Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War. / Founded on Fact

by Amelia Stratton Comfield

Ellipses (....) represent longer omissions, generally two or more full sentences; shorter omissions are retained. In particular, Alida omits all passages having to do with either American Indians or religious communities. Aside from omitted material, most quotations are verbatim except for changes of person (from “I” or “we” to “Alida” or “the group”).

The dramatic date of these chapters is summer 1815, or ten years before Karl Bernhard’s visit. Note in particular the references to the Erie Canal and to the Superintendent of West Point.

	NY Weekly: The School of Nature (introductory poem:Theodosia)
There she might read innature’s page thewonders of Creation, almighty power,infinite wisdom and unbounded might. There truths that entertain, reward thesearching mind, and onward lead inquiring thought. The curiouswonders still unfold,and rise upon the view. The mind rejoicing, comments as shereads, and raises still to the Almighty Power increasinghomage.	“—————— Nature spreads An open volume; where, in ev’ry page, We read the wondersof Almighty Pow’r, Infinite Wisdom, and unbounded Love. Here sweet instruction, entertainingtruths, Reward the searching mind, and onward lead Enquiring Thought: new beauties still unfold, And op’ning wonders rise upon theview. The Mind, rejoicing, comments as she reads; While through th’ inspiring page Conviction glows, And warms to praise her animated pow’rs.”
The summer was past its meridian, and had shedabroad its warmest influences, and enriched the various scenes of naturewith the luxuriance and beauty of its foliage. In the meantime, Alidadeparted again from her father’s house for the city, to join a partycomposed of gentlemen and matrons, Albert her brother, with severalyoung ladies, who all left the port of New-York for the Falls ofNiagara. Her pensive mind became cheered and animated as the gallantsteamer left the shores of the city and moved majestically over thesmooth face of the Hudson. The morning was extremely beautiful, and shesurveyed with a new and alleviating pleasure, the various and extensiveprospect of the surrounding country. The scenery on the river at thisseason surpassed all description, and exhibited a landscape worthy torelate in history. The borders of the river beautifully interspersedwith cottages, villages, and large flourishing towns, elegantcountry-seats,with grounds tastefully laid out, which afforded to the eye of thetraveller a novel and enchanting appearance.
	Travels (chapter V)
They arrived aboutsunset at thecity of Albany, and took lodgings atCruttenden’s boarding-house, on an eminence near the Capitol orState-house.	.... At the village of Greenbush, near Albany, wecrossed the Hudson or North river in a horse-boat, and upon our arrival in the city tooklodgings at Cruttenden’s boarding-house, on an eminence near the capitolor state-house.
This city, whichis situated on theright bank of the Hudson, and stands westward upon a rising ground,received its name, when in possession ofthe English, in honour of James II., who was the duke of York andAlbany. On the following morning they took a walk through thecity. In consequence of its vicinity to theBallston, Saratoga, and New Lebanon Springs, in the fashionable season the hotel was so full of strangersthat no more could be accommodated.	Albany contains about fifteen thousand inhabitants.It is situated upon the right bank of the Hudson, andextends westward upon an eminence. It was built by the Dutch in 1614, underthe name of Fort Orange, and received itspresent name after it came into the possession of the English, in honour of theafterwards unfortunate King James II. who was thenduke of York and Albany. Some of the Dutch houses are stillstanding, and several of the streets retain their original names. At the tavern we met with a Mr. Jackson, from NewYork, who had arrived at the same time, and who was accompanied by hissister and his son, Columbus, a sensible lad about ten years of age. Mr.J. is a teacher. In consequence of the vicinity tothe Ballston, Saratoga, and New Lebanon springs, and the fashionable season, the hotel was so full of strangers,that I was obliged to sleep with Mr. Tromp, in a smallchamber....
Albany has received a new impulse, an increase of commerce, andexpects to reap the most happy results from the Erie canal, whichcommences here, and runs a distance of three hundred and sixty-two milesto Lake Erie. The company took a walk tothe new basin, into which the canal empties. It is separated from theHudson by a dam which runs parallel with the river.	Albany has received a new impulse, an increase of commerce, andexpects to reap the most happy results from the Erie Canal, which has been lately established, and whichcommences here, and runs a distance of three hundred and sixty-two milesto Lake Erie.... We ... took a walk to thenew basin, into which the canal empties. It is separated from the Hudsonby a dam which runs parallel with the river.... ...
The Erie Canal was begun in 1817 and completed in 1825.
	Travels (chapter VI begins)
On the morning of the 14th of August they took passage on board of the Albany, one of the canal packet-boats, for LakeErie. This canal, which is three hundredand sixty-two miles in length, witheighty-three locks between the Hudson river and Lake Erie, which lies six hundred andeighty-eight feet above the level of the former river.	On the morning of the 14th of August, we took passage on board the Albany, one of the canalpacket-boats, for Lake Erie. This canal.... is three hundred andsixty-two miles in length, with eighty-three locks, between the Hudsonand Lake Erie, which lies six hundred and eighty-eight feet above thelevel of the former river....
The packet-boat took them from thence to Schenectady. It was covered,and contained a spacious cabin. On account of the great number of thelocks, the progress of their journey was but slow. The boat was drawn bythree horses, that walked upon a narrow path leading along the canal,and beneath the numerous bridges which are thrown over it.	The packet-boat which took us to Schenectady, was seventy feet long,fourteen feet wide, and drew two feet water. It was covered, andcontained a spacious cabin, with a kitchen, and was very neatlyarranged. On account of the great number of locks, the progress of ourjourney was but slow: our packet-boat went onlyat the rate of three miles an hour, being detained at each lock, on anaverage, four minutes. The locks are fourteen feet wide above thesurface, and have a fall from seven to twelve feet. Thepacket-boat was drawn by three horses, which walked upon a narrowtow-path leading along the canal, and beneath the numerous bridges whichare thrown over it....
The distance from Albany to Schenectady by land is only fifteenmiles, and persons are enabled to travel it in a very short time ina stage coach, but as they were anxious to see the canal, they preferred goingby water twenty-eight miles.	The distance from Albany to Schenectady, by land, is only fifteen miles,and persons are enabled to travel it in a very short time in the stagecoach; but as we were anxious to see the canal, and get leisure to complete our journals, we preferred going by water, twenty-eight miles.
