i'fR I si £ SKETCHES OF NEWPORT AND ITS VICINITY; AVITH ]¥ O T I € E S RESPKCTING THE HISTORY, SETTLEMENT AND GEOGRAPHY RHODE ISLAND. ILLUSTRATED WITH E X G R A V I N G S . NEW-YORK: JOHN S. TAYLOR & CO. 145 NASSAU STREET. 1842 1 ■■'/ VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. CHAPTER I. Mr. Thornton's Breakfast-Table — Conversation on board the Steam-Boat — Arrival at Newport — Reception of the young Strangers. " Another cup if you please, Miss Katie" said Mr. Thornton as he handed his cup to his daugh- ter, " and then I will take a turn out and look for this lagging steamer that should have been in an hour since." " We shall doubtless hear the bell before we finish breakfast," replied Miss Katie, " and if we do not it cannot be unpleasant on the water in such a morning as this, dear Sir." "Not even to be tumbling about in the surf at our sweet ' Point Comfort'' I suppose," replied the old 4 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. gentleman, ironically, " but remember Katie, every- body cannot relish such a pastime." " Neither should I, my dear Father," returned his daughter as she presented his coffee, " but I think there cannot be a great swell even at Point Judith to-day, for there is scarcely a breath of wind." *' I do not remember ever to have heard of even a steam-boat that would move more rapidly and easily through a heavy sea because there was no wind," returned Mr. Thornton, smiling, "how- ever, we shall see. Miss Katie, we shall see." '' Ah, a fresh supply of muffins, I see, Phillis/' observed Mrs. Guthrie, the aged housekeeper, as the black woman entered. " This way my " neat- handed Phillis," and let your master pay his re- spects to them." cried Mr. Thornton, adding, '• Pshaw, Katie, I wish those urchins were here to partake of them." " Mrs. Guthrie will take care that a warm breakfast shall be ready for them, Sir," replied Miss Katie, in her quiet manner. *' Well Cato," exclaimed her father, as the aged black entered, and stationed himself behind his chair, " How far off may they be by this time, my good Cato ?" " 'Bout seven mile, Massa," answered the black, VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. O bowing respectfully, though he stood at his mas- ter's back. " They have a sorry time of it, I think," returned the old gentleman ; " is there a heavy sea, Cato ?" " Berry hebby, Sir," replied Cato, gravely sha- king his grey head. " Ay, I am convinced by the roaring of all the beaches, that there has been a storm at sea.— But how soon, think you, will the tardy boat be in, Cato 7" « ' Bout twenty or tirty minutes, Sir." "Weir, we must have patience. Miss Katie. We must have patience, Mrs. Guthrie," said the gentleman, although the latter lady had not ma- nifested the slightest symptom of impatience, "Rome was not built in a day, you know,— my good Cato ;— so we must all have patience." Cato grinned, as he always did, when addressed thus familiarly by his master, but remained re- spectfully silent. " Are you quite sure, Mrs. Guthrie, that every thing is prepared for their reception ?" asked the young lady, as they rose from the table. " (iuite ready, and every thing in its proper place, Miss Katie, except the servants' beds," an- swered the worthy housekeeper, as she piled her 6 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. cups, and gathered up the spoons — "and they will be prepared, as soon as I know how many- servants Mrs. Thornton brings with her." " Hark 1" exclaimed Mr. Thornton, " there goes the boat-bell, Cato !" " Dat must be cutter-bell, Sir," replied Cato. <' 'Tis the steam-boat, I tell you," said Mr. Thornton, positively — " Katie, ring for my shoes, child." " Would Massa choose me take Shay to de wharf?" asked Cato. " Miss Thornton's low chaise will scarcely ac- commodate Mrs. Thornton and her whole family," replied his master, " besides, there will be baggage, you know." " Massa Seabury hack berry soon get ready, Sir." " You are right, Cato, and you must go with it, to look to the baggage. So off with you, or iriy daughter-in-law will think we are all dead," re- joined Mr. Thornton, and gaily added, " Hey-day ! Mrs. Guthrie ! we are likely to have a little bustle about the house now, I think." " Yes, Sir, I rather think we shall," replied the worthy housekeeper, casting an anxious look around her nicely polished furniture, and neatly swept carpets. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 7 " Ah ! well ! never mind ; it is only for a week you know — we shall soon be left to be as quiet as we like, again," observed the old gentleman, as he held up his feet alternately, for the servant to fasten his immense shoe-buckles. " And now Bill, my hat and cane. — Tush !" continued Mr. Thorn- ton, as he moved to the door, f' Cato was right after all, the steamer is beyond Beaver-tail light- house, yet ! they will not be in this half hour, — and I shall have time enough for my morning's walk yet, Katie." Mr. Thornton then quitted the house, leaving his daughter, and Mrs. Guthrie, to make what im- provements they pleased, in their arrangements for the reception of their expected guests. The servants were, accordingly, soon engaged in all the bustle of preparation, — every face wearing an expression of satisfaction and every ear listening in pleased attention to the anecdotes related by Cato and Phillis, who, having attended Miss Ka- tie, and her father, in their frequent visits to New York, delighted in expatiating on the excellency and accomplishments, which they imagined, dis- tinguished the children of " dear, good, lamented Mr. Harry" — for to them every thing connected with their deceased favorite, appeared interesting and lovely. 8 VISIT TO GRAND-PATA. The young people, whose expected arrival had occasioned so much bustle and excitement in the usually quiet and orderly family of Mr. Thorn- ton, were all this time tossing about in the heavy sea, which is always so rough at Point Judith, as to render that part of the little voyage from New- York to Newport the dread of all who are in the least degree liable to sea-sickness. Unable lon- ger to endure the distressing motion of their heavy vessel, and the confined air of the cabin, Mrs. Thornton and her two daughters had re- paired at sun-rise to the deck, where, finding themselves much refreshed by the pure and balmy air of a sweet summer's morning, and charmed by the delightful prospects around them, that lady had despatched her second servant to the gentle- men's cabin, to awaken her sons, that they might partake of her enjoyment. Most of the passengers had already assembled at breakfast, but the young gentlemen were still sleeping so soundly, that it was some moments before the servant succeeded in arousing them. " How now ! Tom !" exclaimed Francis Thorn- ton, impatiently, " what do you mean by shaking a fellow at this rate ? I am inclined to sleep longer, Sir !" VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. U "Bat you must please to get up. Sir — Mrs. Thornton wishes you to prepare for going on shore," returned the servant ; " the other gentle- men are all at breakfast, and we are off Point Ju- dith, Sir." " Point Judith ! breakfast ! deck !" repeated Frank, bewildered, and rubbing his eyes as he strove to recollect himself; "Oh! Tom! how horribly the boat rolls !" he added, falling back on his pillow ; " I heartily wish you had not awakened me !" " Mrs. Thornton sent me, Sir," was the reply ; " she wishes you to enjoy the prospect and fresh air ; besides. Sir, it is breakfast-time." " What's that you are saying there about pros- pects, Tom ?" cried Alfred, stretching and yawn- ing ; " prospects indeed 1 what are prospects to a man dying of sea-sickness ? — and breakfast^ too ! poh ! go, eat it yourself, and be thankful for your appetite — but there must be a terrible tempest, Tom — Bless me ! how the boat rolls ! where are we, man ?" " We are doubling Point Judith, Sir, in as fine a summer's morning as ever shone," answered Thomas, laughing. '' You are out of your senses, to say so — or you 10 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. think we are, if you expect to be believed," said Alfred. "Get up, Frank, and let us see what is the matter on deck." " Get up !" echoed Frank, " I feel as if I should never do that again, Alf. Harkee, Tom, you said something about doubling Point Judith," he ad- ded, endeavouring to laugh ; " Where is the use of douhling it, boy, when it is bad enough to go over it once .?" Frank sprung from his berth as he spoke, but a sudden pitch of the vessel nearly threw him back, and catching at the side, he con- tinued, " Hark ye, Tom Robinson, go with my respectful compliments, to my mother, and tell her that Mr. Frank Thornton is thoroughly cured of his predilection for a sea life. She will be teazed no longer I think, about getting me into the navy — Why, bless me, Alf!" he said, turning to his brother, "how much wiser has a sail of eighteen hours made me !" This speech was applauded by a hearty laugh, not only from Alfred, but from two or three gen- tlemen, who had yet lingered in their berths, and were now endeavoring between every pitch of the vessel, to escape from her cabin. " Well said ! Commodore ! well said, my hero of the navy," cried Alfred, endeavoring to appear VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 11 gay, but uttering an involuntary tone, he added hastily, " Get me out, Tom ! get me on deck, if you have any bowels of compassion," but as he was quitting the cabin, with Tom's assistance, he looked back at his brother, and exclaimed, " Good day to you, Captain Thornton of the Navy 1" " Captain !" repeated Frank ; " Captain, in- deed ! — my ambition had pointed to a higher step of the ladder of promotion, than that^ I can tell you ! — ^but I am cured — positively cured] one such horrible lurch is enough to quell the courage of a bolder heart ! — and yet it is a pity, Tom," he laughingly added, as that personage re-entered the cabin, " for, with such qualifications as mine, what a hero I should have made ! — an Admiral, at the lowest calculation ! — oh Tom ! Tom ! what a loss to America ! — Let Britain rejoice, and — and — let me get out of the cabin, while I can." " Come hither, Francis Thornton," cried his mother, when he appeared on deck ; " come hither, my son, and, for the first time, behold the birth-place of your father." That father, so lately lost, and so deservedly dear, every thought of whom awakened the ten- derest regrets in the affectionate bosoms of his children, was no sooner mentioned than Frank's 12 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. cheer was changed. He drew his hand several times across his eyes and gazed some moments in silence on the shore, thinking only of the beloved relative whose image his mother's words had re- called so vividly to his recollection. Starting, at length he exclaimed, in a subdued voice, ''This then, is Rhode-Island." Mrs. Thornton had leaned her face on her hand, to conceal the emotions which she could not sup- press, and sat absorbed in a train of agitating and mournful reflections, while, respecting her sorrows, her children remained profoundly silent. Even little Emma, as she held by her cloak, and gazed wistfully up in her face, stood mute and motion- less. " What a beautiful bay is here," whispered Al- fred at length, as he drew the hand of his eldest sister beneath his arm, and led her a few paces apart, — "what a beautiful bay is here, studded with its pretty green islets, Ellen. I have been in vain endeavoring, ever since I came on deck," he continued, " to recollect those verses, which my father wrote on beholding his native land at a distance, on his return to it for the first time. Perhaps they were composed on this very spot. Will you oblige me by repeating them 7" VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 13 " Certainly, if you wish it brother, but let us move a little farther off, or Mamma may hear me ;" and being conducted by her brother, to a greater distance from the group, in a soft low voice, El- len repeated the following juvenile production of her father : — LINES. All hail to the Isle which afar on the ocean, Floats like a cloud of blue mist in the sky ; I greet it, though distant, with joyful emotion, While tears of affection flow fast from mine eye. All hail, lovely Isle, o'er the billows appearing, In Summer's own beauty, all verdant and fair ; Every tie this fond heart has yet held most endearing, The friends of my bosom — my kindred are there. O ye soft ocean breezes ! more strongly be blowing. Till safely our vessel is moor'd by its shore ; Ye slumbering" billows more swiftly be flowing. Till my footstep shall press its green bosom once more. O there the embrace of true friendship will meet me, With smiles of glad welcome, as sweet as sincere. Their parental aflfeciion with rapture will greet me, Tho' its smile of delight should be dimm'd by a tear. All hail, lovely Isle ! happy home of my childhood. With what joy shall I bound to thy beautiful shore, 2 14 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. Delightedly visit each valley and wild wood, Aad scenes of past joy with new rapture explore. O ye gales that sport round us, more freshly be blowing ! And waft us more swiftly o'er ocean's wide breast ; Ye blue briny billows more swiftly be flowing, Till we moor in yon isle, our sweet haven of rest. " Thank you, sister ;" said Alfred, as Ellen con- cluded ; " but come," he added, after a short pause, "let us join mamma, and speak cheerfully to her, Ellen — for even Frank, you see, seems to have lost his self-command." " There are the steeples," were the first words which roused Mrs. Thornton, and her little group from their melancholy ruminations ; they were uttered by a person who appeared to be a sailor, just as Alfred and his sister rejoined their mother. " Where ? Where are they ? Where is New- port?" demanded little Edward and Emma in one breath, as they eagerly approached the speaker — " Where are the steeples ?" " There away, my little Madam," replied the good-natured tar, pointing as he spoke. "Will you please to show me where grand- papa lives?" asked Edward, taking the rough hand of the worthy seaman ; " don't you know the house, Sir ?" VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 15 " No my little man," returned the sailor, " I don't know much about this here old place, except that it looks for all the world as if it ought to be overhauled^ and undergo a new outfit.''^ "But it is a pleasant island," cried Edward ; "mamma says it used to be called the Eden of America, — and every body knows it is the healthiest place in the Union." " Ay, ay, that there's no false reckoning neither," rejoined his new acquaintance, "for I've seen ma- ny a sheer hulk towed in here from the South'art, looking just fit for old Davy^ who has sailed out on't again in six months, all a'tanto with flying colours, on a new cruise of pleasure, as sound and tight as a new Yankee man-of-war's man ; but you'll see the place now we're running between the points," he added, as the boat, having passed Bea- ver-tail light-house on the southern extremity of Canonicut, was now gliding rapidly along between that island and Fort Adams, on Brenton's Point, "you'll see the place now, your young honor," said the sailor ; " there stands the old town, with the dew shining on its roofs, and the steeples glit- tering in the sun." " Beautiful !" exclaimed Ellen, as she viewed the noble bay, with its numerous verdant islands, IG VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. the shipping in the harbour, and the old town of Newport, seated on a gentle accUvityj and sloping down to the water in the form of a semi-circle. " Beautiful !" she said, " what a dehghtful scene." " Ay, ay, there's no need of a better ;" returned the honest sailor, who, pleased with the affability, and kind manner of the young party, seemed inclined to keep up the acquaintance ; " but you have it in the nick now, young Madam, for the sun is behind it, and don't show you as he would at noon-day ; how much truth there is in what them there chaps say, that don't like the place, that " Newjjort is a beauty without fabit^ " But what forts are these on either side of us?" asked Frank. "That on the starboard hand, your honor — — " " Nay, my friend, I do not understand star- boardy^ interrupted Frank. " No, the Admiral has'nt got to the starboard yet," said Alfred laughing ; '• but tell us, if you please, what is this." " That is Fort Wolcott, on Goat Island," ans- wered the seaman ; " there-away is Fort Adams, on Brenton's Point ; yonder, amongst the Dump- lings at Canonicut is the old stone Fort Louis, now in ruins ; we just now passed close under it. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 17 There ao:ain at Rose Island, is a fort and barracks gone to decay, and north'ard o' the town yonder is Fort Green." " And what is that on the hill yonder behind Fort Greene," enquired Frank ; " that looks like an intrenchment also." " Ay, ay, Sir, it may look like a Hreiichment or whatever it pleases, bat its only Tammany Hill after all." '* You are perhaps a stranger in Newport, my good friend, said a gentleman who had listened with some interest to the questions and observa- tions of the young strangers, and who now ad- dressed the sailor as he joined the party ; " you are perhaps a stranger and may never have been informed that 'Tonomy Hill* was once fortified. It terminated the left wing of the intrenchments which the British threw up around the town, while in possession of the Island, and from the vestiges of their works yet remaining, it appears to have been a position of no inconsiderable strength and importance to their garrison." ''Ay, ay, your honor — I dare say you are right," returned the hardy son of Neptune. " Tm * Vide Note I. at the end of the volume. 2* 18 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. but a lubberly pilot in these soundings ; I know but little o' the old place except that it has the finest harbor and the safest anchorage in all Am- erica. I've seldom cruised in these latitudes, Sir." " It has the noblest harbor not only in Am- erica, but in the loorld^ I believe," rejoined the gentleman. " But Sir — Sir," cried little Edward, encouraged by the benignity of the stranger's countenance, " whose pretty house is that just by Fort Greene, under that hill ?" " It is the " country-seat" of the sick, the aged and the destitute, my dear," replied the gentleman, playfully. Edward looked perplexed and inqui- sitive, and observing this, the gentleman explained by adding, '' It is the Asylum, or Alms-house of Newport, and are you not glad that the poor have so pleasant and comfortable a home provided for them?" '' Yes indeed, Sir, I am very glad. It is the pleasantest poor-house I ever saw," said Edward, " it is so pretty, it looks like a gentleman's seat ; almost all I ever saw before are so gloomy that thejT- look like prisons, but this is very pleasant." '' It is indeed a pleasant and commodious dwel- ling, and Coaster's Harbor Island on which it VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 19 Stands is a healthy, fertile and well-cultivated little spot," observed the gentleman. " Viewed from hence it looks as if it were a part of Rhode Island projecting into the bay, but in reality, it is itself an island, separated from Rhode-Island by a narrow creek." <' If I do not greatly mistake, Sir" said Alfred, '' there was an engagement on this island during the revolutionary war." '• You are correct. Sir," was the reply, '' the battle occurred while the British were in posses- sion of the island. It was fought between Ctuaker Hill and Butts' Hill, — and any of the inhabitants will point out the battle-ground. You will iind on the island the remains of many intrenchments that were thrown up during that eventful period, and may collect among the inhabitants of New- port very many amusing anecdotes relative to the Revolution." " But the battle of which my brother was speak- ing. Sir," asked Frank, " did it not terminate favorably for the Americans ?" '' They drove the British back to their lines, but being disappointed of the aid expected from the French fleet, under Count D'Estaing, they were unable to pursue the advantage they had gained 20 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. and the British squadron appearing in the offing, compelled them to abandon their enterprise," an- swered the gentleman. "I don't remember much about them there times," observed the sailor ; " for why, I wasn't born, then, d'ye see, your honors ; but the sharpest fight I ever see since I first set sail for the v'yge o' life, was the battle font here at Sessa- wich Beach, in Middletown. It bears here-away, young gentlemen, east and by south, and lies about two or three miles from old Newport. It fell out during the last war. The English king's craft called the Nimrod, chased in one of our merchant-men, and fired on our people who got together to prevent their capturing her. The Nimrod was commanded by one Pigot." "And you witnessed the battle, my good friend?" cried Alfred, as the young peoi)le with awakened interest gathered around the seaman. "Ay, ay Sir — I happened to be in Newport at the time, and so when the Fencibles and artillery- boys marched down alongside the militia, to drive ofi" the Eiiglishers, I went along to lend 'em a hand, d'ye see Sir, for I could'nt see my own countrymen fired on like so many wild ducks, without wishing to give the furreiners a blow or two." «ji VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 21 " You acted like a true-hearted Yankee, my lad," cried Frank, " and I wish I had been with you, and old enough to have struck a blow in so good a cause, — but tell us all about it." " Ay, ay Sir, — you shall hear it ail — though that's not a great deal neither," replied the honest tar, flattered by their commendations ; " we were called to arms at dead of night, and to make the matter worse, there came on a tempest of wind, rain, and thunder, and a dismal time we had o'nt. However, a true sailor never leaves his ship- mates in the limhoes, ye see gentlemen, so I stuck to my countrymen. We had a sharp fight, and one of our militia-men was killed, an honest, clever young farmer, who was next day to have been married, they told me. 'Fore George, Sir," added the sailor, as the blood rushed with indig- nation to his weather-beaten countenance, "I can never think even to this day, how I was covered with the blood and brains of that poor lad, but I long to have another lick at them there lubbers who could so mangle a fellow creature out of the very shape of humanity, in such imseamanlike fashion !" " Was there but one man killed ?" inquired Frank, in surprise. 22 VISIT TO ORA.ND-PAPA. " Only one killed, but two or three of my mess- mates lost their arms or legs ; and if that there other battle your honors spoke of was better /oz<^, or more eventfuller^ why I don't know what sharp fighting is ; that's all your honor. " I recollect the skirmish you speak of, my lad, for I was on the beach as soon as the sun rose," observed the gentleman. "Do you remember," he added, " how busily the ragged little urchins were running about the beach and scrambling for the cannon balls, as if they had been figs thrown at them in sport ?" *' Ay, Sir, I mind it all, and wonder none o' the monkeys got killed," replied the tar, adding with much solemnity as he shook his head ''A sharp fight, that Sir ! — a sharp fight ! " "Sharp enough, in all conscience," answered the gentleman smiling, " and for mine own part, I have no desire to witness a more bloody or des- perate engagement." " A desper'te fight, sure enough, your honor, but I've often wondered the Rhode-Islanders fared no worse, for the enemy inight have landed with- out running foul o' the forts, almost any where, an I've seen no less than thirteen sail of 'em in the ofling at a time, more than once — but they VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 23 never did any harm, except at the skrimmage I've told you of, and once when the British frigate, the Orpheus, chased in and burnt the Wampoa, a fine ship with a full cargo of brandy, &c.— but I wasn't here at the time." " But why did the little boys on the beach scramble for the cannon-balls, Sir ?" asked little Edward, who had been exceedingly puzzled to account for such a procedure. " They were poor children, my dear, and I dare say gained a great many pennies by selling them," replied the good-natured gentleman — " Did you never see poor children picking up old nails, and bits of old iron in the streets, to sell ?" ^' How long, Sir, were the British in possession of Rhode-Island ?" inquired Francis, before his brother could answer. '' About three years,"* was the reply, '' they took possession of it on the 6th December, 1776, and evacuated it, October 25th, 1779, and during all that time, exerted themselves to the utmost, to do us every possible injury. They plundered the inhabitants, robbed the churches, cut down, and utterly destroyed our flourishing orchards and ♦ Vide Note II. 24 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. nurseries, burned nine hundred houses for fuel, and when they evacuated the place, not a tree or a fence was left standing." " I should think they might have spared the churches;" said Edward, "for they could have done them no harm-" « In their great condescension they did spare the Episcopal church ; but the shells of all the rest, after having been pillaged, and dismantled of pews and pulpits, were converted by them into hospitals for their soldiery." " How wicked ! to make hospitals of churches !" said Edward. " It was better than making stables of them, as they did with the " Old South" at Boston — and others," rejoined the gentleman, " but" added he, interrupting himself, " we are at the wharf — La- dies, I congratulate you on the termination of your voyage," and bowing to our httle party he repaired to the cabin to give some orders respect- ing his baggage. The boat now glided to the wharf on which a crowd of people were already assembled awaiting her arrival, some to receive expected friends, some in quest of letters, and others to embark (immediately) for Providence, for which place the steamer after having landed VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 25 her passengers at Newport, immediately departed. Mrs. Thornton and her children were very happy to recognize old Cato, who after manfully elbow- ing his way through the crowd, was among the first that came on board and greeted the children in his imperfect English, while tears of joy rolled over his sable cheeks. Having seen them all safely deposited in the coach he called to Mrs. Thorn- ton's footman to follow his example, and spring- ing up behind the vehicle, they were all rapidly whirled away together from the crowd of coaches, gigs and drays, and emerging from the Long Wharf, were soon rattling over the pavement of Thames-street. " I rejoice that we are off these odious pave- ments," exclaimed Ellen, as they turned into one of the streets leading to " the Hill" where the residence of Mr. Thornton was situated, in front of which that gentleman was still passing, exceed- ingly impatient for their arrival. " You look very much indisposed, mother," said Alfred, observing with solicitude her unusual paleness. "Mamma is fatigued" said Ellen, " and I shall be glad when we arrive at grand-papa's that she may obtain rest." 3 26 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " Oh, what is that on the Hill there, Frank ?" cried little Ned. " That !" repeated Frank, " that must be the old Tower, of which we have heard so much, Ed- ward. Look Ellen ! would you not have known it after seeing the sketch of it, grand-papa made forus?" Every one now bent eagerly forward to obtain a view of that much celebrated and very singular ruin. "We shall be home in a few minutes now, mother," said Alfred. " for grand-papa's house is but a few rods from the old Tower." " Then that must be the house where that gen- tleman is standing," said Ellen. "And that gentleman is grand-papa himself, Ellen," cried Frank ; "I am sure at least that he has on my grandfather's great-cocked hat." " Oh dear, how proud and cross he looks ! standing up so very straight and with such an ugly hat on !" exclaimed little Emma, in alarm ; "Dear me! Mamma ! Is that my grand-papa?" " I don't remember very well how he looked," said Edward, but is he not a very stern old gen- tleman, mother?" " Not stern perhaps — but if you would not dis- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 27 please him you must behave with the strictest propriety ; and none of you, I hope, will ever be inclined to act otherwise J^ said Mrs. Thornton. *' Dear me ! what a great double chin, long queue, and ugly hat, grand-papa has !" cried little Emma, unable to reconcile herself to these pecu- liarities ;" Dear me ! I'm afraid he's a very cross and proud old gentleman." *' He is neitlier, my dear, notwithstanding the long queue and double chin, which inspire you with so much awe" — said her mother. The carriage wheeled round as she spoke, and drew up to the door, on the steps of which Mr. Thornton and his daughter were both now stand- ing ; Mrs. Guthrie likewise appeared in the hall with the servants behind her, all desirous of ob- taining a view of their visiters. It is unnecessary to say that they were wel- comed with delight by their affectionate relatives, and on finding herself in the arms of her grand- father and tenderly caressed by him, little Emma soon forgot \io\Y proud and cross she had so lately thought he looked, notwithstanding he continued to retain both the " great chin and long queue'' without in the least suspecting the alarm they had excited ; and she prattled away about the 28 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. porpoises and big waves she had seen on her voyage, to the great delight of Mr. Thornton and the no httle annoyance of poor Mrs. Guthrie, who, unaccustomed to the noise of children, at length effected her escape, and found the pro- found silence she loved in her own room. Mrs. Thornton being extremely fatigued, and feeling very languid in consequence of her late sufferings by sea-sickness, was glad to be conduc- ted to her chamber, whither she was accompanied by her eldest daughter and Miss Katie, leaving the other young people to the care of their indul- gent grand-father, with whom, acknowledging themselves too weary for walking, they remained within doors. A fine telescope having by Mr. Thornton's order been carried to the top of the house, the young people amused themselves in surveying the many fine prospects their situation commanded. Mrs. Thornton joined them at din- ner, after which Mr. Thornton entertained them by relating many very interesting revolutionary anecdotes, and amusing traditions of the island. With so much to interest and divert them they were scarcely aware of the lapse of time till sum- moned to tea. The evening passed happily away, and Mr. Thornton at ten assembled his household VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 29 around the family altar, there to present their uni- ted tribute of praise to the merciful Being whose protecting care had preserved them through the day, and conducted the family of his son through the dangers of their voyage, in health and safety to the home which had been the scene of all the youthful enjoyments of their loved and lamented father. And having committed themselves to the care of Him who had created and redeemed them, the happy family separated and retired with con- sciences void of offence, to the enjoyment of their peaceful slumbers. 