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fered that fate in London. Why, in the great chain of applause, mingled with screams of 'bravo,' in unearthly
creation, should there not be a link to bind the destinies vociferations, vibrated through the house, and it was fif-
of two such beings? both great-the greatest of their teen minutes before the business of the scene could pro-
kind-the leaders of the world of letters and of arms-ceed. His fifth act was full of majesty and splendor,
both enshrined in enviable immortality-the mark and
model of future generations. All this is not very polite
in me, considering that I have an audience waiting-a
house crammed from floor to ceiling to witness the trag-
edy of Macbeth—the Thane, by Mr. Kemble, Macduff
by Mr. C. Kemble, Lady Macbeth by Mrs. Siddons.-
Let me here notice that John Kemble always insisted on
the insertion of the preposition in the play-bill, remark-
ing that Macbeth was not Kemble, nor was Kemble
Macbeth, but as Kemble was to perform the part of
Macbeth, it must be announced with truth as well as
grammar.

his first interview with Tullus Aufidius, beneath the
statue of the mighty Mars,' was subdued and touch-
ing, all his pride had evanesced, he was a man who had
formed a resolution, desperate and disloyal, and was wri-
thing in the consciousness of a false step. The quarrel
with Tullus previous to the murder, was the great chef
d'œuvre, it is totally impossible to describe the condensed
enthusiasm, made to burst out in wild and acclamatory
shrieks, while he was pouring upon his victim the artil-
lery of denunciation—

"Measureless liar, thou hast made my heart
Too great for what contains it. Boy," &c.
No more of the play was heard, and when the curtain
fell, Kemble was called for (a custom then just in the
bud) but he came not; nor did he at any after period
conform to that absurd fashion. To my dying day I
shall remember his Caius Marcus Coriolanus; the vivid
impression it made upon me still remains in all its fresh-
I refer to no book-I have no notes or memor-
anda-what I have spoken I saw and heard, and recol-
ect distinctly.

It was on this evening five minutes after seven, and no overture had been commenced; the violinists had been tuning their instruments for the last twenty minutes, the gallery folks had commenced munching their stock of apples, oranges and chusnuts, intended as entre' actes. At length, public impatience was made manifest by cries of music, music,' from the gods, and knock-ness. ings and stampings in the pit; the green curtain rose, leaving the act drop visible; an apology was in perspective; the stage door opened, and Mr. Barrymore stepped forward to announce the sudden and severe indisposition of Mrs. Siddons, and that, as Mrs. Powell (the lady who was always her substitute when she was indisposed') was not to be found, the play would be Coriolanus, the part of Caius Marcus by Mr. Kemble; this was received with a simultaneous burst of applause. It appeared to me that the public liked better to see John Kemble alone, in one of his slashing parts, than in the fetters of competition.

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Improvement of the Lightning Rod.
Dr. Joseph S. Barber has just received a patent for the
improvement he has lately made in the lightning rod; or
rather for the invention of a substitute for the present
Barber has no rod to conduct the electricity to the earth.
mode for conducting electricity. The instrument of Dr.
It is so constructed that while it receives a charge of elec-
tricity it at the same time scatters it in the air. This in-
strument is peculiarly adapted to protect churches, and
all buildings with domes. The expense of protecting a
building with this instrument, will not exceed two-thirds
the expense of the rod. Dr. B. will soon be ready to of
fer his services to those who wish to have their buildings
protected in a cheap and safe way from so powerful an
agent.

Gloucestor Tel.

We may add that a drawing of this improvement may
New York.-ED. MIRROR.
be seen at Pettit's Philadelphia Hotel near the Battery

PREPARATIONS FOR War. ORDERS FROM HEAD QUARTERS.-The committee on Public Charitable Institutions were directed to visit the State Lunatic Hospital, during the session of the Legislature, and having done so have prepared a Report in which the admirable condition of that excellent charity is well set forth.

During their visit, a man, who has caught the patriotic spirit of the day-alias the Boundary War fever-handto the Committee the following copy of his general orders,

A short overture was hurried through, and the curtain was raised; the mob of Roman artisans, all men of five feet four inches in height, to give greater effect to the towering figure of Coriolanus, who could undoubtedly on fair ground beat forty of them,' entered upon the scene, discussed their grievances, persuaded one another of wrong and injury, screwed up their courage to the sticking point, and started for the purpose of proceeding against' the author of their privations, when on a sudden they are met by the very man himself, who looked them into half their size while he seemed to grow taller as they slunk to the wings. Never can I forget the haughty sneer with which he uttered, "What's the matter, ye dissentious rogues?" and his trampling reply to Menenius, who informs him that they want corn, with which they say the city is well supplied '-three rounds of plaudits followed his They say, hang 'em ;' it was a master effort in the delineation of contemptuous disgust. He was very quiet during the few next scenes, and seemed to reserve himself for the display of patrician feelings whenever he came in contact with the 'trades of Rome.' When he stood for the consulship in the market place, and withdrew his hand from the attempted grasp of those citizens who promised him their voices, every body pitied him, and the sneer with which he accompanied the expression of 'Sweet voices' was rendered more forcible by his holding his toga before his face to prevent the 'sweet' voices from reaching him through more sense than one. His quarrel with Sicenius and Brutus, the two tribunes, his threat to shake the latter out of his garments, (and he looked as he meant to do it) met with the most tumultuous approbation, but when in his last interview with the mob he disdains to ask for pardon and desires them to " Pronounce the steep Tarpeian death," and further on, exclaims, The fires of the lowest hell fold in the people! call me their traitor!' &c. the whole pit rose at him; nine long rounds of how to think.