The city of Troy, five miles and ahalf above Albany, is pleasantly situatedon the left bank of the river, at the foot of several tolerably highmountains, one of which is called Mount Ida. There is a branch canal, which has two locks, andestablishes a communication with Troy. Theysoon arrived at a place where there were no less than nine locks, with an ascent ofseventy-eight feet. In front, and to the right of this, is anothercanal, which unites with the Hudson and the canal from LakeChamplain.	At Troy, five miles and a half from Albany, is thegovernmentarsenal, which appears to be a large establishment. Asfar as this place, the canal runs nearly parallel with the Hudson.Troy, which is very pleasantly situated on the left bank of theriver, at the foot of several tolerably high mountains, one of which iscalled Mount Ida, appears, if we may bepermitted to judgefrom the large store-houses and the good appearance of the dwellings,to be a wealthy place. Here is abranch canal which has two locks, and establishes a communication withTroy. Shortly after, we arrived at a placewhere there are no less than nine locks,with an ascent of seventy-eight feet. In front, and to the right ofthis, is another canal, which unites with the Hudson and the canal fromLake Champlain.
At this place they left the Hudson, anddirected their course along theMohawk river. During their ride, they observed a covered wooden bridge, whichextends over the latter river, a short distance from its mouth, andis about six hundred feet in length, supported by fifteen wooden piers.There was a fine view of the famousCohoes Falls of the Mohawk river, seventy-eight feet in height, andabout four hundred feet wide. In the spring, when these falls extendover the entire bed of the Mohawk, they are said to be extremelymagnificent. During this season of dryweather, they presented a handsome appearance, though they were verysmall, the river being almost completelydried up.	At this place we left the Hudson anddirected our course along the Mohawkriver. During our ride we observed a covered wooden bridge, which extends overthe latter river, a short distance from its mouth, and is about sixhundred feet in length, supported by fifteen wooden piers. Here we saw the famous Cohoes Falls of the Mohawkriver, seventy-eight feet in height and about four hundred feet wide. Inthe spring, when these falls extend over the entire bed of the Mohawk,they are said to be extremely magnificent; during the present dry weather, they presented a very handsome appearance, though they were very small.The river was almost completely driedup....
Finding great difficulty in continuing the canal on the right bank ofthe Mohawk, they were obliged here to carry it to the opposite sideof the river by means of an aqueductbridge one thousand one hundred and eighty-eight feet in length. Thisbridge is supported by twenty-six stone columns, on which account they have placed a chevaux-de-frieze tokeep off the ice in the river. The canal is cut through the rocks almostthe whole distance, where it runs along the left bank of the Mohawk, andpresents a very handsome appearance.	Finding great difficulty in continuing the canal on the right bank ofthe Mohawk, they were obliged here to carry it to the opposite side bymeans of an aqueduct-bridge, one thousand one hundred and eighty-eightfeet in length. This bridge is of wood,and is supported by twenty-six stone columns, on account of which, they have placed achevaux-de-frise, to keep off the ice in the river about one hundred yards off.... The canal is cutthrough the rocks, almost the whole distance, where it runs along theleft bank of the Mohawk, and presents a very handsome appearance.
Twelve miles further on, it returns again to the right bank of the river, by a similar aqueduct, supported bysixteen piers. Four miles farther on is Schenectady, where they arrivedafter sunset. Between this town and Albany they passed no less than twenty-seven locks.	Twelve miles farther on, it returns again to the right bank of the Mohawk by a similar aqueduct, seven hundred and forty-eight feet in length andsupported by sixteen piers. Above this aqueduct,which is also protected by a chevaux-de-frise, there is a commonwooden bridge thrown over the river, for wagons. Four milesfarther on is Schenectady, where wearrived after sunset. Between this town and Albany, we passed no less than twenty-seven locks....
At this place they left the packet-boat,and found excellent lodgings at Given’s hotel, which, after the greatheat they had endured during the day, wasexceedingly agreeable. Early on the next morning they walked through the town, and visited Union College,which consists of two large buildings situated at a short distance from the town, upon a littleeminence. From this building there is abeautiful view of the town and of the Mohawk valley.	At this place we left the packet-boat,in order to proceed to Utica next morning inanother boat, and found excellent lodgings at Given’s hotel,which, after the great heat we had enduredduring the day, was exceedingly agreeable. Itsinhabitants are, in part, descendants of the Lower Saxons, and some ofthem whom I saw at the tavern conversed with me in bad Dutch.Early on the next morning we walkedthrough the town, and visited Union College, which consists of two largebuildings situated a short distance from the town upon a littleeminence. It was the time of vacation, andconsequently it was perfectly silent. From its decaying appearance, Ishould judge the college was not in a very prosperous condition.From this building you have a beautifulview of the town, and of the Mohawk valley, which appears here to be well settled. In the town we observeda peculiar windmill, with a horizontal wheel, whose sails, about twentyin number, stand perpendicularly.
They left Schenectady early in the morningon board the packet-boat, which had engaged to take them to Utica, eighty miles distant, by an early hourthe next day. The canal again ran along the well cultivated valley ofthe Mohawk, and the prospect of thecountry, on account of the foliage of the trees upon the heights, wasbeautiful.	We left Schenectady early in themorning on board the packet-boat SamuelYoung, which had engaged to take usto Utica, eighty miles distant, by an early hour the next day. It was a large boat, and, as the passengers areobliged to spend the night on board, is provided with separateapartments for the ladies. The canal again ran along thewell-cultivated valley of the Mohawk, and the country, on account of thefoliage of the trees upon the heights was beautiful.
The village of Amsterdam consists of a few neat houses. The canal iscarried over two rivers, called Schoharie, Canajoharie, from which itreceives the most of its water. At this place the horses were conveyedto the opposite side of the two rivers by means of a ferry-boat. At thefirst ferry is a small village, called Fort Hunter, where at the time of the revolution there had been a fort, orrather a redoubt of the same name. Towardsevening they passed through a valley,which is formed by two rocky mountains.	The village of Amsterdam consists of a few neat houses; and opposite, on the right bank of the Mohawk, is Rotterdam.On our way we passed several small aqueducts, the longest of which restonly upon three piers, and extend over small brooks, which, as well asthe small rivulets, are distinguished by the Indian appellation of“creek.” The canal is carried over two rivers, called Schoharieand Canajoharie creeks, from which it receives the most of its water.At this place the horses are conveyed to the opposite side of the tworivers by means of ferryboats. At the first ferry is a small village,called Fort Hunter, where, before therevolution, there had been a fort, or rather a redoubt of the same name.Towards evening we passed through avalley, which is formed by two rocky mountains, one of which is called Anthony’s Nose. The houses we saw onour route, had generally a handsome appearance; to-day and yesterday Iobserved also some saw-mills.
There are twenty locks between Schenectadyand Utica. The day was intolerably warm, and the company very much oppressedby the heat, but in the evening fortunately there was a thunder-shower, which cooled the air. They passed over anaqueduct bridge during the night, whichstands over a solace called Little Falls.	There are twenty-six locks betweenSchenectady and Utica. The day was intolerably warm, and our company was verynumerous. I confined myself to writing, thewhole day, as much as possible; but, inconsequence of the heat, I could not avoid sleeping. In theevening we fortunately had a thunder-storm, whichcooled the air.... During the night we passed an aqueduct bridge, which stands overa solace, called Little Falls.
