| | 161 | Author: | Kennedy
John Pendleton
1795-1870 | Add | | | Title: | Quodlibet  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was at the close of the year 1833—or rather, I should
say, at the opening of the following spring, that our Borough
of Quodlibet took that sudden leap to greatness, which has,
of late, caused it to be so much talked about. Our folks
are accustomed to set this down to the Removal of the Deposites.
Indeed, until that famous event, Quodlibet was,
as one might say in common parlance, a place not worth
talking about—it might hardly be remarked upon the maps.
But since that date, verily, like Jeshurun, it has waxed fat.
It has thus come to pass that “The Removal” is a great epoch
in our annals—our Hejirah—the A. U. C. of all Quodlibetarians. “Sir:—The Patriotic Copper-plate Bank of Quodlibet has
been selected by this department as the depository of the public
money collected in Quodlibet and its vicinity; and the Marshal
will hand you the form of a contract proposed to be executed,
with a copy of his instructions from this department. In selecting
your institution as one of the fiscal agents of the government,
I not only rely on its solidity and established character, as
affording a sufficient guarantee for the safety of the public money
entrusted to its keeping, but I confide also in its disposition to
adopt the most liberal course which circumstances will admit,
towards other moneyed institutions generally, and particularly
those in your vicinity. The deposites of the public money will
enable you to afford increased facilities to commerce, and to extend
your accommodations to individuals; and as the duties which
are payable to the government arise from the business and enterprise
of the merchants engaged in foreign trade, it is but reasonable
that they should be preferred in the additional accommodations
which the public deposites will enable your institution to
give, whenever it can be done without injustice to the claims of
other classes of the community. “This is to give notice, that we who have put our sign-manuals
to the foot thereof, being till now snorting Whigs,
having heard our Postmaster, Clem Straddle, Esq., say that
he knows General Harrison sold five white men as slaves
off his plantation, and is for Abolition, and whipped four
naked women on their bare backs, and is for imprisonment
for debt, and moreover is for making a King, and goes for
raising the expenses of the Government up to fifteen millions,
and is a coward and wears petticoats, and is kept in
a cage, and wants to reduce wages, and for that purpose is
a going to have a standing army of two hundred thousand
men, which our free and independent spirits wont bear, and
wants to give the public money, which comes from the sweat
of our brows, and public lands, to Sam. Swartwout and
Price, and a gang of British Whigs, which we consider
against the Constitution, and moreover we dont believe he
wont answer, and has got no principles excepting them
what he used to have, and is against the Independent Treasury
which was signed Fourth of July, whereby it is the
Declaration of Independence; and the aforesaid Clem Straddle,
Esq., which writeth this for us and in our names, being
against all office-holders which the British Whigs is a striving
after, and tells us to vote for Van Buren, we being an
affectionate father and five orphan children without any mother,
and never had any since infancy, make known that in
21
the next Presidential election in this Territory, if we had a
vote, and if not we shall vote in Missouri, we goes against
Tip. and Ty. and all that disgusting mummery of Log
Cabins, Hard Cider, Coonskins, Possums, and Gourds, in
regard of their lowering morals, and goes for Jackson, Hickory
Poles, Whole Hogs, and Van Buren, as witness our
hands and seals. Gentle reader, I have performed my covenant. Quod
meum fuit præstiti. What content these chronicles, and the
poor skill with which they are set forth, may have brought to
our respcctable Committee, I am in no position to decide;
since I know that an author is seldom honestly commended
to his face. That there is division of opinion on this matter
I am aware; for upon the reading at the last meeting on
Wednesday night, I could not fail to observe certain signs
of dissent, if not of displeasure, passing between Eliphalet
Fox and Zachary Younghusband; and that more than once.
But Mr. Flam, who has always shown himself a true friend
and patron to me, took up my cause with such spirit and
effect, being well supported by Mr. Doubleday and Mr.
Snuffers—that a unanimous vote of approbation was finally
passed by the Committee. Thus sheltered under the shield
of triple brass and tough bull hide of our Grand Central
Committee, I cheerfully submit my labors to the judgment
of the good folks of Quodlibet; promising, if they approve
and should again call me to the desk, to contribute what my
opportunity may allow to the better elucidation of their character,
both social and public, wherein it is manifest an eager
desire to be instructed hath lately grown up in this nation.