3* f ! CHAPTER II. Notices respecting the History, Settlement and Geography of Rhode-Island Walk around Newport Public Buildings, &c. Sac. Refreshed and in high spirits, the young Thorn- tons rose on the ensuing morning, just as the sun began to glitter on the gilded spires of Newport, and on the woody hills of Narraganset. Early, however, as they thought it, Mr. Thornton and his daughter were already up, and the domestics busily employed under the direction of the vene- rable Mrs. Guthrie. Mr. Thornton was busy in his garden, where he had already gathered fresh flowers for his daughter, who on the appearance of her young relatives, was engaged in arranging them over the mantels, and immediately demanded their assistance, for Miss Katie well knew that " employment is enjoyment," and could devise no better means of amusing them till their mother should be ready to attend morning-prayers, which VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 31 was the first duty attended to by Mr. Thornton, a duty which was never omitted, on any occasion or pretense whatever, by that truly pious christian. The flowers were beautifully arranged in all the apartments, and Miss Thornton's large collec- tion of exotic plants had been duly attended to before Mrs. Thornton and her youngest child made their appearance — so greatly had they been fatigued. *' Oh how I wish I could always live here !" cried little Emma, clapping her hands with de- light, as she beheld the beautiful flowers that were blooming around her, and heard the song of the numberless birds that enlivened the fields and gardens on every side. " We do not hear so many delightful birds even when we are at mamma's country house, at home." <' We should doubtless hear as many at Harlaem my love, if the gentlemen there would forego their cruel sports," said Mrs. Thornton. " Aye, mamma, but they will not be persuaded to do that, I'm afraid," said Edward. " But you have no such cruel sportsmen here, aunty." " Too many by half, Edward" answered Miss Katie, " there is scarcely a day that I do not have to lament the fall of some of my feathered friends. 32 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. If the poor birds were destroyed for food it would be another matter ; but to kill them merely for the pleasure of seeing them die appears to me to evince so sanguinary and savage a disposition as absolutely disgusts me, and I heartily wish them some better and more manly employment, for their own sakes, as well as because the country in my opinion loses half its charms when deprived of the melody of our pretty songsters." '' You are right Miss Katie," said her father, who just then entered (and was soon after followed by the domestics) " you are right my daughter," he said, " the music of our fields and gardens gives a charm to a Rhode-Island summer, which I have seldom found in such perfection elsewhere — and there is something so refreshing in the gladness of their notes, that a heart must be lost to every feeling of benevolence as well as to those of grat- itude, which amidst the beauty, joy and sunshine of such a morning, feels no inclination to unite in their songs of thankfulness to the Creator of the glorious heavens and blooming earth. Let us praise Him my children," continued Mr. Thorn- ton, " for praise is comely," especially in the morn- ing of existence and amidst the sunshine of pros- perity," and kneeling as he spoke the pious old man VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 33 poured forth in behalf of his happy family and contented domestics, a heartfelt tribute of gratitude and praise to the great and glorious Being who created and upholds the Universe. When their devotions were concluded and the servants retired, Mr. Thornton moved to an open window from whence with a countenance beaming with benign satisfaction, he gazed abroad on the verdant fields and gardens and the wide expanse of blue ocean that stretched before him far as the eye could reach. — Stealing quietly to his side, Ellen placed her hand affectionately in his, and followed with her mild blue eye the direction of his glance. '' It is a beautiful prospect, my dear," said her grandfather smiling affectionately on her,— but Mr. Thornton was interrupted by Edward, who seizing the hand of his aunt drew her towards the breakfast room exclaiming " do make haste dear aunty, for you cannot think how monstrous hungry I am !" ^' Hungry are you ? master Ned ?" repeated his grandfather, " you see then, how easily a good appetite may be earned by early rising — and here is a substantial Yankee breakfast for you. So come along my children, and let us see who will best relish the good things that Mrs. Guthrie has provided for us." 34 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. A summons from the good lady herself, now hurried them to the breakfast table where with excellent appetites they partook of her hot muffins and broiled mackerel, a fish which at that season regularly appears at every breakfast table in New- port. " I should like to taste some of that bread, that is flat and smooth and looks so nicely brown," said Edward after having dispatched a muffin or two. ''That is 'Johnny-cake,'" observed Mrs. Guth- rie. "Johnny-cake!" echoed little Emma; "oh! what a droll name !" " It is very good bread, notwithstanding" said Mr. Thornton. " Its proper name is journey-cake, I believe," said Miss Katie, "though it is commonly pronoun- ced Johnny cake." " And is this journey-cake made of rye ?" asked Ellen. " No my dear," replied her aunt " this is what we call an Indian journey-cake, that is to say, it is made of the meal of maize or Indian-corn only ; sometimes, however, we make it of maize and rye together." " And why do we never see it in New York ?" asked Ellen ?" VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 35 " I have sometimes seen it there when visiting" people from New England, though very rarely," replied Mrs. Thornton, " as our meal at New York is almost always bolted^ and consequently too fine to be converted into journey-cakes." "You have heardof the oat-meal-cakes, or han- nocks of Scotland, my dear," said Mr. Thornton, *' and our journey-cakes are as common and pecu- liar to New Eno^land. It is Yankee-bread, Ellen." " I like Johnny^s-cake very much, for it is very sweet," said Edward, " I only wish Mr. Johnny had made it oi finer xn.QB\, for it hurts my teeth." " That vv^ould spoil it for a Yankee, Edward," said Miss Katie, laughing at the difficulty he seemed to find in masticating bread composed of such coarse materials, " %oe do not like your bolted meal, though it is thought by some, that the coarseness of our own is injurious to the teeth." " Well, I will try to eat some of it another time," said Edward, laying it aside, " and now, grand- papa, please to tell me, why it is called journey- cake?" "It is so called, I imagine, because it is the most easily and speedily prepared by people in the hurry of a journey ; is it not so, Miss Katie ?" asked Mr. Thornton, turning to his daughter. 36 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. "I have always heard so, sir," replied Miss Thornton, " it is made, Edward, like the cakes we read of in the Bible," she continued ; «' you remember that the wives of the patriarchs made cakes and baked them on the hearth. If you should go to the kitchen now, I think you would find one bakina: on a board before the fire. AVill he not, Mrs. Guthrie ?" " Yes, ma'am," replied the amused Mrs. Guthrie, *'but take care that you do not jog the board and overturn the cake," added that ever careful housewife, for if the ashes get on it, it will be spoiled." Edward quitted the room to satisfy his curios- ity, and when he returned, found his grand-father and aunt planning the amusements of the day. " May I go with you, grand-papa ?" he eagerly asked. " Certainly, on condition however, that you first tell me the latitude and longitude of Newport, and the number of its inhabitants." Edward looked a little startled for a moment, but receiving an encouraging look from his mother, and a smile from his aunt, after a little hesita- tion replied, " Newport lies in latitude 41 degrees, 29 minutes North, and in 71 degrees, 17 minutes, East longitude, and contains 8.000 inhabitants." VISIT TO GRAND -PAPA. 37 "Right, Edward, perfectly right," said Mr. Thornton, '' and now, what can my little Emma tell me ? Do you know nothing of our Island, my dear V " Yes, indeed, grand-papa ; it is my own papa's island, and I do know a great deal about it ; for Alfred and Frank and sister Ellen teach me," re- plied the little prattler, " and I can say the latitude and longitude too, as well as brother Edward. But what latitude and longitude 7nean, I don't know yet, any more than the 'incm-in-the-moonP *' The man-in-the-moon may be a very learned personage, for ought we know to the contrary, my dear," said Mr. Thornton, playfully, "but tell me, if you loiow how long and broad our pretty island is?" " It is fifteen miles long, and three and a half broad, and there are 40,000 sheep on it, besides horses and cattle ; and there are goats, and dogs, and cats, and rabbits too, grand-papa ; for I have seen them myself," added the little romp, *' and 1 don't know the reason, why they did not tell me to say them too." " You are right to take notice of these things yourself, my dear," replied her delighted grand- father ; " but they are of less consequence than 4 38 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. cattle and sheep, you know ; but what else can you tell me ?" '' Why, grand-papa, Alfred says that Rhode-Is- land used to be called the Eden of America^ and that means the pleasantest place, like the garden where Adam and Eve lived ;" replied Emma, as she now climbed her grand-father's knee, " and he told m.e too, that the British soldiers cut down all the trees and orchards, and burned the houses, and spoiled the country ;" " but," added she in a whisper, " I do not believe that, for I sec a great many trees and orchards, and houses, and country- seats all about us, grand-papa." *'A11 these orchards and trees have been planted since the British went away, my dear, which is more than fifty years since," replied her grand- father ; '' but Edward, can you tell me, when Rhode-Island was first settled." *'In 1636, sir, by Roger WilHams, who had been banished from the colony of Massachusetts, for refusing to join in communion with their churches, and for his religious tenets which they condemned. Having purchased a tract of land of the Indian Sachems, Osamequin* and Canonicus, * Commonly called Massassoit. VISIT TO GRANDPAPA. 39 he laid the foundation of a town at Mooshawsac, which town he called Providence, and which is situated about thirty miles above Newport, in Narragansett Bay." "Very well answered, Edward, but you are speaking of the State^ and / meant the isla7idy^ said Mr. Thornton, "do you know any thing of the matter, my little fellow ?" " Oh yes, sir ;" replied Edward, "Rhode-Island was first settled by a Mrs. Hutchinson and a num- ber of her party, who on account of their religious opinions had been likewise banished from Massa- chusetts. By the assistance of Sir Henry Vane, they obtained from the Indian Sachems a deed conveying this island to the English, on the 24th of March 1638. The settlement of the island was begun at the North-end, near a narrow strait, and called Portsmouth." "And when v/as Newport settled, Frank ?'» asked Mr. Thornton abruptly, on perceiving his look of extreme impatience. " Sir !" cried Frank, in a tone of undisguised 'amazement and displeasure, on being questioned like a child. "Sir !" repeated his grand-father, imitating his tone and air of offended dignity in pronouncing 40 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. the word, '' I asked you to inform me when New- port was settled, /SiV," he added. " It was settled in 1639, I believe, sir." replied Frank, recollecting himself and coloring- deeply, ^' Newport was settled in 1639, sir, by Mr. William Coddington, of the Society of Friends, and seven- teen others. Mr. Coddington was afterwards Governor." " You will not be offended, I hope, Miss Katie, if I venture to ask you, when the first church was founded in Newport," said her father. A Baptist church was founded in Newport in 1644, sir, by Mr. John Clarke, a leading character amongst the exiles," answered Miss Katie, throw- ing an arch-glance at her nephew Francis, who colored deeper than before at this oblique re- proof from his grand-father. " Do you recollect, Miss Ellen, what was the old Indian name of Rhode Island?" "It was called Aquidneck,* Aquidnet or Aquid- nay, which in the Indian tongue signifies the " Isle of Peace", sir," answered Ellen. " And now, Mr. Alfred, what is the Constitution of our State, enquired Mr. Thornton, turning to his eldest grand-son. * See Note III. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 41 " The Constitution of Rhode Island," answered Alfred promptly, "is founded on a Charter granted by King Charles the Second of England, in 1GG3, the frame of Government not having been essen- tially altered by the Revolution. The Legislature consists of two branches, an Upper and a Lower House, or Senate, composed of a Governor, and Deputy Governor, and ten Members, called Assist- ants J in the Charter ; and a House of Represent- atives, composed of Deputies from the several towns. The Members of the Legislature are chosen twice a year, and there are two Sessions of this body annually, namely, on the first Wed- nesday in May, and the last Wednesday in Sep- tember." " They seem very fond of Wednesdays^ I think, grand-papa," said Edward. Mr. Thornton rewarded his remark with a smile and a playful rap on the head, then turning to Francis once more, inquired : " In whom, Mr. Frank, is the Supreme Executive power of the State of Rhode Island vested?" " The Supreme Executive power of Rhode-Is- land, is vested in the Governor," replied Frank, starting so suddenly as to overturn a plate, cup and tea-spoon, and trying to suppress a yawn as 4* 42 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. he continued : " In the absence of the Governor, it devolves on the Deputy Governor, v/ho with the Assistants, Secretary, and General Treasurer, are chosen annually, in May. The Governor pre- sides in the Upper House, but has only a single voice in enacting laws." " And you seem to have scarcely so much to say for any thing, Francis," said his mother in a tone of gentle reproach. " Well ! go to sleep, Frank, go to sleep again," said Mr. Thornton, " while Alfred tells me how many Courts we have in Rhode-Island." " There is one Supreme Judicial Court, com- posed of five Judges, whose jurisdiction extends over the whole State," replied Alfred, " and they hold two Courts annually in each County. There is also an inferior Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, in each County, holden twice a year, for the trial of causes not capital, arising within the County, from which an Appeal lies to the Supreme Court." " And now," asked Mr. Thornton, " which of you will tell me, how many Colleges there are in Rhode-Island ?" «' There is only one sir," answered Frank, rousing himself with the air of a person, deter- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 43 mined on getting through an unpleasant task as fast as possible, '' It was founded at Warren, in Bristol County, 1764, and its first commencement was held there in 1769. In 1770 it was however removed to Providence, where a large and handsome edifice was erected for its accommodation. At the com- mencement in 1804, Nicholas Brown Esq., gave $5000 as a foundation for a Professorship of Ora- tory and Belles Lettres, in consequence of which the Corporation have given to Rhode-Island College the name of ' Brown University in Providence and Rhode-Island Plantations.'" "Well got over, Frank," cried Mr. Thornton laughing, '' but you have not told us a word of the College buildings having been occupied by the French and American troops during the Revo- lution, and the interruption which that war occa- sioned to the course of education. Not a word have you told us either of its Professorships or its Charter." " The Charter of the College was granted by the General Assembly of the State," resumed Frank, '^ by the name of the ' Trustees and Fel- lows of the College or University of the English Colony of Rhode-Island and Providence Planta- tions, in 1764.' By this Charter the Corporation 44 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. consists of two distinct branches, with separate and respective powers. — The Trustees are thirty- six in number of whom twenty-two must be Bap- tists, five of the denomination of Friends, five Episcopahans and four CongregalionaUsts. The same proportions of the different denominations is to endure perpetually. The number of the Fellows inclusive of the President who is a Fellow ex officio, is twelve, of whom eight must be Baptists — the rest may be chosen indiscriminately from any other denomination. The President must be a Baptist but the Professors may be of any de- nomination. The Corporation meets annually on the first Wednesday in September at which time the commencement is held." *' You have recited the lesson well, and verbatim from Dr. Morse, Frank," observed Mr. Thornton, '' Can you tell us how many Professorships there are at Brown's University ?" " There is, first, a professorship of Divinity — 2d, a professorship of Law — 3d, a professorship of Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics — 4th, a professorship of Anatomy and Surgery. — A pro- fessorship of Materia Medica and Botany — a pro- fessorship of Oratory and Belles Letters, founded by Nicholas Brown, Esq. in 1S04 — a professorship VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 45 of the Theory and Practice of Physic — a profes- sorship of Chimistry — a professorship of Mathe- matics, and lastly a professorship of Natural Phi- losophy and Astronomy. There are likewise several Societies in connection with this Univer- sity," continued Frank, " namely, the Philermen- ian Society, with a library of 1500 volumes, found- ed 1794. — The United Brothers Society, with a library of 1250 volumes, founded in 1807. The Philermenian Society founded in 1816, whose object is to supply necessitous students with books — and the Philophysian Society, whose object is the cultivation of Natural Science. This Society possesses a valuable Ghimical Apparatus and have lately established a Library in connection with it." " Are there any mines in our State ? Ellen," asked Mr. Thornton. "Yes, sir. There is a copper mine in the township of Cumberland, the copper of which is mixed with iron, strongly impregnated with load- stone, of which several specimens have been dug up. Iron ore is found in great plenty in sev- eral parts of the State. There are also very productive coal-mines on the island of Rhode- Island — and a great abundance of lime-stone of different colors, has likewise been found in the State which Dr. Morse calls ' the true marble.' " 46 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. "Remind me Ellen," said Miss Katie, "before you leave us, to show you some curious and beau- tiful stones I have, which were found at Cumber- land, at Bristol and at Diamond Hill near Prov- idence. I have likewise a set of ornaments of what is called the Bristol Amethyst, which were presented me by a friend. It is very beautiful, and has frequently been set and worn by ladies of my acquaintance." " Grand-papa" cried Edward, " did I not see specimens of quartz, iron pyrites and asbestos among your collection, yesterday ?" Mr. Thornton nodded an afllrmative. " Perhaps Edward, you can recollect something to tell us concerning the asbestos my love," said Mrs. Thornton. " Oh yes, mamma, I recollect. The ancients used to make a cloth of it that would not burn, to wrap the bodies of their dead in, lest their ashes should mingle with the ashes of the wood, which they used in burnins: them. I should like to see some of that cloth." "I will give you specimens of all our Rhode- Island minerals before you go, if you will promise to tell me a great deal about minerals when I pay you my Christmas visit," said his grandfather. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 47 "Give them to brother Alfred, if you please grand-papa, for he is very fond of the study," said Edward, " and I will learn all I can about them just as well as if I were to have them myself." '' Thank you, my generous little fellow !" re- plied Alfred, " but I am fond of collecting them you know, and can procure them without robbing you of yours." " Settle it your own way young gentlemen," said Mr. Thornton as he rose from the table, adding " I am pleased to find you all so well acquainted with the history and geography of our State." " Thank my stars ! the catechism is over at last !" whispered Frank to Alfred, as he started joyfully up. Alfred answered by a reproachful glance, and putting his arm through that of his venerable grandfather turned away. " After so long a penance Frank, what say you to a ramble about town ?" asked Mr. Thornton, ^' for I perceive your mother is still looking too feeble for our intended excursion to Easton's Beach." " On the contrary, my dear sir, I was just going to propose availing ourselves of so fine a morning, and going thither," replied Mrs. Thornton, 48 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " You shall do no such thing, my dear," said Mr. Thornton, positively, " Easton's Beach, in- deed ! you might as well talk of a walk to Saror toga or Niagara, with that pale face." " It shall be as you please then, sir," returned Mrs. Thornton. " Nay, it musf rejoined the father-in-law, " for Miss Katie allows nobody to gainsay the com- mands of her old father. So come and get your hats boys — and here, some of you, tie on this httle girl's mittens. She shall go along with grand-papa too." " Oh yes, aunty will put on my bonnet," cried little Emma. " Well, if aunt Katie pleases," said the gentle Ellen. " Aunt Katie pleases to do every thing in her power for you all," said Mr. Thornton while his daughter complied with the whims of the little girl, " There, Miss Katie, don't muffle her up too much this warm day," he added as he took the hand of little Emma. " Come along young gen- tlemen, and good morning to you ladies," he said as he moved to the door with all the youthful party except Ellen, who like the ever-attentive Alfred had observed the languid look of her mo- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 49 ther and preferred remaining with her, to going out without her. " She is only bored to death with the tedious geographical lecture with which grand-papa has been pleased to regale us," said Frank as his bro- ther alluded to her ill looks <' but hark'ye Alfred, don't make the matter worse by telling her she looks indisposed— and do not let her see you watching her so anxiously, Ellen. Bless me, it is enough to frighten her. Speak to her cheerfully, Alfred" he added, then approaching her himself he exclaimed with an air of gaiety " So ! Mother, grand-papa won't give you a furlough 7 — ha ! ha ! — this is enforcing discipline with a ven- geance." " Get you gone, you monkey" said Mr. Thorn- ton, laughing, " and do not be raising a mutiny in Tny garrison.''^ " There !" cried Frank as a bright smile illu- mined the countenance of his mother, " I knew she was only annoyed by the endless geographical recitation." " She is never annoyed by any thing from which her children can derive benefit," rejoined Alfred, " and however wearisome you found it Frank, 50 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. you should never forget the respect due to our excellent and affectionate grandfather." « He is the best grandfather on earth !" ex- claimed Frank, warmly, " and I love and respect him as much as you can do — butit was so tedious that I lost all patience." " It must have been as tedious for him to listen to what he already knew, as it was to you to rejjeat it," returned Alfred. " Perhaps so — but I was vexed at being ques- tioned as if I were a child like Ned, or Emma," said Francis. " And what do Ned and Emma learn which tve ought not to know ?" asked Alfred, " we ought surely to be acquainted with the geography of our own country.''^ " To be sure we had," replied Frank testily, " no gentleman would be ignorant of what is taught in every village Free School, and therefore I was displeased at being questioned, as if my knowledge on such points were doubtful." " But from your grandfather such questions could not com.e improperly, had you even arrived at maturity," said Alfred, " and for my own part, I think it very kind and condescending in him to interest himself so much in our progress and pur- suits." VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 51 " Well, Alf, I suppose you are right," said Frank ingenuously. " It generally happens that you get the best side of the argument ; though I scarcely know how you can avoid it in disputing with we, since I am invariably sure to be in the wrong.'''' " Not so bad as that either," said Alfred, passing his arm affectionately within that of his brother, " you are sometimes wrong, to be sure, and I won- der who is not ?" " Why you are not, and Ellen is not," rejoined Frank, " whereas I am perpetually blundering into some misdemeanor or other." «« Well, young gentlemen," said Mr. Thornton looking back to them, " you seem to be deep in consultation, which I must beg leave to interrupt, just to remind you that unless you walk faster we shall not be home in time for dinner." The young gentlemen quickened their pace and leaving his brother Frank, now offered the support of his arm to his grandfather, and in this order they resumed their march through the town. On their return home they found Mrs. Thornton much refreshed by a walk in the garden, from whence she and Ellen were just returning, leaning each on an arm of Miss Katie. 52 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " Have you had a pleasant walk my darling ?" said Mrs. Thornton, as little Emma ran into her arms on her entrance. " Oh a very pretty walk mamma, and grand- papa has been telling us such pretty stories about the war ! and a great many things," answered the little prattler as she climbed into her mother's lap. " And we have seen the house where Wash- ington lived when he was in Newport," said Edward as he took the hand his mother extended to him, " and we have seen the quarters of the Count Rochambeau, and the baron Viomenil and Count Segur, and a great many others, and the tomb of the great French Admiral who died and was buried here mamma." " And what was the name of that great man ?" asked Mrs. Thornton, smiling at the rapidity with which he was heaping heroes^ houses^ and tombsj together. " He was the Chevalier D'Ternay mamma, and his tomb is fixed outside the Episcopal Church wall, and does not look a bit like a tomb, it is so awkwardly put up, I think — and — and " "Stop ! — Stop, Edward ! not so fast, and not so lo2ul my child, if you have any mercy for Mrs. Guthrie's head and your mother's nerves," said Mrs. ThorntoUj interrupting him. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 53 '« Indeed I have mammaj" said Edward, " I would not hurt you, or dear, kind Mrs. Guthrie's head, for any thing." '' I beheve you my dear," said the old lady ; but tell us in a lower voice, what wonders you have seen." " Alfred can tell it best, a great deal," replied Edward. " Nay, my son," cried Mrs. Thornton, <' let us hear it from yourself." " Grand-papa has pointed out all the public buildings mamma," said Edward, " and I counted thirteen places of public worship. Four for Baptists, two for Episcopalians, one for Congrega- tionalists, one for Moravians, one for Methodists, one for Unitarians, one for Roman Catholics, one for (Quakers, and one Jewish Synagogue — which makes thirteen, mamma." " And has Newport no public buildings besides churches ?" asked Mrs. Thornton. ^' Yes ma'am but you will please ask Frank or Alfred about them," replied Edward. *' Well, Frank, what public buildings do you find besides the churches ?" " I will sit down by you, and go regularly through the business, mother," said Frank, draw- 5* 54 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. ing a chair beside her. " To begin then, ^verba- tim from Dr. Morse,'' as my grandfather said this morning, there is the State House, the form, situa- tion and architecture of which, give it a pleasing appearance. It stands sufficiently elevated, and a long wharf and paved parade lead up to it from the harbor — so far from the good doctor," said Frank, laughing, "and the rest I must manage for myself. Well then, the aforesaid State-House is ornamented with a cupola and furnished with a clock and bell. In the Council Chamber is a full length portrait of Washington from the pencil of Stuart, who, you know was a native of this State. On the south of the parade is a wall prettily ornamented with trees, at the foot of which is a fountain of excellent water. In Thames street there is a theatre and brick market, a fine building for the Custom House, and two elegant brick Banks. In Mills street there is a commo- dious edifice for the accommodation of the Free School, and opposite the Methodist Chapel is a Gaol, both the latter are of brick — and lastly there is the Asylum on Coaster's Harbor Island for the accommodation of the poor of Newport — a hand- some edifice of stone." <' Frank is very correct as far as he goes," ob- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 55 served Alfred, " but he has omitted Redwood Li- brary, and St. John's Lodge. " The recollection of the gaol frightened them out of my mind," said Frank laughing, " so you may finish the task yourself." "Well then, mother," said Alfred, good natured- ly complying with his request, "having examined the State-House, we crossed the Mull, and found ourselves in Touro street, in which is situated the the Jewish Synagogue, a handsome brick building, where in the days of Newport's prosperity, many wealthy Jewish families were accustomed to wor- ship, but of whom my grand-father informed us, not an individual now remains in town, many having died, and the remainder being removed to other places. The Synagogue, the Street on which it stands, and the Jewish Burial Ground at the head of it, are kept in continual repair, by a lega- cy bequeathed the town for the purpose, by a Mr. Touro, a wealthy merchant of Boston, who was a native and formerly a resident of Newport, and retained to his latest moment an affectionate at- tachment to his birth-place and the temple where his father worshipped. In honour of him, the street has since been called Touro-street. Quit- ting the Jewish Burial Ground, we turned into 56 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. Bellevue street, which conducts to the Bellevue- hotel, and in which the pubhc Library is situated. <• On what days, sir," asked Alfred, interrupting his own narrative, and turning to his grand-fa- ther, "on what days did you say that we could ob- tain admittance to the Redwood Library ?'