| 1 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Requires cookie* | | Title: | Howard, or, The mysterious disappearance | | | 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 on a bright, breezy morning early in June, 1801, that the
signal for getting underweigh was fired from a flag ship of a fleet
of vessels of war riding at anchor in Hampton Roads. The fleet
consisted of three frigates and a small gun-brig of twelve guns.
The frigates were unequal in size and weight of metal. The largest
was the `President' 44; the next the `Philadelphia' 38; and the
smallest one the `Essex,' 32. They had the day before dropped
down to their anchorage ready for sea. Their destination was the
Mediterranean. `When you return, dear Duncan, we shall have much more of
each other's society than before; for Isabel Sumpter has taught
me to love in-door pursuits. Would you believe it! I can sit in a
room with her a whole morning, without any wish to go out, shine
the sun never so brightly. The other day when I was walking
with her, `Belt' started a hare and instead of joining him in the
chase, I called the dog away, because Isabel was talking, and I
had rather listen to her. I think she has grown much more beautiful.
Her step is just like a deer's! and every motion is as graceful
as a fawn's! I think when you see her you will fall in love
with her. I am sure I love her she is so very lively and entertaining
always. I dont know what I should do without her, she is such
clever company. She can shoot a rifle nearly as well as I can, and
is a most accomplished fisherman, or fisherwoman, perhaps I ought
to say. I am glad you are to take your degree and come home so
soon. We shall have fine times! Father, says something about
sending you to England; but I think you have got learning enough
for one head! There are a great many things I dont know, that I
find Isabel knows, but I get along very well; though sometimes,
she condescends to enlighten my ignorance, at which times I am,
she says, a very apt scholar. It is so pleasant to be taught by a
pretty girl! You had better come home and be her pupil, than go
any where else. Five words from her give me more insight into a
thing than a whole book would do! You didn't have an opportunity
in the little time you were here, of knowing her so well as I do,
and I want you to see how she has improved in the year you have
been absent. But I am engaged to ride with her to the cliff-head
at five o'clock, and it is now half past four. So good bye.' | | Similar Items: | Find |
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