Non sum qui oblivionis artem, quam memoriæ mallem. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 162 | Author: | Eastman
Mary Henderson
1818-1890 | Add | | | Title: | Dahcotah, or, Life and legends of the Sioux around Fort Snelling | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Within a few miles of Fort Snelling lives Checkered
Cloud. Not that she has any settled habitation; she is far too
important a character for that. Indeed she is not often two
days in the same place. Her wanderings are not, however,
of any great extent, so that she can always be found when
wanted. But her wigwam is about seven miles from the fort,
and she is never much farther off. Her occupations change
with the day. She has been very busy of late, for Check
ered Cloud is one of the medicine women of the Dahcotahs;
and as the Indians have had a good deal of sickness
among them, you might follow her from teepee to teepee, as
she proceeds with the sacred rattle[2]
[2]Sacred rattle. This is generally a gourd, but is sometimes made of bark.
Small beads are put into it. The Sioux suppose that this rattle, in the hands
of one of their medicine men or women, possesses a certain virtue to charm
away sickness or evil spirits. They shake it over a sick person, using a circular
motion. It is never, however, put in requisition against the worst spirits
with which the Red Man has to contend.
in her hand, charming
away the animal that has entered the body of the Dahcotah
to steal his strength. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 164 | Author: | Lippard
George
1822-1854 | Add | | | Title: | Washington and his generals, or, Legends of the Revolution | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the Guards to the White Plains, or below
if he chooses. He being on Public Business by my Direction. I have learned since I have been at this place, that you are at Bordentown.
Whether for the sake of retirement or economy, I know not. Be
it for either, for both, or whatever it may, if you will come to this place,
and partake with me, I shall be exceedingly happy to see you. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 165 | Author: | Lippard
George
1822-1854 | Add | | | Title: | Paul Ardenheim, the monk of Wissahikon | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In case the hope, in which I have lived for seventeen years, proves
false, and the Deliverer for whom we have waited in Prayer, for so many
years, does not come—even then, Paul, it is my purpose to fulfil, with
regard to you, the command of the Lord. From your infancy you have
been devoted to God. You have been sacred from the world, set apart
from the faces of men. The relentless lust of traffic, the feverish desires
of ambition, the hollow sophistries and cold selfishness of the great world,
have not polluted your virgin intellect. You have bloomed into life in
the wilderness—a life, pure and serene as the stars. Therefore, to-morrow,
at the hour of sunset, I will fulfil the purpose of my heart, and solemnly
dedicate you to God. Thou seekest to know. Enter the door with the Cross upon its
panels. Search the Urn. The Past and future will be opened to thee. Within an hour I will exact from you a Promise and an Oath. The
Promise—you are not to enter this chamber, nor place your hand within
this Urn, until a year has passed. At twelve to-night. The place—the Block House of the Wissahikon.
You pursue this lane, cross the stream, and then turn to the right.
It is but little more than half a mile from the place where you will find
these words. “Do not tremble, fair girl, when you behold the name, written beneath
these lines! It is, I—it is Reginald,—who sought your love, under a
cowardly disguise, and sought to lure you to dishonor, on the fatal New
Year's morning of 1775. And Reginald, repenting of the crime, now
seeks to make atonement, and thus deserves your forgiveness. “`The plan is good; the project itself confers immortal honor on its
originator. The Army of His Majesty is now in Jersey, as you are aware,
advancing toward the Delaware; the object of the General being the possession
of Philadelphia. But the project will pay us for a thousand Philadelphias;
will end the war, in fact, and bring the revolted colonies to the
foot of the throne. I will be in * * * * * * * * * * at the appointed time, and
at the place you designate. Let your messenger meet me there, with a
line from you, in your own hand, which I will take as a token to go forward.
You will have time to perfect your understanding with our friends
in Philadelphia; we can seize HIM away from HIS camp; conceal HIM for
a few days in Philadelphia, and—the war is at an end—”' Should these lines, traced with a hand, fevered by disease ever
meet your eyes, you will learn something of the fate of your poor friend,
Cath............
the day when our ship was boarded by pirates, who threatened to dismantle
it, and consign every soul to the waves, unless `the person and property
of Lady Alice, wife of Right Hon. Clarence Albert Lyndulfe was surrendered
to them'..........
........ scene which ensued..
.. my poor husband, John Conwell, had died the week before,.
. a poor lieutenant on half pay.. widow a beggar.