* " On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday after- noons, when the librarian attends to receive and deliver books," replied Mr. Thornton. " You will go with us, mother T asked Frank in a tone of entreaty. << Certainly, if you wish it, my son," replied Mrs. Thornton. " The Redwood Library," resumed Alfred, " is an elegant building, much admired by architects. It was built and endowed by the munificence of a Mr. Abraham Redwood, in the year of our Lord 1747 ; from him it derives its name, and his por- trait adorns its walls. The Redwood Library did not escape the ravages of war ; my grand-father tells us that most of the books were destroyed, or carried off by the British. A few, however, were left, and as they had spared the building, it was afterwards repaired and its shelves replenished by the literary gentlemen of Newport, whose inhabit- ants still derive profit and pleasure from the g^^xv- j'l m VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 57 erosity of the public-spirited individual who en- dowed it ; and thus, my dear mother, ended my grand-father's account of Redwood Library. As we passed along Bellevue, he kindly pointed out the ground where the French army encamped while at Newport ; it lies eastward of the town. The clock then striking one, my grand-father in- terrupted our tiresome questions, by reminding us that it was his dinner-time, and proposing to re- turn home." " And here we are, aunt Katie," said the lively Frank, exceedingly well disposed to do justice to the very best things in Mrs. Guthrie's hill of far e^ " for to say truth, I am as Ned this morning de- clared himself to be, monstrous hungry ^^ " To dinner then P' exclaimed his grand-father, and be assured you cannot please Mrs. Guthrie better than by partaking heartily of the dishes she serves up ; and after dinner, as your mother is better, I think we may venture to permit her walk- ing to Easton's Beach. " Before dinner was over, however, thick and heavy clouds began to darken the atmosphere ; but so merry, and so well-employed, were the little party, that they observed not the gathering storm, until startled by a vivid flash of lightning; it was 58 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. quickly followed by the majestic sound of distant thunder, which continued to roll nearer and nearer, in long and reiterated peals, accompanied by a heavy shower of rain. Cato closed the sashes, and the fa- mily quietly finished their repast ; but the storm continued so late that their intended excursion was postponed, and they were compelled to pass the remainder of the day within doors. W\ I CHAPTER III. Easton's Beach — Mr. Thornton's account of the "Sea-bird" — • Legend of the " Ghost " — Return home — Little Edward in mis- chief — &c. &c. The ensuing morning proving favorable for the meditated visit to the Beach, the young people, as soon as breakfast was over, equipped themselves for the excursion. But, as a walk of a mile was judged too fatiguing for Mrs. Thornton and her little girl, Miss Katie's low chaise was ordered for their accommodation, and as that lady was un- accustomed to the management of a horse, Mr. Thornton took a seat in it beside her. Miss Katie, like most of the Newport la- dies, was in the habit of walking in almost any weather, and preferred it to riding. She therefore equipped herself to accompany the pedes- trians of the party, in a close habit and thick shoes, the former to shield her from the sea-breezes and the spray, and the latter to protect her from the dampness of the sands, on which she was to 60 VISIT TO ORAND-PAPA. walk. Taking then the arm of Alfred and the hand of little Edward, and giving Frank the care of her parasol, she set off, previously to the de- parture of her sister-in-law and her father, who she knew might easily overtake them, though drawn only by old Chesnut, her own horse, a la- zier or more pelted animal than whom, had never enjoyed a comfortable old age. Easton's Beach beins: the favourite resort of all the 'fashionables* of Newport, the young strangers had wished much to visit it. The young gentlemen were also de- sirous of enjoying a plunge in the surf, in which, provided there were no company on the Beach, they were now to be indulged ; it having been arranged, that on their arrival at the Beach, Miss Katie should take her father's place and the guid- ance of her own comfortable vehicle, through the pleasant rural valley, called " Green End", leaving Mr. Thornton to return with his grand-sons, after they had bathed. The young gentlemen departed with Miss Katie, in high spirits, anticipating much pleasure from the conversation of that lady, which was not only instructive but highly amusing ; as, to an inexhaustible fund of quiet humor, she had, by extensive reading and observation, added a great share of information and a rich stock of VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 61 anecdote. She was moreover well versed in the traditions of her native island, and acquainted with the history and character of its most distin- guished men. In passing up Mill-street, she pointed out the house which had been the residence of the celebrated General Greene, who was a native of this State, and for many years a resident of New- port. Opposite the mansion stands the "Old Tower," and little Edward pleaded earnestly for leave to stop and examine it, but, fearing they should be too late on the Beach, Katie objected. Arrived on the "Beach," it was with a mingled sensation of pleasure and awe, that the young peo- ple gazed about them. There was such refresh- ing sweetness in the pure sea-breeze, — so muchsyl- van beauty in the smiling landscape of " Green End," which skirts Easton's "Pond" on the north ; and the beautiful sheet of water in which it lay reflected ; such grandeur and sublimity in the view of the vast and mighty ocean, whose ma- jestic billows broke in foam beneath their feet, — that Mrs. Thornton quitted the chaise, in order to enjoy the scene more perfectly by rambling on the open shore. So overwhelming to their unaccus- tomed ears was the tremendous roar of the surf, that it was some moments before any one attempt- 6 62 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. ed to speak, supposing it impossible, perhaps, to make their voices heard. At length, pulling the sleeve of his aunt, Frank pointed to the breakers, and looked with eager inquiry in her face. " Well !" cried Miss Katie, unused to converse in dumb-show, and misinterpreting his gestures, " Well," she said in her shrillest tone, •' they are hreakers.^^ " Aye," rejoined Frank, finding to his great re- lief, that it was indeed possible to converse, " Aye, but those black spots on the water ?" " Gullsj I suppose," replied his laughing aunt, " but / see nothing but a knot of sea-weed yonder." " What are they, sir," enquired Alfred, as his eye followed the direction indicated by his broth- er's finger, '' those two black things in the water?" " If there were fifty black things there', my child, my old eyes could discern nothing, while the sun blazes so dazzlingly on the sea," said Mr. Thornton, after vainly endeavoring to obtain a view of the objects pointed out. " If it were possible for boats to be there, sir," said Frank, " I should say they were boats." " And boats undoubtedly they are," replied his grand-father. "What ! among those terrific breakers, sir," de- manded Frank in amazement. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 63 ^' There are objects moving around them in the surf, which appear to be the heads of people," ob- served Alfred. " Nothing more probable, Mr. Alfred," rejoined Mr. Thornton, " they are fishermen, undoubtedly, preparing to draw a line, and if so, we shall see the beach alive in an hour or two with the finny gentry." ' It will be a sight worth seeing, for such lands- men^ as we are," said Alfred. " Well, Ned, what are you thinking of, my little man," asked Frank, observing the little fellow seated on a stone, with one hand thrust into the bosom of his jacket, and apparently in deep thought. '' I was thinking, brother, of the pretty story Alfred read to me the other day," replied Edward as he took the hand Frank held out to him. " And what was the story about, my little fel- low," enquired Francis. '' Do you think, grand-papa," asked Edward, " Do you think it was on such a beach as this, sir, that— that— " " Why do you hesitate, my dear child?" asked Mr. Thornton, go on my dear, and speak out whatever you were going to say." Gi VISITTOGRAND-PArA. " I was only going to ask you, sir, if it was on such a beach as this, that the King of England sat, when he scolded his great lords?" — "I mean, sir," said Edward correcting himself, " I mean when he commanded the sea not to wet his feet ?" " Yes, my dear, I do think it was on some such beach as this," answered Mr. Thornton, '' but fin- ish the story, Ned ; did the sea obey him ?" " Oh no, grand-papa ! how could it ?" said Ed- ward, encouraged by his grand-father's approving smile, " no, indeed, sir ; it only came on, one great wave after another, and washed over his feet, as these do over mine. So he found he could not do all the great things his foolish lords told him ; for they were wicked and told him a great many falsehoods. And that king would nev- er wear his crown any more after that, and Alfred told me, that his name was Canute." " You have told the story very well for a little fellow, and are a good boy to remember it," said his grand-papa in an approving tone. " But, grand-father, that king must have been a great fool to think the waves would care a fig for what he said," cried little Emma. " He was a wise man, and expected no such thing, my dear j" replied Mr. Thornton, who de- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 65 lighted in conversing familiarly with his children. *' King Canute wished to convince his courtiers, that he was not to be imposed upon by their spe- cious flattery. He wished also to show them the folly and wickedness of ascribing to any mere man the attributes of the almighty and most high God; and he could not have chosen a better method of doing this. J seldom walk over these sands my- self, Edward," continued Mr. Thornton, "without recollecting this anecdote of Canute. A scene like this is so calculated to impress the mind with a sense of the might and majesty of the King of Kings, that the proudest earthly Potentate cannot but feel his own insignificance, and be sensible what a poor vain mockery is all human great- ness ;" a silence of some moments followed this remark, which Mr. Thornton himself interrupted by exclaiming, as he pointed with his cane, "You are right, Mr. Frank, there are the boats moving off with the seine suspended between them." "How can you tell, dear grand-papa?" cried Emma, " I see no seine." " Do you not see those black specks on the water, that look like a string of beads, my dear ?" asked Mr. Thornton, lifting the little girl in his arms ; " yonder they lie beyond the breakers." C6 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. '' Oh yes, I see them now," cried Emma," are those specks fishes ?" "No, my child, they are pieces of cork fastened to the edge of the net, to make it float, or keep it up on the surface of the water," repUed her grand- father, adding, " they will proceed as far as yon- der promontory, before they attempt to enclose the fishes ; so you will have time for bathing before they return, if the ladies depart immediately. " Come, my daughters, let us get rid of you at once," he continued, "you will scarcely have time for your proposed ride, now, before dinner ;" and so saying, he assisted Mrs. Thornton and her daughters to the carriage, into which, after pat- ting and caressing old Chesnut, Miss Katie followed. " I declare, aunt Katie, I almost thought you were going to kiss him," cried the merry Frank, " and I believe Chesnut expected it too, for he seemed to put up his brown cheek toward you." "Out, you monkey !" cried Miss Katie gaily, or I will ride over you, just to show you what my faithful Chesnut can do, to prove his friendship and fidelity. Away with you," she added, as she received the reins from her father, when, as if he had understood her encomiums and her threat, old Chesnut arched his glossy neck, and sprung VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 67 forward with an alertness that greatly alarmed the timid Mrs. Thornton, and extremely diverted Miss Katie, whose merry laughter rang on the air some moments after she had driven away. "Old Chesnut knows the hand that guides him now," said Mr. Thornton, looking after them. "Look ye there, boys," he added laughing, the lazy old animal came down with me, after another fashion." "Aunt Katie knows how to drive in capital style," observed little Ned. " And do not /, you rogue ?" asked Mr. Thorn- ton, laying his cane playfully over the shoulder of the little boy. "Oh yes, grand-papa, that is not the reason, he does not go as well with you, I dare say," said Edward, "but aunt Katie is so good to every thing, that every body loves her." "And does not every body love 7ne too, you monkey?" asked Mr. Thornton, laughing heartily at Edward's blundering attempt to apologize. " Yes indeed, grand-papa:" cried Edward blush- ing, I do not think that any body loves aunt Katie best^ but Chesnut and Phillis, and Nancy, and — " "Ay, and Cato, and all the rest," said Mr. Thorn- ton jocularly ; '-be honest, Ned." G8 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. *' Yes, Sir ; but I do think that Chesnut and Mrs. Guthrie, and PhilUs and Nancy, do love aunty best." " I will not quarrel with them, for their partial- ity, Edward, especially old Chesnut, for to say truth, I never gave myself much concern about him; and Miss Katie, as you say, is good to every thing;" replied Mr. Thornton. "But come," he added, " leave your clothes on these rocks, and into the water with you. In the mean time, I shall amuse myself with a stroll across the beach." " What a very little black speck the chaise looks like now," exclaimed Edward, straining his sight after the vehicle, which was now at the farther extremity of the beach, a mile off, " it looks no bigger than a fly." '' Take care ! do not tread on that poor little crab, Ned," cried Alfred. Edward stepped aside to avoid it, and his grand- father walked off, calling out to them as he turned away " take care that child does not venture too far into the surf, Alfred; and do not get yourself entangled in the sea-weed, master Ned." The boys now sprung into the water, and sported gaily amongst the breakers, until Alfred, perceiving that his grandfather, weary of his walk, had seated VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 69 himself on a stone to wait for them, recollected the possibility of his finding the hot sun uncom- fortablcj and immediately hurried his companions out of the water, when they again gathered round their grandfather. "If you are not tired," said the latter when they joined him, "I am inclined to gratify Edward, by awaiting the return of the fishermen." Alfred made no objection, though being of a slender constitution, he felt exceedingly fatigued; for he was too good-natured to deprive any one of an expected pleasure. He therefore seated himself under the projection of an overhanging rock, whose friendly shelter screened him from the fer- vid rays of the sultry sun, and patiently waited the return of the fishins: boats. " Do any of your vessels ever enter here, sir" asked Frank, as he stood gazing on the breakers, that were tumbling madly in, and playing their wild gambols on the beach. " How ! among these breakers ! Frank," ex- claimed Mr. Thornton. "A sagacious inquiry that, Admiral'' cried Al- fred, laughing at the absurdity of the question, as he sat wringing the salt-water from his hair. " I have however heard of one vessel that 70 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. passed these breakers and rocks, and reached the shore in safety," said Mr. Thornton, "but she was guided by no human pilot." " You alkide to the vessel called the Sea-bird," exclaimed Alfred, raising himself from his reclining position ; " aunt Katie told us the marvellous le- gend of the Sea-bird, as we came hither, by way of explaining an adventure of old Cato's, which he related to us this morning. The poor fellow insists that he once saw a ghost and heard her sing her sad song here amongst the billows." " You may laugh, if you please, Mr. Frank Thornton," said his grandfather with mock gra- vity, " but wiser men than old Cato have been as much terrified as himself by this same musical apparition." "Are you serious, sir?" asked Frank, puzzled to ascertain whether he were in jest or earnest. " Is it a laughing matter, Master Frank, that the ghost of a drowned woman should find it the labor of half a century to lull her drowned child to sleep ?" exclaimed his grand-father, " or is it surprising that worthy Cato and many an honest fisherman, and farmer beside, should have been terrified at actually beholding this renowned ghost in propria j^ersona ?" VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 71 "And is it possible that any one in these days, beside our old Cato, can be so weakly supersti- tious ?" demanded Frank in surprise. " Ay, sir, as surely as you are now on Easton's beach," replied Mr. Thornton; "ah!" continued he laughing, "well do I remember the day of poor Cato's misadventure. He had been sent, about sunset to the beach for sand, which in those days all neat house-wives used to sprinkle on their milk-white floors; (for very few were then so ex- travagant, as to carpet their houses) Cato had been sent hither for sand ; but, poor fellow ! he returned without it. I shall never forget the ashy hue of his complexion, or the chattering of his great teeth, as he rushed into the house, and even into the parlor in his terror, where crouching himself down close beside my father, he informed us that he had been pursued by the ghost of the drowned lady with her child in her arms, whom he fancied he had oflended by interrupting her song." " Did you not laugh a great deal at old Cato for believing in ghosts, grand-papa?" " Not then^ certainly, Edward, for we pitied the terror of the poor boy, which was as great as if there had really been a cause for it, ' replied the old gentleman, "but we often afterwards endea- 72 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. vored to convince him of the folly of his super- stitious fears : in spite of reason and of ridicule however, he persists in believing the whole to be a reality. But Cato, unfortunately, is not the only person whose belief in this musical apparition is as fixed as their religious creed. There is a far- mer, a very worthy though ignorant man, who supplies my family with milk and butter. Yon- der is his house," added Mr. Thornton, pointing it out; ''this honest man^has often told me stories of this same ghost." " I should like to hear the superstitious old man tell the story," observed Alfred. " I should like much better to meet the appari- tion herself," said Frank, "but may we not suppose the whole story of the Sea-bird a fiction ? or that the ship herself was a phantom, like the famous «' Flying Dutchman ?" «' I should find it very difiicult to think so," an- swered Mr. Thornton, "because we have the concurring testimony of many respectable people who came hither and witnessed the fact. My father was one of them, and some are yet living who saw it." "Bless me, sir! I listened to the whole story as to a fable," said Frank. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 73 *'The fable is ti fact, sir," rejoined his grand- father, " the vessel was discovered early on a fine morning, by the farmers and fishermen of yonder hamlet," pointing to a cluster of humble dwellings on the bank. " She was standing m, with all her sails spread and colors fiynig. Astonished at so unusual a spectacle, and expecting every moment to see her dashed to pieces on the rocks, the peo- ple gathered on the beach to wonder at the mad- ness of her crew, and await her supposed inevi- table destruction. She, however, glided in and out between the hidden rocks and boisterous breakers in perfect safety, and struck her keel into the soft sands without sustaining the slightest injury." ''Wonderful!" exclaimed Francis, "and is it true that no one was on board her ?" " Not a living thing, except a dog, which was sitting composedly on deck. Coffee was however boiling at the fire and every thing prepared for the breakfast of her crew." " Had there been no storm on the coast, sir ?" inquired Alfred. " None at all ; and the vessel was perfectly un- injured," answered Mr, Thornton ; but it is sup- posed, that, finding themselves unexpectedly very 7 74 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. near the breakers, through the carelessness of the helmsman^ the crew abandoned the vessel in alarm, and attempted to escape in boats, when, strange to say, the vessel reached shore in safety, and the boats were lost." <' It is very surprising !" observed Alfred. " Not more strange than true, young men, as has been testified by several respectable witnesses," replied Mr. Thornton, " but yonder are the fisher- men with their booty ; they will be ashore in a moment." Rising as he spoke, he descended from the rocks to the sands, followed by all his young companions. In a few moments after, the fishermen beached their boats, and the seine was drawn to land filled with its struggling captives. " How they shine !" cried Edward, bounding about in childish glee, as thousands of the inha- bitants of the deep floundered on the beach, some of them in their dying agonies, leaping high in the air, their silvery sides glittering with the re- flected beams of the noon-tide sun. " If we did not know they were suflering so much, this would be a much more agreeable and amusing sight, Edward," observed Alfred. <'Poor little things !" cried Edward, with sudden- ly changed feelings, "I should like to throw some of them back to their homey the sea, again." VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 75 " A loud shout from the fishermen now drew their attention to a shark, which had been in- closed in the net along with the fish, on which he had doubtless intended to resfale himself. The young Thorntons ran eagerly to obtain a view of the hideous creature, which, though a young one, was a novelty to them. It was almost immme- diateiy dispatched by the oars and clubs of the fishermen. *' Mr. Thornton now looking at his watch, was surprised to find it so late, and when his grand- sons had satisfied their curiosity, he summoned them around him, and immediately commenced his walk homeward. On their return home they found the ladies arrived before them, and Miss Katie engaged in teachinof Mrs. Thornton and Ellen the art of ma- kinor baskets and vases of shell work. It is a fa- vorite employment of many of the Newport ladies, and as the shells may be collected in abundance on many of the beaches, they are easily procured. Some of the vases and fancy articles manufac- tured of them, are very elegant. To prevent the ladies from being interrupted in their agreeable occupation, Mr. Thornton invited little Emma and her brothers to the Library, where he was accus- 76 VISIT TO G RAND-PAPA. tomed to pass his own mornings in reading or writincr. His elder £frand-sons were of course at no loss for entertainment, and were both immed iately occupied with a book. Having therefore selected some engravings for the amusement of the younger children, he sate down to finish the perusal of a new and interesting publication, and soon became so deeply engaged, that the presence of his grand- children was entirely forgotten, until a buzz of whispering voices suddenly reminded him of the circumstance, by the disturbance it occasioned him. On looking up to ascertain its cause, he perceived that, not satisfied with the sketches he had given them, Edward was busily employed in exploring a case of drawers, where a choice col- lection of drawings, engravings, and painting im- plements, belonging to his daughter, were depo- sited, whose port-folios were now undergoing a strict and merciless examination. " What would you be at there?" demanded their grand-father, suppressing a momentary inclination to laughter, as he observed their busy looks and the industry with which they were pursuing their depredations amongst Miss Katie's treasures. Con- scious of being detected in what was not lawful, the children started like guilty things, and in their VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 77 * eagerness to replace the drawings, overturned an elegant box of water-colors, and a camera ohscura. "If you have injured that box, you little rogue, you shall be punished," said Mr. Thornton, lay- ing aside his book, and advancing to ascertain the extent of the mischief, " who gave you leave to meddle with those drawers?" he sternly deman- ded, as he took Emma on one arm, and with his other hand snatched a port-folio from Edward. " No one, sir ;" replied the abashed culprit, step- ping back with both hands thrust into his pockets, and looking ruefully at the scattered papers and colors ; "and I did not mean to do any mischief at all." "You have broken a glass of the camera-ob- scura, however," said Alfred, who had risen to assist in remedying the accident. "If the mad-cap have not injured the drawing- box, it will be fortunate," said Mr. Thornton, adding, " Hark'ye ! Mr. Ned Thornton, if you Tnust be in mischief, let your depredations be con- fined to my property. With Miss Katie's, no one shall presume to meddle. She is a little particu- lar on such points, as she has a good right to be on all or any, and I tell you once more, that her property shall not be molested. Come hither. 78 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. sirrah-rogue ! and replace the colors in the box, and the box in the drawer, and let me catch you at such tricks again, if you dare." Edward ob- eyed, very much grieved, for he saw that his grand-father was seriously displeased. To his great joy he, however, found, that all the mischief he had done, might be repaired, except the unfor- tunate earner a-ohscura^ which was really broken. T/m^, Mr. Thornton said, was of little consequence, as it was his own, and a new glass might be easily procured, "but once more I must tell you, master Edward, that I forbid your tampering with any property of Miss Katie's. It is a law in my house, sir, that whatever belongs to Aer, is sacred." "How strange, grand-papa, that you are so much more careful of aunt Katie's things than your own," said Edward, beginning to recover from his fright, "and she is so good-natured, that I do not believe she would have scolded if I had spoiled the box, and all the rest." " No, sir, she never scolds, and she is alicays good-natured ; and that is the very reason I will have nothing done to vex her. But go sir," added Mr. Thornton, "you are no gentleman, since you are not to be trusted. So away with you, out of llie room." VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 79 " Then /must go too, for I was as bad as Ned. /helped him pull out the things," said little Em- ma, bursting into tears, as she sprung off her grand-father's knee, and I have not behaved like a gentleman either." " You act like a lady, however, in acknowledg- ing your share of the mischief, my little girl," re- plied her grand-father, smiling. " But it was I that put it into your head," cried Edward, pushing her back into the room, "you never thought of searching the drawers till I asked you," he added, shutting the door hastily, to conceal the tears that were standing in his eyes. " You may come back again," said Mr. Thornton, opening the door again, "you are too generous, I see, to let Emma be censured for your faults, and in this, at least, you have acted like a gentleman. I now will believe that you would not have had the meanness to meddle with what you had no right to touch, had you reflected a moment. You will be more cautious in future, and now we will be friends again." Edward took the hand which his grand-father extended in token of forgiveness, and wiping the tears from his face with the back of his hand, re- turned to the library ; after two or three ineffec- 80 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. tual efforts to speak, he at last said. " You are very good, sir, to forgive me." " But I have forgiven yon, and so we must not think or say any thing more about it," returned Mr. Thornton, adding, " you may look for a book, or, stay, you may turn over the drawings in Miss Katie's album. I may venture to intrust you with it nowj I think." Thanking his grand-father for the indulgence, Edward seated himself, and remained very quiet the rest of the mornins:. Mr. Thornton was soon after called away to receive the visit of a friend, when the great delight afforded Edward by some of the drawings in his aunt's album, attracted the attention of his brothers. " Oh, if sister Ellen could only paint like that^ cried Edward. " Surely I know that paint,ing," exclaimed Al- fred. " You are not mistaken, brother," said Frank, " look at those initials below. " " It is indeed then my father's drawing, said Alfred. " My father ! Is it papa's drawing?" cried little Emma, squeezing her little curly head between those of her brothers', to gaze at it. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 81 "And those lines too beneath the picture, that writing is papa's also," cried Frank ; and with agitated eagerness added, " I am glad my grand- father is absent, for we may read them now ; and I will copy them." "But the hand resembles aunt Katie's so much, I am rather doubtful," said Alfred ; " see, yonder she goes to the garden ; give me the book, Frank. I will know whose lines they are," and seizing the book, he hastened with it to the garden. He returned almost immediately, and Miss Katie again rejoined her sister, for whom she had been gather- ing a bouquet. "The lines are my father's, Frank, and were written at the age of fourteen," said Al- fred, " aunt Katie not only permits us to copy them, but any others we like ;" with these words Alfred seized a pen and hastily transcribed the following LINES. " Dear Isle of my birth, sweetest gem of the sea, Now summer revisits tiiy shore ; My heart's best afTections turn fondly to thee ! Oh, when shall I greet thee once more ] Here the woodlands are verdant, the waters are bright. The flowrets their beauties display ; 82 VISIT TO GRAND-PA.PA. But no spot on this earth is so fair to my sight As my own native Isle, far away. ! mine be that Island, whose verdant glades peep Between its rocks rugged and gray. And mine be those rude rocks, wild, broken, and steep, That rise o'er the white ocean spray. 1 love all its wildness, more dearly by far; Its sea-beaten shores are m.ore dear, Than the regular grove, or the formal parterre, ' And the sameness of scenery here. Oh ! let me once more meet the glance of those eyes, That beam'd with affection on me ; Once more clasp the hand of true friendship in mine, And as blessM as in infancy be. And then not a wisii to forsake thee once more, In my tranquillized breast shall be found ; The dear rugged rocks that encircle thy shore I All my wand'rings and wishes shall bound. For all that is dearest and loveliest to me. The scenes and the friends 1 love best ; All I love — all who love me, are center'd in thee, And with them cau I only be blest " ''How very strong his attachment to his native island appears to have been," exclaimed Frank, as his brother finished writing. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 83 m " Yes, and how affectionately my father and aunt Katie loved each other," returned Alfred, as he placed in his hand some verses written on a loose piece of paper. " You must copy them now, Frank, while we have an opportunity." '•Aunt Katie poetizes too, then," asked Francis. " Not now," returned Alfred, " she told me that she was once infected with the rhyming-mania, but my father perceiving the folly of scribbling nonsense as Aunt Katie calls it, cured her of it by the forced dint of ridicule." " That was a queer word you used just now brother," said Edward, " pray what is a writing mmiia V ''^Mania means madness, Eddie," replied Alfred, " but do not shake the table so, I shall never have done copying this if you do." " I have little judgement in such matters Alfred," said Frank ; " but these verses breathe so much affection for my father that I cannot help liking them, if they are noiisense^^^ and without waiting a reply, he spread his paper and instantly began copying the piece entitled : — 84 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. # STANZAS, ADDRESSED TO AN ABSENT BROTHER. The moment of trial has pass'd — we have parted,' To meet perhaps never again — And I o'er the mem'ry of pleasures departed Breathe the sighs of my sorrow in vain. For thou art afar, and tear-drops of sorrow- On my cheek disregarded may shine — And the sighs of my heart are too distant to borrow Sympathetic responses from thine. Yet thou too wilt sigh o'er the fond recollection Of friends thou hast left far behind — Nor will distance or time ever chill that affection, Which so long round thy heart has entwin'd. — Our (lays of delight flew on pinions of gladness, They were days too delicious to last — They are fled and our pleasure is chang'd into sadness And fruitless regret for the past. But ne'er till the heart of thy Sister shall moulder, Though kingdoms and oceans should part — Shall our long cherish'd fervent affection wax colder, Or thou be less dear to my heart. And though childhood is pass'd and those pleasures are over, Which thy presence has render'd so dear — Yet around them fond memory delighted shall hover, And Fancy still dream thou art here. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 85 And although o'er the hour which obhg'd us to sever The tear-drops of sorrow fall fast — We will cherish this hope " that we part not forever, But shall be re-united at last." Scarcely had Frank finished copying the fore- ^going when they were summoned to the drawing- room to be presented to Colonel Hardy and his lady, intimate friends of Mr. Thornton and his daughter, whOj with many other ladies and gentlemen of New- port had called on Mrs. Thornton. Col. Hardy as Commandant of the Troops at this station resided at Fort Wolcott, which is situated on a beautiful island in the centre of Newport Harbor. When urged to stay to dinner, the Col. and Mrs. Hardy consented on condition that the Thornton family should in the afternoon accompany them back to Fort Wolcott, from whence they were to be conducted to Brenton's Point, to view the new- works at Fort Adams, which are so extensive that though five or six years have already been em- ployed on them, it is expected that a much longer time will be required before they are completed. Mrs. Thornton being quite unequal to such an excursion, the proposal was declined by the ladies, but accepted on the part of the gentlemen, who, as soon as the cloth was removed departed, antici- 8 86 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. pating- much gratification. Miss Thornton, how- ever, permitted not their departure until she had obtained from the Col. and Mrs. Hardy, the pro- mise of passing the next day with her, when she proposed that the whole party should visit " Mal- bone's Garden." Mr. Thornton and his grand- sons took tea with Mrs. Hardy at Fort Wolcott, and returned to town by moon-light, much pleased and not a little fatigued by their rambles. CHAPTER IV. Visit to the old Tower— the "Point" — Pirates — Fort Greene — • Malbone's Villa — 'Tonomy Hill — Kendall's Mills — Purgatory — Legend of the Squaw, and the *' Lover's Leap" — Paradise. Scarcely had the family of Mr. Thornton risen from the breakfast-table next morning, when, true to his engagement. Col. Hardy with his lady and their two sons, made their appearance. While waiting for the carriages which Cato was imme- diately ordered to procure, the Colonel proposed that the whole party should adjourn to the old Tower, which was situated within a few rods of Mr. Thornton's house. Hats and shawls were immediately put in requisition, and the party soon found themselves at the inclosure on which this sino^ular ruin stands. The orate was locked but the proprietor of the estate to which it belongs, politely sent a servant to admit them. On ap- proaching it, little Edward observed that it greatly resembled one of the old watch-towers which 88 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. sister Ellen had lately drawn in a sketch of some part of Scotland. The old Tower of Newport, of which for the gratification of our young readers we have ob- tained a sketch, is a circular building of stone, supported by eight round pillars, between which, are the same number of regularly formed arches. Above these arches is an entire circular wall of about a foot and a half in thickness, perforated on three sides only, by narrow loop-holes, namely, on the north, the west, and the south ; — on the east there is no such opening — but just above the arches on that side are the vestiges of a fire- place which except that the hearth is wanting is still entire. Beneath this fire-place, and above the arches, there has evidently once been a floor, the places where timbers that supported it were mor- tised into the wall being distinctly visible. It probably had a roof — although it has now none other than " the o'er-arching canopy of heaven," from which circumstance Frank Thornton com- pared it to the druidical temples of Britain. " The moon looked so beautiful last niofht, peeping through these arches as it rose, that I wished very much to come here," said Ellen to Mrs. Hardy, whose affability and sweetness had won her heart. fe=< a ^ ^ ^ .fte N VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 89 " Upon my word, Miss Ellen, I am very glad that you had not the temerity to venture on so rash an experiment!" observed Col. Hardy, with well-acted solemnity. " Why would it have been rash, sir ?" inquired Ellen, in surprise. " Bless my stars ! young lady ! have you lived three whole days in Newport and never been in- formed that the old Tower is haunted V ''And what haunts it, sir?" asked little Edward, whom the Colonel was leading by the hand ; " my mamma says there is no such things as ghosts." " I do not consider myself qualified, my dear to discuss these abstruse points," replied the officer, laughing, " and so I must refer you to Miss Katie, who I am happy to say is possessed of great ' le- gendary lore.' How say you, madam," he added, bowing to that lady as he repeated Edward's question. «' What haunts the old Tower ?" " No less a personage than the great Author of evil himself, as I was told in my childhood," replied Miss Thornton. '^ And is not even this desolate ruin exempt from the influence of the great enemy of mankind !" exclaimed the Colonel. " How happy would it be for us all, if his malign influence were confined 8* 90 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. within its lonely and circumscribed limits," he added ; " but — mercy on us !" continued he in aiTected alarm, " here we are discussing the sub- ject in the very precincts of his abode ! What now, master Edward, if he should pounce upon us from behind one of these pillars here ! But you did not finish the story. Miss Thornton." ^' It is soon told, and the children will laugh at aunt Katie," she replied, " when I acknowledge that I used to believe the story so implicitly that the world's wealth would not have bribed me to run three times in succession around the ruin." '' Not run three times round it, aunty ?" cried Edward. " What hurt would it do ?" '' Some terrible penalty would have been incur- red by the perpetration of so great an atrocity^^^ said Mrs. Hardy ironically. " Terrible indeed, madam," answered the laugh- inof Miss Thornton : " for we were told that the person who should presume to make so rash an experiment would be carried off bodily, by the great adversary in person." " I'll warrant you never made the experiment, madam," cried the merry Colonel. " No indeed," returned Miss Katie. "So deeply had my mind been imbued with superstition, by VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 91 listening to the ghost stories of my old nurse, that I would not have adventured it for the world." "How say you, master Ned," cried the Colonel, when the laugh occasioned by Miss Katie's con- fession had subsided. " Would you dare try it ?" "I should not be afraid, sir," replied Edward, " for I do not think there is any more harm in running round an old ruin than round an old post • — and I am told I should fear nothing but doing: a wrong action." " You are a sensible little fellow, and will make a brave man some day," observed the Colonel, pleased with his manly reply. " More fortunate than your aunt, and many others, you have had no superstitious nurse to make a coward of a good boy." " Oh, but I am not a good boy, sir," said Ed- ward recollecting his fault of the preceding day, and ashamed of receiving praises he did not de- serve. " I did not behave like a gentleman yesterday, sir — and offended grand-papa, by med- dling with aunt Katie's drawings without leave." " If you have been guilty of a fault my little fellow, you have acknowledged it like a man," rejoined Col. Hardy. " I like your ingenuous conduct Mr. Edward, and therefore, since you are 92 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. not afraid of ghosts and hobgoblins I will chal- lenge you to a race. Come, sir," continued the hu- morous officer, " three times round the old Tower, if you dare, and ' the gobUn take the hind -most.' " " Delighted with a proposal so unexpected, Edward sprung forward, and the Colonel followed, but being corpulent and heavy the officer was obliged to yield the palm of victory to his young competitor — and at the conclusion of their race declared that he had not been so exhausted with fatigue since General La Fayette left the country. When they rejoined their companions they found Mr. Thornton engaged in conversation with a gentleman who had joined him during their ab- sence. They were deep in discussion relative to the purpose for which this singular pile had been erected, and in reply to some observation of the stranger : " I do not agree with you, sir," said Mr. Thorn- ton, " for I have myself heard an aged and most respectable gentleman of this town declare that he recollected perfectly, when a loooden-mill erected on the top of this tower was employed in grinding corn — A loooden mill, sir." " Well, sir — this rather favors^ than disproves my theory," said the gentleman, " a wooden wind- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 93 mill erected on the top of this tower would have been as properly a wooden-wind-wm as if it had been erected on a high rock or any other eminenccj and may be considered as distinct from, though erected ujion the Tower. The latter was undoubt- edly in all respects the same tower it is now, before that mill was erected ; but as it aiforded a favorable elevation the builders wisely availed themselves of it. But that any man in his senses should go to the trouble and expense of building such a thing as this, purposely and solely for the foundation of a mill, when a few rough large stones put together rudely would have answered the pur- pose as well, I can never be persuaded to believe. Besides sir, you forget that at the early period when this tower was reared, the constant perils to which our ancestors were exposed from the perfidy of their Indian neighbors were so great; that while they labored with one hand they carried their weapons in the other — and is it probable — is it even possible that in such circumstances, they could have spared time and wasted their labor on such a thing as this, merely for the foundation of a mill ? What an unmeaning and useless labor ! What a waste of time and skill !" " You think then that it was intended for a cit- adel 7" asked Mr. Hardy. 94 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " Such is the avowed opinion of a naval officer of my acquaintance," said the stranger ; <' but notwitlistanding those embrasures on which his opinion was chiefly founded, I have doubts on the subject. No place intended as a citadel would I apprehend have been left open on all sides like this, when it might have been enclosed entirely with much less care and labor, than it must have cost to form these arches and pillars with so much regularity ; for if there was once a floor, as it ap- pears evident, it must have been of %vood^ and nothing could be easier than for an enemy to set it on fire." " Provided they were suffered to enter beneath it, you should add, sir," said Col. Hardy, "but what is more probable than that those loop-holes were intended for archers and sharp-shooters ?" "Why then are there only three of them and none on the east, when it is as easy of access there as elsewhere ?" demanded the gentleman. " The tower may have been higher," said the Colonel. " There ^nay have been another story, and another tier of loop-holes." Mr. Thornton smiled, and shook his head in- credulously. " We have no ground whatever for such a sup- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 95 position," said the stranger. " The wall is very little broken at the top, and it could scarcely have preserved the evenness and equality of its height in its whole circumference had a whole story broken and fallen from it." " What then are we to make of it ?" asked the Colonel. " I confess that I could never form any plausible or satisfactory conjecture as to the purpose for which it was erected," replied the unknown gen- tleman. " But that it is no work of the aborigines, here is, what in my opinion amounts to positive proof," and he pointed with his cane to the fire- place on the east side. " Is there no mention of the Tower in the Town -Records ?" asked Col. Hardy. •* Yes, in the will of one Mr. Benedict Arnold, bearing date December 24th, 1677," replied Mr. Thornton. " By which among other legacies, he bequeathed the stone mill and the lot on which it stands (which then extended to Spring-street) to his daughter ' Gods-gift Arnold ;' but there is not any mention of, or allusion to it, that I can dis- cover, of an earlier date." " Then we are sure at least, that it was once a mill," said the colonel. 96 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " I can never admit that it was huilt for one," observed the gentleman, still obstinately adhering to his own opinion. " "Why those arches so re- gularly formed? — or those pillars rounded with so much labor and exactitude ? — composed too of small stones, when large ones might as easily have been procured with less labor, and would have supplied their place equally well, if it were inten- ded merely for the base of a mill. Sir," he con- tinued, " the first settlers of our country had too little time to spare from the cultivation of the soil, the formation of their settlements, and the defend- ing themselves from the hostilities of the Indians, to throw away such labor on the architecture of wind-mills." " But the circumstance of its having been so long known by the name of the Stone-Mill, is a strong argument against your theory, sir," said Colonel Hardy. " It is an argument of no weight in my opinion, sir," persisted the unyielding stranger ;" '• it ob- tained the name from the wooden mill that was built on its top ; and a very good site it afforded for a mill ; but I think any one, after examining the work, must, from the great labor bestowed upon it, perceive the absurdity of the opinion, that t VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 97 it was ever intended by its builders for the mere basis of a wind-mill;" and having so said, the stranger bowed with stiif formality and quitted the place. " Humph !" ejaculated the colonel, with a shrug, as he looked after him, '^ He that's convinc'd against his will, Is of the same opinion sliU." ** But, whatever was the original destination of the old pile," he added, " I think this Mr. Arnold of yours, was to be envied such a treasure of a child as his daughter must have been, if deserving of her distinguished name." " Aye, a fine name ! I like it myself, and if Miss Katie were to be christened over again," said Mr. Thornton, looking affectionately towards his daugh- ter, who was walking with the ladies at a little distance, " I would call her " God's giftj'' for a good child is a God's gift indeed, sir, as I hope you will experience and thankfully acknowledge." The colonel thanked him, and accosting the young Thorntons, who, with his own sons now rejoined them, exclaimed, "Well, young gentle- men, what is the result of your inquiry ? "VYhat 9 98 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. do you find the circumference of this singular and most unaccountable ruin ?" " It is precisely eighty-one feet, sir," replied Frank. " If you have finished your investigation," said Mr. Thornton, "I believe it is time we returned. The ladies will be weary of waitmg." The party accordingly returned to the house, where the carriages were already in waiting to receive them. As they intended rambling cdl day about the Is- land, and knew not where tbey should find it most agreeable to dine, Cato had been directed to place refreshments in the carriages, that they might regale themselves when they pleased. Bread, cheese, lobsters, cold ham, tongues, olives, lemons and fruit, had therefore all been packed commodiously away by old Cato, who was well practised in providing for such pic-nic excursions, and the party set off in high spirits. Directing their course north-west-ward from the town, they proceeded immediately through that part of New- port called the " Point," which, although not con- sidered a genteel part of the town, has some plea- sant and airy streets, and many convenient dwel- lings. Previous to the revolutionary war this was a very busy and commercial part of the city. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 99 There were situated extensive tanneries, sugar- works and distilleries. Here likewise were docks, wharves and ware-houses, all which were de- stroyed by the British, and of which no vestiges now remain. The ship-building of Newport is however still carried on in the ship-yards at this I part of the town. Mr. Thornton stopped the carriages at '' Gravelly Point," formerly called " Bull's Point,' a beach remarkable as the place of execution, where twenty-six pirates were all hanged together on the 19th of July A. D. 1723. These pirates were found on board the sloop Fortune, commanded by Low, and the Ranger, commanded by one Harris, both which piratical cruisers were captured fourteen leagues from the east end of Long-Island, by captain Peter Solyard, of the English ship Grey-hound, on the 10th of June previous, 1723. Leaving behind them the scene where these unhappy men had met the pun- ishment too justly merited by their crimes, our party proceeded to Fort Greene, commonly called the '• North Battery," a pleasant spot though now dismantled in ruins, notwithstanding it was forti- fied so recently as at the breaking out of the late war with England. Turning from Fort Greene, they proceeded to the shore, Mr. Thornton hav- 100 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. ing procured a " Permit " from the committee who superintend the asylum, to visit that estab- hshment. As a boat is always in waiting, they were quickly wafted across the narrow channel from Rhode-Island to Coaster's Harbor Island, on which the asylum is situated. It is a handsome stone-edifice, occupying an airy and pleasant si- tuation and appearing to great advantage from the harbor. It is supplied with every accommodation, that benevolence could devise, for the comfort of its inhabitants. The able-bodied pensioners are required to contribute to their own support by cultivating the large and valuable farm, on which it stands, and as the land is extremely fertile, its produce has greatly diminished the expense of maintaining the poor of Newport, who find them- selves much more commodiously situated than before their removal from town, though it is said, they submitted to the measure with unconquer- able repugnance. The hearts of the young strangers dilated with satisfaction as they ob- served the neatness and orderly appearance of the house, and the kind treatment they receive from the people who have charge of them ; and they felt great pleasure in distributing the little presents of various kinds, which their grand-father had VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 101 provided for them to bestow among the pensioners. As they were returning from the Asylum, Mr. Thornton remarked, that, since its erection the street-beggars who had previously been an ab- solute nuisance in Newport, had entirely disap- peared. Having recrossed the creek, they drove directly to Malbone's garden, into which they ob- tained admission by the payment of four pence each. Colonel Hardy, desirous of viewing the old work on " Tonomy Hill," readily acceded to Mr. Thornton's proposal of ascending to its summit. This hill was fortified by the British, while in the possession of the island during the Revolution. It terminated the left wing of the intrenchments, with which they surrounded the town on the north and east. The ascent on the south-side of this hill is a tolerably easy slope, but on the other sides its rocks have been cut into a smooth perpen- dicular, which in some places are even now in- accessible. From the vestiges which yet remain, Colonel Hardy pronounced it to have been a strong and important fortress. Alfred and Frank, found much amusement in tracing out by the colonel's assistance, (who as a soldier was conver- sant with such subjects,) the form and original 9* 102 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. boundaries of the old intrenchmeiit. On tlie summit of this hill are the ruinous walls of a brick block-house, erected there during the pre- sidency of the first Adams. As they were, descending the hill, Francis in- quired if the hill had been named in honor of the celebrated St. Tammany, as he had observed it was more frequently called Tammany than '' Tono- my," as his grand-father and the colonel both pro- nounced it." "No," replied Mr. Thornton, ''Tonomy" is the vulgar abbreviation of the name Wonnumetono- my, who, at the time when Mr. Coddington pur- chased the island of the Narragansett Sachems, Miantonimo and Canonicus, was, (under them,) the resident Sachem, or Governor of the island. The wigwam of this Sachem was situated here ; and it was the -^ royal residence" both before and after the conquest of the island by the Narragan- setts." "But I have always thought, sir, that the na- tives of this island were a part of the great Nar- ragansett nation," observed Alfred ; " were they then ever indpendent of them V "So says tradition," replied Mr. Thornton, " and so we must suppose from the fact that the f VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 103 Narragansetts obtained the island '' by conquest." The island was conquered some time before the settlement of the English at New Plymouth, but how long previous, it is impossible to ascertain. The battle, which decided the fate of the "Aquid- ians," was fought at a place about three miles and a quarter from our State-House in Newport, at a swamp or low ground in the township of Middletown, near the brook or iHvei', as it was formerly called, a little eastward of the road lead- ing to Bristol ferry. From a tradition, handed down from one Doctor Garret, a physician, whose testimony is esteemed worthy of full credit, and who is supposed to have received it from the In- dians themselves, it appears, that there had been a sea-fight between the Narragansetts and thcxlquid- ians, in which the latter were entirely defeated. After this discomfiture, they were assailed by their enemies on land, and collected the remnant of their tribe, commanded by their Sachem in person, to make a last and desperate struggle in defense of their freedom and their country ; when, at the place I have mentioned, their camp was surroun- ded on all sides by their enemies. Their Sachem and great warriors were slaughtered, and their ar- my completely vanquished. The unhappy sur- 104 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. vivors thus became the tributaries of the Narra- gansetts, and so continued until the settlement of the island by our forefathers.* Wonnumetono- my, from whom this hill derives its name, is sup- posed to have been the heir of the Sachem killed in this battle. In corroboration of the truth of this tradition," added Mr. Thornton, " I should mention that the fact of the " Conquest" is recited in the Indian Deed of the Island." Having finished their survey of the hill, and enjoyed the extensive prospects it afforded, they now descended to examine the celebrated ruins of Malbone House. They found the ladies, (who had declined the fatiguing walk to the hill,) so- ciably and comfortably seated on the lofty flight of stone-steps,t which once conducted to the principal portal of this splendid mansion, where Ellen was employed under her aunt's tuition, in a first attempt at sketching from nature, being de- sirous of conveying on canvas to her friends at New- York some faint idea of the beautiful pros- pect around, which appeared so charming to her- self. The younger children were gamboling * Vide Note III, at the end of the volume. t These steps have since been removed. ^n VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 105 among the ruins, or bounding along the garden- walks, in pursuit of wild flowers and butterflies. As the gentlemen rejoined the group, a venerable figure, dressed in the primitive attire of a^Quaker, suddenly emerged from the shadow of some trees hard by, bearing in his hand a rake with which he had been employed. " A beautiful spot, sir," exclaimed Colonel Har- dy, bowing with polite affability to the aged man, '• a beautiful spot, sir, notwithstanding its formal borders of clipped boxwood and the antique taste, which so strictly required that every " alley should have its brother." From the vestiges of elegance yet remaining, I should suppose the villa must have been superb." " Thou art right, friend ; there was no such dwelling in the provinces," replied the (Quaker ; but like all earthly pomps and vanities it had but a brief existence. It is melancholy to walk here of an evening, as I sometimes do, and hear the snake hiss, the ivy rustle, and the winds moan, where kind words and glad voices once so gaily echoed." " It teaches us a solemn lesson on the vanity of human greatness," said Mr. Thornton. " It doth so, friend Thornton," replied the aged 106 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. moralist, "and thy young people may here learn the folly of seeking a portion among corruptible things, to the neglect of that better and enduring inheritance, which is reserved for *' the pure in heart ;" and he cast a benevolent glance on the young faces around him. " The proprietor of this villa must have been affluent," observed the colonel. '' He was one of the most opulent in the pro- vinces, young man," was the reply. " His town- house, which is yet standing in Newport, was also a splendid habitation. It is an ancient brick building, perhaps thou hast observed it." " I have," replied the officer, " it has an im- posing appearance with its portico, double flight of lofty steps, and its heavy and highly ornamented iron gates and railings." " The interior* also presents many vestiges of its former splendor," added the Gluaker, " in its gilded cornices and pannel work, and its mantels of rich marble. But the house on the ruins of which you stand, was the most superb mansion in the colonies. It was once the resort of all the gay, * Tills ancient mansion has recently been converted into a Bjodern dwelling. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 107 and falsely called great ones of our island, and has been the scene of many a splendid banquet and joyous revel. But, ' pride goeth before de- struction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.' " " By what means, sir," asked Alfred, " was it reduced to its present ruinous condition ?" Alfred had addressed his grand-father, who, though perfectly acquainted with its history, pre- ferred that his children should hear it from the Quaker, with whose serious remarks and im- pressive manner he had been particularly pleased. " It was destroyed by accident," replied the latter. On a day when a large party had assem- bled at dinner, their mirth was suddenly inter- rupted by the alarm of fire, which had been kin- dled by a spark from the kitchen-chimney. Thou seest it is far from town, and except the farm- house wherein I now live, there was no dwelling near. The neighboring farmers assembled as soon as the alarm was given, ready and wihing to exert themselves for the preservation of tha property ; but they came from a distance, and the flames had made considerable progress before the fire was discovered. It was moreover a very windy day, and in spite of all their efforts the house was reduced to a smouldering ruin before night-fall." 108 VISIT TO GRANU-PAPA. " 'Sic, transit gloria mundi !'" — exclaimed the colonel. " But I heard old Mrs. Guthrie say, that the de- struction of the house was chiefly owing to the folly and pride of its haughty mistress," observed Ellen. " Ay, it is seldom that any one omits that part of the story, as our friend Mr. B m has done," observed Mr. Thornton with a smile. '^ I omitted it friend Thornton, because I feel reluctant to speak of the faults of the dead, — even when I know that a story is true," replied the benevolent quaker, and added, turning to Ellen, " I am not ignorant of the story my young friend — ^for few people ever speak of Malbone House, without referring to it. It is an old story that the haughty lady would not endure to have her spa- cious halls and parlors polluted by a rabble of country boys and farmers, nor allow them to tram- ple with their dusty shoes over her rich carpets and mahogany stairs, even to preserve her stately mansion from destruction, and that being allowed to enter only by the back doors, it was found im- possible to convey water to the roof fast enough to extinguish the flames, in consequence of which, the haughty woman lost her house." VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 109 « Good enough for her," said Frank, ^' she de- served it for her folly." " She did so, young man. if the story be true," observed the quaker ; " but let us beware of cher- ishing the same spirit we condemn in her. It is easy, my young friend, to censure the faults of others, but difficult to detect and conquer our own." " Remember that, my son !" exclaimed Mrs. Thornton. '' And remember too, that the truth of this part of the story cannot be vouched for," added Miss Katie. " Aye," said Mr. Thornton, " that is the vulgar version of the story, though the common one, which I always have considered rather apocryphal — for haughty as the lady very probably was, she was not a fool." " Her husband was not, at least," added Miss Katie, " for he bore his loss, with the calmness of a philosopher as appears from an anecdote record- ed in a newspaper of the period — the Newport Herald if I mistake not. I met with it the other day in looking over a file of old papers — and as nearly as I can recollect, the paragraph read thus : < June 7th, 1766 — the elegant dwelling-house, 10 110 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. being the country-seat of Col. Godfrey Malbone, was entirely consumed by fire.' The Colonel had a large family party at dinner, and finding that no efforts could arrest the progress of the flames or- dered the dinner to be conveyed to an out-building adjacent, cooly observing, 'If I have lost my house that is no reason that we should lose our dinner.' " " But we shall lose ours at this rate, my child," said Mr. Thornton, and turning to the quaker added — '' We thank you, Mr. B m, for your narrative, and still more for your apposite and impressive remarks. I hope the moral to be derived from your story and the sight of this melancholy ruin will be beneficial to my young family." " I wish it may, friend Thornton," returned the quaker. '^ A sight like this should teach us all the vanity of that ' wealth which maketh itself wings and flieth away,' — and in the pursuit of which so many of us waste the time, and mis-apply the talents which were bestowed upon us for nobler purposes. Here we may see, my young friends, how poor and perishable is all earthly grandeur — it vanisheth away leaving an unsightly pile of ruins to tell that it hath ever been. Let us therefore learn to look higher my children, and beyond this transit- VISIT TO GRAND- PAPA. Ill ory state of existence lay up imperishable treasures in the eternal mansions beyond the grave." He stooped as he ceased speaking and gathering some wall-flowers and wild-roses, that bloomed amongst the ruins presented them to Ellen saying, " Let these remind thee, through the day at least, young friend, of the melancholy ruin of ^ Malbone House.' " '' I will dry and preserve them, sir," she replied, with a modest and grateful smile, " that I may remember tlie lesson much longer than a day." '^ Remember it to thy latest day, my young friend, and thou wilt be the wiser and happier for it," rejoined the pious quaker, and resuming his gardening implements he bade them a cordial " Farewell !" *' That worthy man should have been a Bishop," exclaimed the Colonel warmly. <' A mitre would not better become his good grey head, than his own broad beaver," replied Mr. Thornton as they all gazed after his retiring figure with feelings of interest and veneration; Ellen having finished her sketch and the sun becoming sultry as it approached the meridian, the party re-entered their carriages and casting a melancholy farewell glance at the wreck of former 113 VISIT TO GRAND-FAFA. splendor drove away. It was a part of their place to alight and " reconnoitre," as the Colonel expressed it, the ground where the battle was fouofht between the Americans and Eng-lish durino^ O DO the revolution ; but they had loitered so long at Malbone House, that they could not with any de- gree of comfort ramble over the unsheltered fields, beneath the fervid rays of the now almost vertical sun. The carriages were therefore ordered to drive immediately to the woody and romantic glen called Kendall's Mills, where Mr. Thornton pro- posed that they should dine and afterwards ramble about in the shade until the sun began to decline. The ladies were enchanted with this beautifully secluded spot, and even Col. Hardy who had not a spice of romance in his composition, was