as follows:

AN AMERICAN PRINCESS.-The Florida Times states that a distinguished American lady, while at Rome, was asked by a Cardinal if he could have the pleasure of presenting her to the Pope? On being interrogated, if she would be permitted to converse with his Holiness-the Cardinal replied, that she could not; that was an honor confined to the Princesses of the blood, and the daughters of Sovereigns. "But, sir," replied the lady, "I am a 'Princess of the blood-the' daughter of a Sovereign for in America the people are all Sovereign, and I am the daughter of one of the people."

His Holiness was so much pleased with the Spartan boldness of the reply, that an interview was granted— and the "American Princess" admitted to an honor to which no lady of a private station had ever before aspired.

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THE SHAKSPEARE CLUB OF N. Y.-This highly praiseworthy association, whose aim is the furtherance and fosterage of the legitimate drama, gave a handsome supper instant-the anniversary of Shakspeare's natal day. An to a social bevy of guests and kindred spirits on the 23d dent of the Club added much to the literary character of able oration from the youthful but talented Vice Presithe festal. The company dispersed at an early hour, highly gratified with the intellectual associations of the

occasion.

Hospitalia Worcester, March 14, 1839. Gen. Woodward; Sir; I hereby appoint Colonels Thomas C. Amory, and Henry F. Baker, both of Boston, my aids-de-camp, Ex-General Levi Lincoln, John NORTHSIDE STEAMBOATS.-By reference to our adverDavis, Samuel T. Armstrong, and Gen. Edward Evertising sheet the reader will perceive that the enterprising ett, my State staff, requiring them to rally and equip proprietors and officers of the line of boats which ply bewithin one week to the extent, 10,000 horseman Knights. tween Port Richmond, New Brighton and New York, (Let every horse have an unicorn bridle,) 5000 Infantry, have determined to make a new arrangement of the 3000 Artillery, ready to move and act as ocasion may rehours of starting, which will afford great accommodaquire. Fail not to obey, Ne mora Sed Testimara An- tions to the residents of the two villages, and important no Solis, 5839: God prosper the State. facilities to those of the country people with whom it is an object to be in market at an early hour. It is a moral certainty that the arrangement to be made after " May day" will confer a greater benefit upon our citizens than on those to whose exertions they are indebted for these new facilities. But it is the duty of the former to use the most generous endeavors to share the burden.

VICTOR Æ Knight.
P. S. It is expected that Connecticut and Newhamp-
shire will do the same. Sapientibus Verbum Sai.

Boston Transcript.

Amusement is the happiness of those who know not

The wonders of modern Art.

From the Hon. Edward Everett's Oration before the P. B. K. Bociety of
Yale College, at their last anniversary:

"You behold a majestic vessel, bounding over the billows from the other side of the globe; easily fashioned to float, in safety, over the bottomless sea; to spread out her broad wings, and catch the midnight breeze, guided by a slow, drowsy sailor at the helm, with two or three companions reclining listlessly on the deck, gazing into the depths of the starry heavens. The commander of the vessel, not surpassing thousands of his brethren in intelligence and skill, knows how, by pointing his glass at the heavens, and by taking an observation of the stars,

most magical powers, which, as he turns over their leaves
enables him to converse with the great and good of every
clime and age, and which even repeat to him, in audible
notes, the Laws of his God, and the promise of his Sa-
viour, and point out to him that happy land, which he
hopes to reach, when the flag is struck, and his sails are
furled, and the voyage of life is over."

Floral Emblems.

The language of flowers is so elegant an amusement, that we select a few of the most interesting emblems for the gratification of our fair readers.

BEAUTY-The Rose.-This queen of flowers is con

sidered the pride of Flora, and the emblem of beauty in
every part of the globe.

CALUMN-The Madder.-This plant, so essential to
dyers and calico printers, is made the emblem of Calum-
ny, since it leaves so permanent a stain upon the purest
cloth.

COQUETRY-The Yellow Day Lily.-This fragile beauty is made to represent coquetry, as its flowers never last a second day.

COURAGE.-The Black Poplar.-The poplar was dedicated to Hercules, in consequence of his destroying Cacus, in a situation where these trees abounded.

DECLARATION OF AFFECTION-The Tulip.-The tulip has, from time immemorial, been made the emblem by which a young Persian makes a declaration of his attachment.

DIFFIDENCE--The Cyclamen.-As modest diffidence attracts attention to beauty, so does this graceful flower engage our notice, by its unassuming carriage; for the cyclameu, although it expands its petals in an upright direction, never rears its head to the sun. The Romish church has dedicated this flower to St. Romauld. DOCILITY-The Rush.-This plant, so proverbial for its pliability, is the most applicable symbol of docility. DURABILITY-The Dogwood or Cornel tree.-The firm and lasting nature of this wood has caused it to be made the type of duration.