. had received kindness at your husband's hands, while in the
West Indies, and....... I was alone in
the world; your life was valuable.......
..... notwithstanding your entreaties, I assumed your
dress, ornaments, etc., and some personal resemblance aided my disguise.
..............
..............
..............
. from the decks of the pirate vessel I saw the Artemesia on her.
way.............
......... concealed for a month or
more in the City of Philadelphia, and now am a prisoner in a house,
in the midst of a forest; how far from the city I know not. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 166 | Author: | Lippard
George
1822-1854 | Add | | | Title: | The memoirs of a preacher, or, The mysteries of the pulpit | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | You are said to devote your time to the
relief of the poor and distressed. A stranger
who has heard of you, and who has a claim
upon your sympathy — for he has suffered
much — desires to see you to-night, at the —
Hotel, Room 92. It is a matter of life and
death. Jervis has been preaching in this county. He is accompanied
by a man who calls himself Dr. Arthur
Baldwin, and who has two young persons with him,
whom he calls his children. Do you know anything
of this “Popular Preacher?” May he not be the same
person who, under an assumed name * * * *
* * * * * * * * My Dear Friend: — In answer to your enquiries, I
hasten to state the following facts which I have gained,
after some trouble, and not a little research. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 167 | Author: | Mathews
Cornelius
1817-1889 | Add | | | Title: | The career of Puffer Hopkins | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | To say that the townspeople of this mighty metropolis
were in a state of greater excitement and activity on
a certain night in a certain month of November—which
it is not necessary more particularly to define—than they
are on certain other nights of periodical recurrence, would
be to do the said townspeople arrant injustice, and to establish
for the chronicler of the following authentic history,
at the very outset, a questionable character for truth
and plain-speaking. On this immediate occasion, however,
there was, it must be confessed, a commendable degree
of agitation and enthusiasm visible, in almost every
quarter of the city. Crowds were emerging from lane,
alley and thoroughfare, and pouring into the central streets
in the direction of the Hall; sometimes in knots of three,
four or more, all engaged in earnest conversation, in a
loud key, with vehement gesture, and faces considerably
discolored by excitement. The persons composing these
various peripatetic and deliberative groups, could not be
said to be of any single class or profession, but mingled
together indiscriminately, much after the fashion of a
country store-keeper's stock, where a bale of fourth-price
flannel neighbors a piece of first-quality linen, and knots
of dainty and gallant wine-glasses are brought into a state
of sociable confusion, with a gathering of hard-headed
plebian stone-bottles. Although all tended the same way
and on the same errand, let no man be so rash and intemperate
as to imagine that no distinctions were observed;
that certain lines and demarcations were not maintained;
and that broadcloth was not careful here, as usual, not to
have its fine nap destroyed by the jostling of homespun. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 168 | Author: | Mathews
Cornelius
1817-1889 | Add | | | Title: | The various writings of Cornelius Mathews [...] complete in one volume | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It grieveth me much to communicate by this,
tidings that thine uncle is deceased. He departed
this life on first day morning, of a malignant
fever, as I am informed by Dr. Slanter, who attended
him during his last sickness. His malady
wrought much change in thine uncle's
looks, as I can state from personal observance,
having inspected them with great care immediately
after his lamented decease. The funeral
takes place third day morning, but too early
for thee to come up; thou hadst better not undertake
the journey, as it may overweary thee,
thou being of a feeble constitution (as I know),
from a boy. Thine uncle hath left no heir, as
thou knowest he was never in wedlock; consequently
thou art his successor in the homestead,
and whatsoever cash, moveables, and
stock, he hath left. I would advise thee to
plough the meadow behind the house, and to
sow timothy in the blue grass meadow. The
garden needs to be looked after, and the fruit-trees,
as they are at present well-stocked, should
be thinned out. Perhaps I had better use the
kitchen herbs and early apples for my own
family use, until thou comest hither. My spouse
Deborah says they make exceeding good pies.
