he]
  I have no relish; medical aid is applied, but without effect."
  Alonzo then left him, promising to call again in the morning.]

He was startled at the confession of Bonville; he felt at first
indignant, and meditated what course to pursue. After due reflection,
he at length made the decision.

His devotions to Alida he did not wonder at. The pride of parental
attachment and nature had graced her with every charm and
accomplishment. He at length determined to cast a veil of pity over the
actions of Bonville, and not to upbraid him, but to treat his past
conduct with silent contempt, and endeavour as far as possible, to bury
the remembrance of his errors in oblivion.

    [Amelia, or the Faithless Briton:

  .... The pride of parental attachment had graced her with every
  accomplishment that depends upon tuition....]

He called to see him next morning; he perceived an alarming alteration
in his appearance. He was cold--a chilling sweat stood upon his face,
his respiration was short and interrupted, his pulse weak and
intermitting. He took the hand of Theodore and feebly pressed it. He
soon fell into a stupor; sensation became suspended. Sometimes a partial
revival would take place, when he would fall into incoherent muttering,
calling on the names of his deceased father, mother, and Alida. Towards
night he lay silent, and only continued to breathe with difficulty, when
a slight convulsion gave his freed spirit to the unknown regions of
existence. Theodore attended his funeral, and then journeyed on to the
dwelling of Albert. He informed Alida of the death of Bonville, and of
his confession.

    [_A&M_:

  When Alonzo called the next morning, he perceived an alarming
  alteration in Beauman. His extremities were cold, a chilling, clammy
  sweat stood upon his face, his respiration was short and
  interrupted, his pulse weak and intermitting. He took the hand of
  Alonzo, and feebly pressing it....

  Beauman soon fell into a stupour; sensation became suspended; his
  eyes rolled up and fixed. Sometimes a partial revival would take
  place, when he would fall into incoherent mutterings, calling on the
  names of his deceased father, his mother and Melissa; his voice
  dying away in imperfect moanings, till his lips continued to move
  without sound. Towards night he lay silent, and only continued to
  breathe with difficulty, till a slight convulsion gave the freed
  spirit to the unknown regions of immaterial existence. Alonzo
  followed his remains to the grave; a natural stone was placed at
  its head, on which Alonzo, unobserved, carved the initials of the
  deceased's name, with the date of his death, and left him to moulder
  with his native dust.]

At the mention of Bonville's fate, she sighed deeply. "It is true," said
she, "he has perplexed me with many vain fears, by misrepresentation,
but could he have lived, I would freely have forgiven him."

    [_A&M_ (later):

  At the mention of Beauman's fate, Melissa sighed. "With how many
  vain fears (said she) was I perplexed, lest, by some means he should
  discover my existence and place of residence, after he, alas! was
  silent in the tomb!"]

He evidently fell a victim to disappointed pride and remorse at the
remembrance of his own baseness.




CHAPTER XXXIV.

  In the Almighty Power he placed his trust,
    Through all the changing scenes of deep distress;
  His fortune now is better than before;
    Again the Omniscient Hand has deigned to bless.


Theodore's father was soon in complete re-possession of his former
property. The premises from which he had been driven by his creditors,
were yielded up without difficulty, to which he immediately removed. He
not only recovered the principal of the fortune he had lost, but the
damages, with the interest; so that, although like Job, he had seen
affliction, like him, his latter days were better than the beginning.
Like him, he reposed faith and confidence in his Maker, who had secretly
supported him in his misfortunes; and who now, like a cheering sun
dispersing the surrounding gloom, again gladdened his heart with
returning peace and prosperity. Wearied of the business of life, he did
not again enter into its affairs, but placing his money at interest in
safe hands, he lived retired on his estate.

    [_A&M_:

  Alonzo's father was soon in complete repossession of his former
  property. The premises from which he had been driven by his
  unfeeling creditors were yielded up without difficulty, and to which
  he immediately removed. He not only recovered the principal of the
  fortune he had lost, but the damages and the interest; so that,
  although like Job he had seen affliction, like him his latter days
  were better than his beginning. But wearied with the bustles of
  life, he did not again enter into the mercantile business, but
  placing his money at interest in safe hands, lived retired on his
  little farm.]

    [_Power of Religion_: Job:

  .... At length, the goodness of that God whom he served, and who had
  secretly supported him under all his sufferings, broke forth upon
  him with increased energy; and, like a cheering sun dispersing the
  surrounding gloom, again gladdened his heart with returning peace
  and prosperity.]