FIDELITY-The Wall Speewell.-This beautiful plant which attaches itself to old walls, is the symbol of fidelity.

and turning a few leaves of his "Practical Navigator,"
and making a few figures on his slate, to tell the spot
which his vessel has reached on the trackless sea; and
he can also tell it by means of a steel spring and a few
brass wheels, put together in the shape of chronometer.
The glass with which he brings the heavens down to the
earth, and by which he measures the twenty-one thou-
sand six-hundreth part of their circuit, is made of a quan-
tity of flint, sand, and alkali-coarse, opaque substances
which have been melted together into the beautiful me-
dium, which exludes the air and the rain, and admits the
light,-by means of which he can count the orders of
animated nature in a dew-drop; and measure the depth
of vallies in the moon. He has, running up and down
his main-mast, an iron chain, fabricated at home, by a
wonderful succession of mechanical contrivances, out of
a rock brought from deep caverns in the earth, and which
has the power of conducting the lightning down the sides
of the vessel, into the deep. He does not creep timidly
along along from headland to headland, or guide his
course across a narrow sea, by the "north star;" but he
launches bravely forth on the pathless and bottomless
deep, and carries about with him in a box a faithful little
pilot, who watches when the eye of man droops with fa-
tigue a small and patient steersman, whom darkness
does not blind, nor the storm drive from his post, and
who points from the other side of the globe,-through
the convex earth to the steady pole. If he falls in with
a pirate, he does not wait to repel him hand to hand; but
he puts into a mighty engine a handful of dark powder,
in which is condensed an immense quantity of elastic air;
which, when it is touched by a spark of fire, will instant-
ly expand into its original volume, and drive an artificial
thunderbolt before it, against a distant enemy. When
he meets another similiar vessel on the sea, homeward
bound from a like excursion with his own, he makes a
few black marks, on a piece of paper, and sends it home
a distance of perhaps 10,000 miles; and thereby speaks
to his employer, and to his family, and his friends, as dis-
tinctly as if they were seated by his side. At the cost
of half the labor with which the savage procures himself
the skin of a wild beast, to cover his nakedness, this
child of civilized life has provided himself with the most
substantial, curious, and convenient clothing,-textures
and tissues of wool, cotton, linen, and silk,-the contri-
butions of the four quarters of the globe; and of every
kingdom of nature. To fill a vacant hour, or dispel a
gathering cloud from his spirits, he has curious instru-
ments of music, which speak another language, of new
and strange significance to his heart; which makes his
veins thrill, and his eyes overflow with tears, without the
utterance of a word—and with one sweet succession of
harmonious sounds, sends his heart back over the waste
of waters, to the distant home, where his wife and his
children are perhaps gathered around the fireside, trem-
bling at the thought, that the storm which beats upon the Virtue may be misrepresented, persceuted, consigned
window, may perhaps overtake their beloved voyager to the grave; but the righteous wake not more assured-
on distant seas. And in his cabin he has a library of ly to the reality of their hopes, than virtue to an immor-
volumes, the strange productions of a machine of al-tal remembrance.

EDUCATED FEMALES.-One of the most remarkable names on the page of history-one of the most fascinating and successful heroines in the "war upon men's hearts," was Cleopatra, the celebrated queen of Egypt. But, though beautiful, her most brilliant and successful weapons were drawn from another armory-the stores of learning, and the most polished and richly furnished intellect. She was so learned and accomplished in all the arts, as to be a critic in each branch, while at the same time, she was such an adept in the langnages as to be able to converse with sixteen different ambassadors, each in his own tongue. At the time when

"Kings stooped to do her homage,"

Mark Anthony was among her worshippers, but being

called into Asia Minor on business of State, he did not forget the fair enchantress, and determined to send her a present worthy of himself, and worthy of the transcendant powers he had worshipped in her. And this royal love donation was no other than the celebrated library, afterwards known as Cleopatra's or the Alexandrian library, consisting of two hundred thousand volumes, and destroyed by Omar, when he took possession of Alexandria.

EFFECTS OF LIGHT.-The scientific folks of Paris are busied in endeavoring to find out the composition of the plate by which M. Diguerre is enabled to obtain an exact representation of any object or scene. This plate, placed in a camera obscura, receives from the impingement of light certain impressions, varying according to the intensity; so that in about a hour the Cathedral of Notre Dame for example engraves itself perfectly on the plate. It was at first supposed to be the chlorure of silver, known to be susceptible of change from the effect of light; but on this substance, light produces shade, and vice versa,-nor is the effect permanent. On M. Daguerre's composition, on the contrary, dark spots on the object produce corresponding shade, and that in every gradation of tint. The moon's ray had no effect upon the chlorure of silver; but it has upon M. Daguerre's composition, and reproduces its own image perfectly.

This plant is dedicated to St. Simeon, of Jerusalem. WINE.-Noah, when he anchored his lofty haven on FORSAKEN-The Lilac-The eastern nations, from the mountain top, and discharged all the passengers that whence this beautiful shrub was originally brought, use had accompanied him on his dreary voyage, made it his the lilac as the emblem of the forsaken, as it is the flow-first object to plant, and protect in its growth, a Vine.er the lover offers to his mistress if he abandons her.