Zekiel can pluck them, and it will be no great
trouble; if it be, a small commission will make
all right between me and thee. Zekiel proposes
to gather the vegetables and fruit for us in consideration
of thy letting him have a little of the
live stock; a pair or two of the fowls, and a
well-looking calf that is just cast by the spotted
cow. I regret to add that Gideon Barley's fine
red heifer hath strained her off shoulder, and he
may lose the crittur. I recommended salt and
water for the animal; whether Gideon will use
it yet is not decided. The old people are well
and ask the stagedriver daily (as I have observed
from the kitchen window) questions concerning
thy welfare. I would bring this news
to thee in person, and be enabled to satisfy thy
grandfather and grandmother touching thy progress
and behavior in the Babylon where thou
art, but there is much ploughing to be done, and
I am deprived of Zephaniah's aid, he being sore
of a foot with a seythe wound. Leonard hath
gone over to tend the mill for Miller Kirby, and
Zekiel will be busy running to and fro betwixt
us and thy garden and orchard. Advising thee
to keep from the snares that beset the feet of
youth in the ungodly city, and recommending
thee to pay thy tailor's bill, and avoid the night
air: | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 170 | Author: | Mitchell
I.
(Isaac)
ca. 1759-1812 | Add | | | Title: | A short account of the courtship of Alonzo & Melissa | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | 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. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 171 | Author: | Mitchell
I.
(Isaac)
ca. 1759-1812 | Add | | | Title: | The asylum, or, Alonzo and Melissa | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | Sometime previous to the commencement
of the American revolution, there resided,
in the western part of Connecticut, a
gentleman of English extraction, whose ancestors
were among the earliest settlers of
this country. The patrimony he inherited
from his father, he had, by various speculation,
increased until he became the richest
man in those parts. His property lay in numerous
cultivated farms, most of which were
advantageously rented; in valuable wild
lands, and in money at interest on indubitable
security. His name was Bloomfield. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 173 | Author: | Motley
John Lothrop
1814-1877 | Add | | | Title: | Morton's Hope, or, The memoirs of a provincial | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | “You are going to hate me. I am prepared
for it. Alas! you have too much cause.
What shall I write? My thoughts are wild
and fluctuating as the sea, and my reason is
tossed about at their mercy. My brain is whirled
round by conflicting passions, till it is sick
and giddy. You have often complained of my
coldness, my abstraction; but could you have
dreamed of the extent of my crime? Never.
I have only made you the victim of a foiled
attempt at self-sacrifice. Dearest Uncas, I do
not ask you not to hate me. I implore your
curses; but, at least, hear me to the end. I
have but a word to say. “Come to me without fail at twelve to-day:
— I shall be in — Street. It is a matter
of life and death. “Sir, — There are three things to be settled,
and they may be done at one time as well as
another — amicably, if you like — but certainly,
suddenly. Bring a friend — Major Dalrymple
will be with me. I know it is your marriage-day,
but I cannot wait. I know you too well
not to be sure that it will prove no excuse.
The hour is half-past twelve. The place, the
Providence House. “The Principal Librarian's Sub-Librarian's Deputy's
Assistant's Secretary, Popp, | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 175 | Author: | Motley
John Lothrop
1814-1877 | Add | | | Title: | Merry-mount | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | A tempest, which had for many days been sweeping over
land and sea, had at last subsided. The ocean was still tossing
in stormy surges beyond the two external pillars of the Massachusetts
Bay; and even within its beautiful archipelago of tufted
islands, where the tempest's rage was comparatively powerless,
the dark and foaming waves broke violently against the shore. When Henry Maudsley arose from a brief and feverish slumber,
upon the morning following the May-day revels, he was for
some time at a loss to determine whether the strange events of the
preceding evening had not all been a delusion and a dream.
The wild accents of the mysterious youth who had been his companion
during the concluding hours of the day were still haunting
his imagination, but who the stranger was, whence he derived
such singular knowledge of his own history and most secret
thoughts, and for what reason he had conceived so lively an interest
in his welfare, it was beyond his power to imagine. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 176 | Author: | Myers
P. Hamilton
(Peter Hamilton)
1812-1878 | Add | | | Title: | Ellen Welles, or, The siege of Fort Stanwix | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | There are few portions of our country more beautiful,
and none more rich with historic recollections,
than the valley of the Mohawk, Yet few, probably, of
the throngs, who, steam-impelled, pass daily through
this beautiful region, yielding to its many scenes of enchantment
the tribute of admiration, pause to reflect
upon the fearful and momentous deeds of which it has
been the scene, and which are destined in after ages to
render every inch of its soil classic ground. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 177 | Author: | Myers
P. Hamilton
(Peter Hamilton)
1812-1878 | Add | | | Title: | The first of the Knickerbockers | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The great State of New York, rejoicing now in its
separate sovereignty, and in its vast metropolis, the
conceded capital of the western world, and vieing in
resources, both of money and muscles, with the old
nations of Europe, seems scarce possibly the same
which, less than two centuries ago, was the colonial
appendage alternately of England and Holland, and
but lightly valued by either. But let it not lower thy
honest pride, oh vaunted Empire State! to remember
those earlier days, when, in the shuttlecock state of
thy existence, thou wast bandied about from owner
to owner, now seized by force, and now a mere makeweight,
thrown in to settle some more important bargain.