Towards morning they passed through awell-cultivated region called German Flats, which was settled by someGermans during the time of Queen Anne. At about ten o’clock they arrived at Utica, which is intersectedby the canal, and is a large, flourishing town.	Towards morning we passed through awell-cultivated region, with some neathouses, called German flats, andwhich was settled by some Germans during the time of Queen Anne. Atabout twelve o’clock at noon we arrived atUtica, nine miles from the place where we passeda lock, which is the last that occurs in the next seventy miles. Theland appeared to be marshy, and consisted of sand andpebbles. Utica, which is intersected by the canal, is a flourishing town,of about four thousandinhabitants....
In fact it is only here that a person begins to admire the greatimprovements in cultivation, and gets perfectly new ideas of the worksof man and of his enterprising genius. Utica, on the right bank of theMohawk, has two banks and four churches.It has also several taverns, the largest of which called Shepherd’shotel, they found excellent accommo­dations. There were besides many large andconvenient stores, a bookstore, and printing office. Thenumber of travellers this summer wereunusually great, especially from the southern states.	In fact, it is only here that a person begins to admire the greatimprovements in cultivation, and gets perfectly new ideas of the worksof man, and of his enterprising genius! Utica, on the right bank of theMohawk, has two banks, four churches, anacademy, and large and convenient stores,a bookstore, and printing-office. It has also several ale-houses, and three fine taverns, at the largest of which, called Shepherd’s hotel, wefound excellent accommo­dations. In thishouse there are always more than seventy beds for the accommodation ofstrangers; and these, on some occasions, are barely sufficient.The number of travellers this summer, is said tohave been unusually great, especially from the southernstates....
[CHAPTERXXV.]
When first beside the lake thy turrets rose, Extending far around in simple pride, A novel beauty o’er the landscape throws, Where gentle waters softly murmuring glide.
	Travels (chapter VI continues)
At Utica the gentlemen hired a stage tovisit the Falls of Trenton, distant fourteen miles. They were accom­panied in this route by a number ofpassengers from New-York and North Carolina. They crossed the Mohawk upon a covered wooden bridge.After this the road gradually ascended toa forest, which was in part cleared for new fields. At a little distance from the falls is a tavern, where they left the carriage, and went on foot throughthick woods, from which a pair of stairs conducted to the falls.	At Utica, seven of us for nine dollars hired a stage to visit the Falls ofTrenton, distant fourteen miles. Ourpassengers were partly from New York, andpartly from the state of North Carolina.We crossed the Mohawk upon a coveredwooden bridge, built in a bad and awkwardmanner, on which I observed an advertisement, “that all persons who passthis bridge on horseback or wagon faster than a walk, shall be fined onedollar.” After this, our roadgradually ascended to a forest, which was, however, in part cleared for new fields. The timber is so much neglected here, that they will veryprobably feel the want of it in less than fifty years. At a short distance from the falls of West CanadaCreek is a new tavern, which is situated in a lately cleared forest, and is builtentirely of wood. At this tavern weleft the carriage, and went on foot through thick woods, from which apair of stairs conduct to thefalls....
The beautiful mass of green around, the azure sky, the large and variegated rocks,and the three falls, produce a most happy effect. The rocks of these falls are so excavated by the water, thatthey have the form of a common kettle. The upper falls, which are aboutninety feet high, are the grandest. Theydined at the tavern, and towards evening returned to Utica.	This beautiful mass of green, the azuresky, the large and variegated rocks, and the three falls, produce a mosthappy effect. The rocks at these falls,which, on account of the great heat, scarcelyextended over half the river, are so excavated by the water, thatthey have the form of a common kettle. The upper falls, which are aboutninety feet high, are the grandest.... At thetavern where we had put up, we found atolerably good dinner, and towards evening returned to Utica.
The day was fine and pleasant. Theyregretted that it was too late, upon theirreturn thither, to visita hydrostatic lock designed to weigh the boats which pass on thecanal.	The day was fine and pleasant. The thunder-stormof yesterday, had done some good. I regretted that it was too late upon our return to Utica, tovisit a hydrostatic lock, designed to weigh the boats which pass on thecanal.
Having seen enough of the canal, and being anxious to see thenewly-settled country between this place and Niagara, they continued their journey the next day in the stagecoach. With this intention they left Uticaat four o’clock in the morning, and the same day arrived at Auburn,distant seventy-three miles. They passed throughtwelve villages on their route fromUtica to Auburn.	Having seen enough of the canal, and being anxious to see thenewly-settled country between this place and Niagara, we determined to continue our journey on the next day in the stage-coach. With this intentionwe left Utica at 4 o’clock in the morningof the 17th of August, and the same dayarrived at Auburn, distant seventy-three miles.... The villages betweenUtica and Auburn were New Hartford, four miles, Manchester, five miles, Vernon,eight miles, Oneida, five miles, Lenox, four miles, Sullivan, eightmiles, Manlius, six miles, Jamesville, five miles, Onandago Hollow, fivemiles, Onandago Hill, two miles, Marcellus, eight miles, andSkeneatelass, six miles.
Between Manchester and Vernon day dawned, and they found themselves in arather wild country, in the midst of a wilderness.	Between Manchester and Vernon day dawned, and we found ourselves in arather wild country, in the midst of a wilderness.
Behind the village of Oneida, the road ledalong a considerable hill, from which theyhad a beautiful view of Oneida lake, which presented the appearance of alarge stream. Here there were a number ofextensive prospects, which, however, as therewas but little cultivated land and few houses, were rather uniform.	Oneida is an Indiansettlement, and.... Behind this village the road led alonga considerable hill, from which we had abeautiful view of Oneida Lake, which presented the appearance of a largestream. Here you have a number ofextensive prospects, which, however, as yousee but little cultivated land and few houses, is rather uniform.
Something further on, after they had left Oneida, they came to a small lake, called Salt Lake, which isin the midst of a forest, and has on its banks three picturesquelysituated towns, Liverpool, Salina, and Syracuse. At Salina are rich saltsprings, the water of which is collected in reservoirs, and it isevaporated by the heat of the sun to procure the salt. Beyond Sullivanthey passed through the village ofChitteningo. A branch of the Erie canalforms a kind of harbour at this place.	Farther on we saw a small lake calledSalt Lake, which is in the midst of a forest, and has on its banks threepicturesquely situated towns, Liverpool, Salina, and Syracuse. At Salinaare rich salt springs, the water of which is collected in reservoirs,and it is evaporated by the heat of the sun to procure the salt. BeyondSullivan we passed through the village ofChitteningo. It contains several mills,a cotton factory, and a branch of the Erie Canal, which forms a kind of harbour, and serves as a landing place for articles manufactured here,and for the plaster and lime which are procured in the neighbourhood.This lime becomes hard under water, so that it is excellently adapted towaterworks.