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SINGLE LADIES.-I would by no means persuade you or any other woman to prefer a single life. It is not the primrose path." Nothing less than a spirit of meekness, of self-renunciation and benevolence can make a woman who has once been first, happy in a subordinate and second best position; and this, under ordinary circumstances, is the highest place of a single woman.— Depend upon it, my dear young friends, it is safest for the most of us to secure all the helps to our virtues that attend a favorable position; besides, married life is the destiny heaven has allotted to us, and therefore best fitted to awaken all our powers, to exercise all our virtues, and call forth all our sympathies. I would persuade you that you may be the cause of happiness to others, and of course, be happy yourself-for when was the fountain dry when the stream continued to flow? If a single life, according to the worst view of it, is a moral desert, the faithful, in their passage through it, are refreshed with the manna from heaven and water from the rock.

Miss Sedgwick.

It matured, and brought forth fruit, the juice of which has reduced men below the brute, and destroyed, one by one, more wretched mortals than did the flood from which he was protected, through the interposition of Divine Providence.

White Mountain Egis.

If a person is determined to quarrel with you, leave him to do the whole of it himself, and he will be soon weary of his unencouraged occupation. Even the most malicious ram will soon cease to butt against a yielding object, and will usually find his own head more injured than the object of his blind animosity.

Death is the most uncertain, and yet the most certain of events. That it will come no one can question, but when no one can decide. The young behold it far in the future; the aged regard it still at a distance, but hoth are smitten suddenly, as by a bolt from a cloud—a serpent from the brake, or a shaft from an unseen bow.— There is no safety, therefore, save in that habitual preparation which nothing can deceive, and nothing can surprise.

Cato, we believe it was, who said that the best method of keeping good acts in memory was to refresh them with new. Where a person is continually performing new good deeds, there seems to be no need of remembering the old ones.

GALILEE. This country would be a paradise were it | friend of our country, with the liveliest fervor of heart, inhabited by an industrious people under an enlightened delight in the written page of history, or the monumentgovernment. Vine stocks are to be seen here a foot and al marble, or the ancient relic, or the memorable locality, a half in diameter, forming by their twining branches or any other thing which may transmit to our children a vast arches and extensive ceilings of verdure. A clus- knowledge of the virtues of the fathers of the republic. ter of grapes two or three feet in length will give an It will be good for our citizens in these days of political abundant supper to a whole family. The plains of Es- collision; it will be good for them in all future time, ocdrælon are occupied by tribes around whose brown tents casionally to chasten their minds by reviewing the histhe sheep and lambs gambol to the sound of the reed, tory of our revolutionary struggle. which at nightfall calls them home.

WALKING-Is the best possible exercise;-habituate yourself to walk very far. The Europeans value themselves upon having subdued the horse to the use of man; but I doubt whether we have not lost more than we have gained by the use of that animal. No one has occasioned so great a degeneracy of the human body. An. Indian goes on foot nearly as far in a day, for a long journey, as an enfeebled white does on his horse, and he will tire the best of horses. A little walk for half an hour in the morning, when you first rise, is advisable.It shakes off sleep, and produces other good effects in the animal economy.

Jefferson.

NEW YORK STATE DOCUMENTS.

WASHINGTON'S HEAD QUARTERS

AT NEWBURGH.

The following report of the select committee to which was referred the petition of Washington Irving and others for an act of incorporation to enable them to preserve Washington's Head Quarters in the village of Newburgh, will be read with considerable interest by all our readers. We give it without comment-it requires none. "It is obvious that the distinguished individuals whose names are appended to the petition submitted to the consideration of your committee, are influenced by a laudable desire to preserve and perpetuate one of the most interesting monuments of the American revolution.

Though the pages of history may transmit to posterity the events of that interesting period through all time, yet there are certain objects and places connected with our revolutionary war which every American citizen delights to look upon, and around which he loves to call back the scenes that render them dear to his memory. The chair in which John Hancock sat when he presided over the convention of 1776, and when he affixed his name to the Declaration of American Independence, is now preserved with pious care in the capitol of Pennsylvania, where every intelligent and patriotic traveller visiting the city of Harrisburg, fails not to examine that ancient remnant of revolutionary times.

The old day-book in which Washington, in his own hand writing, kept his accounts during the revolutionary war, is still preserved as a precious relic among our archives at the seat of our General Government, and his every letter and autograph which has escaped the tooth of time is carefully encased in our private and public cabinets.

The citizens of our sister State of Massachusetts have made commendable efforts to preserve from desecration the ground on which was fought the battle of Bunker Hill. In contemplating such memorials of our war of Independence, the best feelings of the heart are elicited and cherished.