ex- ceedingly delighted with the shadowy coolness of this sequestered retreat. They wandered through the glen and around the silvery sheet of water which was that day undisturbed by the clatter of the busy mills, and which is beautifully overhung by little woody hills to the almost total exclusion of the sun-beams — • while Cato after having procured milk from a neighboring farm-house, selected a convenient spot and spread their repast in pic-nic style on the VISIT TO GRAND-PA.PA. 113 verdant green sward. A happy group they were who gathered with merry bustle to partake of the refreshments which the worthy African placed before them. While the elder part of the company chatted and laughed the children gambolled with all the heartfelt gaiety natural to their age, Col- onel Hardy and even Mr. Thornton himself en- tering occasionally into their innocent pastimes. When the meal was finished, Cato, as he care- fully gathered up his forks and spoons, interrupted the conversation by calling Miss Thornton aside to inform her that a plough boy whom he had met in the fields, had told him of an infirm and destitute widow half a mile off, to whom the rem- nants of their repast would be very acceptable, adding as he packed them carefully and neatly in a large napkin that there was more than one bottle of wine untouched, which would do the poor wo- man's rheumatism more good than all the "doctor's stuff" in Newport — and receiving his mistress' permission to dispose of it as he thought proper the gratified old servant marched off to fulfil his benevolent errand, and Miss Thornton returned to the company, who, in scattered groups were now sauntering about the valley, to which on Cato's return they bade a reluctant farewell, andproceed- 10* 114 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. ing through Miss Katie's favorite route, Green End, rode to Sessawich Beach. On this beach are the " Hanoring: rocks " and at the western end ' the singular chasm called Purgatory — a gloomy abyss formed in the solid rock by some violent convulsion of nature. There is water at the bottom supposed to be fathomless — and its sides are filled with swallow's nests which remain unmol- ested in the clefts of the precipitous rocks inac- cessible to the foot of man. Purgatory is cele- brated as the scene of the famous ''Lover's Leap," of which story no one can be ignorant who has resided long at Newport. Charles Hardy and Frank Thornton while heedlessly clambering about the rocks, approached the verge of the hor- rible gulf so nearly, that had the shghtest pebble slipped^ beneath their' feet they must inevitably have been precipitated to the bottom. The ladies turned pale with apprehension, and the Colonel fearing to startle them by calling aloud advanced cautiously behind them, and drew them back from their dangerous situation with a kind but by no means a gentle hand, bestowing on his son at the same time a severe shaking, together with a stern reprimand for his temerity. He then conducted them to a spot where they might in- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 115 dalge their curiosity at a less fearful risk. The children amused themselves a long time in throw- ing stones into the chasm and listening to the thundering sound they produced as they bounded from rock to rock and sunk at length into the water. "One would scarcely imagine a place better fitted up by the hand of Nature for the accommo- dation of ' demons dire,' " observed the Colonel, as they stood surveying the abyss. '•Has it no presiding genius?" inquired Mr. Thornton; "is there no legend attached to the place to give it interest ?" "Every body has heard the tradition of the Lov- er's Leap," said Miss Thornton. "Of course," rejoined the Colonel; "but have you never a ghost here, to introduce to our notice — those lovers were mere creatures of flesh and blood." " Pardon me sir," cried Mrs. Thornton, " you forget that we poor Yorkers have never heard of Purgatory itself till to-day, and know nothing of this legend." " Let us have it then, by all means, Miss Thorn- ton," said the Colonel, " and the more ghosts you can muster for it the better. Let us have the 116 VISIT TO GRAND-FATA. Story with all its machinery, if there be any madam." " Unfortunately there is not even the shadow of a ghost about the place," said Miss Katie. " Pshaw ! what a pity !" exclaimed the Colonel. " I wish your old nurse were here — she would conjure them up by battalions." " Nay then, an^ you be in that humor, you shall have the legend of the Squaw, and the personage very unpoetically styled ' Old Nick," said Mr. Thornton, " and if it be not the most romantic and agreeable story of the two, even Miss Thornton must admit that it is the most ancient." " Let us have it by all means dear sir," en- treated Mrs. Thornton. " Tradition says," resumed Mr. Thornton '• that after the settlement of our island, some of the Indians were not quite so well satisfied with the bargain they had made, as were their English neighbors ; — which I think you will allow was by no means surprising when I tell you that they had bartered away the whole of it for a string of beads !" " A string of heads grand-papa !" exclaimed the children in amazement. '' What ! the whole of this beautiful island for a string of beads ?" VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 117 " Even so, my dears — the island was sold by them to the English for 40 fathoms of wampum." " Wampum," replied Edward. <' What is warn- pii??i, if you please, grand-papa ? I never heard of wampum before." " Wampum," replied Mr. Thornton, " is a cor- ruption of the word ' Wampampea,' which signifies « Indian money.' The Indians you know were unacquainted with the use of metals, and this wampum supplied the place of coin among them. It was their current money when the country was settled by the English, and was called Wampam- pea by the Narragansetts and other tribes of New- England. Wampum is of two kinds, white and black — the one made of the shell of the perriwin- kle [Baccimim imdatiim, Lin. ;) the other of that of the clam ( Venus ?nerce?iaria, Lin.) both which belong to the class V€i'7nes testacea, you know, Ellen — these shells being formed into beads, Ed' ward, are what we call wampum — and now let me get on with my story. Notwithstanding the dissatisfaction of some of the Indians respecting their bargain, it appears that they lived on very amicable terms with their white neighbors, some of them dwelling as inmates with the Yengees, as they called them. Of this number was an old 118 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. Indian woman, who at length on some provocation avenged herself by the murder of a white man — and fearing the resentment of his people, instantly fled the town. Having arrived in this vicinity she was on a sudden, rather unexpectedly accosted by a certain distinguished personage, in her own language denominated Hobomoko, but in plain English, the devil^ whom the Indians worshipped you know, from a principle of fear. He abruptly informed the poor culprit that he had come to carry her off in order to punish her for the murder she had committed — a proposal not a whit the more agreeable to her from the circumstance of his having assumed the appearance and dress of an Englishman. Recollecting however that she had proved more than a match for one white man, she fancied that she might possibly manage to scalp another, and flatly declined the honor of attending him, but he as obstinately persisting in his purpose, they soon proceeded from high irords to bloivs, exchanging cuff" for cuff* with right good will, until they had approached this abyss, toward which, during their boxing-match the devil had been urging her by imperceptible degrees, when suddenly seizing the unhappy squaw, Mr. Hobo- moko plunged with her into that unfathomable VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 119 gulf. Tradition adds that the print of his cele- brated cloven-foot, and those of the poor woman's hands (who struggled vainly to escape so horrible a fate) are indelibly imprinted on the rocks, but though I have often heard others assert that they had seen them and have spent many an hour of my boyhood in searching for them myself, I was never so fortunate as to discover them." <' Alack ! for the poor squaw !" exclaimed the facetious officer, as Mr. Thornton concluded. " The tradition befits the place, which seems to be indeed a fitting entrance to the abodes of darkness ; but now for the ' lover's leap,' " he added, turning to Miss Katie. " Oh yes, the lover's leap, aunty," cried the young people eagerly, '' let us now hear about the « lover's leap.' " " Well then — to begin in the old and approved style of story-telling," said Miss Thornton, " once there was a man, a very wealthy person, who owned all Sessawich and the land as far as we can see, for aught I know. This gentleman had a daughter who like all great heiresses was very beautiful of course, and had many admirers, for when was a rich heiress without them V asked Miss Katie laughing, " and among those of the 120 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. heroine of my story was one elegant and accom- plished young gentleman, whom, as he was most sincerely attached to her, she failed not to treat with great cruelty and scorn — intending neverthe- less to marry him when she had broken his heart often enough. One day as they were rambling about the rocks just here, the capricious beauty, in reply to some protestation of her lover, pointed to yonder fearful gulf and bade him as a test of his sincerity and devotion to her, leap across the abyss, promising that if he survived the enterprise she would immediately give him her hand." " He fell in, I suppose, and was dashed to death as he deserved to be !" exclaimed Frank, as his aunt paused for breath. '' Nay," said the Colonel, " he could not, in that case, have refused to haunt the place, if he were a ghost of any gallantry." " No — he did not fall in — and he was not dash- ed to death," returned Miss Thornton ; " he did better than that — for after looking intently for a moment in the face of his mistress — to ascertain if she were in earnest I suppose, he suddenly dropped her hand, and the next moment he had leaped across the chasm and was standing erect on the rocks yonder. i' \ K.A PIS, I-. NKAB iVIlWHUR/C, 7e /. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 121 « Fool for his pains," " said Frank once more j" pity he had not broken his neck." "He did better than that," repeated his laughing aunt, " for as soon as he had alighted from his flying leap in safety, he turned round and expressed in the most eloquent terms his admiration of the lady's fine person, complimented her ironically upon the goodness of her heart, and then with a most profound obeisance pronounced an eternal farewell and deliberately marched away, with only one pocket to his coat leaving the other, as a keepsake I suppose, in the hand of the lady, who, when she saw him about to obey her com- mand in sober earnest had seized him by the coat in order to prevent it. Tradition further asserts that flying into a passion on the loss of her lover the lady dashed — not herself^ Francis — but the coat-flap into the gulf, where, as it has never since been heard of, it undoubtedly remains to this day." " Oh ! It haunts the place, " cried the Colonel. " It is undoubtedly haunted by the " ghost of the coat-flap," and so the gentleman was cured of his passion, Miss Katie ! — Why really, madam, the virtues of this modern Leucadia ought to be better Imown in the world. What regiments of love- 11 122 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. lorn swains would crowd hither to heal their broken hearts, or break their foolish necks in the attempt, did they but know the efficacy of a leap across Purgatory ! In common charity I think, the world should be apprized of it." " It grows late, my dear," said Mrs. Hardy, " and you forget that we have to cross the water before we get home. If we mean to visit Paradise, ladies, I believe it is time we were off," she added, " and according to the poor Papists' creed we have now a right of admittance — having "passed Purga- tory." " Your remark Mrs. Hardy, reminds me that to- morrow is the Sabbath," said her husband, " and if any of our friends here would like to worship among us plain Congregationalists, we have a pew large enough to accommodate them all, — and shall be very happy to escort you thither," he ad- ded, bowing to the Thornton family. His invita- tion was instantly accepted by Mrs. Thornton, whose stay in Newport being necessarily limited to a week allowed her no other opportunity of visiting the churches. A short drive brought our little party to the spot which by some means or other has obtained the high sounding title of Paradise. It is merely a long and delightful VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 123 grove of sycamore trees, skirting the base of a rocky hill which is ornamented by many pretty groves of mulberry and other trees, by little verdant glades, and slopes, piles of rocks and clumps of trees scattered about it on all sides; The summit of this hill affords a richly diversi- fied and most extensive prospect both of the island and the ocean, the beauty of which more than compensates the trouble and fatigue of ascending it. Parties from Newport often go thither during the summer season, to pass the day in rambling about, taking refreshments with them as the Thorn- tons had done at Kendall's Mills. Our little party remained at Paradise until reminded of the necessity of returning home, by the setting sun. When once more re-enterinof their carriasfes with some reluctance, they drove rapidly to town. CoL and Mrs. Hardy could not be prevailed on to alight, but proceeded directly to Fort Wolcott, and fatigued with their long excursion, Mr. Thornton's family were glad to retire to rest at a very early hour. CHAPTER V. Conversation on the profanation of the Sabbath — Franks' indolence reproved — Sunday Schools — Churches, &c., &c. The family of Mr. Thornton arose at their usual hour on the ensuing morning, with the exception of Francis, who, thinking as too many are apt to do, that provided he rose in season to attend pubhc worship, it was of no consequence how he dis- posed of the remainder of the day, continued in bed until an express summons from his grand- father compelled him to rise. " I do think it is absolute nonsense," he said pettishly, to Alfred, who had brought him his grand-father's message ; " We have nothing on earth to do and grandpapa might let me sleep. I am tired to death with our yesterday's strolling, and he must be fatigued him- self, I should think. " But the whole family are assembled for prayers and wait only for you, re- plied Alfred, " and I am sure that my mother is displeased at your lying in bed so late." VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 125 « Well ! if I must get up, I must," said Frank, sullenly, as he began reluctantly to dress, "but I cannot imagine why it is necessary for them to wait for me. Alfred returned to the parlor, where, in profound silence the assembled household were awaiting the appearance of his brother, who at length shuffled, evidently in no very good humour, into the room. " We have waited for you, Mr. Francis," said his grand-father, gravely, and Frank in confusion stammered something which he meant for aii apology. ** Are you ill Frank ?" asked his grand-father. " Not in the least sir, replied Francis, promptly. " This is the first day since your arrival Francis, that you have not risen with the birds," said Mr. Thornton ; " may I ask your reasons for lying so late to day?" I felt somewhat fatigued, sir — and as we had nothing particular to do, and no where to go, I thought there was no occasion to be in a hurry .'^ " Had there been a party of pleasure or an ap- pointment for business in view, then we are to suppose you would have risen betimes," said Mr. Thornton." " Certainly sir — I am in the habit of rising 11* 126 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. early," replied Frank, beginning to feel a little uneasy. " You are not to be a lawyer, Frank," said his grand father, but you can inform us, I dare say, what burglary is, and what is its penalty. '•Burglary is house-breaking, and punishable with death, I believe, " said Frank, staring in unfeigned amazement. ''|And sacrilege ?" pursued Mr. Thornton. " Sacrilege is the violation of sacred things — such as the robbery of a church, or the appropria- tion of consecrated things to any unhallowed pur- pose." " And which do you consider the greatest crime, my son, burglary or sacrilege ? asked Mr. Thorn- ton. "Sacrilege undoubtedly," replied Frank, "as it is a crime committed more directly against God." " You are right Frar-cis — and now let me ask what is meant by a Sabbath ?" " It is the seventh part of our time which we are commanded to devote to the worship of our Maker, and in which we are to refrain from " all worldly words and works," answered Frank, with characteristic ino^enuousness, though he now begfan to comprehend his grand-fat! ler's drift. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 127 " But which part of the Sabbath are we to de- vote to the worship of God? demanded Mr. Thornton. " The whole of it sir," rephed Frank, coloring crimson. " Enough Francis," said the old gentleman " I leave you to judge whether or not you have robbed your Maker, by wasting in indolence that holy time which should have been devoted to Him. — • You said just now that you should have risen notwithstanding your fatigue, had there been any excursion in view, or any business to attend to. — Does not this argue great ingratitude unto, and most sinful contempt of God ?" " Contempt of God ! — exclaimed Frank, in a tone of horror. "I said so sir," — returned his grandfather ; "I understood you to say, that had there been a party of pleasure in view, or business to be transacted, you would have risen in season to attend to them, and in so doing you would have behaved with proper respect and attention to those with whom you had an appointment. — But as you were only to meet your God and render Him the appointed service, which is less than His due, you thought it quite immaterial, whether you rose or not, or 128 VISIT TO ORAND-PAPA. how the time were wasted. Is not this treating your Maker with for less respect and attention than you would think due in common civility to your fellow creatures ; and is not this treating God and his commands contemptuously Mr. Francis ?" Frank turned away conscience stricken, and Mr. Thornton as he reverentially turned over the sacred pages of a large Bible, called on little Emma to repeat the fourth Commandment ; after which he read the 17th of Jeremiah. As he closed the sacred volume and took up the prayer-book, he again turned to Frank ; you look hurt Francis," he said, " but are I suspect as much vexed at the reprimand you have received, as you are sorry for your fault. " I should have been quite as penitent for my fault sir," replied Frank rather bluntly, "had I been reproved more privately." " Perhaps so — but would you have remembered the crime you have committed as long as you are now likely to do ?" asked his grand-father. "Crime !" echoed Frank in displeasure, ^^ crime, sir, is I think rather a harsh term for the mere fault of lying a-bed a little later than usual. " How so ? demanded Mr. Thornton, " you just now gave it as your opinion that sacrilege was a VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 129 greater crime than burglary, which by our laws is a capital offence." Did I misunderstand you, Francis ?" " No sir — I certainly said, and I still think so," replied Frank honestly, yet with a dissatisfied air, he added, '' but I think also that the severe reproof I have received might have been given privately." " I see you are displeased with me Mr. Francis," said Mr. Thornton, "and as we are about to present our supplications to the Most High, I will endeavor to convince you that your displeasure is unjust — lest you should cherish resentful feel- ings in your heart, while you are asking God to forgive you, as you forgive others." I supposOj" continued Mr. Thornton, "I suppose you admit that we ought, if possible, to make our very faults as well as our virtues, beneficial to others." Frank bowed with a respectful, though not a pleased air. " You will likewise allow that any error com- mitted in presence of or with the knowledge of those over whom we have influence, is an injury to them. *' Certainly sir,an evil example is very injurious," said Frank. *« Well then," pursued Mr. Thornton, pleased to 130 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. discover that the straight-forwardsincerity of Fran-. cis was neither to be awed nor seduced into the meanness of prevarication, " Well then," he said, " as the whole family have waited for* you so long, you are aware that they cannot be ignorant of your fault. My duty to my household requires that I should endeavor, as much as in me lies, to prevent the injurious effects of your example. I therefore judged it right to make you atone as far as possible for your error, by bringing you to a candid confession of it, in their presence. You are, I am happy to perceive, usually honest and ingenuous, and I expect a candid reply, when I ask you which of us is in fault, and whether I have acted right or not. " Then sir, I acknowledge that you have done right," answered Frank, '' and I likewise confess and ask pardon for my great fault." " Ask it of God J Francis. It is His Sabbath you have profaned, His laws you have broken, and not mine," rejoined Mr. Thornton, " I am glad however, that you are at last sensible of your fault." "I am thoroughly ashamed of it, and sorry for it, and 1 can now thank you fro7n my hearty I believe, for the lesson I have received ; it will I hope make VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 131 me more careful through life, in observing the Sabbath," said Frank. " I hope sir, that you and the family will forgive the evil example I have set — but do not call me I\ancis again sir." " I will not, my son. Sensible of your error you are our own Frank once more," replied Mr. Thornton, laying his hand affectionately on his head ; on removing it, he once more took up the prayer-book. Turning from his grand-father, Francis met the affectionate smile of his aunt, who, as she rose from her chair to kneel before it, extended her hand to him. Frank could scarcely restrain his tears as he received these testimonies of affection from his friends, and reflected on the still more abundant goodness and loving-kindness of that beneficent Being before whom he now knelt, to supplicate forgiveness through the merits of the Redeemer. When the family that morning assembled around the breakfast table, Mrs. Thornton was scarcely less surprised than her children to find the repast so different from what their morning meal had hitherto been. Cold bread and butter, ham, cheese, and radishes just taken from the garden, constituted the simple fare. After what had just passed, however, Mrs. Thornton and her elder chil- 132 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. dren were at no loss to account for the circum- stance, and everyone ate heartily without making any remark until little Emma inquired why there was neither toast nor hot muffins — and no fried ham, no eggs, or broiled fish. " Because, my dear, it is Sunday," whispered Ellen. '< And is it wicked to eat toast, eggs, fish and muffins on Sunday T asked the little girl, in spite of her sister's endeavors to silence her. '• Ellen, let the child speak, my dear," said her grand-father, and addressing Emma, he added, *'No my dear, it is not wicked to eat any of the good things God gives us for food at any time, provided we do not abuse them ; but what says the fourth commandment, my little girl?" "I said it just now grand-papa — It is, " Remem- ber the Sabbath day to keep it holy — in it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant. " There Emma, that is the reason we have nothing cooked to day that we can do without," said Mr. Thornton, "and is it not better to eat cold bread and meat once a week in these fine summer days, than to oblige poor Phillis and VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 133 Nancy to break God's commandment every Sab- bath day," " Is that the reason we have cold food, grand- papa ?" inquired Edward, " but the tea and coffee are hot, grand-papa." " Because we have no method of boihng them without heat, my dear," replied Mr. Thornton, "and cold drinks would be unhealthy — besides, it requires but a very few minutes to prepare them, and in summer we have nothing else cooked on the Sabbath." " How strange, grand-papa," returned Edward, "I thought every body must cook dinner — always. " I used to think so too Ned, until your excellent grand-mother taught me better," replied Mr. Thorn- ton, " for it was not till my marriage that I dis- covered that a cold collation might be endured once a week. My pious wife considered all im- necessary labor on the Sabbath sinful^ and since that inestimable friend was taken from me, her daughter and myself take pleasure in adhering to all her regulations, and our servants reap the benefit of it. In winter our rule is, to have only one plain dish on the Sabbath, which the servants cook in rotation, sometimes Mrs. Guthrie and even my daughter herself, will considerately take the 12 134 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. task upon them, and by this method one member only of the family is detained from pubUc worship. Our servants share equally with ourselves the privileges of public ordinances, and if they neglect them, the fault is their own." " Grand-papa is very droll ! " exclaimed little Emma ; but then I am sure 1 shall want some- thing for dinner, for I am always hungry after church." *' We shall manage to have a dinner prepared for you my dear, said her aunt, '• and I doubt not you will make a hearty meal." "You make me feel sir, that I have myself been guilty of a sinful neglect of the Sabbath," said Mrs. Thornton, after a thoughtfal pause. " It was almost impracticable before my irre- parable loss, for us to have observed it as strictly as you do, as a military officer has but little time at his own disposal — and since my widowhood I have I fear, indulged my grief to the neglect of many of my duties. It is in a great measure owing to this negligence on my part that my chil- dren are not more observant of the Sabbath." " Oh no mamma, I am sure you are always tel- ling us what would have displeased papa," cried Ellen, " and how he would have grieved to see us doing wrong. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 135 " The fault is not yours, mother," said Frank, <' we all know that you disapprove our neglect of the Sabbath and are always strict in observing it yourself." " A sort of half-way observance Frank, and your grand-father has now taught us both the duty of sanctifying the whole Sabbath. I think Alfred we must have new regulations in the family when we return, and I shall depend on you and your brother to assist me in enforcing them," added Mrs. Thornton. '' We shall all of us endeavor to do what you desire madam," replied Alfred, whom as her eldest son, his mother now considered the master of her establishment. " I think Emma I never saw you eat so hearty a breakfast, said Frank ; I think you cannot want another radish. " 1 think I can brother," replied Emma, " they are so nice — I like grandpapa's Sunday breakfasts best of all I think." «' You have given incontestible proofs of your approbation, my little girl," said her mother, smiling. When Emma had at length finished her repast. Miss Katie rose, saying, " I invite as many of you 136 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. as are disposed to go, to attend me to the Episco- pal Church Sabbath School, of which I am a teacher and must of course attend to my duty." The young people gladly acceded to the pro- posal, but Mrs. Thornton having promised to ac- company Mrs. Hardy to the " Union Sabbath School" previous to the afternoon service, declined her sister's invitation lest she should be too much fatigued to fulfil that engagement. The children were very much pleased with the Sunday School to which their aunt conducted them, as well on account of the orderly behavior of the scholars, as the excellent management of the teachers. On entering church with her father-in-law, Mrs. Thornton found Miss Katie already seated in her father's pew with her young relatives. The Episcopal, called the "Trinity Church" of New- port, though without pretensions to magnificence was until recently the most elegant place of public worship in Newport. The worship of God, ac- cording to the ritual of the Church of England was here established in 1706, by the "Society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts." This was the only church respected by the English, while in possession of the place during the revolu- tion. As "the pealing anthem swelled the note VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 137 of praise," the eyes of our young strangers were simultaneously directed toward the fine organ whose deep and solemn tones filled the sanctuary, and their attention was attracted to the inscription beneath it which ran thus : — « The Gift of George Berkely late Lord Bishop of Cloyne." Mr. Thornton remained a short time after ser- vice, to give his grand-children an opportunity of examining the church and several handsome mo- numents that are placed upon its walls, after which they visited the burial ground on the north side of the church, where Mr. Thornton pointed out the tomb of the French Admiral De Ternay, who died while the fleet and army of the unfortunate Lewis Sixteenth of France, were at Newport. The tomb was sent over by that King, and is said to have once been of black marble, and the epitaph of the Admiral inscribed in letters of gold, but as it was placed outside of the church, its exposure to the inclemencies of half a century of winters has utterly despoiled it of its splendor. On their re- turn home the apprehensions of little Emma con- cerning her dinner were happily relieved, by the appearance of the table already spread with an ex- cellent cold collation, consisting of pigeon, pastry, 12* 138 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. tongue, ham and lobsters, which, with a dessert of pastry and fruit constituted their dinner. As they were rising from table, Col. and Mrs. Hardy with their accustomed punctuality, appeared to attend Mrs. Thornton and her children to the Union Sabbath School which is kept at the house of the Free School, and consists of about six hundred children of all denominations, who are there in- structed in the '' first principles of the Oracles of God," by a competent number of teachers under the direction of a superintendant. Here Mrs. Thornton and her family listened with much in- terest to the exercises until the ringing of the bells summoned them to public worship, when they were conducted by the Colonel to the second Con- gregational church, a neat and plain edifice where the services were conducted in the usually un- ostentatious and devout manner. When the con- gregation dispersed Mrs. Hardy, who disapproved of Sunday visiting, took leave of her friends and repaired with her family to the barge that waited to convey them back to Fort Wolcott, and Mr. Thornton's family proceeded homeward. Passing, as they did so, the First Congregational church,* and ♦ This church has been since purchased and modernized by a Sociciy of Unitarians, recently established under the auspices of VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 139 finding the assembly had just dispersed Mr. Thorn- ton allowed them to enter and examine it as they could now do so without inconvenience to them- selves or others. They found it, notwithstanding the dilapidated appearance of its exterior, inter- nally neat and rather pretty. The first Congre- gational church at Newport was founded in 1720, and the Rev. Nathaniel Clapp ordained its first pastor. That eminent divine, the late Dr. Samuel Hopkins was many years the pastor of this church, from which he was at length removed by death, and lies interred in the burying ground adjacent. Out of this church in 1728 the second Congrega- tional church was formed, of which Dr. Ezra Styles, (afterwards President of Yale College, Connecticut) was for more than thirty years the pastor. Since the visit of the young Thorntons to Newport these two churches have again united and now form " the United Conofresfational Church" of Newport. " Grand-papa," said Edward, " you said that all the churches of Newport were used as hospitals Dr. Channing," and the two Congregational churches, after a sepa- rate existence of more than a century were again united under the pastoral care of the Rev. H. A. Dumont, in June 1834, having erect- ed a new place of worship called the Spring Street Church. 