They dined at Manlius, a new village.From the canal, which forms an angle here, they drove in a southerly direction in order to keep onthe plains. The two Onondago villages are pleasant places.	We dined at Manlius, a newvillage.... From the canal which forms an angle here, we drove in a southerly direction, in order to keep onthe plains, as the main road, which is nearer,leads over a hill. The two Onondago villages appear to be flourishing manufacturing places, and arepleasantly situated.
Beyond Marcellus the night unfortunately closed in, which preventedtheir seeing Skaneateles Lake, as well asthe town of the same name. About nine o’clock in the evening they arrived at Auburn, and found good accommodationsat one of the public houses.	Beyond Marcellus the night unfortunately closed in, which preventedme from seeing Skeneatelass Lake, as wellas the town of the same name, which is said tobe extremely pleasantly situated on one of its banks. About nineo’clock in the evening we arrived atAuburn, and found good accommodations at one of the public houses.
At four o’clock next morning they again set out in the stage coach for Rochester,distant sixty-nine miles.	This town contains upwards of one hundred andfifty houses, a court-house and penitentiary, which is said to bemanaged in a very excellent manner. To my regret I saw none of them;for at four o’clock the nextmorning, 18th of August, we set out in the stage-coach for Rochester, distantsixty-nine miles....
It was just day-light when they arrived inthe vicinity of Cayuga, on the lake of the same name. This lake emptiesinto the Seneca river, which afterwards unites with the Mohawk. They crossed the lake, not far from its mouth,on a wooden bridge one mile in length.	It was just daylight as we arrived inthe vicinity of Cayuga, on the lake of the same name, which is about twenty miles long, and from one to threewide. This lake empties into the Seneca river, which afterwardsunites with the Mohawk. We crossed thelake not far from its mouth, on a wooden bridge, one mile in length,eighteen yards wide, and built in a very roughand careless manner: the planks are loose and thechevaux-de-frise is in a bad condition.
On the opposite side of the lake is a large toll-house. At a shortdistance from this they arrived at SenecaFalls, so called in consequence of the little falls of the Seneca river,which are close by, and are chiefly formed by a mill-dam.	On the opposite side of the lake is a large toll-house. At a shortdistance from this we arrived at SenecaFalls, so called in consequence of the little falls of the Seneca river,which are close by, and are chiefly formed by a mill-dam. At the tavern we met an Indian and his wife....
Beyond Waterloo the road in some places wasmade of logs, so that the passengers werevery disagreeably jolted. Geneva is situated at the north point ofSeneca Lake. The townderives its name from its similarity of situation to Geneva inSwitzerland. The Franklin hotel, situated on the bank of the lake, isboth spacious and beautiful.	.... The country beyond Waterloo was boggy, and theroad in some places made of large logs,so that we were very disagreeably jolted.Geneva is situated at the north point of Seneca Lake, which is between fifty and sixty miles long and about fivewide. The town derives its name from its similarity of situationto Geneva in Switzerland. It is also quite new,and contains about four thousand inhabitants. It has two churches andseveral large stone and brick houses, of which the FranklinHotel, situated on the bank of the lake, is the most spacious and beautiful....
Canandaigua, which lies on the north point of the lake of the samename, is an extremely pleasant town. The court was sitting here, andthere was a large collection of people, so that the town exhibited avery lively appearance.	Canandaigua, which lies on the north point of the lake of the samename, which is about twenty miles long,is an extremely beautiful and pleasanttown, that has been but latelysettled.... The court was sitting, and there was a largecollection of people, so that the town exhibited a very livelyappearance.
At this place the road separates, the left goes through Batavia andseveral small villages to Buffalo on Lake Erie; the right to Rochester,and thence to Lake Ontario and the Falls of Niagara. And as this roadagain approaches the Erie canal, it wassaid to be the most interesting; on this account it was given the preference, though the longestroute.	At this place the road separates, the left goes through Batavia andseveral small villages to Buffalo on Lake Erie; the right, to Rochester,and thence to Lake Ontario and the Falls of Niagara: and as this roadagain approaches the Erie canal, it issaid to be the most interesting. On this account we gave it the preference, although the longestroute.
They left Canandaigua in the afternoon,and rode through Victor, Mendon, and Pittsford, to Rochester.	We left Canandaigua in the afternoon,and rode through Victor, Mendon, and Pittsford, to Rochester. On this route we observed nothing particularlyinteresting....
They arrived at Rochester at half-pasteight o’clock in the evening, and took lodgings at the Eagle tavern.They crossed the Genessee river, whichdivides Rochester into two parts, on a wooden bridge built firmly andproperly, and the next morning walkedthrough the town.	We arrived at Rochester at half pasteight o’clock in the evening, and took lodgings at the Eagle Tavern.We crossed the Genesee river, whichdivides Rochester into two parts, on a wooden bridge, the first that we had hitherto met in the United States thatwas built firmly and properly. It restsupon stone piers, and is made of solid beams, with thick and wellfastened planks. The next morning we walked through the town, andwere pleased with its rapid increase. In 1812, there was not a singlehouse here; nothing but a wilderness; and the land could be purchased atone dollar and twenty-five cents per acre.
Several hundred yards below the bridge the Genessee river is about twohundred yards wide, and has a fall of ninety-five feet. Above the fallsis a race which conducts the water to several mills,and it again flows up into the riverbelow the falls, where it forms three beautiful cascades. Rochester is one of the most flourishing townsin the state of New-York.	At present, Rochester is one of the most flourishing towns in the state ofNew York.... Several hundred yards below the bridge the Geneseeriver is about two hundred yards wide, and has a fall of ninety-fivefeet, which at present, however, did not appearto much advantage. Above the falls is a race which conducts thewater to several mills, and it again flows into the river below thefalls, where it forms three beautiful cascades, which reminded me of the Villa di Macen, at Tivoli.
At this place the Erie canal is carriedover the Genessee river by a stone aqueduct bridge. This aqueduct, whichis about one hundred yards above the Genessee Falls, rests upon a slate rock, and isseven hundred and eighty feet long.	At Rochester the Erie canal is carriedover the Genesee river by a stone aqueduct bridge, and resembles that of the Bridgewater canal at Manchester, inEngland. This aqueduct, which is about one thousand yards above the falls, rests upon a base of slate rock, and is seven hundred and eightyfeet long....