If our love of country is excited when we read the biography of our revolutionary heroes, or the history of revolutionary events, how much more will the flame of patriotism burn in our bosoms when we tread the ground where was shed the blood of our fathers, or when we move among the scenes where were conceived and consummated their noblest achievements. Let every true

That the object of the petitioners may be more fully understood, your committee would state the following particulars:-

66

About fifty rods south of the village of Newburgh, in the county of Orange, there stands an ancient dwell ing, built in an irregular form, of rough stone, that was erected about one hundred years ago. It is now known in that vicinity by the name of "the old Hasbrouck House;" and in revolutionary history by the name of 'Washington's Head Quarters." It occupies a commanding eminence on the bank of the Hudson river, overlooking the beautiful bay of Newburgh and the military station at West Point, and taking within its range all the splendid water and mountain scenery for which that region is remarkable. In every direction from this house the eye may dwell upon views rich in natural beauty and historical recollections. West Point, on the south, enthroned amid the highlands, was the scene of some of the most exciting incidents which characterized our revolutionary struggle. The beacon summits upon Fishkill mountains, the camp grounds on Fishkill and Snakehill plains, the locations of the barracks, storehouses and hospitals of our army, are all within a short distance from this interesting spot. The associations of the place call at once to the mind of every patriotic visiter many interesting occurrences connected with the names of Steuben, Kosciusko and Lafayette.

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remains to be mentioned. While the American army was encamped around the "Old Hasbrouck House" near the close of the war, there was conceived in their midst the most insidious and formidable treason that ever threatened the prosperity and honor of our country. The war was about clossing by the peace of 1783, with triumph and glory. The army was about to be discharged. They had endured the keenest privations. They had toiled and bled most nobly for their country; they had suffered for the want of clothing and provisions.Their pay had been withheld, and Congress had manifested a reluctance, from the embarrassed state of our finances, promptly to adjust their claims. Broken down with pecuniary embarrassment, and with hard service in the "tented field," our officers became discontented, and complained bitterly of the injustice of Congress, and of the apparent ingratitude of their country. The prospect of an immediate disbandment, in the midst of their poverty and suffering, without pay or even the adjustment of their accounts, was almost too much for even those noble hearted men to endure. It was in the midst of this universal murmuring of discontent, on the 10th day of March, 1783, that the celebrated "Newburgh Letters" made their appearance. They were written in the most touching and powerful eloquence, and addressed to minds already chafed by disappointment and a sense of injusttice. They pointed to a remedy for wrongs endured, of a most desperate character; and had their counsel prevailed, our revolutionary army, at the very time of consummating the most glorious achievement the world has ever witnessed, would have incurred indelible dishonor.

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It was in the small northeast room of this house where Washington meditated upon these portentous letters, and prepared himself to assuage the angry passions which were kindling with such fearful import throughout his army. Taking counsel of his own lofty mind, the "The Hasbrouck house," which it is the design of the imagination can almost conceive him, on that occasion, petitioners to perpetuate, was for a long time the head- as personating the genius of American liberty, dictating quarters of General Washington. It remains as yet in his orders for a general meeting of his officers, and prenearly the same condition as that in which Washington paring an address, containing arguments and appeals left it; but circumstances are such, that it must soon fall which fastened upon the very souls of his auditors, before the march of village improvement, unless efficient brought them unanimously to confide in the justice of measures are taken to preserve it. It contains one room their country, and hushed their rising passions forever. in the centre of the house, which is about twenty-four In the eloquent language with which Washington clossquare, but the ceiling is so low as to make it appeared his address, our army gave one more distinguishmuch larger. This room has seven doors and but one ed proof of unexampled patriotism and patient virtue, window. General Washington used it as his dining-rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufroom and parlor. At night it was converted into a bed-ferings," and by the dignity of their conduct, have afchamber for his staff officers, and occasional visiters. It was long memorable among the veterans who had seen. the chief there, for its huge wood fire, built against the wall, in, or rather under a chimney, which was quite open at both sides. The unceiled roof of this room, with its massive painted beams, corresponds to the simplicity of the rest of the building. On the northeast corner of the house, communicating with the large centre-room, is a small chamber, which General Washington used as a study or private office. Many revolutionary anecdotes have been told, the scenes of which were laid in the old square room at Newburgh, "with its seven doors and one window."

forded" occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example they have exhibited to mankind,— had that day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining." But a few days after this event Washington disbanded a portion of his army, on the lawn before the door of this antiquated house. The hardy soldiers, whose hearts never quailed under danger or toil, melted into tears, as they bade each other a lasting farewell on the consecrated ground which the petitioners seek to commemorate.

The committee believe that the object which the petitioners have in view, "to preserve and perpetuate Washington's Head Quarters, in the village of Newburgh," is worthy of their high character, and eminently deser

When General Lafayette visited this country in 1824, he made a pilgrimage to this venerable mansion. After an absence of half a century, his eyes could hardly beving of legislative sanction. No traveller who touches satisfied in examining the old square room, and the little upon the shores of Orange county, will hesitate to make northeast room, the windows, the doors, the fire-place, a pilgrimage to this beautiful spot, associated as it is with the wainscoting, the outside appearance, and the suround- so many delightful reminiscences in our early history.— ing objects and scenery, of that memorable place. It is And if he have an American heart in his bosom, he but little more than two years since the venerable Stephen will feel himself to be a better man; his patriotism will Van Rensselaer, deceased, made his last visit to this place, kindle with deeper emotion; his aspirations for his counand took a minute view of this same old edifice. But try's good will ascend from a more devout mind for havthe most memorable affair connected with this subjecting visited the "Head Quarters of Washington."