140 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. by the British garrison except the Episcopal. Was this one a hospital ?" he asked, as he looked almost incredulously around the interior of the First Congregational church where they were standing. " Yes my dear, this and all our churches except Trinity, were dismantled of their pews which were burned for fuel, and robbed of their bells which were converted into ship-bells for their fleet, and perhaps even the shells of the churches would not have escaped had they not required them for hospitals for the troops." " Was not that doing sacrilege, grand-papa," asked Edward. *' Say, committing sacrilege," whispered Frank. " Committing sacrilege," repeated the docile child. " Certainly my dear," replied Mr. Thornton, '•'since these churches had all been consecrated to the Most High God whom we all profess to wor- ship, though after a different ritual. I remember well," continued Mr. Thornton, " having been terrified by the groans of the poor soldiers under the tortures of amputation, while this was a hos- ':^ pital." « What is amputation, Frank ?" asked Edward in a whisper. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 141 <' The cutting off a limb," replied Frank in the same tone, and immediately asking aloud, " You were in Newport, then, sir ?" " Yes, we remained here through the war ; my father havino^ lars^e estates here which he could not afford to relinquish. I recollect too that hav- ing wandered from home about dusk one evening, I saw, as I was running back, the body of a dead soldier borne from the hospital — that is, this meet- ing house, to be buried in the adjoining field. I was but a little fellow, and the recollection of that corpse extended on a board which was its only coffin, with a blanket thrown over it, haunted my young imagination for months afterward." '• How vv^icked to make hospitals of churches, and cut off people's limbs in them !" exclaimed little Emma. " It was rather worse to destroy them utterly, as was their usual practice," replied the old gentle- man ; " but they committed a laughable mistake at Bristol, where, instead of burning the Presbyterian church, they actually set fire to, and destroyed the Episcopal, which alone they meant to have spared." " How I do hate those ugly English, who were so fond of burning and spoiling every thing !" exclaimed Edward. 142 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " My dear ! my dear !" cried his mother, re- proachfully, '= you forget what you have been taught in the sanctuary you just now left, 'to forgive your enemies, and pray for those that des- pitefuUy use you." *' Then mamma, I am sure, we ought to pray a great — great deal for the English," answered Ned, " for they used us despitefully loith a vengeance,''^ '^ It remains our duty to forgive them, notwith- standing," said his mother, " and we are forbidden to cherish vindictive feelinofs." " Well ! I will try to forgive them, mother," said Edward : '' for I suppose they are nearly all dead before this time, and then* children could not help what they did." " Could not j)r event it, you mean," said Mrs. Thornton. " But grand-papa, did you not have a very bad time, while they were here 7 Did they let you have any thing to eat, sir V^ asked Emma. " We could not have lived entirely without sus- tenance, my dear. But we were often reduced to great straits — being obliged to satisfy our hunger with the meanest, coarsest, and not unfrequently the most loathsome food. I have often dined on horse-fleshj and that half putrid. But we will talk VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 143 of all this to-morrow — we have all been forgetting that to-day is the Sabbath." This conversation ' had brought them to their own door which they now entered. While taking tea Frank expressed a wish to attend the lecture which Mrs. Guthrie said was to be preached that evening in the first Baptist church, and Mr. Thornton acceding to the proposal, again quitted the house attended by his grand-sons and repaired to that church. This is the oldest church in Newport, having been founded in 1644 by Mr. John Clarke and others of his persuasion. It was a plain unpretending edifice at that time, but has recently been repaired and modernized. It has, however, neither bell, steeple nor organ. Here they heard an edifying though plain discourse. When the assembly was dismis- sed, as it was a fine moon-light evening, the boys were very desirous of walking to the Quaker- Meeting-House which was founded in 1700 ; but as it was situated at a o^reat distance and in a direction different from that which conducted to his own house, Mr. Thornton objected, and they once more returned home. CHAPTER VI. A Rhode-Island fog — Song of the Gaspee, Lilly Pond — Funeral of Perry — Mrs. Guthrie's recollections of the Revolution. As they had anticipated much pleasure in visiting White-hall, the seat of the late celebrated Dean Cerkely, and Overing house, where the English General Prescot was captured during the Revolu- tion, by the intrepid Col. Barton, it was with no little disappointment that on rising the next morn- ing the young Thorntons found themselves envel- oped in a fog, so dense that they could scarcely discern the nearest houses in the vicinity. Frank especially was exceedingly chagrined, and declared that a single glance from the window was enough to give one the vapors for life. Many people passed the house closely muffled in coats and cloaks, who, Mr. Thornton assured him were strangers, Newport being thronged in the sum- mer with people from all parts of the Union and even from the West-Indies, who repair thither to VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 145 enjoy the delicious sea-breezes and salubrious climate for which this island is so celebrated. " If this be one of the delights of a Rhode-Is- land summer," said Frank, petulantly, " the good people of Newport are heartily welcome to the entire enjoyment of it." "And we do enjoy it," said Mr. Thornton, laughing at his peevishness: "for disagreeable as it may be to the feelings of such dainty gentlemen as Mr. Frank Thornton, we know that we are in a great measure indebted to these very fogs for the purity and salubrity of our climate. Mr. Stewart, the celebrated traveller, who passed many summers on our island, was wont to enjoy these fogs as if he had been a native. He used to call them ' the broom' that swept our atmosphere clean, and I cannot help thinking that his opinion was as well deserving to be relied on, as that of the sapient Mr. Frank Thornton. There is no fear of taking cold from our fogs — and we only laugh to see strangers shrink within doors, and foolishly shun what would only do them good." *' Do them good, sir !" echoed Frank, " why it is as bad as rain ! See, how heavily the drops hang on the window sashes and blinds." 13 116 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " Very good," said his grand-father, amused by his pettishness. " Very good sir !" reiterated Frank once more, " I think it very disagreeable and cannot under- stand how you can avoid catching cold. Why, the very furniture within doors is damp to the touch." " Very true, Mr. Francis — it does feel as if it had been lying some days under water to be sure, and all our brass latches, grates and utensils are turned green, and if the furniture be not wiped and rub- bed often enough, you will perhaps see it soon covered with a thin ' blue mould,' as we call it. But what then, Mr. Francis ?" added his grand- father, mischievously, " the sun will shine out again in a week or two, and the brasses with a little rubbinof will be as brilliant as ever." " A week or two !" repeated Frank in dismay. Mercy on us ! are we to be drenched a week — a whole week in such a fog as this, sir ?" " Very possibly," replied Mr. Thornton, com- posedly. '' Once upon a time as all my family can remember, we saw the sun only once in three weeks and yet young gentleman, we were all alive and merry at the end of them." <' Tlien," cried poor Frank, " we may make up VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 147 our minds I suppose, to be shut up in the house as long as we stay." " By no means," rephed Mr. Thornton, " at least /shall not consent to imprison myself, when there is nothing to prevent my going out." " Nothing to prevent it, sir," cried Frank, '■ I thought we had been obliged to give up our pro- jected excursion because it was too foggy for going out." " Too foggy for riding, I grant you — but only because we can see nothing," rejoined his grand- father. '^ And is there really no danger of getting one's death- cold in such a focr ?" " Yes, if you are a consumptive, no climate can be worse. Consumptives have no business here — our climate is too humid, and invariably proves fatal to those languishing under that disease who are unwise enough to come hither," said Mr. Thornton ; " but as I am now going for my morn- ing's walk, I need not assure you that I do not fear taking a death-cold from a sea-fog — though I should be very unwilling to make the experiment in a land-fog. We wrap not up for this, and think it savors not a little of affectation in these female strangers and dandies to muffle themselves in fur 148 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. in mid-summer. Why, it is equal to a sea-bath, Frank — out with you, and try it." Frank cast a rueful glance at the window, and begged to be excused. Alfred, also, being deeply engaged with his aunt's well-stored port-folios, Mr. Thornton took his cane and sauntered out alone. The ladies being engaged with their needles, Frank left them to pursue their desultory conversation by them- selves, and sought amusement amongst his aunt's common-place books, where he discovered at length, what he considered an interesting curiosity. " What is it, that delights you so much ?" asked Miss Katie. " Something which I intend to beg of you, aimt," replied Frank ; " will you promise to give it me ?" ** No, I make no promises blindfold," returned his aunt ; " but tell me what it is you are so de- sirous to possess, and possibly you may obtain it." " It is only this old Gaspee song," replied Frank, holding it up. " A Gasjjee song," is the Gaspee one of the dead languages as you call them, brother ?" A burst of laughter followed poor Edward's blunder, and when it subsided Miss Katie, pitying the little fellow's confusion, said, "Never mind, Edward — VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA, 149 older people than you who never heard the word before, and do not know the names of the dead languages might have asked the same question." Mrs. Thornton requested Frank to explain his meaning to the child, and afterwards to read the story. '' I shall best explain the matter by reading it, I believe," said Frank, " and really, mother the thing is quite a curiosity," he then unfolded the piece, which appeared to have been cut from an old newspaper and read as follows : — - " THE OLDEN TIME. Among the papers of the late Hon. Theodore Foster, has been found the printed copy of the following song — commemorating the first act of resistance to the sheddina: of blood that marked the American Revolution : we mean the burn- ing of the King's Cutter, the Gaspee, at Naquit Point in Narragansett Bay. The song v\^as com- posed on that occasion, by whom we cannot learn, and was hummed and trummed ' all about the town.' It is worth preserving as a memorial of the spirit of the times. It breathes rebellion throughout, and must have been regarded as al- most treason by his Majesty's faithful subjects^ 13* 150 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. who were striving to earn the praise of loyalty and the three thousand pounds by detecting the bold burners of the Gaspee. "new song called the gaspee.* " ' Twas in the reign of George the Third, The public peace was much disturb'd, By ships of war that came and laid, Within our ports to stop our trade. In seventeen hundred and seventy-two, In Newport harbor lay a crew That play'd the parts of pirates there, The sons of Freedom could not bear. Sometimes they'd weigh, and give them chase, Such actions, sure were very base ! — IsTo honest coasters could pass by, But what they would let some shot fly. AVhich did provoke to high degree Those true-born Sons of Liberty, — So that they could no longer bear Those sons of Belial staying there. It was not long, ere it fell out That William Duddingston, so stout, * See Note IV. at the end of the volume. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 151 Couimander of the Gaspee tender, Which he has reason to remember. — Because, as people do assert, He almost met his just desert ; Here on the twelfth* day of last June, Between the hours of twelve and one — Did chase the sloop called the Hannah, Of which one Lindsay was commander — They dogg'd her up Providence Sound, And there the rascals got aground. The news of it flew that very day, That they on Naquit Point did lay ; — That night, about half after ten, Some Narragansett Indian-men, Being sixty-four, if I remember, Soon made this stout coxcomb surrender— And what was best of all their tricks, In him a hall too they did fix — Then set the men upon the land And burnt her up, we understand — Which thing provok'd the king so high, He said those men should surely die. So if he can but find them out. King George has offered very stout * Historians say the 9th of June. 152 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. One thousand pounds to find out one That wounded Wilham Duddingston. One thousand more, he says he'll spare To those who say they Sheriffs were — One thousand more there doih remain For to find out the leader^ s name. Likewise one hundred pound per man, For any one of all the clan ; But let him try his utmost skill, I'm apt to think he never will Find out one of these hearts of gold, Though he should offer fifty fold." " Exquisite !" cried Alfred, ironically, as his brother ceased readins:. " I wonder if the music to which it was set were as elegant and sublime as the poetry of the song." " I care httle about that," returned Frank ; " but if aunt Katie will give it me, I shall prize it more than the most elegant modern song I ever heard." *' You may have it Frank," said his aunt, " and if I had the air to which it was sung I would bestow it upon Alfred." " Then it was not altogether an original idea of the Bostonians, the disQ^uisinsf themselves as Indians, when they made as Job Pray says, 'a big tea-pot of Boston harbor,' " said Ellen. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 153 '' So it appears," returned Miss Katie, " but apr^opos of Job Pray, what think you, sister of its author's description of Newport, as contained in the Red Rover ?" *' That he intended to give us a portrait of Newport prior to the Rcvohition," said Mrs. Thornton : " for it certainly is not the Newport of the present day." " Still less does it resemble the Newport of the olden time," rejoined Miss Thornton, '' if what historians, and our aged people tell us be true, that Newport was then a far more wealthy, com- mercial, flourishing and important place than it ever has been since, or probably ever will be again. That it was much larger and more populous than now is very certain— as its inhabitants amounted to more than twelve thousand — and the number of dwelling houses destroyed by the British to nine hundred* — only one hundred less than they left standing — to say nothing of the manufac» tories, wharves and warehouses they demolished. I certainly do not mean to set up for a critic con- tinued Miss Katie smiling, " but although I have passed my life in Newport, I assure you I did * Dr. W house's statement. 154 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. not recognize my native place when I met with it in the Red Rover." The conversation was here interrupted by Alfred, who, placing two drawings before his avmt, said, *' After bestowing the Gaspee song on Francis you will not refuse to give me these, aunt Katie, lest I accuse you of partiality. It is a view of Lily Pond." <' Take it, Alfred," replied Miss Katie, " the rather, because if the fog continues you cannot enjoy the walk thither which I intended to propose for this afternoon — since your mother will not be persuaded, I find, to prolong her visit beyond the week." *' I need not assure you that I would do so with pleasure, Catharine, were it not for my repugnance to a longer suspension of my son's studies. Next year, however, we will avail ourselves of the col- lege vacation when we can remain with you lon- ger," said Mrs. Thornton ; " but let me see the sketch Alfred. I have heard several of the ladies here speak of the beauties of Lily Pond." ** There is no walk around the environs of Newport, that I think more agreeable than that which conducts to Lily Pond, " observed Miss Thornton." It is a retired and beautiful spot ; in VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 155 the early part of summer especially, the scenery is delightful. The rocky promontory of which I have there attempted a humble imitation, being then carpeted with an innumerable variety of field flowers and completely fringed with wild roses — while the surface of the little lake is nearly covered with beautiful water-lilies both blue and white, from the great profusion of which, the place takes its name. The air at this season is literally "redolent of sweets," while numerous singino- birds and water-fowl enliven the scene with their rich plumage and varied melody." "Really aunt Katie," cried Ellen "such a de- scription is little calculated to reconcile us to re- maining within doors. " I depend on the fog to do that," returned Miss Thornton, '• but Lily Pond is in fact my favourite haunt." "But you have not yet told me that I should have this other drawing, my dear aunt " exclaimed Alfred. " Do not refuse me this. I should so much like to show it my friends at home. It is the funeral car of the hero of Erie, dear mother." "Yes Katie, pray give us this," said Mrs. Thorn- ton eagerly, extending her hand to receive it. " It will be indeed a prize to us, who have never before seen a drawing of it," 15G VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " Certainly," replied her sister " and the sketch is a correct one 1 believe, though roughly done. Is- there not a description attached to the drawing", Alfred ? I think I remember cutting it from the newspaper." *-Read it aloud my son," said Mrs. Thornton ; "every thing that relates to Perry must be interest- ing to all true-hearted Americans." " It is a description of the funeral ceremonies I believe," replied Alfred, and seating himself he commenced reading aloud. FROM THE NEWPORT MERCURY. " The remains of Commodore Oliver H. Perry, brought hither by order of Government in the U. S. Ship Lexington, Captain Shubrick, from the Island of Trinidad, were re-interred in this town on Monday Dec. 4th 1826, in a manner appropri- ate to his worth and expressive of the affectionate remembrance entertained of him by his fellow- citizens of the town and State. — At ten o'clock His Excellency, Governor Fenner and Major General Carpenter, accompanied by their aids, arrived from Providence attended by a number of civil and military ofheers and respectable citizens from the north and middle counties of the State, VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 157 and by six independent military companies from Providence and Pawtucket. Two independent companies from Bristol arrived at the same hour. A number of naval officers from New York and Boston were likewise present. The procession of boats bearing theremains of the commodore, attend- ed by the officers and a detachment of seamen from the ship, reached Clarke's Wharf at half past 11 o'clock, where the marine procession was met by the Committee of Arrangements, and the remains of the hero received by the United States' troops and marines, united in one corps for the service ; when the coffin being borne from the boat was placed on the car constructed for the occasion, which was emblematically ornamented and drawn by four white horses — the car, canopy and plumes being all of black. The coffin was covered with an ensign on which was placed the naval hat and epaulettes of the deceased, together with the sword which had been presented to the hero by the city of Philadelphia in honor of his victory. At twelve the procession began to move in the fol- lowing order : — Three marshals abreast on horseback. The military escort consisting of ten companies 14 158 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. in complete uniforms, with arms reversed, drums muffled and colors furled. The Garde de Corps consisting of U. S. troops and marines. The Reverend Clergy of different denominations. Officiating Clergyman. Eight U. S. seamen as Under-bearers, and one seaman bearing a broad pendant furled. Captains 1 The (' Captains Kearny, I Remains with six I Turner, Chauncey ( Captains Commandant, j Shubrick, Crane. J as Pall Bearers. [ Creighton. Relatives of the deceased Hero. Committee of Arrangements and Marshals. U. S. seaman bearing an ensign supported by two others. Officers of the U. S. navy. U. S. seamen, four abreast. Officers of the army. Militia of the State and vicinity in uniform. State Sheriffs and Deputies. Banner of Rhode Island, borne by a Revolutionary soldier. Governor and Lieut. Governor of the State, attend- ed by their Aids. Members of the Senate of Rhode Island. General officers of the State. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 159 Members of the House of Representatives. Society of the Cincinnati. Marine Society of Newport. Town Council, Treasurer and Clerk, preceded by the Town Sergeant. Judges of the State Courts. Marshal of the District of Rhode Island, and Deputies. District Judge, Attorney, Clerk. Custom House Officers. Foreign Consuls. Citizens and Strangers, supported by Marshals. When the head of the procession reached the place of interment the escort opened to the right and left, and the procession passed through the lines to the grave — the troops then formed themselves into a hollow square around. After the funeral services had been performed three vollies were fired over the grave. Minute guns were fired by the Lexington frigate during the procession of boats to the shore — when the ship ceased, and the firing commenced at Fort Wolcott. Half-hour guns were fired by the revenue cutter from sun- rise to sunset, and the bells of all the churches con- tinued tolling during the solemnities. The IGO VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. colors of all the vessels and the standards at the forts were displayed at half-mast through the day. An immense concourse of citizens and strangers lined the streets, and the windows were crowded with female faces whose tears testified their deep interest in the solemnities. No error or confu- sion occurred to mar the decent order of ar- ranjrement — no noise to disturb the solemn service for the dead. The funeral solemnities are allowed to have been the most imposing and af- fecting ever witnessed in this State, and far exceed- ed in solemnity the funeral ceremonies of the French admiral who was interred here in 1780. The funeral car on which the remains of the much lamented " Hero of Erie" were conveyed to their interment, having been universally admired deserves a particular description. It was design- ed by, and constructed under the direction of a gentleman of this town. It was made to resemble as nearly as possible the boat, or gig, in which the gallant Perry left his sinking ship, during the battle of Erie — painted black and elevated on carriage wheels. On its stern appeared the name of tiie flag-ship " Lawrence," with thirteen stars above it, and standing on a globe at the prow a golden spread eagle. The car was surmounted 'fT^ ^'n tD ^fT^ «*^^tti^s^^ '- ^ -*«^^'^fe:5v^ Funeral (\jr of Ihc Hero (tl f'rric InLerred at Kvn'liort Ib'^O ( VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 161 by a canopy supported by four ornamented pillars, the whole covered with black velvet richly fringed. Twenty-four golden stars around the top of the canopy represented the several States. The canopy was ornamented with rich sable plumes." Newport Mercury, Dec. 26th, 1826. Turning the paper as he finished reading. Alfred discovered some printed verses which he had not before observed. " These lines are beautiful," he said. " I never saw them before. ' Will you give me these likewise, aunt Katie ?" " Alfred, you are unconscionable," said his mother, laughing, as Miss Katie with her wonted readiness to oblige, granted his request. " But let us hear the lines my son," added Mrs. Thornton, and in compliance with her request Alfred read the following beautiful " Lines," " On the removal of the remains of Commodore O. H. Perry, " the Hero of Erie," from the Island of Trinidad, to be interred in his native town of Newport, R. I. (from the NORFOLK HERALD.) 14* 162 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. LINES. Tis well — tis right ! he should not sleep Upon a foreign strand, Beyond the wild and mournful deep, But in his native land. His native land, that boists his birth, And cherishes the fame, Of one whose high heroic worth Does honor to her name. Nor should that city, fond as fair, Embrace him all alone, But it should be Columbia's care ^ To claim him for her own. And she should lay her warrior down By Erie's conscious wave ; The shore that witness'd his renown Would yield him fittest grave. There set the stone — let laurels grow Around it — fairest flowers. And grave these words — '' We've met the foe." What else 1 — " and they are ours." ''Are they not beautiful?" exclaimed Alfred. " Do you know the author, aunt Katie ?" " NOj" replied his aunt " they appeared anony- mously — but where are you going sister ?" II VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 163 "To look for my children," answered Mrs. Thornton, who had for some time been growing uneasy at their prolonged absence, and who now left the room to seek them. Miss Katie and Ellen followed her, leaving the young gentlemen to themselves. Mrs. Thornton's disquietude was quickly dispelled by finding the children with Mrs. Guthrie, who was regaling them with pastry and sweetmeats in her own apartment. Edward was seated on the centre of the carpet diligently employed in scooping the contents of a minced pie from its crust, while Emma, resting with both elbows on the lap of Mrs. Guthrie, and with her soft blue eyes fixed on the venerable countenance of the worthy matron, was forgetting her sweet- meats in the intensity of interest with which she was listening to "the pretty stories of old times," as she called the anecdotes which the old lady was relatins: of the Revolution. "Oh sister Ellen, are you not glad that we did not live in those dreadful times, when the first people of Newport were glad to get a piece of horse-meat to eat ?" cried Edward, as he shovelled diligently away at the pie he was disembowelling. " Oh mamma," cried Emma, springing to meet her fond parent, " Mrs. Guthrie says that the Eng- 164 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA, lish used to take away peoples' cows and sheep for their own dinner, and would only let the Ameri- cans have such things as were too bad for their own troops to eat. And Mrs. Guthrie's father was obliged to keep his cow in the house in a little bed-room for fear the English soldiers would steal her ; and mamma, he had to make a garden in his parlor chamber, because they robbed him of all he could raise in his garden. So he carried earth up stairs and covered his floor a foot deep, and planted it for a garden."* " And they used to carry off peoples' papas and brothers to prison just when they pleased mother," said Edward. " And one day when Mrs. Guthrie was going along she met a file of soldiers carrying her own brother to the prison of the provost, just for nothing at all only to plague them because he was an American ; and when Mrs. Guthrie cried and begged to speak to him and to kiss him once more, they pointed their bayonets at her and drove her away." <•' And one night mamma, added Emma," when an honest farmer was standing at his own door, some of the soldiers fired at him for a mark and • A fact. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 165 shot him dead, just for fnn. Mrs. Guthrie says his name was Martin, and he lived at Canonicut ; and there is Canonicut, mamma — that pretty green island behind Fort Wolcott," continued the little girl, pointing from a window that opened to the west. " Do tell mamma about it, if you please Mrs. Guthrie," cried Edward ; 'Hell her how the British commanders Wall is and Askew used to frighten the people by drawing up their fleet to fire upon the town, when every body was obliged to run into the cellars to get away from the cannon balls. It is a very pretty story mamma, and every word of it true.'''' " Oh, but sister," cried Emma, " the great Count Rochambeau used to wear a muff, just as the ladies do, you know — a great black muff ; only think how droll ! a man with a muff! And when he rode sometimes parading his troops, he had running footmen, all dressed in white with beau- tiful plumes nodding in their caps, to run before his horse. How I wish that time would come back aofain that I mio^ht see him. "But that was after the French and Americans had driven the British away," interrupted Edward, " and that was a good time mamma, cmd a great 166 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. many grand balls and dinners were given by the ladies and gentlemen of Newport and the officers of the American and French armies. « And Mrs. Guthrie was a little girl then mam- ma, and some of the Frenchmen used to give her nice cakes, pies and sweetmeats, and sugar-plums, because the French are very fond of children," said Emma. " Well but they are the drollest men for all that, mamma," cried Edward, for when they met their friends in the street they used to stop and kiss each other on both cheeks, as we Americans shake hands when we are glad to see each other. How funny it must look mamma? Just as if grand-papa and old Major Kingston should kiss one another when they meet ! How I ivish they would, it would look so droll !" added Edward. " Don't you think the French have queer ways, mamma ?" " By no means, my dear, our customs would appear as singular to many other nations as theirs do to us," said Mrs. Thornton, for the first time obtaining an opportunity to speak. "But mamma, Mrs. Guthrie has been telhngus a pretty story about some Indian tribes, who came here to pay a visit to the great Generals Washing- ton and Rochambeau," said Edward, " and they VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 167 had a mock fight and cried the war-whoop to show those great men their fashion of fighting ; and their bodies were painted all over, mamma, like the ancient Britons you know ; and they wore only blankets instead of clothes ; and besides the medals of silver with Washington upon them, which they all wear, they had rings in their noses and ears, and thimbles which somebody had given them they wore for ornaments on their toes ! O dear ! I am sure I should have killed myself with lauo^hino: if I had seen them." " But, mamma, I do like those French people who helped us beat the naughty English," cried little Emma. " Nay, the English were not half so bad as the Hessians sister," returned Edward, as he resumed his employment with the remains of his pie, " for Mrs. Guthrie says they tried to do us harm every way. Why, mamma, a Hessian woman took pains to give the small-pox to Mrs. Guthrie's little sister, on purpose to destroy the family, and then the poor little baby was obliged to be carried out of town, and when it died in its poor mother's arms no living creature was with her — and when they found out it was dead, they came with a wheel -barrow, and it was carried off without any 1G8 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. coiFiii at all, and put into a hole in the ground, just as if it were a little dead kitten. Don't you think its poor mother must have felt very bad, mamma ?" "Very bad indeed," replied Mrs. Thornton, when the children had thus talked themselves out of breath. " But since Mrs. Guthrie has been so in- dulgent to you, you must not kill her with so much noise. Thank her for the amusing stories she has told you, and come away with me, or I am afraid she will never be desirous of your company again." Having obeyed her instructions, the children were now conducted to another apartment, in- quiring of their aunt in a whisper, as they went, '' if all the pretty stories Mrs. Guthrie had told them were true ?"