| |
| |
| CHAPTER I. |
| |
| A GOOD BEGINNING. |
| |
| The patch of squashes—counting chickens before they are |
| hatched—ifs—ducks, and the bright side—explanation—hopeful |
| Nat—Nathaniel Bowditch—Sir Humphrey Davy—Buxton—benefit |
| of hopefulness—the squashes coming up—Frank Martin—"all |
| play and no work"—Ben Drake—scene when Nat was four |
| years old—"thinking on his own hook"—men of mark think |
| for themselves—"niggers' work"—great men not ashamed of |
| useful work—the harvest-day—Frank's surprise—Nat as a peddler—his |
| sister—his drawings—Samuel Budgett, Dr. Kitto, |
| and the rich merchant peddling—"creep before you can walk"—the |
| errand-boy and his success—what his culture of squashes |
| shows | [1-17] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER II. |
| |
| UPWARD AND ONWARD. |
| |
| Winter—in school—proposition to declaim—the dialogue, "Alexander |
| the Great and a Robber"—Nat is the robber—his reason—sympathy |
| for the poor and unfortunate—the dialogue learned |
| and spoken—Nat's eloquence—some boys who declaim poorly |
| at first make orators at last—Demosthenes—Daniel Webster—Nat |
| declaiming before visitors—the petition for shorter lessons—Nat |
| won't sign it—Sam Drake's predicament—the teacher hears |
| of the movement—his remarks about dull scholars—Newton, |
| Dr. Barrows, Adam Clarke, Chatterton, Napoleon, etc.—necessity |
| of application | [17-27] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER III. |
| |
| SATURDAY AFTERNOON. |
| |
| The bright summer-time—sport at Frank's—the dog "Trip" |
| playing hy-spy—the boys hiding—Trip finding them—the result |
| of the first game—the second game—the court scene—talk |
| about it with Sylvester Jones—Nat goes to court—the prisoners |
| are two of his schoolmates—his sympathy for them—examination |
| of witnesses—the remarks of the justice—Nat proposes to |
| plead their case—the sensation and result—what was said of |
| it—another instance of Nat's sympathy—what it |
| foreshadowed—Howard—Wilberforce—Buxton | [28-37] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER IV. |
| |
| THE WILD CHERRIES. |
| |
| The excursion—John's proposition—decision to go—the cherry-tree—is |
| it wild?—a discussion—filling their caps—surprised |
| by the owner—their escape—Nat's and Frank's caps left behind—the |
| owner carries them to the house—Nat's resolve to go to his |
| house—rapping at the door—his explanation and confession—the |
| caps restored with a plenty of cherries—the end thereof | [38-47] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER V. |
| |
| ATHLETIC SPORTS. |
| |
| Bathing—a passion for it—a particular swim—Nat the best |
| swimmer—swimming under water—a trial—a game of ball—Nat |
| the best player—the result of the game—remarks of spectators—the |
| fastest runner—a principle to be best—excelled in athletic |
| sports through same elements of character that made him excel in |
| school—the best shoe-black—Reynolds made every picture best—Buxton's |
| sports in boyhood, and Sir Walter Scott's—Wellington's |
| remark—Nat's remark twenty-five years after—Nat saving |
| a boy from drowning—his picture of the scene—how he used |
| his experience in athletic games | [48-56] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER VI. |
| |
| A MISTAKE. |
| |
| Winter school again—the skating proposition—the proposed grammar |
| class—Nat does not accede—discussion on the way to the |
| pond—Nat the best skater—the palm yielded to him—home to |
| supper—teacher's remarks next day about grammar—advice to |
| Nat and Charlie—his reference to Benjamin Franklin and Patrick |
| Henry—Nat and Charlie join the class—conversation |
| among the boys, and with Nat in particular—Sam put into the |
| objective case, and his mischief-making propensity—tying a tin-pail |
| to a dog's tail—the delight of Sam—the sorrow of Nat, and |
| verdict of the boys—Sam an improper noun—the end of school | [57-68] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER VII. |
| |
| PROSPECT HILL. |
| |
| Proposed visit to Prospect Hill—a hundred churches—situation |
| and description of the hill—view from the top—Trip accompanies |
| them—meeting with Sam and Ben Drake—Sam's assault |
| upon Trip—Frank's feelings—Nat's love of nature—this |
| characterizes youth generally who become renowned—Sir Francis |
| Chantrey—Robert Burns—Hugh Miller—more hope of boys |
| who love the beautiful of nature and art—reaching the summit—a |
| fire in the city—Sam's anger—counting the churches—Sam |
| kicks Trip down the precipice—Frank and Nat crying—Sam's |
| ridicule—Sam and Ben leave—Nat tells a story—carrying |
| dead Trip home | [69-82] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER VIII. |
| |
| THE END OF SCHOOL-DAYS. |
| |
| The agent of the factory wants Nat—picker-boy in Lowell a short |
| time—his home-sickness—a good sign for boys to love home, |
| and why—bad boys do not love home—the young man in |