Alida was written after the Erie Canal was enlarged and theRochester aqueduct relocated. So “one hundred” and “one thousand” mayboth be correct, apart from the underlying anachronism.
The party now left Rochester at nine o’clock, and went on board the canal packet-boat Ohio. Thecanal, between Lockport and Rochester, runs the distance of sixty-three miles through a tolerablylevel country, and north of the Rochester ridge. This ridge consists ofa series of rocks, which form the chain of mountains which commencesnorth of Lake Erie, stretches eastward to the Niagara river, confinesit, and forms its falls; then continues its course, and forms thedifferent falls which are north of Lake Ontario, and is at length lostin the neighbourhood of the Hudson.	We left Rochester at nine o’clock, onboard the canal packet-boat Ohio, CaptainStorch. The canal, between Lockport and Rochester, runs a distance of sixty-three miles, through atolerably level country, and north of the Rochester ridge. This ridgeconsists of a series of rocks, which form the chain of the mountainswhich commences north of Lake Erie, stretches eastward to the Niagarariver, confines it, and forms its falls, then continues its course, andforms the different falls which are north of Lake Ontario, and is atlength lost in the neighbourhood of the Hudson.
The canal runs a distance through sombreforests, when they reached Lockport on the 20th of August, about seven o’clock in the morning.	It has only been within the last year that thispart of the canal has been passable; itscourse is through dense sombre forests.... We reached Lockport on the 20th ofAugust, about 7 o’clock in themorning.
At this place the canal is carried over the ridge by five large locks,through which the water is raised to the height of seventy-six feet. Thelocks are ten in number, being arranged in twoparallel rows, so that while the boats ascend in one row, they maydescend at the same time in the other.	At this place the canal is carried over the ridge by five large locks,through which the water is raised to the height of seventy-six feet. Thelocks are ten in number, being arranged in two parallel rows, so thatwhile the boats ascend in one row, they may descend at the same time inthe other. Through this arrangement thenavigation is greatly facilitated, and the whole work, hewn through andsurrounded by large rocks, presents an imposing aspect.
Lockport is an extremely pleasantplace, and is situated just above the locks.	Lockport, to which we repaired, while theboat was left in the basin at the foot of the locks, is anextremely interesting place, and issituated just above the locks....
At Lockport they took a dearborn forBuffalo, where they were anxious to go, inorder to see the union of the canal with Lake Erie. Though a good stageruns between Lockport and the Falls of Niagara, they went in this bad vehicle five miles to thenavigable part of the canal. They then tookpassage in a boat at Cottensburgh. At this place also, the canalis cut through a rock to the depth of about thirty feet. About two orthree miles farther on it terminates in the Tonawanta creek, whichserves as a canal for twelve miles.	At Lockport we took a dearborn forBuffalo, where we were anxious to go, inorder to see the union of the canal with Lake Erie. Though a good stageruns between Lockport and the Falls of Niagara, we went in this bad vehicle five miles, to the navigablepart of the canal.... The village where we wenton board, is called Cottensburgh, and isquite a new settlement. At this place also the canal is cutthrough rocks to the depth of about thirty feet. About two or threemiles farther on, it terminates in the Tonnawanta Creek, which serves asa canal for twelve miles....
The creek is about fifty yards wide, and runs through a dense andbeautiful forest.	The creek itself is about fifty yardswide, and runs through a dense and beautiful forest, which has never been touched by the axe, except along thecanal, where they have been obliged to make a tow-path....
At the new town of Tonawanta, thecreek unites with the Niagara river, where the sluice leads off. At thisplace also Alida and her company had thefirst view of the Niagara river, which conveys the waters of Lake Erieinto Lake Ontario, from the other extremity of which flows the St.Lawrence. In this river they observed Grand Island.	.... not far from this junction was the sitefor the new town of Tonnawanta. A fewsmall houses and a saw-mill were already erected; the inhabitantsappeared also to suffer much from the intermittent fever. Herethe Tonnawanta Creek, unites with theNiagara, where the sluice which we havejust mentioned leads off. At this place also we had the first view of the Niagara river, whichconveys the waters of Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, from the otherextremity of which flows the St. Lawrence. In the river we observedGrand Island....
During the late war, the Niagara, it is well known, formed the boundaryline between the United States and theBritish provinces in Upper Canada, andthis island bore testimony of the conflict.	during the late war between England and theUnited States, the Niagara, it is well known, formed the boundaryline between them and the Britishprovinces of Upper Canada, and this islandbore testimony of the bloodyconflict.
[CHAPTERXXVI.]
From war’s dread ravages again is seen, A spacious town, and Buffalo the name, Now rising from its ashes, spreads around. Various new structures fill the empty ground.
	Travels (chapter VI continues)
From Tonawanta to Buffalo is eight miles, five of which they travelled on the canal which runs along the bank of theNiagara river as far as BlackRock.	From this place, the canal runs along the bank of the Niagara, from which it is separated only by a small bank, built rathercarelessly, and several feet above the level of the river, which isalready somewhat rapid on account of its vicinity to the falls. On theTonnawanta Creek we saw several canoes which were made by excavating thetrunks of trees. From Tonnawanta to Buffalo it is eight miles, five of which we travelled on the canal as far as Black Rock....
Buffalo was burnt during the late war by the British, but it appeared to be already rising from its asheswith increased beauty.	Buffalo was burnt during the late war, by the British, but it has arisen from its ashes with increasedbeauty.
This town will soon become an important place, in consequence of itssituation near the mouth of the canal, and its harbour.	The town containsabout five thousand inhabitants, and will, in consequence of itssituation near the mouth of the canal and itsharbour, at which they are hard at work, soon become an important place.
At the entrance of the harbour is a light-house, and on the lake were seen a number ofwell-built vessels. A steam-boat called the Superior wasready to run with fifty passengers to Erie, and thence to Detroit.	At the entrance of the harbour is a light-house, and on the lake we observed severalschooners of about three hundred tons. A steam-boat, calledthe Superior, was ready to start with fifty passengers to Erie, andthence to Detroit. In the streets, we saw sometolerably well-dressed Indians of the Seneca tribe, who have theirwigwam three miles distant. Amongst them were several women, who indeed,but for their complexion, might have been consideredhandsome.
There was an amusing military spectacle.It consisted of a military parade, consisting of thirty men, includingseven officers and two cornets. They were formed like a battalion intosix divisions and performed a number of manoeuvres.	We also had an amusing militaryspectacle. It consisted of a militia parade, consisting of thirty men,including seven officers and two cornets. They were formed, like abattalion, into six divisions, and performed a number ofmanoeuvres....