SELECT POETRY.

INNOCENCE PREFERS THE LIGHT.
A FABLE.

At the dawn of the morning a sorrowful owl
Returned from his ramble all night with a scowl:
A chaffinch already had taken a limb,

And charmed grove and vale as he chaunted his hymn.

A Linnet, near by, on the limb of a thorn,

With his rich notes of music was hailing the morn;
The Linnet, perceiving the Owl close his eyes

On the sweet mellow light as it stream'd from the skies,
Just spoke to his neighbor, still chanting his lay,
And asked why the Owl was opposed to the day,
And why, when Aurora first lights up her taper,
He flies to retirement as if to escape her.

The question is natural, quoth Chaffinch, but still
The answer is easy and plain as my bill;.
Those creatures that live upon plunder and prey
Are pensive and gloomy, and shrink from the day,
And from the dark valley and desolate bush,
No notes of sweet music enchantingly gush.
The rose in the bud just ready to blow,

The chant of the woodland that ravishes so,
The blush of Aurora, the sun's early ray,

All speak to their breasts with the voice of dismay;

For the beauties of nature and splendors of art
Can only bring bliss to the innocent heart.

In each floing season my life passes gaily,

In the grove and the valley I chant my song daily,
Unthreatened, uninjured by any gay bird,
For I never have hurt them in action or word.
No vaulting ambition, no craving for treasure,
And jealousy never embitters my pleasure.
E'en man, our proud master, can never be blest,
While passion or envy bears rule in his breast.
Ambition but wearies the victim possessing,

And the humble e'er find that contentment's a blessing.
Just look thro' the branches and witness, dear neighbor,
How gladly that bird is pursuing his labor.
The song he is singing is no child of art,

His bliss is like mine, gushing warm from the heart,
Of him, if of any, the world might remark-
"He is glad as a linnet and gay as a lark."

From the New York Evening Star. CHARADE.

The following charade from the pen of a lady was suggested by reading Gen. Morris's beautiful lines to the Whip-poor will

My first has oft a scourge been found,

To make dull schoolboy's keep their ground,
And women, when it is a verb,

Use it a ravelled edge to curb.

My second no one wants and yet,
We always give it to a pet,
He that possesses it in spirit,
Though he great riches may inherit,
Is more impoverished and worse,
Than many with an empty purse.
My third is a determination-
A nick name-power and inclination,
And many a man going Heaven ward
Makes his wife houseless by my third.

My whole is often heard at night,
Just after it has taken flight,
But what it wants-and why it should,
Break in upon our solitude.

And makes schoolmasters of us, we
Could never sea the cogency.
A poet better known than I,
Has listened to the plaintive cry,
And like a lawyer at the bar,
With questions most particular,
Has tried to make the whole confess,
The cause of its unhappiness.
But if to that sweet song of songs,
The whole would not declare its wrongs,
How can I hope it will to me
Confess its crimes and misery;
To let the mystery ever rest
Within its own unhappy breast.

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THE FIRST SPRING BIRD Blue Bird! on yon leafless tree,

Dost thou carol thus to me,

'Spring is coming!-spring is here!" Say's thou so, my birdie dear? What is that, in misty shroud, Stealing from the darkened cloud? Snow! my friend!-it gathers round, Deeply o'er the whitened ground,— Still thou singest, blithe and clear, "Spring is coming!-spring is here!" Strik'st not thou too bold a strain ? Winds are piping o'er the plain, Clouds are sweeping o'er the sky, With a black and threat'ning eye; Urchins, by the frozen rill, Wrap their mantles closer still; Yon poor man, with doublet old, Doth he shiver at the cold? Hath he not a nose of blue, Tell me, birdling, tell me true. Spring's a maid of mirth and glee, Rosy wreaths of revelryHast thou woo'd some winged love To a nest in verdant grove? Sung to her of greenwood bower? Sunny skies that never lower? Lured her with thy promise fair, Of a lot that knows no care? Prythe, bird, in coat of blue, Though a lover-tell me true. Ask her, if when storms are long, She can sign a cheerful songWhen the rude winds rock the tree, If she'll closer cling to theeThen the blasts that sweep the sky Unappalled sha'll pass thee by: Though thy curtain'd chamber show Siftings of untimely snow, Warm and glad thy heart shall be— Love shall make it Spring for thee.

SLANDER.

Let gout, and stone and spleen by day, Conspire to show me fouler play

L. H. S.

Than e'er did fox a goose or gander Let pains rheumatic and the itch Deform my skin, my muscles twitch, But save me from the tongue of slander. Let ghostly visions haunt my sleep, And drive me headlong down the steep, Or bare through nettles make me wander; Let devils blue, and gray and black, Ride me and lash my reeking back, But spare me from the tongue of slander.

Let doctors vex me with their skill,
And freely use their art-to kill;
I'll not refuse to be trepaned, or
With powders, pills and plasters plied,
Pukes, patches, poultices beside,

If plauged with the disease of slander.
This is the mildew of the soul,
Forever marring joy's control-

This is the misbegotten pander, Who raises to our forced embrace Foul shame and infamous disgrace

This is the fiendish work of slander. It is the solemn knell of all Our noblest hopes:-it is the call

Bidding the desperate heart to wander O'er wastes which it hath never known, Until its all of life hath flown

At the invidious touch of slander.