It was also the decided choice of Theodore and Alida to reside in the
country. The calm and serene pleasures of retirement were particularly
interesting to both, and they were now supremely blest in each other's
society.

The parents of Theodore rejoiced at their present happiness, and took
upon themselves the necessary preparations for their nuptials, which
were to take place as soon as all was in readiness for this happy event.

No cross purposes stood ready to intervene, to disturb their repose or
interrupt their tranquillity. It was at that season when nature was
arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest
fragrance. Silk-winged breezes played amidst the flowers, and birds of
every description carolled their song in varying strains. The air was
clear and salubrious, and the scene enchanting.

    [_A&M_:

  .... No _cross purposes_ stood ready to intervene their happiness,
  no determined rival, no obdurate father, no watchful, scowling aunt,
  to interrupt their transports. It was the latter end of May; nature
  was arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest
  perfumes. The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscapes'
  lovely green, silk-winged breezes frolicked amidst the flowers;
  the spring birds carolled in varying strains....]

And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thy
bosom, at the approaching union of Theodore and Alida. To our hero and
heroine, the rural charms of the country furnished a source of pleasing
variety. Spring, with its verdant fields and flowery meads--summer, with
its embowering shades--the fertility of autumn, with its yellow
foliage--winter, with its hollow blasts and snowy mantle, all tended to
fill their bosoms with sensations of pleasing transition.

    [_A&M_:

  And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of
  thy bosom, for Alonzo and Melissa are MARRIED.
  ...
  To our hero and heroine, the rural charms of their secluded village
  were a source of ever pleasing variety. Spring, with its verdured
  fields, flowery meads, and vocal groves; its vernal gales, purling
  rills, and its evening whipper-will: Summer, with its embowering
  shades, reflected in the glassy lake, and the long, pensive, yet
  sprightly notes of the solitary strawberry-bird; its lightning and
  its thunder: autumn, with its mellow fruit, its yellow foliage and
  decaying verdure: winter, with its hoarse rough blasts, its icy
  beard, and snowy mantle, all tended to thrill, with sensations of
  pleasing transition, the feeling bosoms of ALONZO and MELISSA.]

Their religious principles were the same. They were a constant
assistance to each other in the fulfilment of their pious duties, truly
endeavouring to follow the life of the Redeemer, who taught by his
example and practice, what he required of us. Assiduously cultivating
those innate Christian principles and perfections, best calculated to
promote the praise and glory of God, and whereby we may obtain the
everlasting favour of that ineffable Disposer of all things, in whom we
live, and move, and have our being.

But soon a mournful shade was thrown over their peaceful tranquillity
and happy anticipations; and manifest was their grief, when they
received the dreadful intelligence that Mr. More had committed suicide.
At the news of this rash and sinful action, they were thrown into an
abyss of sorrow, the painful remembrance of which, for a long time,
threw a dark and melancholy cloud over their felicity.

It is to be regretted that a spirit of religion and philosophy had not
been more duly exercised in the mind of Mr. More, that at length by
patience and resignation, he might have been brought to see how vain and
transitory are all these things; and thereby have been led to look for
permanent happiness to a nobler source.




POEMS.

  [Only the poems whose sources have been identified are repeated
  here. Titles in brackets are included for completeness.]


  [HYMN.]


  CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE.

  "Be doubly blest th' auspicious day
    The edifice was plann'd;
  And may immortal gifts repay
    The founder's lib'ral hand:"
  Angels with joy beheld it rise,
  To train immortals for the skies.

  How sweet to mark the artless throng,
    To hear the ingenuous youth,
  Raise with one voice the infant song,
    And learn the word of truth.
  "Delightful work his path to trace,
  Who died to save our ruined race."

  "Now, Fancy, o'er life's little span
    Glances her busy eyes,
  And sees them bear the name of man,
    Industrious, good, and wise:"
  Bids them each useful art employ,
  Anticipates their future joy.

  With ardent zeal some students may
    From hence arise and shine,
  To wipe the orphan's tears away,
    And heal with balm divine;
  "With winning eloquence to tell,
  What glories in Emmanuel dwell."

  Some of the little ones may live
    To adorn their country's name;
  "Indulgent heav'n by them may give
    Fresh lustre to her fame.
  Some may the blessed Gospel bear,
  To distant lands, and plant it there."

  And many to this favour'd spot,
    On God's eventful day,
  O happy, enviable lot,
    Grateful shall point and say,
  "There--there--to us the bliss was given,
  To seek and find the path to heaven."