* " Certainly," answered Miss Katie, " Mrs. Guth- rie is too good a woman to deceive any one. You may rest assured that she has not told you a word more tlian the truth." Mr. Thornton soon after returned, and dinner was served. During the repast, after a heavy * The Revolutionary incidents related as from Mrs. Guthrie, are strictly true, and have been taken down verbatim from the lips of respectable people, who were sufferers and witnesses of them all. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 160 shower of rain, the fog dispersed and the weather became delicious. The ground however being completely saturated, was too damp to admit of walking, and the remainder of the day was passed at home." 15 CHAPTER YII. Visits — A dinner party — The young traveller and fat gentleman — Conversation respecting Newport — Its eminent characters — Ex- cursion to Overing House and White-hall — Anecdote of Dean Berkeley, &c. The following day being extremely fine, and also the last which they now expected to pass in New- port, Mrs. Thornton devoted the morning to the paying of farewell visits to the friends of the fam- ily — a circle which, though not very extensive, comprised the best society of Newport. Company being expected at dinner, and Mr. Thornton never allowing of the slightest deviation from his old- fashioned dinner hour of one o'clock, the ladies' visits were necessarily short, from which, however, Mrs. Thornton derived so much satisfaction as made her regret the shortness of her stay, which prevented her from cultivating the many agreeable acquaintances she had formed. Most of the ladies she called on were found occupied at their needles, VISIT TO GKAND-PATA. 171 but instead of hurrying tlieir work aside as if they had been detected in something disgracefnl, they generahy, with a shght apology, quietly pursued their employment, while with imaffected polite- ness, and a friendliness of manner that charmed her, they received and entertained their visitors. The simplicity of their dress, was also another charm in the eyes of so judicious an observer. In no instance could she discover a sacrifice of delicacy to fashion, or an effort to appear fine — the dress being generally a gown of gingham, or at most of snow white cambric, fitted closely to the form, without pretension to ornament of any kind. The non-appearance of a mamma or sister, was in more than one instance accounted for by the simple statement, that she was making cake, or " starching her caps ;" and Mrs. Thornton, who had always moved amongst the fashionable circles of a luxurious metropolis, was scarcely more de- lighted with the attention of the abseritees to their domestic duties, than with the ingenuousness of their apologists, who were superior to the silly, yet too common artifice of attempting to disguise what could only redound to their honor. The drawings, books and music that were scattered about the centre tables and apartments, in the mean- 172 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. lime, evinced that a love of the fine arts, and the pursuits of literature were by no means incompa- tible with a strict attention to the avocations of domestic life, which is the' sphere of woman's usefulness, and the province in which, however exalted her station, she ever shines the most. In reply to the encomiums of Mrs. Thornton, on the manners and characters of the Newport ladieSj to which Miss Katie listened for some time in silence, she at length replied, " Ah, my dear Elinor ! you have seen the bright side of the picture only. There are, 1 grieve to say, some would-be fashionables among us, who, devoting their attention to the adornment of the casket have miserably neglected the jewel it contains. Those, however, who endeavor to supply the de- ficiencies of intellectual culture and solid worth, by an affectation of high to7i, and an extravagance of exterior ornament, are comparatively few, and the evil may in every instance, I believe, be traced back to the misfortune of having been early de- prived of maternal care, or other similar causes of a defective education. It is a mortifying fact, however, that some of our ladies do dress and live in a style far beyond their means. But there are exceptions to every rule, you know, and instead VISIT TO GRAND-PATA. 173 of being surprised that such instances do some- times occur, I only rejoice that they do not occur more frequently." " But surely there are no such instances in your circle, my dear Katie — at least not among those whom we have visited to-day," said Mrs. Thorn- ton. " Certainly not," returned her sister : " for you have only visited among our intimate friends, and we neither maintain nor desire an intimacy with people whom we cannot respect or esteem. I seldom, therefore, extend my visits beyond the circle to which I was at first introduced by my beloved mother, who was a woman of superior intellect and education, and acknowledged worth. The circle of acquaintance and friends selected by such a person therefore as might be expected, comprises not the most wealthy, perhaps, but un- questionably the most virtuous and cultivated part of our community." This conversation brought them to the door, but not until they had had the mortification of hearing the important hour of one knolled from every steeple in town. Accordingly on entering the house, they found their guests already assembled in the drawing-room. The party consisted of 15* 174 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. Col. Hardy, his lady, and two other friends, and two strangers who had just arrived bringing letters of introduction to Mr. Thornton. One of them was a young gentleman of prepossessing appear- ance and agreeable manners, who having recently returned from his travels in Europe, was now making the tour of the "Union." His companion, a fat, round-about gentleman, with a broad-good- natured, stupid kind of countenance, was a tra- veller likewise, in his icay — being as he informed them, an annual visitant of Rhode-Island, where he usually passed the summer months, in order to indulge his European propensities in feasting on the " delicious fish," a vast variety of which is found at this season in the market. Frank and Alfred were extremely diverted by the rapturous manner in which the old gentleman (for he was considerably advanced in years,) expatiated on the exquisite flavor of a fine Totaug, than which he solemnly averred that '' Lucullus himself could not have boasted a greater dainty, nor Apicius have invented more luxurious modes of dressino; it than were practised by the ingenious epicures of Rhode- Island." " The attention of the " fat gentleman" was, however, by no means confined to the highly I VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 175 eulogized Totaiig, but was divided with the most praise-worthy impartiality, and with seemingly equal good appetite among all the viands placed before him — while he at the same time favored the company with a somewhat prolix harangue on the peculiar merits of each dish, as he partook of it, eifectually preventing all reference to other subjects by engrossing the conversation himself, until, with the disappearance of the more substan- tial condiments, his vivacity and volubility vanish- ed also. That "the Newport market afforded more than seventy different kinds of exquisite fish" was the amount of information he had im- parted, when on the appearance of the dessert, he relapsed at once into taciturnity, leaving his com- panions at liberty to discuss other matters, beside the " most approved method of dressing and eating fish." Mrs. Thornton, though she never coun- tenanced invidious remarks on the failings of others, was not, on the whole, sorry to perceive the disgust with which her children had listened to this avowed votary of the " Gastronomic Art." Mr. Thornton availed himself immediately of the first opportunity allowed him, of draiving- onfy as the phrase is, the interesting young traveller, from whom much information was now elicited, 176 VISIT TO GRAND-rAPA. relative to the civil and natural geography of the various countries he had visited. Being however as eager to acquire information as he was willing to impart it, the young stranger soon changed the subject, and began making some pertinent inqui- ries respecting the once flourishing city of which he was now for the first time a visitant. " He had been struck," he said, ''by the appearance of decay, which pervaded a great part of the place, at which he was the more surprised on ac- count of the unrivalled natural advantages it possessed in favor of extensive commerce ; and the great influx of strangers who annually resort to the place in pursuit of health, and for the enjoyment of its salubrious climate," and he in- quired to what cause Mr. Thornton attributed its decline. "Many causes had combined to produce the melancholy change," Mr. Thornton replied, ad- ding : — '' No city in the provinces, perhaps, having suflered more from the desolations of war during the Revolution. At the termination of that war, however, it was incorporated, and governed in a very respectable manner^ by its Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council : but all this was too good to be lasting. Party-spirit rose to a great VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 177 heio^ht, and public fraud and paper-currency lent their pernicious aid to the total subversion of these beneficial regulations. Then came the Abolition of the Slave-trade," continued Mr. Thornton, "in which (to our shame be it spoken,) many of our commercial men were deeply engaged. The Legislature passed a law, prohibiting ships from going to Africa for slaves, or selling them in the West-Indies, and making the oath of one seaman, belonging to such ship, a sufficient evidence of the fact. And however humanity must ever ap- plaud and rejoice at such an Act, it must be ac- knowledged that our commercial interests have suffered severely in consequence of it." " But," observed the young stranger, " the re- sort of so many strangers to your town must put much money in circulation." " Unquestionably," returned Mr. Thornton, " and the proprietors of our large hotels and pri- vate boarding-houses, obtain a handsome remun- eration for the accommodations they provide. Our confectioners, barbers, soda-shops, and bowling- alleys, likewise thrive by them. But, sir," con- tinued Mr. Thornton, waxing warm on thesubject, " though it is advantageous to individuals, I am by no means certain, that to the community at 178 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. large, this influx of strangers to our town is so very beneficial." " In what possible way, my dear sir, can it ope- rate otherwise ?" asked Col. Hardy. " Why, sir, they bring money and gaiety to our town, it is true," rejoined Mr. Thornton . " but they have also introduced among us, what, in the opinion of an old-fashioned man like me, is a very serious evil ; I mean an expensive style of living, and a too great fondness for convivial entertainments. We are very apt to imbibe the habits and manners of those with whom we associate, you know, and as most of tliese strangers are men of opulence, accustomed to luxurious living, and as none of our community are immensely rich, 1 consider the intercourse which insensibly leads us to extrav- agance as rather detrimental than otherwise." " But how does it happen, sir," enquired the young traveller, " that none of your gentlemen of fortune have turned their attention to manu- factories ? There are factories, I believe, in most of your other towns — why not make a manufac- turing place of Newport ?" " I have often wondered that our men of wealth do not more frequently turn their capital into that channel, which would I think, be lucrative," re- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 179 I turned Mr. Thornton. "A large establishment was some years since got up for the manufacture of duck, but was soon relinquished. We have, however, three factories* recently erected, for the making of cotton cloth, and I see no obstacle to their success." " Well !" exclaimed Col. Hardy, who having been long stationed at Newport, had become ex- ceedingly attached to the place, "though I cannot avouch the people of tliis town to be the most com- mercial and manufacturing community in the country, I dare aver, that better and more well- informed society does not exist in America, than little Newport may boast of." ''Such is its reputation abroad, sir," replied a gentleman of Newport, who sat opposite, bowing across the table. " Whether it be merited or not we must leave others to decide." " I rather think it is merited sir," exclaimed tho fat gentleman, abruptly, " they are good livers — ■ and I think their great skill in cooker]/ proves them to be a very intelligent people." This speech excited a general smile, for every one had supposed the good gentleman to be fast * There are now several factories in successful operation here. ISO VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. asleep a moment before he spoke, as he certainly was in two minutes after. <' They/eec? well, you should say, "returned Mr. Thornton, laughing ; " but I fear we scarcely live as well as we might, and ought. I believe we must allow something too for my friend Hardy's partiality." " Not a whit," interrupted the Col. warmly ; " I do them bare justice. " WeU then, we will not dispute the point," returned Mr. Thornton, "but if we are a more literary, and in any respect a better informed people than some of our neighbors, it is because we have possessed superior advantages. Let us '-give honor where honor is due;" our com- munity are in the first place greatly indebted to the founder of the Redwood Library, which, as a certain elegant writer asserts,* " sowed the seeds of the sciences among us, and rendered the in- habitants of Newport, if not a more learned^ yet a better read and more inquisitive people, than that of any other town in the tJieii British Pro- vinces" There is also another circumstance," continued Mr. Thornton, '• which served to in- ♦ Dr. W house of Boston, VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 181 ber of eminent and learned men, who at different periods have made our Island their permanent residence." The young traveller making- some inquiries respecting the eminent characters alluded to, drew from Mr. Thornton a hasty enumeration of the most celebrated men who had been born, mirtured, or who had resided at Newport. He began with her heroes. " General Nathaniel Greene," he said, " who, as a military commander during the Revolution, ranked second only to Washington, was a native of Warwick, the capital of Kent county in this state, and resided many years v/ith his family in this town. Oliver H. Perry, tiie Hero of Erie, one of the greatest naval commanders America ever produced, was born and educated in Newport, and here his remains having been brought from Trinidad were con- signed to their last repose, Dec. 182G ; a handsome monument has since been erected to his memory. Amono^ the most eminent theologfians were Dr. Arthur Browne, who was born and educated at Newport, and died President of Trinity College, Dublin. Dr. Samuel Hopkins the venerable founder of the sect of Hopkinsians, vv^as a man of unfeigned piety and eminent metaphysical talents, 16 182 VISIT TO GRArfD-PAPA. who passed most of his useful Hfe at Newport, and died here pastor of the first Congregational church. Dr. Ezra Styles, thirty years pastor of the Second Congregational church at Newport, died President of Yale College in New Haven. Dean, afterwards Bishop Berkeley, resided at Newport and in its vicinity several years, and is supposed to have written most of his great work during that time. The Reverend John Cullender, author of a history of Rhode-Island, and whose '• Century Sermon'' has acquired so much celebrity, was the pastor of a Baptist church in this place. The Rev. William E. Channing, D.D. of Boston, is likewise a native of Newport, as was his grand-father the late William Ellery, a Senator of the United States in the first Congress, and one of the signers of the Constitution. Mr. Abraham Redwood, founder of the public Library, though born at Antigua, resided here from early infancy. Mr. Harrison the architect of Red- wood Library was also a resident of Newport. The celebrated pedestrian traveller, Stewart, pas- sed much of his life here ; and the late Baron Kinsale of Ireland, was a native of Newport.* Newport," continued Mr. Thornton, " has likewise produced some eminent medical men, among whom were the late Dr. Isaac Senter and Dr. • Vide Note V. at the end of the volume. J^ VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 183 William Hunter, who delivered in the Court- house in this town the first public Lectures on Anatomy, Physiology and Surgery ever given in America, and this previous to the existence of ttie Medical School at Philadelphia. In the Fine Arts Rhode Island has produced the celebrated Stewart. Edward Malbone a young artist of very promising talents, but who died a few years since, and Mr. Charles King, now a resident at Washington, were both born at Newport. Mr. Washington AUston the celebrated poet and painter resided some years, and was if I mistake not educated at Newport — and we now boast Mr. Wall, the celebrated lands- cape painter, as a resident of our town; he is I believe a native of Ireland." The conversation in which the rest of the party had been much interested, was at this juncture interrupted by the abrupt de- parture of the " Fat Gentleman," which by re- minding the other guests of their respective after- noon engagements occasioned the breaking up of the party. When all the guests with the excep- tion of Mr. and Mrs. Hardy, had taken leave, Mr. Thornton observing a bank of fog hovering on the verge of the southern horizon, and fearing that its approach on the morrow would prevent their projected excursion round the island, pro- 184 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. posed availing themselves of the remainder of so fine an afternoon and securing their antici- pated enjoyment immediately. A proposal to which, as it was yet early, and there was a moon, the whole party joyfully acceded. Cato was instantly dispatched for carriages, and they soon set off — driving however with a rapidity which precluded the possibility of any thing like regular conversation, except when Mr. Thornton stopped the carriages to point out such objects as he deemed worthy of particular attention, such as the country seats which previous to the Revolu- tion had been very elegant villas — those of Bow- ler, Bannister, Malboneand Redwood having been the most elegant, but which at present appear little better than farm-houses. On the summit of Quaker Hill, where stands the meeting-house whence it derives its name, Mr. Thornton also stopped that they might enjoy the most extensive prospect the Island affords. The pleasant towns of Bristol, Warwick, Kingston and Greenwich, and even the spires of Providence thirty miles distant, were distinctly visible. (Quaker Hill was the scene of a bloody battle between the Ameri- cans under Gen. Sullivan, and the British who were at that time in possession of Newport, and VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 185 who were repulsed in the action and driven back to their lines.* The remains of numerous intrench- ments thrown up at that period in various parts of the Island, attracted the attention of the young people during their drive. On their way the whole party alighted at Overing-House, a very agreeable country seat at Portsmouth and about five miles from Newport, where they were politely received by the proprietor (with whom Mr. Thorn- ton had some acquaintance) — and had the satisfac- tion of visitinof the chamber where the EnHish General Prescott was sleeping, very little prepared for a night-march, when he received the unex- pected visit of Col. Barton. " Edward," said Mr. Thornton, as his grandson was sitting on his knee beside the window, " If you will tell me at what time, and in what manner Colonel Barton captured the English General, I will afterwards point out to you the direction in which they took him across the fields to the shore. Frank read the narrative from the American History for you to day — did he not ?" "Yes sir," replied Edward, "it was on the evening of the 10th of July ] 777 ^ that Colonel ♦ See Note VI. 16* 186 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. Barton* came with a party of chosen men in two boats, having the oars muffled, and passing down the west side of the Island very quietly and cautiously, for fear of alarming the British water- guards and sentinels. He landed with his men near a hollow ground, and made his way directly to the house of Mr. Overing, where the English General quartered." '' He landed yonder," observed the gentleman of the house, pointing from the window, " but go on young gentleman. What did the Colonel do next ?" He seized the sentinel at the door sir, and came into the house, having with him a black man named Prince among his own men, and findinsf the door of the Eno^lishman's chamber locked, the black man broke it open by striking his head against it — and the English General was carried off by them to Warwick Neck, and next day taken to Providence in a chariot. And now sir, please to show me the way they took him?" " You deserve it my little man," observed the gentleman " for telling the story so handsomely and correctly," "there, young gentleman, they took him across those fields opposite the house, and * See Note VII. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 187 hurried him half dressed as he was to the boats that were waiting for him — and now tell me what you think of Col. Barton and his men." "I think they were all very brave sir," replied Edward, "and I am sure one of them had a fainous hard lieadP " You may well call it so, my dear," returned the gentleman, laughing, '• since he was indebted to the hardness of his head for his fa??ie — and he now figures in history." " I dare say sir, that the Englishman wished it had been softer," added little Ned, as his grand-fa- ther rose and led the way down stairs. Mr. Thorn- ton was obliged to take a hasty leave of the family at Overing-House, in order to gratify the young people who were very desirous of visiting White- hall, the seat of the celebrated Bishop Berkeley. As they approached the unpretending dwelling which had once been the home of that great and good man, little Emma, in a tone of disappoint- ment exclaimed, " Oh dear ! I think they had better call it black hall, for there is not a speck of white about it. It is a dismal looking place grand-papa — and I think it a very ugly house for a great man to live in." " Great men do not always live in elegant 188 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. houses my dear," said Colonel Hardy, in reply to her remark, which her grand-father did not hear, being engaged in conversation with Mrs. Hardy, " the greatest geniuses, and the best of men have often passed their lives in miserable hovels, my httle girl." " But why is it called Whitehall, when it is so black, sir?" asked Edward. " It received its name from Bishop Berkeley my dear," answered the Colonel, " and was so called, I imagine, in honour of the Palace where the British King then sometimes resided." " Well sir, I wish they would paint it then for I think it looks very shabby. "But why does not the proprietor repair it, Colonel Hardy," inquired Frank ; " and to whom does it belong sir ?" <« To no individual. It was given by Bishop Berkeley to Yale College, I am told, of Avhich Institution the Bishop was a generous benefactor." The carriage stopped as he ceased speaking, and the party alighted. They were exceedingly grati- fied in being allowed to visit apartments which had been so long and often honored by the pre- sence of so distinguished and excellent a man — in walking the same floors and looking from the same I VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 189 windows, Avhere he was once accustomed to move, and to look from. '• And does nobody in Newport recollect any anecdotes of so celebrated a person, who so long- resided among them !" cried Alfred. " Very few are now living, — perhaps 7ione," said Mr. Thornton, " of those who knew him person- ally. He lived much in retirement devoting himself to literary pursuits. He however sometimes preach- ed at Trinity church, but his life was quiet and unmarked by any remarkable incident while re- siding here. His memory is, and will ever be cherished with regard and veneration by the people of Rhode-Island, however, for he was the benefactor of the poor and the friend of all." " I recollect hearing only one person speak of Dean Berkeley as having been personally ac- quainted with him," said Miss Thornton, '^andtliat person was a Mrs. Br— ne, a friend of my mother'Sj who died at a very advanced age some twenty years since." <' You have some anecdote treasured up then, I'll warrant," exclaimed Colonel Hardy. " If you ever heard any thing of such a man you are not the person to have forgotten it, Miss Katie, so let us have it, I entreat you, however trifling it may be,'^ 190 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. f' It 15 trifling sir," returned Miss Katie, smiling at the avidity with which he seemed prepared to receive the trivial anecdote she had to offer. "This Mrs. Br ne told me that the Dean was on terms of the most familiar friendship with her father and his family, and when residing at Whitehall he was in the habit of stopping at their house for refreshment, and to visit the family, whenever he rode to town. And when the weather was very cold he was accustomed play- fully to demand of Mrs. Br ne what he called his dram.^^ "A dram !" echoed Edward and Emma, in amazement, ''a good man ! and drink drams, aunt Katie r " No my dear, I never heard of his drinking a dram in all my life," replied Miss Katie, laughing, "Dean Berkeley's drams were such as no one could disapprove, I think. I am sure at least, that you and I are both very fond of them, though you would find it difficult to guess what they were, I believe." "Oh do tell us aunty," cried Edward, "for I never heard of drains before which were not very bad indeed." i^ Dean I3erkeley's, however, were very good and VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 191 innocent, I can assure you," said Miss Thornton, " and he found them very comfortable on a cold day, as he often assured Mrs. Br ne. They were nothing else but gingerbread-cakes Edward, with a great deal of ginger in them, which makes them warm you know ; and these the Dean used jocularly to call his drams,''^* " Oh what a droll name for gingerbread ! I think he was a funny old gentleman, aunt Katie," cried Emma, " and I wish I had a good large slice of one of his drams this minute." " I shall always think of Dean Berkeley now, when I eat gingerbread," said Edward, " and I wish nobody would meddle with any other kind of drams but his." " Amen ! to that wish dear Ned, with all my heart !" exclaimed Colonel Hardy ; " but is it not getting late my dear sir ?" he asked, turning to Mr. Thornton ; "we shall be obliged to drive with great rapidity in order to give the young people a peep at Lawton's valley, where we hope to have many a merry pic-nic together next summer. I see poor Mrs. Hardy is thinking of a late return to Wolcott, by the anxious expression of her coun- tenance." ♦ A fact related by the late Mrs. B e a respectable lady of N. 102 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. " You are right sir," replied Mr. Thornton, " and we must bid adieu to Whitehall, ladies, if we would avoid an evening ride," and offering his arm to Mrs Hardy he led the way to the car- riages. Lawton's Valley is a pleasant little glen, through which flows a httle stream of water which crosses the Island, turning the wheels of several mills in its course, and being thickly overhung with trees and shrubbery affords a shady and pleasant retreat to its numerous visitors. Mr. Thornton allowed them but brief space to ad- mire its beauties before he hurried them back to the coach. On their route homeward he pointed out to them the elegant villa of the late Samuel Elam, an English gentleman by birth, who became a citizen of America, and passed the last fifty years of his life at this place, which had been bequeath- ed him by an uncle. Though Mr. Elam was a bachelor he lived in great splendor, at " Van- cliise,''^ the name which he had bestowed on his beautiful villa, on account of some real or fancied similarity between his own fate and that of the cele- brated Petrarch. The place still retains the name, although on the death of Mr. E. it passed into other hands, having been sold by the agent of his heir, who resides in England. Vaucluse is de- VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA, 193 cidedly the most elegant country seat, at present on Rhode Island. It was so late when the party reached town that it was not without many apprehensions for her own and her husband's safety, that Mrs. Hardy committed herself to the barge that' was to convey her to Wolcott. It was in vain however that her friends entreated her to remain all night in town ; she would not be prevailed on to absent herself so long from her children. On the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Hardy, Mr. Thornton perceiving his young people were extremely fatigued, at an ear- lier hour than usual summoned his family to prayers, after which they were very glad to retire immediately to rest, which they did, however, with a feeling of sadness at the reflection, that it was the last night they should for a long time pass beneath the happy roof of their beloved grand-father. 