From the Binghamton Courier. TO A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS. Emblem of life and loveliness,Welcome sweet harbinger of spring; Clad in thy beauteous summer's dress, And wafted on Time's fairy wing; Would thou wert fadeless as the sky All redolent of hope and gladness: But soon, alas, thou'lt lonely lie, Emblem of death,—of grief,-of sadness. Emblem of life,-thing of an hour,

How soon thou'lt hang thy sickly head, And bow beneath the conqueror's power,

And lie among the sleeping dead. Emblem of life!-beyond the tomb

Thy flowers again shall form a wreath.-Shall germinate amid the gloom,

And triumph o'er the monster, Death.

A KISS---“ LET ME."

I ne'er on that lip for a moment have gazed
But a thousand temptations beset me;

And I've thought, when the dear little rubies you raised,
How delightful 'twould be-if you'd let me.

Then be not so angry for what I have done,

Nor say that you've sworn to forget me;
They were buds of temptation too pouting to shun,
And I thought that you could not but―let me.
When your lip with a whisper came close to my cheek.
O! think how bewitching it met me;
And plain as the eye of a Venus could speak,
Your eye seemed to say you would let me.

So forgive the transgression, and let me remain,
For, in truth, if I go, you'll regret me;
Then, oh, let me try the transgression again,
And I'll do all you wish-ifyou let me.

ANSWER.

If a kiss be delightful, so tempting my lips,
That a thousand soft wishes beset you,

I vow by the nectar that Jupiter sips,
On certain conditions-I'll let you.

If you swear by my charms that you'll ever be true,
And that no other damsel shall get you,

By the stars that roll round yon high summit of blue,
Perhaps, sir-perhaps, sir—I'll let you.

If not urged by a passion as fleeting as wild,
That makes all the virtues forget you,
But affection unsullied, soft, fervent and mild,
You asked for a kiss, then,-I'll let you.

THE RICHMOND COUNTY MIRROR:

‚A WEEKLY PAPER PRINTED ON STATEN ISLAND, DEVOTED TO SCIENCE, LITERATURE, & NEWS.

THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.

NEW BRIGHTON, MAY 4, 1839.

VOLUME III. NUMBER XIV.

SELECT TALES.

From the London Monthly Miscellany. THE WIDOW'S FIELD.

BY W. H. HARRISON.

MANY years before I retired to the county of there lived in the vicinity of the place which I subsequently fixed upon for my "local habitation," two young women, whose beauty was their only dower; but it was of so rare a quality that they had scarcely emerged from girlhood before cach was besieged by competitors, and some of no common pretensions, for her hand. They were simple country maidens, farmers' daughters; and, though they might have been termed rival beauties, they were attached friends. Their lots in matrimony-(and what, after all, as far as the purblind vision of mortals is concerned, is matrimony but a lottery ?)-were very widely different. One married a wealthy freeholder, who farmed some five or six hundred acres of his own land, and that the best in the county: his name was Benson. The other damsel cast her lot with a small farmer, one Edward Holcroft, `whose land, with the exception of a small patrimony consisting of a homestead and some forty acres, was held under a lease from a nobleman who resided in the neighborhood.

them, and Edward, who carried good humor with him | so reserved and exclusive in his bearing that it was said
to the hustings, brought it away with him. Not so, of him, he was "rather felt than seen" in the neighbor-
however, Mr. Benson; who, piqued at the inefficacy of hood.
his arguments in gaining the other over to his views, and
still farther exasperated by the defeat of the candidate
whose cause he had espoused, proceeded to the extremity
of forbidding Edward the house, and interdicting any
communication between his wife and her friend.

It would have been well had the mischief stopt here; but Benson, although, when unopposed, was what is usually termed a good, quiet sort of a man, was a perfect fury when aroused by what he conceived insult or injury. There was a certain field which had been purchased by Mrs. Holcroft, since she became a widow, and which she cultivated, in addition to her husband's patrimony, and the land she had rented. Edward, it should be mentioned to his honor, had, notwithstanding his coming of age, treated the widow, in all respects, as he had done before that event, so that no division of the farm took place, but he continued to manage the whole as the agent of his mother. The field in question was a very valuable one, and had been purchased at a lower rate than the average price of that quality of land, in consideration of their being, as was supposed, a defect in the title. As, however, the right of possession could never, even under this supposed defect, be challenged except by Benson, compared with whose estate it was a drop of water to the occan, the risk was considered as next to nothing, and the purchase was completed.

The feelings with which the widow entered the library, into which she ushered to the presence of the Lord Dalebury, will readily be conceived. He was standing with his back to the fire, reading a newspaper, from which he raised his eyes, as his visitor timidly advanced a few paces from the door, which was immediately closed behind her. His lordship glanced at a memorandum, which was lying on a writing-table at his elbow, and then said

I

"Your name is Holcroft, I believe?"
Yes, my lord," faltered the widow.