| prison—such lads sneer at home-sickness—interview of Nat's |
| father and mother on the subject—their conclusion to put him into |
| the factory—end of school-days | [83-89] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER IX. |
| |
| OPENING THE SUBJECT. |
| |
| Nat coming home—telling the sad news to his mother—sifting |
| Sam Drake's character—going to Frank's to bury Trip—asking |
| permission of parents—how some take advantage—Frank's |
| arrangement for the burial—Trip's coffin—buried |
| in the garden—Nat's funeral oration—going to supper—the |
| difficult lesson in arithmetic—stunned by the announcement—his |
| objection—his mother suggested that the operatives had a |
| library—the result, and Nat's last thoughts at night | [90-99] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER X. |
| |
| THE NEW CALL. |
| |
| Monday morning—prompt boys—not a lazy bone in Nat—how |
| the bell called him—his first appearance at the factory—remark |
| of the overseer—meeting with Charlie Stone there—Charlie's |
| character—making use of knowledge acquired and difference in |
| boys—talk with the agent about the library—his advice about |
| spare moments—William Cobbett's account of his own privations |
| in early life—Nat's first noon-time—his work as bobbin boy—takes |
| the life of Dr. Franklin out of the library—meets with David |
| Sears—punctuality a cardinal virtue—how the factory bell cultivates |
| punctuality—here the beginning of his student life—read |
| through life of Franklin before Saturday night | [100-112] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XI. |
| |
| THE LOFTY STUDY. |
| |
| Nat's proposition for systematic study—Charlie goes to his house—his |
| study in the attic—Dr. Kitto's study not so good—nor St. |
| Pierre's—they read and discuss Franklin and Patrick Henry—copy |
| of Franklin's rules—Patrick Henry's faculty of observation—Nat |
| like him—studying men and things—the case of Shakspeare—Nat |
| the best penman in the mill—choice between study |
| and the party—obliged to deny himself for the sake of study—some |
| disarrangements—thinks he can never know much—the |
| poor not so good a chance as the rich—wealth of character | [113-123] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XII. |
| |
| THE DEDICATION. |
| |
| A hall to be dedicated—Nat's conversation with Frank about it, |
| and removal of the library—going to the dedication—the address |
| on Count Rumford—a sketch of the address to show why |
| Nat was so deeply interested—Count Rumford's origin, boyhood, |
| rise, learning, benevolence, and fame—conversation with his |
| mother about it—conversation with Charlie at the factory—a |
| life-long impression made on his mind by it | [124-133] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XIII. |
| |
| A SCHOOL SCENE. |
| |
| A difficulty with Sam Drake in school—Nat hears of it—a true |
| account—Sam writes a letter about the teacher—the teacher |
| discovers it—many words spelled incorrectly—a copy of the |
| letter—Sam called into the floor—made to spell the words he has |
| spelled wrong—spells Alpheus, Coombs, knife, bargain, |
| spectacles—merriment it occasioned in school—Sam refuses to spell |
| more—he is punished and conquered—spells again—then he is |
| ferruled—sent to his seat—advice to the school—a good teacher—his |
| case before the committee—expelled—what the incident |
| teaches | [134-141] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XIV. |
| |
| TAKING SIDES. |
| |
| The Federalist—Jefferson and the Democrat—the four votes—studied |
| with all his soul—Jefferson wrote the Declaration of |
| Independence—reading it—difference between Jefferson and Adams |
| —Jefferson's views of slavery—extract from his writings—another |
| extract—why Nat adopted these principles—his early sympathies—the |
| life of Jefferson made lasting impression on his |
| mind—case of Guido—Cotton Mather's "Essays to do Good"—Dr. |
| Franklin—Jeremy Bentham and greatest good to greatest |
| number—Alfieri and "Plutarch's Lives"—Loyola and "Lives |
| of the Saints"—a picture made—Dr. Guthrie | [142-155] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XV. |
| |
| THREE IMPORTANT EVENTS. |
| |
| Frank in the factory—bad to be poor—worse to be mean—great |
| men generally poor—dispute with Dr. Franklin—intimate |
| friendship with Frank—the poor sympathize with each other—so |
| with the rich—influence of kindred occupation—the new |
| comer—his poverty—who Marcus was—the kind letter that |
| brought trial—proposition to leave home—talk with his mother—reminded |
| of Marcus—decision to leave home—departure and |
| new field—gone three years—his return | [156-164] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XVI. |
| |
| FINDING A LOST OPPORTUNITY. |
| |
| Odd moments at grammar—making up for a lost opportunity—confession |
| of an error—inquiry after Sam Drake—his bad |