And thou, oh gorgeous city of Manhattan!
mart of nations! blush not to own thy former self in
a small provincial town, clustered around its parent
fortress, to carry out the pleasing illusion of protection
beneath its dread armament of sixteen frowning
guns. Formidable at least were they to the prowling
savage, lurking in undiscovered haunts, where now
the tide of human life rolls thickest, and where loudest
comes the busy hum of commerce to the ear. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 178 | Author: | Myers
P. Hamilton
(Peter Hamilton)
1812-1878 | Add | | | Title: | The young patroon, or, Christmas in 1690 | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | More than a hundred and fifty years ago, there
lived, just without the goodly city of New York, but
far within its present precincts, a worthy Dutch
burgher whose name was not Van Corlear. It is
ventured, however, to borrow that venerable patronymic
in his behalf, withholding his real name, lest
some of his irascible descendants, jealous of ancestral
fame, may impugn the verity of those family secrets
which are about to be divulged. This prudential
arrangement in relation to names is intended also to
extend to the other personages mentioned in the
following history; and when thus much of fiction is
so frankly acknowledged, it is hoped that the reader
will be therewith content, and will be willing to concede
to the more material matters the credence they
deserve. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 179 | Author: | Myers
P. Hamilton
(Peter Hamilton)
1812-1878 | Add | | | Title: | The King of the Hurons | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was during a violent storm in the spring of 1708, that a French
brig of war, seriously crippled, was discovered in the bay of New
York, showing signals of distress, and approaching, with indirect
course, to the harbor. There was, of course, not wanting a race of
panic-makers in those days—progenitors, doubtless, of a similar class
in our own—who at once saw in the unfortunate vessel an estray
from a belligerent fleet, hovering close at hand, and ready to
descend, with fatal swoop, upon the long-threatened city. Rumors,
indeed, of such an armada had long been rife, and had, perhaps,
accomplished their intended effect, in restraining the English colony
from any vigorous efforts at the conquest of Canada—an enterprise
on which more words than wadding had been wasted, but which, of
course, was not to be undertaken while any peril impended over its
own capital. France might thus be compared to some good dame,
who watches from a distance the quarrels between her neighbors'
children and her own, and contents herself with shaking a stick at
the former, while in reality too indolent, or too much occupied in
more important business, to fulfil any of her pantomimic threats.
Certain it was, that at this period she meditated no invasion of that
embryo metropolis, which reposed, in doubtful security, betwixt two
rivers and a picket fence; the latter being denominated by courtesy,
a wall, and stretching transversely across the town. The good ship
St. Cloud, on the contrary, if aught could be judged from her zigzag
movements, was approaching the city with anything but alacrity,
despite the nautical adage, old, doubtless, as her day, “any port in
a storm.” Driven from her course, dismasted, and a-leak, she had
been tossed for weeks, cork-like, upon the waves, the very plaything
of the elements, until all hope of attaining a friendly port was abandoned,
and every minor consideration became merged in the
instinctive desire for the preservation of life. Foremost to secure
their own safety, a reckless portion of the crew had deserted by night
in the only boat which had escaped destruction; and it was with no
other means of safety for the lives intrusted to his care, that Captain
Sill, on discovering himself near the Bay of Manhattan, resolved to
seek the harbor of New York. That he anticipated no mitigated
fate from his country's enemies, by reason of his disaster, was quite
apparent from the anxiety depicted upon his countenance, as he
paced the quarter-deck of his vessel, and looked mournfully towards
the land. What unusual reason he had to deprecate the approaching
calamity will appear more fully, if we descend with him into the
cabin, and survey the few, but not unimportant personages, who
were under his charge as passengers, and who had vainly anticipated,
on leaving home, a safe and speedy voyage to the French colonial
capital, Quebec. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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