On the following day, 21st August, thecompanyleft Buffalo for the small village of Manchester, twenty-three milesdistant, and situated on the right bank of the Niagara, near the falls.As far as the village of Tonawanta, the road passes along the canal.	On the following day, 21st of August,we left Buffalo for the small village ofManchester, twenty-three miles distant, and situated on the right bankof the Niagara, near the falls. As far as the village of Tonnawanta theroad passed along the canal.
It was in a very bad condition, cut through the forest, and the treesthrown on the road side. On the left theyhad a view of the river and Grand Island. The river is more than a milewide below the island.	It was in a very bad condition, cut through the forest, and no pains have been taken to remove the trees,which are thrown on the road side, and the most beautiful trunks are permitted to spoilin a pitiable manner. On the left we had a view of the river and of Grand-Island, thickly studded with timber. The river is morethan one mile wide below the island.
On the Canada side is the village of Chippewa. From this place,a distance of three miles, they couldalready see the rising vapours of the falls. The water, however,indicated no signs of the approach to the precipice. It is only a shortdistance from Manchester, where you perceive the lofty trees on GoatIsland, with its heights situated in the midst of the falls, that theriver becomes rocky, and the rapids commence; these form a number ofsmall falls, which are nearly a mile long and the same in breadth,running as far as where the two great falls are separated by GoatIsland.	On the Canada side is the village of Chippewa. From this place,a distance of three miles, we couldalready see the rising vapours of the falls. The water, however,indicated no signs of the approach to the precipice. It is only a shortdistance from Manchester, where you perceive the lofty trees onGoat-Island with its heights, situated in the midst of the falls, thatthe river becomes rocky, and the rapids commence; these form a number ofsmall falls, which are nearly a mile long and the same in breadth,running as far as where the two great falls are separated byGoat-Island.
At Manchester they took lodgings at theEagle Tavern, and hastened immediately to the Falls; their steps were guided by the mighty roaring. In a few minutes Alida and her company stood near the precipice, and sawbefore them the immense mass of waterwhich rushes with a tremendous noise into the frightful abyss below. Itis impossibleto describe the scene, and the pen is too feeble to delineate thesimultaneous feelings of ourinsignificance on the one hand, with thoseof grandeur and sublimity on theother, which agitate the human breast at the sight of thisstupendous work of nature, which rivals that ofall other countries, in grandeur, beauty and magnificence. We canonly gaze, admire and adore. The rocks on both sides are perpendicular,but there is a wooden staircase which leads to the bed of the river.	At Manchester, we took lodgings at theEagle Tavern, and hastened immediately to the Falls: our steps were guided by their mighty roaring. In a few moments we stood near the precipice, and saw before us the immense mass of water which rushes with atremendous noise into the frightful abyss below. It is impossible todescribe the scene, and the pen is too feeble to delineate thesimultaneons feelings of insignificence and grandeur which agitate the human breast at thesight of this stupendous work of nature! We can only gaze, admire, andadore. The rocks on both sides are perpendicular, but there is a woodenstaircase which leads to the bed of the river.
They descended, but in conse­quenceof the drizzly rain which is produced by the foam of the water, they had by no means so fine a prospect frombelow as they anticipated. On thisaccount, therefore, they soon again ascended and satisfied themselves by looking from above upon this sublime andmajestic sight. As they returned, full ofthese mighty impressions, to the Eagle Tavern, they found to their greatjoy a fine opportunity to speak of thegrandeur and magnificence they had justbeheld. There was another party justarrived from New-York, to render homageto this great natural curiosity.	We descended, but in conse­quence ofthe drizzly rain which is produced by the foam of the water, we had by no means so fine a prospect from below aswe anticipated. On this account,therefore, we soon ascended and satisfiedourselves by looking from above upon thissublime and majestic sight. As wereturned, full of these mighty impressions, to the Eagle Tavern we found to ourgreat joy a fine opportunity of speakingof the grandeur and magnificence we hadjust beheld. Lieutenants De Goer and Van Vloten,of the Pallas, had just arrived to render homage to this greatnatural curiosity.
In company with these gentlemen andladies, they took a walk toGoat-Island, by a convenient wooden bridge, thrown over the rapids aboutseven years since. The first bridge leads to a small island calledBath-Island, which contains a bath-house;the second to Goat-Island, which is about one mile in circumference, andovergrown with old and beautiful trees.	In company with these gentlemen we tooka walk to Goat-Island, by a convenient wooden bridge, thrown over therapids about seven years since. The first bridge leads to a small islandcalled Bath-Island, which contains a bath-house and billiard-room: the second to Goat-Island, which isabout one mile in circumference, and overgrown with old and beautifultrees. The Indians who formerly resided in thispart of the country....
On Bath-Island a person may approach so near the American falls as tolook into the abyss below. From the foot of the falls you can seenothing of the abyss, inasmuch as every thing is concealed by the smokeand vapour. On Goat-Island a person may in the same manner approach theCanadian falls in the centre of which is a semi-circular hollow, calledthe Horse-shoe, and here the noise is still more tremendous than on theother side. The vapour which rises from the Horse-shoe, forms a thickmist, which may be seen at a great distance.	On Bath-Island a person may approach so near to the American falls as to look into the abyss below.The animals in the neighbourhood are so carelessof this, that the cows and horses go into the river to drink within fiveyards of the brink of the precipice. From the foot of the fallsyou can see nothing of the abyss, inasmuch as every thing is concealedby the foam and vapour. On Goat-Island a person may in the same mannerapproach the Canadian falls, in the centre of which is a semicircularhollow, called the Horse-shoe, and here the noise is still moretremendous than on the other side. The vapour which rises from theHorse-shoe forms a thick mist, which may be seen at a greatdistance.
To look into the Horse-shoe is awful and horrible. Nor can this be donebut at the instant when the vapour is somewhat dissipated. You standlike a petrified being. The level of Lake Erie is said to be fivehundred and sixty-four feet above that of the sea, and three hundred andthirty-four feet above the waters of Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario isconsequently two hundred and thirty feet above the level of the sea.From Lake Erie to the rapids the water has a fall of fifteen feet, inthe rapids fifty-seven feet, and according to a recent measurement, thefalls on the American side are one-hundred and sixty-two feet high. Fromthis place toLewistown the river has a fall of one hundred and four feet, and thenceto Lake Ontario, of two feet.	To look into the Horse-shoe is awful and horrible. Nor can this be donebut at the instant when the vapour is somewhat dissipated. You standlike a petrified being. The level of Lake Erie is said to be fivehundred and sixty-four feet above that of the sea, and three hundred andthirty-four feet above the waters of Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario isconsequently two hundred and thirty feet above the level of the sea.From Lake Erie to the rapids the water has a fall of fifteen feet, inthe rapids fifty-seven feet, and according to a recent measurement, thefalls on the American side are one hundred and sixty-two feet high. Fromthis place to Lewistown the river has a fall of one hundred and fourfeet, and thence to Lake Ontario, of two feet.