| character—Ben Drake—mastering grammar alone—nothing |
| dry in which we are interested—Nat's literary pocket—Roger |
| Sherman's pocket—Napoleon's pocket—Hugh Miller's pocket—Elihu |
| Burritt's pocket—many boys carry only a jack-knife in |
| their pocket—value of one hour a day—ten years of study in |
| half a century—lost opportunities not found—the proposed debating |
| club—Marcus again | [165-173] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XVII. |
| |
| THE PURCHASE. |
| |
| A spare day—visit to Boston bookstores—shoe-leather cheap and |
| the proposed walk—conversation with Charlie and Frank—the |
| walk to Boston—what would attract some boys there—the book-stores |
| drew Nat—conversation with a bookseller—purchase of |
| "Locke's Essay on the Understanding"—his examination of |
| books—bits of knowledge—Dr. Kitto and the book-stall—homeward |
| bound—Monday morning with Charlie—influence of |
| Locke's Essay on him—its influence was such on Robert Burns, |
| Samuel Drew, and Mendelssohn—it aids the speaker to understand |
| the laws of human nature—more visits to Boston | [174-182] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XVIII. |
| |
| THE DEBATING SOCIETY. |
| |
| Plans carried out—its object—how it must be conducted—the |
| organization—rule to make it respectable—his desire to make |
| all things respectable—the fire company reformed—the first |
| discussion—the question—an evening without a question—how |
| they got over it—Nat's speech—curiosity to hear—tremendous |
| compliments—Nat wards them off—contends that a man may |
| become what he wants to be—this the view of Buxton and |
| others—influence of the debating society on Nat—a similar |
| society influenced Curran, the Irish orator—and a living American |
| statesman—Canning, the English statesman—and Henry |
| Clay—interesting account of a similar society in Boston | [183-195] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XIX. |
| |
| COMING AND GOING. |
| |
| Ben Drake's visit—the welcome of Frank—Mrs. Martin's |
| questions—surprise at learning that Ben is a Christian—going |
| to the prayer-meeting—Frank surprised to hear Ben speak—goes to tell |
| Nat the next morning—their conversation—Ben calls around—announcement |
| that Webster would speak in Boston—Nat's resolve |
| to hear him—the walk to Boston—the speech—Nat's observation |
| and remarks—power of the human voice—hearing Edward |
| Everett—walks to hear other speakers—learned much of the use |
| of language and oratory by observation—so with Robert Bloomfield—the |
| charm of the voice | [196-205] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XX. |
| |
| GOSSIP. |
| |
| Talk which Nat created—scene in the sewing circle—use of spare |
| moments—boys who read their leisure moments not get into |
| mischief—old Mrs. Lane on education—her ideas about his |
| going to hear Webster and Everett and the book in his pocket—how |
| much time he saves a day for reading—wants more boys |
| like Nat—his going to the party—sympathy for the slighted—explanation |
| of the scene—waiting upon the slighted girls—the |
| effect of it—Nat's decision, independence, and kind-hearted |
| nature enabled him to do it—like Robert Burns in this respect | [206-213] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXI. |
| |
| GOING TO THE THEATRE. |
| |
| Nat's desire to witness a tragedy played—resolve to go and hear |
| Booth—talk with his companions—what would be said—the |
| evening of his visit—the play—after conversation with his |
| companions—the bar—why vices connected with theatres—can they |
| be severed from it—Nat wants to hear more—at home at one |
| o'clock—outside remarks afterwards—his course criticized—went |
| a number of times thereafter—his object in going good—yet |
| it was not safe—-the Roman youth at the amphitheatre—so |
| with theatre-goers—theatres always been schools of vice—acts |
| of Congress against—vain attempt to make theatres respectable |
| in Boston—the legend of Tertullian—the actor Macready exposed |
| the vice of theatres—Judge Bulstrode's charge—Sir |
| Matthew Hale's experience in boyhood—opinion of the infidel |
| Rousseau | [214-225] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXII. |
| |
| THE DRAMATIC SOCIETY. |
| |
| The proposition—how it was met—they undertake it—how the |
| theatre creates love of such amusement—the nephew who became |
| an actor by hearing—playing Macbeth—make their own scenery—Nat |
| wrote constitution—evening of the organization—evening |
| of the first play—a success—remarks of Mr Graves adverse |
| to such performances—talk in the village—remarks of old Mrs. |
| Lane—why Nat does it—conversation with Charlie—Nat opposed |
| to being an actor—desire to be a statesman | [226-234] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXIII. |
| |
| THE SURPRISE. |
| |
| The news—discussion in the town lyceum—occasioned by the |
| dramatic society—the question "Are dramatical exhibitions beneficial |