"How is it," he inquired, "that the rent which has, understand, been hitherto punctually paid by your late husband and yourself, is not forthcoming on the present occasion? I am told that your crops have been very abundant, and the price of corn is higher than it has been for years."

The cold equable tone in which these words were uttered, struck like ice to the heart of his auditor; who at last, however, summoned firmness enough to tell her story, and when she had finished, his lordship referred again to his notes, and then said—

"And so the last year's harvest has found its way into the pocket of the lawyer instead of into that of the landlord! As he spoke, he rang the bell and ordered that his steward might be sent to him, when, quick as thought, that functionary was in attendance.

"Henderson," said the nobleman, "take this good woman to your office, and give her a receipt for the rent in arrear, and then see that the papers relative to an action of ejectment, brought against her by the person at the grange yonder, be transferred from her solicitor to mine, and bid him be prompt, for, as I gather, there is no time to lose."

It has been well said that there are few occasions of quarrel which conduct persons to such extremes of temper as political differences: and thus it was that Benson, not content with the comparatively passive means of showing his resentment to which he had, as we have seen, resorted, determined on availing himself of the defect in the title, as an engine for consummating his vengeance. Notices of ejectment were accordingly served, and the usual battalia of the law arrayed against the widow, who was compelled to throw herself into the hands of an attorney; and he would he had been the only disgrace the profession has known!—was a scoundrel, who, having led her to the threshhold of a court "And if he had twenty votes, it would not affect the of law, and drawn every shilling from her purse, there justice of this poor woman's cause," retorted the peer, abandoned her, because she could no longer satisfy his in a somewhat sharp key, which, however, he immedirapacity. It is unnecessary to dwell upon, for the read-ately moderated, and added mildly, "Henderson, you will see to this matter for me.”

The relative position of the two young women, so far as wealth went, was greatly altered by their marriage; but no diminution of affection followed the change; and though, comparatively speaking, one lived in a palace and the other in a cottage, their intercourse was as cordial and frequent as heretofore. Time wore on; Benson became the father of two children—a boy and a girl, while Holcroft's family consisted but of a son, whom he only lived to see attain the age of fifteen years. The calamity which made Mrs. Holcroft a widow, appeared to have the effect of binding Mrs. Benson yet closer to the friend of her youth; and thus it happened that the young Edward Holcroft and Emma Benson were brought up together, almost as brother and sister. I know not that there was any natural similarity of tastes between these young persons—indeed, from what I have heard, I am inclined to entertain a contrary opinion;-but affection-such affection as that to which their constant companionship gave rise,-begets a similarity of taste, if it does not imply it. Thus it happened that before, longer will readily imagine, the grief of Mrs. Benson at the before, it may be,—the young people had attained the persecution to which the friend of her youth was thus respective ages of sixteen and eighteen, their hearts were subject from the husband of her bosom, as well as the linked together by an affection to which every year of still more bitter anguish which pierced the bosoms of their acquaintance had added strength, without dimin- Edward and Emma, and rent the heart of the widow. ishing its purity. That their attachment had not escaped the observation, if it had not received the approbation of Mr. Benson, was certain, for he had more than once been heard to joke upon the subject; while his wife regarded the promised connection with more than complacency.

Three years more elapsed, and Edward Holcroft attained the age of twenty-one, and with it the patrimonial estate, which, though small, gave him a vote for the county-a fatal privilege for him, poor fellow! as the event proved; for an election occurred shortly after-, wards, and, unfortunately, he and Mr. Benson took opposite views of the respective candidates. That each voted according to his conscientious conviction, I believe there was no doubt in the mind of any one who knew

The steward hesitated; and venturing a step or two nearer to his master than the prescribed distance, he said, "Your lordship is aware that Mr. Benson has a vote for the county-and my young lord

His lordship then, with something approaching to a smile upon his lip, dismissed his visitor, and, dropping his eyes again over the newspaper, resumed its perusal as if nothing had occurred to interrupt it.

The result was that in the case of "Benson vs. Holcroft," the plaintiff was defeated, and in addition to the privilege of paying his own costs and the defendant's, he had the mortification of knowing that instead of ruining the widow, his prosecution had been the means of raising up for her a powerful patron in Lord Dalebury.

Matters were at this pass, when the rent of Mrs. Holcroft's farm became due, and the money which had been laid by to discharge it was in the pocket of the lawyer; while, to add to her calamities, the county assizes were at hand, when, as the cause would be undefended, the triumph would be complete, and the "widow's field" would pass into the hands of the spoiler. "The Rent Day" passed over, and Mrs. Holcroft was in daily expectation of the dread summons to The Hall," which awaited defaulters, for it was the custom of Lord Dalebury to see his tenants upon such occasions. At last the mandate came, and the widow prepared herself to obey it. She had never seen his lordship, except at a dist-daughter Emma. For some time she had been droopance; he had the reputation, with many who professed to know him, of being a cold, haughty nobleman; and

The mortification of his pride, however, was not the only punishment which Benson was doomed to undergo for his unholy persecution of the widow and the fatherless. With all his faults—and they were not a few— want of natural affection was not of the number; and if he loved one being more than another, it was his

ing; but her father attributed the change that hed come over her to the circumstances which had separated her

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