The next morning they made anothervisit to Goat Island. They afterwardsdescended the stairs to the river, which they crossed in a small boat, at a short distance fromboth falls. The bed of the river is said to be here two hundred andforty-six feet deep. The current passes beneath the surface of thewater, and does not again become visible till after a distance of threemiles. On the Canada side you have a much better view of the falls thanon the American, for you see both falls at the same time. There is onthe Canada side a covered wooden staircase, which they ascended, and approached the falls, amidst aconstant drizzling caused by the falling water.	The next morning, 22d of August, we made another visit to Goat-Island. We afterwards descended the stairs to the river,which we crossed in a small boat, at ashort distance from both falls. The bed of the river is said to be heretwo hundred and forty-six feet deep. The current passes beneath thesurface of the water, and does not again become visible till after adistance of three miles. On the Canada side you have a much better viewof the falls than on the American, for you see both falls at the sametime. There is on the Canada side a covered wooden staircase, whichwe ascended, and approached the falls,amidst a constant drizzling caused by the falling water.
The sun threw his rays upon the thick mist and formed a beautifulrainbow. Another winding stair-case leads down the rocks near the falls,under which you may walk to the distance of one hundred and twenty feet;several of the gentlemen went in, but according to their report, theycould not see any thing. They werecontented, therefore, to behold the falls from Table rock, which almostoverhangs them. A part of this rock gave way several years ago andfell down the precipice, and the remaining part is so much undermined bythe water, that it will probably soon follow. The whole distancefrom the American to the British shore is fourteen hundred yards, ofwhich three hundred and eighty belong to the American falls, threehundred and thirty to Goat-Island, and seven hundred to the Canada orHorse-shoe falls.	The sun threw his rays upon the thick mist and formed a beautifulrainbow. Another winding staircase leads down the rocks near the falls,under which you may walk to the distance of one hundred and twenty feet;several of the gentlemen present went in,but according to their report they could not see any thing. I was contented therefore to behold the fallsfrom Table rock, which almost overhangs them. A part of this rockgave way several years ago and fell down the precipice, and theremaining part is so much undermined by the water that it will probablysoon follow. The whole distance from the American to the British shoreis fourteen hundred yards, of which three hundred and eighty belong tothe American falls, three hundred and thirty to Goat-Island, and sevenhundred yards to the Canada or Horse-shoe falls.
On the British side, opposite to the falls, are two taverns, in thelarger of which, Forsyth’s Hotel, theytook lodgings until the next day. During the late war a bridge wasthrown over the river about one mile above this tavern, which, togetherwith a mill, was burnt by the Americans on their retreat from the battleof Lundy’s Lane.	On the British side, opposite to the falls are two taverns, in thelarger of which, Forsyth’s Hotel, we tooklodgings until the next day, when we intended topay a visit to the governor of Upper Canada, Sir Peregrine Maitland, whoresides at his country seat within a few miles of the falls.During the late war a bridge was thrown over the river about one mileabove this tavern, which, together with a mill, was burnt by theAmericans on their retreat from the battle of Lundy’s Lane.
A few years ago a burning spring was discovered here. It is surroundedby a cask, and contains cold water of a blackish appearance, and of asulphurous taste. Within this cask is a small vessel which has a pipe atthe upper end. If a lighted candle be heldwithin a foot of the mouth of this pipe, it will instantly produce astrong flame, similar to a gas-light.	A few years ago a burning spring was discovered here, several of which are said to occur in different parts of theUnited States. It is surrounded by a cask, and contains a cold water of a blackish, slimy appearance,and of a sulphurous taste. Within this cask is a small vessel whichis open at the bottom, and has a pipe atits upper end. If a lighted candle be heldwithin a foot of the mouth of this pipe, it will instantly produce astrong flame, similar to a gas-light. If thevessel be taken out, and the candle be held over the surface of thewater, it will produce the same effect, but the flame will soondisappear.
In the neighbourhood of Forsyth’s Hotel is the only point from which youhave a full view of both falls at the same time, which, however, isoften interrupted by the ascending vapour.	In the neighbourhood of Forsyth’s Hotel is the only point from which youhave a full view of both falls at the same time, which, however, isoften interrupted by the ascending vapour.
On their return to the American shore,they examined a camera obscura, which issituated at the head of the American stair-case, and was built by aSwiss. This gives a tolerably good view of thefalls. Afterwards they took a ride to theWhirlpool, which is three miles down the Niagara, and is formed by akind of rocky basin where the river runs between narrow rocky banks. Itis singular to see this confusion of water, whose appearance cannot bebetter described than by comparing it with the flowing of melted lead.The lofty rocks which form the banks of the river, are beautifullycovered with wood, and present a stately, majestic appearance. In theevening they again went to Goat-Island inorder to view the falls by bright moonlight; in this light they producea peculiarly beautiful effect, which is greatly heightened by amoon-rainbow.	On our return to the American shore,we examined a camera obscura which issituated at the head of the American staircase, and was built by aSwiss. This gives a tolerably good view of the falls. Afterwards we took a ride to the Whirlpool, which is threemiles down the Niagara, and is formed by a kind of rocky basin where theriver runs between narrow rocky banks. It is singular to see thisconfusion of the water, whose appearance cannot be better described thanby comparing it with the flowing of melted lead. The lofty rocks whichform the banks of this river, are beautifully covered with wood andpresent a stately, majestic appearance. In the evening I again went to Goat-Island in order to view the fallsby bright moonlight: in this light they produce a very peculiarlybeautiful effect, which is greatly heightened by a moon-rainbow.
The following day both parties went tothe other side of the river, and took lodgings at Forsyth’s Hotel.	The following day, 23d August, all ourcompany departed; my friend Tromp and myself alone remained. Wewent to the other side of the river, and took lodgings at Forsyth’sHotel....