17 CONCLUSION. On rising the following morning, Mrs. Thorn- ton's attention was attracted by a busy group in the garden. It was composed of all her children surrounding old Cato, under whose direction they appeared to be very diligently employed. In answer to her inquiries, she learned that they were thus assembled to gratify the worthy Afri- can, at whose request they were each planting with their own hands, a young tree in the little plat of ground appropriated exclusively to himself, and called "Cato's garden," that he might have the satisfaction of cultivating the trees, and calling them by the names of his young friends when they "Vvere absent. So touching a mark of the old negro's attachment to " dear Massa Harry's chil- dren," drew tears from the eyes of Mrs. Thornton, and descending immediately to the garden she completed the faithful old servant's gratification by planting one likewise, with her own hand, and requesting him to call it by her name. VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 195 Alfred and Ellen had been sent early to the shops to procure various little articles, and all the children had now the satisfaction of bestowinor a parting gift on each of the domestics, by whom they were received with pride and pleasure. Mr. Thornton on going out for his morning walk took the children with him to visit the observatory, which commands a delightful prospect. At ten o'clock the whole family repaired to Fort Wolcott, to pay a parting visit to their friends the Hardy family ; but as they knew not at what hour the steamer in which they were to take passage for New York might arrive from Providence, their visit was necessarily a short one. As nothing is more painful than leave-taking, we intend to spare our young readers the mel- ancholy detail. It is indeed much easier for them to imagine than for us to describe the pain experi- enced by all parties in bidding adieu to each other for so long a time. Mrs. Thornton and her family continued on the deck of the steamer, gazing with tearful eyes on the receding shores until fading in the distance they were no longer able to discern the roofs and spires of the pleasant town which had given birth to the lamented husband and parent, for whose sake alone, had it possessed no 190 VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. Other attraction for them, they must ever have Joved "a city which," says Dr. Morse, "notwith- standing it wears the gloomy aspect of decay, is far-famed for the beauty of its situation, the salu- brity of its climate, and the politeness and hospi- tality of its inhabitants." That these encomiums are not entirely unmerited, we believe will be ac- knowledged by all who have ever passed anytime at Rhode-Island, which during his late visit to Newport, His Excellency John Q,. Adams (then our President) pronounced to be " the loveliest gem on the bosom of Ocean." We are happy to inform our young readers that after a pleasant little voyage, Mrs. Thornton and her family arrived safely at their native city, and were soon quietly settled in their own residence in street, where we are assured the young people are making great and rapid progress in their studies, and gladdening the hearts of their widowed mother and affectionate relatives, by their improvement in knowledge and virtue. Wishing that all our young readers may follow their example and thereb)^ render themselves re- spected, useful and happy, we will close our little volume with a quotation from an able living VISIT TO GRAND-PAPA. 197 writer.* " Newport," he writes, " appears venerable in ruins. She resembles a beautiful, battered shield, hung up for admiration in the great hall of the nation. Rhode-Island may yet be restored to her pristine beauty, for her armorial ensign is a foul-anchor with the motto. " In te Domine spiravimus.".^ " * Dr. W house's Notices of the life of the late Abraham Red- wood of Newport. FINIS. IT NOTES. NOTE I.— p. 17. "tONOMT," commonly called TAMMANY HILL. "When Mr. William Coddinglon came to look for a place of settlement, he found a tribe of Indians on the Island vviiose sach- em was named Wonnumetonomy. His wigwam stood on a re- markable hill at the north part of the township of Newport. Cod- dington applied to the sachem to purchase the Island — whose answer was, that Canonicus and Miantonimo were the chief sachems, and that he could not sell the land. This Wonnume- tonomy was the resident sachem or governor of this Island under the Narragansett sachems. The place of his residence was cal- led by the English after his name, vulgarly abbreviated to Tonomy Hill, until about fifteen years since when it underwent a new corruption, and is now generally called Tammany Hill. Tonomy Hill may therefore be considered as having been the royjil resi- dence of the sachems both before and a^er the conquest of the Island by the Narragansetts."— from a history of rhode-island PUBLISHED IN THE RHODE-ISLAND REPUBLICAN. NOTE II.— p. 23. The British took possession of Rhode-Island on the 6th De- cember 1776, and evacuated it on the 25lh October 1779, 199 " On Count D'Estaing's arriving at Georgia, it gave great alarm to the Royalists of New York, hearing an attack on that city was his principal view in making a second visit to the United States, All the outposts were called in, and Newport ordered to be evacuated. This took place on the 25th October 1779, (the anniversary of their king's coronation) having previously blown up the light-house at the entrance of the harbor. Their evacua- tion was precipitate, being under apprehensions that General Gates would visit the Island before they could leave it. The next day after they went off, Gen. Gates went on with a part of his force from Providence and took possession of the Island." MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. NOTE III.~pp. 40, 104. " Rhode-Island was called Aquidnet, Aquidnay, or Aquidneck, by the Indians ; the name signifies " the Isle of Peace," the fol- lowing account of its conquest by the Narragansetts is from the memoir of R. I.," published in the Rhode-Island Republican be- fore quoted. " The Indians who inhabited the Island of Aquidnet, were the subjects of the Narragansett sachems in the most extensive sense of the word. Their right, was the right of entire and unconditional conquest. The Island was conquered sometime before the settle- ment of the English at New Plymouth. The time of the conquest is not precisely known, but the battle which terminated the war and decided the fate of the Aquidians is believed to have been fought at a place about three and a quarter miles from the state house in Newport, in the town of Middletown, at the ^swamp or low ground near the brook, or river as it was formerly called, a little eastward of the East-road, or road leading to Bristol ferry. The traditional account of this battle has been handed down from a physician who lived near the spot more than an 200 hundred years since, whose name was Dr. Garret, and who must have had it from the Indians themselves, or from them through the old people then living, whose memory carried them back, to the first settlement of the Island by the English. The Aquidian fleet first encountered the Narragansetts in a sea-fight and were overcome, routed and vanquished. At the before-mentioned place the Aquidians collected the renmant of their warriors and tribe, commanded by their sachem in person, to make the last struggle in defence of their country and lives. The Narragan- setts surrounded their camp, attacked them on all sides, and killed their sachems, routed and slew their warriors, and completed their conquest. The survivors then submitted themselves and lands to their conquerors and became their tributaries. Wonnumetonomy (the sachem before mentioned) is supposed to have been the son and heir of the sachem killed in the battle aforesaid — and to have submitted himself, his tribe, and his lands to the Narragansetts." NOTE IV.— p. 150. " The King's armed schooner Gaspee, having been troublesome to the trade of Rhode-Island, they burnt her June 9th 1772." — Massachusetts Historical Collections, " The cruiser sloop of war. Captain Howe, arrived at Boston in December, bringing a Commission under the Great Seal of England, appointing Joseph Wanton, of Rhode-Island, Daniel Horsemander, Chief Justice of New York, Frederick Smith, Chief Justice of New Jersey, Peter Oliver, Chief Justice of Mas- sachusetts Bay, and Robert Auchmuty, Judge of Admiralty, to make inquiry into the affair of burning the Gaspee at Rhode- Island. Admiral Montague was directed to hoist his flag at Newport, during the sitting of the Court of Enquiry. The Commissioners accordingly met at Newport, made inquiry and adjourned. They met again, and dissolved their meeting. It produced nothing but expense." — Ibid. 201 NOTE v.— p. 182. Baron De Courct. The following notice of this nobleman is taken from the New- port Mercury 1832 ;— "On the first of February last, died at Kinsale, the Right Hon. Thomas De Gourcy, Lord Kinsale, Baron De Courcy and Ring- rone. His Lordship was the Premier Baron of Ireland, and en- joyed the hereditary privilege of wearing his hat in the royal presence, granted to John De Courcy, Earl of Ulster, by King John, and lately exercised by Lord John De Courcy, at a Court held in Dublin Castle by George Fourth, in 1821." "We transcribe this obituary notice from a London paper of February 20th, 1832, because we of Rhode-Island, feel a peculiar interest with regard to this family, of which the present branch sprang from the Town of Newport, Rhode-Island. It was probably between the years 1720 and 1725 that the younger, and we presume the on/y brother of the Baron of Kinsale, for some reasons of discontent, emigrated to North America, and selected Newport, R. I, as the place of his residence. He came here with small pecuniary means of support, and those means being soon exhausted, he was reduced to the slate of a common laborer to obtain subsistence. His character was that of a frank and honest man, enlivened with the jocose humor of a true son of Erin. Whether his wife was a Newport, or an Irish woman, we have not to oitr sorrow, the means of ascertaining. Itis, however, presumable that he left his home unincumbered with wife or children, and married after he settled here. But we have heard it related by several of those who knew him well, that he was careful to have his children registered, because, us he used to say when rallied upon the subject, " there is but one life between ma and a peerdom." His eldest son was bound an apprentice to a 202 Captain Beard, who, in those days commanded a merchantman belonging to this port. This was the youth, who we have reason to beheve, shared in the honor of taking Porto Bello, in 1740, When Adnjiral Vernon was returning to England from his com- mand on the West-India station, a merchant-ship bound from London to Jamaica, was spoken, and on inquiry for newspapers, the captain of the ship gent two late papers on board the Flag, for the gratification of the Admiral, after his long absence. In perusing these papers ihe Admiral exclaimed, " Ah ! — ihe Baron of Kinsale is dead !" The steward quickly carried the news to a young gallant tar of the forecastle whose name was Courcy. " Is he dead ? — then, by the powers 1 something will come to me!" The steward reported this reply to the Admiral, who ordered the young sailor to his presence. " My lad, what is your name ?" he asked. " De Courcy, sir." <' Where were you born?" " In Newport, Rhode-Island, sir." " Are you related to the late Thomas De Courcy Baron of Kinsale ?" "He was my uncle sir, — he was my father's elder brother." "What induced your father to leave Ireland, and settle at Newport ?" " That reason was my father's secret, your honor, and not mine." /* Well, my lad, return to your station, and whatever may be your change of condition hereafter, I hope you will continue to do your duty faithfully, (ill you shall be discharged." "Your honor may rely upon that." We hold this anecdote from the late Captain Benjamin Pearce, who dined with De Courcy at Kinsale, many years after he took possession of his title and estates. He was a man of benevolent 203 feelings, and preserved, as long as he lived a kind remembrance of the place of his birth, and a strong attachment to the man who protected and instructed him in boyhood. No Rhode-Islander ever, to his knowledge came within fifty miles of his residence, without receiving an invitation to his hospitable mansion — and the worthy Captain Beard received as a token of De Courcy's gratitude, a cask of wine, annually, to the year of his death. We have examined all that remains of the Town Registers of the first forty years of the ISth century, and have found nothing- to shed the least light upon the marriage, family and connections of the De Courcy who found an asylum here, but we believe that his death preceded for some years that by his brother, the Baron of Kinsale. We had strong reasons for saying that it was with feelings of sorrow that we found ourselves unable to give an explicit account of this family — for these feelings are enhanced by a grievous loss inflicted on our whole community by the same cause. It is really painful to turn over the mutilated remnants of our Town Records. The archives of a town are usually respected by all civilized nations. The filiation, and consequently the rights and fortunes of families, often depend upon the preservation of the Records. To pillage or destroy them, is an act so much the more atrocious, as it must be done in malicious villainy, without the least prospect of benefit to him by whom it is committed. Those of Newport were nevertheless carried off by the British Commanding General, when he evacuated the town in 1779. The vessel in which they were embarked, was shipwrecked and sunk at Hurl-Gate, on its way to New York. The case containing the records was many weeks afterwards recovered j but those authentic memorials of marriages, births, deaths, and conveyances of property were almost totally destroyed. This high misdemeanor must be attri- buted to General Prescott, whether it were committed by his order, by his permission, or by his negligence — for in every case it is the 204 duty of the commanding officer, in a station purely military, to see that no act be perpetrated under his command, that may bring disgrace upon the arms and character of his nation." — Newport Mercury, 1832. NOTE VI.— p. 185, BATTLE OF RHODE-ISLAND. A plan was concerted for attacking Rhode-Island, and General Sullivan who commanded at Providence was employed in assem- bling an additional body of New England militia. Such was the eagerness of the people to co-operate with their new allies, (the French,) and their confidence of succeeding and reaping*laurels, that some thousands of volunteers, gentlemen and others from Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Portsmouth, &c. engaged in the service. When Count D'Estaing arrived off Point Judith, the pilots who were to have facilitated his entrance into Newport were wanting, which occasioned a delay. But on the morning of the 5th of August, (1778,) his operations commenced. The British set fire to the Orpheus, the Lark, Juno and Cercbrus frigates, and several other vessels on the appearance of his fleet, standing in near Providence Island to attack them. The Flora and Falcon were sunk afterward. The next day, (6th,) the American troops marched from Providence to Tiverton, under the command of General Greene, who had been despatched by Gen- eral Washington, from the main army, to assist in the expedition. His Excellency also sent on the Marquis De La Fayette at the head of two thousand troops, who, by a rapid march, joined the militia in season. General Sullivan's first letter to Count D'Es- taing, informed him that he was not ready to act, and desired that the attack might be suspended. It was agreed between them that they should land their forces at Portsmouth on the morning of the tenth. On the 8th, the French fleet went up the middle 205 passage leading into Newport harbor, when the British batteries began a severe cannonade which was returned with great warmth. The royal troops on the island having been just reinforced with five battahons, were about six thousand, under command of Sir Robert Pigot, who took every possible means of defence. The force under General Sullivan, was about 10,000 men. Upon receiving intelligence early in the month, that the enemy had abandoned their works at the north end of the island, and retired within their lines, about three miles from Newport, without re- garding the agreement with Count D'Estaing, he concluded (as it appeared to him best,) to push over without loss of time. The army was immediately put in motion about S o'clock. The right wing, under General Greene, began to cross from Tiverton, and the rest of the Americans followed in order. The Massachusetts militia were attended by Mr. Hancock, as their Major General, At two in the afternoon, a fleet of 25 sail was discovered stand- ing in for Newport. Lord Howe had determined to attempt the preservation of the island, but notwithstanding all his exertions, could not reach sight of it till the day after the French fleet had entered the harbor. Though his own exceeded it in point of number, it was far inferior to it in eflTective force. He had one ship of 74 guns, seven of 64, five of 50, six from 44 to 3-2, and 12 smaller vessels, including fire-ships and bomb-ketches. When he first appeared, the garrison were much elated, but on learning that he brought no provisions, of which they were nearly exhaus- ted, they were equally dejected. A sudden change of wind favoring the Count, he stood out to sea with all his squadron about 8 o'clock the next morning. They were severfely cannon- aded in passing the batteries, but received no material damage: Howe, deeming the weather-gage too great an advantage to be added to the superior force of the Count, contended for that ob- ject with all the skill of an experienced seaman, while the Count 18 206 was as eager to preserve it. This contest prevented an engag'e- ment on that day, and the wind on the following still continuing adverse to the design of Howe, he determined to make the best of present circumstances, and wait the approach of the Count. A strong gale which increased to a violent tempest, and continued nearly 48 hours, put by the engagement. Two of the French ships were dismasted, and others much damaged. The Langue- doc ut 90 guns, D'Estaing's own ship, lost her rudder and all her masts, and was met in that condition on the evening of the 13th, by the Renown, of 50 guns. Captain Dawson bore down with- out hoisting colors. The Count ordered Capt. Caleb Gardner •who was on board as a pilot, to hail him, that he might know what ship it was. Dawson made no reply, but ran with a full sail and a fair wind till he was under the stern of the Languedoc, then hoisted English colors, fired in great and small shot and musketry, and sailed off— on which the Languedoc fired two chase-guns after him when he attempted to approach her no more. The same evening the Preston of 50 guns, Commodore Hotham, fell in with the Tonant of 80 guns, with only his mainmast standing, and attacked her with spirit — but night put an end to the engagement. The junction of six sail of the French squadron prevented all further attempts on the two' disabled ships, by the Renown and Preston in the morning. On the IGth, the Isis of 50 guns, Captain Ray nor, was chased by the Ccesar, Captain Bougainville, a French 74 ship. Neither had suffered in the tempest. A desperate engagement was main- tained on both sides with the gi>eatest obstinacy for an hour and a half, within pistol shot. The Caesar at length put before the wind and sailed oflj the captain having lost an arm, the lieuten- ant his leg, and a number of men being killed and wounded, and the ship considerably damaged. The Isis had suffer- ed so much in rigging and masts that she could not attempt pursuit. 207 The troops under General Sullivan having landed, possessed themselves of the heights near the north end of the island. They suffered no less than the ships by the tempest. The wind blew most violently, attended by a flood of rain throughout the day, and increased so at night, that not a marque or tent could stand. Several soldiers perished by the severity of the storm, many horses died, and the greatest part of the ammunition delivered to the troops was damaged, and the condition of the army was deplorable. The garrison (at Newport,) having enjoyed better accommodations, and greater security than the Americans, Sir Robert Pigot had a fair opportunity of attacking the latter, while dispirited and worn down by the painful scenes from which they had just emerged. General Greene, and some British officers, are of opinion that a bold and vigorous onset under such circum- stances, would have been highly successful. But as nothing of the kind occurred, the 14th was spent by the Americans in drying their clothes^ &c. and getting in order for an advance. The next morning they marched at six o'clock, and took post about two miles from the British hnes. By the ^Oth, they had opened two four-gun batteries, but their approaches were slow. About two o'clock in the afternoon, the French fleet were discovered standing for New- port. General Greene and the Marquis La Fayette went on board the Languedoc to consult upon the measures proper to be pursued for the success of the expedition. They urged Count D'Estaing to return to the harbor of Newport. He was apparently inclined to a compliance but all his principal officers were rather unfriendly to him. He being a land-officer, they thought it an affiont to their understandings, and a piece of injustice done to their merits to have him appointed over their heads — and therefore crossed him in every measure that looked like giving him reputation, in order if possible, to bring him into disgrace. His instructions from the Court of France were to go into Boston if the fleet met with any misfortune, or if there appeared a superior British force upon the 208 coast. The Count hadmet with a misfortune — the Caesar which had steered for Boston was missing, and a superior British fleet ■was expected. His ofTicers insisted on his following his instruc- tions, and entered a formal protest against his prosecuting the expedition any further. About twelve o'clock at night General Greene and the Marquis returned, and made a report of what had passed. The next day letters went on board from Generals Sullivan and Hancock, as also a protest, dated, " Camp before Newport, August 22nd 1778," and signed by John Sullivan, N. Greene, John Hancock, J. Glo- ver, Ezek. Cornell, Wm. Whipple, John Tyler, Solomon Lovett and John Fitzconnell. They protested in a solemn manner against the Count's taking the fleet to Boston, as derogatory to the honor of France, contrary to the intention of his most chris- tian majesty and the interest of his nation, and destructive in the highest degree to the welfare of the United States of America, and highly injurious to the alliance formed between the two na- tions. One of the reasons assigned for the protest was, that the army and stores collected for the reduction of the Island would be lost by giving the enemy an opportunity of cutting off* the communication with the main, and totally preventing the retreat of the army. The best apology that can be offered for the protest is, that it was designed as a finesse to induce the captains of the French fleet to consent to its returning to Newport. But it had not this efiect, and met with a spirited answer from the Count who sailed next day for Boston. It appears unreasonable to censure the Count for going to Bos- ton when his officers insisted on the measure, though had he returned to Newport, the (British) garrison would most probably have capitulated before Howe could have succored them. Upon his fleets sailing for Boston, it was said that " there never was a prospect so favorable blasted by such a shameful desertion." A universal clamor prevailed against the French, and letters 209 were sent to Boston containing the most bitter invectives ajrainst D'Estaing and all his officers, to counteract whicli the cooler and more judicious part of the community employed their good offices. Between two and three thousand volunteers returned home in the course of twenty-four hours, and others continued to go off even among the militia, so that in three days Sullivan's army was greatly reduced, and was soon little more in number than lliat of the enemy. An attempt to carry the works by storm would have been too hazardous had all (he volunteers and militia remained, for the balk of the troops had never been in action. The necessity of a retreat was now therefore apparent, though on the morning of the 23rd the Americans had opened batteries, consisting in the whole of seventeen pieces of heavy artillery, 2 ten-inch mortars and three five-and-a-half-inch howitzers. Greene was against retreating hastily lest the appearance of timidity and inferiority should bring the enemy upon them, but he and Glover prepared for an expeditious retreat in case Clinton should arrive with a re- inforcement. By the 26lh all the spare heavy artillery and bag- gage were sent off the Island, and on the 2Sth at night between nine and ten the army began to move to the north end, it having been that day resolved in a council of war to remove thither, for- tify the camp, secure a communication with the main and hold the ground til! it could be known whether the French would return to their assistance. The Marquis La Fayette went to Boston to request their speedy return. Count D'Estaing would not consent to the return of the fleet, but offered to lead the troops under his command from Boston and co-operate with them against Rhode- Island. The march of Sullivan's army was conducted with great order and regularity, and the troops arrived on the ground about 3 o'clock in the morning. About 7, they were alarmed by a brisk fire of musketry in their front, between their advanced corps of 18* 210 infantry and the enemy, who had pushed after them on discover- ing their retreat. SuUivan asked the opinion of the Generals, and Greene advised to march and meet them, for he truly supposed they were come out in small detachments which might be cut to pieces, and farther apprehended that by advancing in force on the western road, they might possibly head that part of the enemy which marched down upon the cast, and so unexpectedly possess themselves of Newport. Had this measure been adopted the Americans would probably have gained great advantages, as the whole of the enemy's force on the western road consisted only of Hessian chasseurs and the Anspach regiments of Voit and Scaboth, under Gen. Lossberg. On the east road was Gen. Smith, wilh the 22d and 43rd regiments, and the flank companies of the 3Slh and 54th. To the latter were opposed Col. Henry B. Liv- ingston and his light troops. To the former, Col. Laurens with his. The enem}''s superiority of numbers obliged both to give way, but a retreating fire was kept up with the greatest order. The advanced corps being re-inforced, gave the enemy a check, made a gallant resistance, and at length repulsed them. But the British commander sending forward reinforcements both to Loss- berg and Smith, the Americans were obliged to retire near the front line of the army, which was drawn up in order of battle. The British advanced very near the Americans, but were repulsed by Glover, and retired to Q,uaker-hill. The royal troops sooa availed themselves of the two heights on Sullivan's right, where they placed several pieces of artillery, and at 9 o'clock began a severe cannonade on a redoubt, an advanced post on his right, which was returned with double force. Skirmishing continued between the advanced parties till 10, when the British ship of war, and several armed vessels having gained his right flank, began a fire — their associates on land bent their force that very way, endeavoring to turn Sullivan's right under cover of their ships, and to lake his advanced redoubt. This brought on a warm and 211 brisk fire of musketry between the contending parties, and the action became in some degree general, and nearly 1200 Americans were engaged. The last of those that were sent forward fiot up just in time to prevent the success of the enemy, who were ma- king a third effort to carry the redoubt — but they were now broken and retreated to the heights in great confusion leaving- many of their dead and wounded on the field. After their retreat the field of battle could not be approached by either without their being exposed to the cannonade of the other army. The heat of the action was from two till nearly five o'clock in the afternoon,. (Au- gust 29th, 1 778.) The firing of artillery continued through the day — the musketry with intermission, six hours. The Americans make their loss in killed 30, wounded 132, missing 44. The Bi-ilish account makes their own killed 38, wounded 280, and missing 12. Gen. Greene in a letter to the commander-in-chief, says, " Our troops behaved with great spirit, and the brigade of militia under Gen. Lovell advanced with great resolution and in good order. Lieut. Col. Livingston, Col. Jackson, and Col. H. B. Livingston did themselves great honor in the transactions of the day. But it is not in my power to do justice to Col. Laurens, who acted both the General and the partisan. His command of regular troops was small, but did every thing possible to be done by their numbers," Greene who commanded in the attack, did himself the highest honor by the bravery and judgment he exhibited. He attended strictly to the action the whole time, watching the movements of the enemy, and when to throw in the necessary reinforcements. Gen. Sullivan next morning receiving advice that Lord Howe had again sailed, that a fleet was ofTBlock Island, and that Count D'Estaing- could not come as soon as he had been expected, it was concluded to evacuate the island. The sentries of both ar- mies being within 400 yards of each other, the greatest attention was requisite. To cover the design of retreating, a great number 212 of tents were brought forward and pitched in sight of the enemy, and the whole army employed in fortifying the camp. At the same time the heavy artillery and stores were falling back and crossed the bay. At dark the tents were struck — the light baggage and troops passed down, and by twelve o'clock the main army had crossed. About that time the IVfarquis Lafayette arrived from Boston ; he was sensibly mortified that he was not in the action. That he might not be out of the way in case of one, he had rode from the island to Boston, 70 miles in seven hours, and returned in six and a half. He got back in time to bring off the picketts and other parties that covered the retreat, which he did in excel- lent order — not a man was left behind, nor an article lost. The honor arising from so good a retreat, though great, did not com- pensate for the disappointment General Sullivan met with when in full expectation of taking Newport. The place must have fallen, had not Count D'Estaingleft the harbor, or had he returned after chasing Lord Howe to a considerable distance." — Gordon's History of the American Revolution, vol. "2. p. 369. NOTE VII.— p. 186 CAPTURE OF GENERAL PRESCOTT. "A spirited adventure took place on the side of Rhode-Island, which not only fully retaliated the surprise of General- Lee, but procured an indemnification of his person. Lieut. Colonel Barton, of a militia regiment of that state, with several other officers and volunteers to the number of 40, passed by night, July 10th, 1777, from Warwick Neck to Rhode-Island, and though they had a pas- sage of ten miles by water, eluded the watchfulness of the ships of war, and guard-boats which surrounded the island. They conducted the enterprise with such silence and dexterity that they surprised General Prescott at his quarters, about one mile from the water side, and five from Newport, and brought him with one ^Ul^30 IQAa 213 of his aides de-camp safe to the continent, which they had nearly reached before there was any alarm amongst the enemy. This adventure, which with impartial judges, must outweigh Col. Harcourt's capture of General Lee, produced much exult- ation on one side and much regret on the other, from the influence it must necessarily have on Lee's destination. Congress resolved within a few days after hearing of Prescott's capture that an el- egant sword should be provided and presented to Col. Barton." — Gordon's History, Vol. 2nd. page 213. " Lieutenant Colonel Barton of the Rhode-Island militia, plan- ned a bold exploit for taking Major Gen. Prescott, the command- ing officer of the royal army at Newport, Taking with him on the night of the 10th July 1777, about 40 men in two boats with muffled oars, he had the address to elude the vigilance of the ships of war and guard-boats, and having arrived undiscovered at the quarters of Gen. Prescott, they were mistaken for the senti- nels, and the General was not alarmed till his captors were at the door of his lodging-chamber, which was fast closed, A negro man named Prince, instantly thrust his beetle-head through the pannel door, and seized his victim in bed. The General's aid-de- camp leaped undressed from a window and endeavored to escape, but was taken, and with the General brought off in safety. In repassing the water-guards Gen. Prescott said to Col. Barton, * Sir, I did not think it possible you could escape the vigilance of the water-guards.' This is the second time that General Prescott has been a prisoner in our hands within two years. The adventure is extremely honorable to the enterprising spirit of Coi. Barton, and is considered an ample retaliation for the capture of General Lee. The event occasions great joy and exultation, as it puts into our possession an officer of equal rank with Gen. Lee, by which means his exchange may be obtained. Congress resolved that an elegant sword should be presented to Col. Barton for his brave exploit." — Thatcher's Military Journal, p. 193. ^i/0.^^