    [Bourne, "The Sabbath School", stz. 1-3, 5. Quoted from _The
    Christian Visitant_, Boston 1827:

      How sweet to mark the artless throng,
        And hear th' ingenious youth
      Raise with one voice, the infant song,
        And learn the word of truth;
      Delightful work! his path to trace,
      Who died to save our ruined race.

      Now fancy, o'er life's little span,
        Glances her busy eyes.
      And sees them bear the name of man--
        Industrious, good, and wise:
      Bids them each useful art employ,
      Anticipates their future joy.

      Some of the little ones may live
        To adorn their country's name;
      Indulgent heaven by them may give
        Fresh lustre to her fame.
      Some may the blessed Gospel bear
      To distant lands, and plant it there.

      ...

      And many to this honor'd spot,
        On God's eventful day,
      (Oh happy enviable lot!)
        Grateful shall point and say,
      There,--there,--to us the bliss was giv'n,
      To seek and find the path to heav'n!]


  FRIENDSHIP.

  "Oh, give me the friend, from whose warm, faithful breast,
    The sigh breathes responsive to mine;
  Where my cares may obtain the soft pillow of rest,
    And my sorrows may love to recline."

  Not the friend who my hours of pleasure will share,
    But abide not the season of grief;
  Who flies from the brow that is darken'd by care,
    And the silence that looks for relief.

  Not the friend who suspicious of change or of guile,
    Would shrink from a confidence free;
  Nor him who with fondness complacent can smile,
    On the eye that looks coldly on me.

  "As the mirror that's just to each blemish or grace,
    To myself will my image reflect;
  But to none but myself will that image retrace,
    Nor picture one absent defect."

  To myself let my friend be a mirror as true,
    Thus my faults from all others conceal,
  Nor ever when absent those foibles renew,
    "That from heav'n and from man he should veil."

    [Tighe, _A Faithful Friend is the Medicine of Life_, last five
    stanzas:

      Oh! give me the friend, from whose warm faithful breast
        The sigh breathes responsive to mine,
      Where my cares may obtain the soft pillow of rest,
        And my sorrows may love to recline.

      Not the friend who my hours of pleasure will share,
        But abide not the season of grief;
      Who flies from the brow that is darkened by care,
        And the silence that looks for relief.

      Not the friend who, suspicious of change or of guile,
        Would shrink from a confidence free;
      Nor him who with fondness complacent can smile
        On the eye that looks coldly on me.

      As the mirror that, just to each blemish or grace,
        To myself will my image reflect,
      But to none but myself will that image retrace,
        Nor picture one absent defect.

      To my soul let my friend be a mirror as true,
        Thus my faults from all others conceal;
      Nor, absent, those failings or follies renew,
        Which from Heaven and from man he should veil.]


  [TO MARIA.]

  [THE SUN.]

  [THE VOICE OF TIME.]

  [In Memory of MRS. WILLIAM RICHARDS.]


  INVOCATION TO PRAYER.

  Morning.

  To prayer, to prayer; for the morning breaks,
  And earth in her Maker's smile awakes.
  His light is on all, below and above;
  The light of gladness, and life, and love;
  Oh, then, on the breath of this early air,
  Send upward the incense of grateful prayer.

  Evening.

  To prayer; for the glorious sun is gone,
  And the gathering darkness of night comes on:
  Like a curtain, from God's kind hand it flows,
  To shade the couch where his children repose;--
  Then pray, while the watching stars are bright,
  And give your last thoughts to the Guardian of night!

  Sabbath.

  To prayer; for the day that God has blest,
  Comes tranquilly on with its welcome rest;
  It speaks of creation's early bloom,
  It speaks of the Prince who burst the tomb.
  Then summon the spirit's exalted powers,
  And devote to Heaven the hallowed hours!

    [Henry Ware, "Seasons of Prayer" (first three stanzas):

      To prayer, to prayer;--for the morning breaks,
      And earth in her Maker's smile awakes.
      His light is on all below and above,--
      The light of gladness, and life, and love.
      Oh, then, on the breath of this early air
      Send upward the incense of grateful prayer.

      To prayer;--for the glorious sun is gone,
      And the gathering darkness of night comes on;
      Like a curtain from God's kind hand it flows,
      To shade the couch where his children impose.
      Then kneel, while the watching stars are bright,
      And give your last thoughts to the Guardian of night.

      To prayer;--for the day that God has blest
      Comes tranquilly on with its welcome rest.
      It speaks of creation's early bloom;
      It speaks of the Prince who burst the tomb.
      Then summon the spirit's exalted powers,
      And devote to Heaven the hallowed hours.]








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