| to society?"—the evening of the debate—Nat goes—Mr. |
| Bryant's remarks on the low origin of theatres—remarks of another |
| on the immorality of actors—of another on the profane and |
| vulgar parts of plays—seven thousand indecent sentences in |
| English plays—King James the First—Addison's view—the |
| class of persons who patronize theatres—Nat's excitement—Frank's |
| question—Nat's attention—rises to speak—the surprise |
| of the audience—his argument and eloquence astonished all—remark |
| of Dr. Holt—reminds us of Patrick Henry—description |
| of his first plea—his triumph—Charlie's view—Nat's argument |
| changed no one's view—his eloquence they admired—invited |
| to join town lyceum—the dramatic society dead | [235-250] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXIV. |
| |
| ANOTHER STEP. |
| |
| Making a new study—conversation with Charlie—Nat's new plans—study |
| furniture—manual labor—Charlie's opinion—excessive |
| reading bad—using what is learned—Coleridge's description of |
| readers—difference between Nat and Charlie—Burke's Essay on |
| the Sublime and Beautiful—a bit of humor—using the library of |
| Harvard College—his walks thither—power of concentrating |
| thoughts—Hugh Miller fighting imaginary battles with shells—Cary |
| made a missionary by reading voyages of Captain Cook—Nat's |
| invincible purpose | [251-259] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXV. |
| |
| EULOGY BY JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. |
| |
| Working on the mill-dam—news of the eulogy on Madison—how |
| much he would sacrifice to hear him—general regard for personal |
| appearance—goes in his workshop dress—a view of him in the |
| crowd—talk in the machine-shop—Nat back again—his views |
| of the eulogy—conversation—his leading traits of character seen |
| here | [260-265] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXVI. |
| |
| THE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. |
| |
| Beginning of the total abstinence movement—Nat espouses the |
| cause—talk with his companions about forming a society—James |
| Cole opposes—making a beast of one's self—the gutter |
| theory—customary for youth to drink then—drinking usages—the |
| decision to organize a society—preparations—evening of the |
| organization—Nat's speech and presentation of constitution—the |
| choice of officers—Frank Martin president, and Charlie Stone |
| secretary—important event for that time—sensation in the village—scene |
| in a grog-shop—signing away liberty—Nat invited |
| to give a lecture before the society—the decision and firmness |
| required then to advocate total abstinence | [266-276] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXVII. |
| |
| THE TEMPERANCE LECTURE. |
| |
| News of the lecture flies—scene in Miles's grog-shop—the rumseller |
| resolves to go—a crowd to hear the lecture—"The Fifteen |
| Gallon Law" was his subject—portrayed the evils of intemperance—showed |
| that the proposed law would remove the evil |
| among the poor—showed that it introduced no new principle of |
| legislation—discussed other topics—the lecture gained him much |
| applause—the rumseller Miles was reached and resolved to quit |
| selling liquor—Johnson his customer attacking him next morning—their |
| battle of words—the result—delivered the lecture in |
| neighboring towns—delivered others at home | [277-286] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXVIII. |
| |
| SPEECH-MAKING. |
| |
| Nat's position—worked for it—bobbin boy father of the orator—so |
| with other men—Sir James Mackintosh—Audubon—Benjamin |
| West—Eli Whitney, and what his sister said—poem of |
| Longfellow—interest in politics—urged to address political |
| bodies—conversation with Charlie—decides to speak—does so |
| at home and abroad—the adventure of a political committee, and |
| a good joke—Nat's speech and their arrangement | [287-297] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXIX. |
| |
| THE EARLY VICTIM. |
| |
| News that James Cole is frozen—Frank's version of the affair—made |
| drunk at a grog-shop—lay senseless in the street all night—his |
| previous character—his good abilities—all sorts of rumors |
| abroad—he revives, but is still very sick—what the physician |
| says—nearly three months pass—a funeral described—the last |
| of James Cole—the sexton's view—the youthful drunkard's |
| grave | [298-304] |
| |
| |
| CHAPTER XXX. |
| |
| THE END. |
| |
| A quarter of a century passed—what and where is Nat and his |
| associates—the drunkard—Sam and Ben Drake in prison—power |
| of early vicious habits—Frank Martin at the head of a |
| public institution—Charlie Stone agent of one of the wealthiest |
| and best known manufacturing companies of New England—Marcus |
| Treat a highly distinguished lawyer in his adopted State—Nat |
| governor of the best State in the Union—the change—appeal |
| to youth | [305-310] |