High on Hyria’s rock my muse repose, While I wild nature’s direful scenes disclose, Nor let wing’d Fancy’s bold creative aid, Paint beyond truth what nature’s God has made; Inspir’d by him let every flowing line, Describ’d correctly, through the numbers shine. Fed by a thousand springs and purling rills, Ocean’s internal, the wild torrent fills. Lakes Michigan, Superior, there we see, Concent’ring Huron’s flood with proud Erie: The awful stream its wond’rous course began, Roll’d the rich flood before the date of man. From Buffalo to Chippewa bends its course, Full eighteen miles, with calm and rapid force, By Grand Isle passes, where its stream divides, Whose circling course, majestic, downward glides. Meets then again a verdant island long, Gathers the weeping brook, and swells more strong, Widening the swift high-mounted torrent flies Like lightning bursting from the thund’ring skies. The time-worn cliffs, retiring to their source, Shews countless ages it has run its course. The Schlosser fall eight hundred ninety-two Will count the feet how broad this current grew. Two thousand with two hundred crescent line Will the full breadth of Horse-Shoe Fall define. The little fall, with width of seventy-three, Will tell whence Neptune feeds his hungry sea. Tumbling one hundred sixty feet, they all Make one loud groaning in Niagara Fall. Thick hov’ring mists in mountain vapours rise, Bright colour’d rainbows gild the azure skies. The dazzled eye, fill’d with the novel blaze Beholds, astonished, their refracted rays. Nor ends the awful scene, till down the view, Through the dark gulf, these boiling floods pursue. Their course ’tween mountain rocks, which form the shore, Through which, tremendous raging billows roar. Until they form a bay, where tide-worn trees, In conflicts wild rage round the whirlpool seas: Huge splintered logs here twisting round and round, With many a turn before they quit the ground; At length escaping from the circling tide, Side-long slide off, and with a bouncing glide, Head-long adown through rapid streams are toss’d, Until in wide Ontario’s lake are lost. Neptune thus roused leaves now the wat’ry plain, To seek the source from whence he holds his reign. Full in the view of this tremendous scene, Adjacent here, a table rock is seen; Where love-sick swains in clambering groups repair, Conducting tim’rous nymphs with anxious care: ’Dew’d with the spray, the wild’red eye surveys, The rushing waters shout their Maker’s praise.
[CHAPTERXXVII.]
Revolving years have since rolled on apace, Since patriots here, convened to form we’retold, The school to train the military band, And Putnam’s fortress still we may behold.
	Travels (chapter IX begins)
The season was nowfar advanced. Alida and her brother feltuneasy at being so long separated from their father. The rest of theparty were anxious again to see their friends in the city. Aftertarrying a few days at Forsyth’s Hotel, they determined to proceed ontheir way back again to New-York withoutdelay.	As the season was sofar advanced, I wished to reach New-York without delay.
They therefore concluded to travelsoon, and visit Lake Champlain to its southern extremity, then toSaratoga, Albany, taking the Catskill mountains by the way, andinspecting the famous military school of West Point.	We therefore concluded to travel soon, andvisit Lake Champlain to its southern extremity, then to Saratoga,Albany, and further down the Hudson to NewYork, taking the Catskill mountains by the way, and inspectingthe famous military school of West Point.... ...
The greatest breadth of Lake Champlain, which contains several largeislands, is six miles. The shore on the right, belonging to the state ofNew-York, is low and covered with trees; the other belongs to Vermont,and is more mountainous. As night approached, they were prevented from beholding this beautiful partof the country; and were also, with regret, prevented from seeing thebattle-groundof Plattsburgh, at which town the vessel made a short stay during thenight, and then proceeded to Burlington,in Vermont, and towards morning passed bythe ruins of Fort Crown Point, which lie on a hill.	The greatest breadth of Lake Champlain, which contains several largeislands, is six miles. The shore on ourright, belonging to the state of New York, is low and covered withtrees; the other belongs to Vermont, and is more mountainous. As nightapproached, we were prevented fromenjoying this beautiful part of the country; I was also with regret prevented from seeing thebattle ground of Plattsburgh, at which town the vessel made a short stayduring the night. Some American custom-houseofficers came on board, without, however, inquiring after our baggage,and this was a new and not disagreeable circumstance. The same night we stopped atBurlington in Vermont, and the Grymes’ familyleft us here to go to Boston. I expected to meet this interestingfamily again in New York in fourteen days. Towards morning we passed the ruins of Fort Crownpoint, whichlie on a hill.
At this place the Lake is very narrow, and resembles a river. Theshores are generally covered with bushes and pine trees, are hilly, andafford a pleasing prospect.	At this place the lake is very narrow and resembles a river. The shoresare generally covered with bushes and pine trees, are hilly, and afforda pleasing prospect.... ...
They now pursued their journey as far asLake George, and arrived at the villageof Caldwell. The shores of the Lake are very hilly, theheights are all covered with trees, and are not above eight hundred feethigh. There are several islands in the lake, generally covered withwood, and the scenery around is very handsome. The level of the lake is aboutthree hundred feet higher than that of Lake Champlain. The stream whichflows from the former into the latter lake, forms, in its course,a succession of small cascades.	From Ticonderoga we went in a stage threemiles further to Lake George, through avery hilly country. The level of this lake is about three hundredfeet higher than that of Lake Champlain; the stream which flows from theformer into the latter lake, forms a succession of small cascades, and turns several saw-mills. We arrived at thenorthern point of Lake George, and entered the steam-boat Mountaineer,which was ready to depart; it was ninety feet long with a machine ofsixteen horse-power. Lake George resembles the Scottish lakes. Itis thirty-six miles long, and never more than five miles broad.The shores are very hilly, the heights are allcovered with trees, and are not, as itseems to me, above eight hundred feet high.There are several islands in the lake, generally covered with wood....The scenery is very handsome.... At thesouthern extremity, however, lies the village of Caldwell, founded about twenty years ago, which, besides a verygood and large inn, where we took lodgings, contains several neathouses....
They left Caldwell at eight o’clock thenext day, in two inconvenient carriages, and passed through a veryuninteresting, deep, sandy road, in a hilly partof the country, covered with thorny trees, on their route to Saratoga Springs, to which the wholefashionable world of the United States repair in summer, and the fashionables have here the samemania which prevails in other countries, to visit the baths in summer,whether sick or well. The distance is twenty-seven miles. On their passage was seenbut one interesting object, the Hudson falls, which river they had left at Albany, and reached again nine milesfrom Caldwell, coming from the west.	We left Caldwell at eight o’clock thenext day, September 11, in twoinconvenient carriages, and passed through a very uninteresting, deep,sandy road, in a hilly country, covered with thorny trees, on our route to Saratoga springs, to which thewhole fashionable world of the United States repairs in summer, for the fashionables have here the same maniawhich prevails in other countries, to visit the baths in summer, whethersick or well. The distance is twenty-seven miles. On our passage, we saw butone interesting object—the Hudson falls, which river we had left at Albany, and reached again nine miles fromCaldwell, coming from the west.
These falls are, however, under the name of Glenn’s Falls.A village of the same name is built in their vicinity, on the rockyshores of the river. The principal fall is forty feet high.	These falls are known under the name of Glenn’s Falls. A villageof the same name is built in their vicinity, on the rocky shores of theriver.... A single rock, on which, also, asaw-mill stands, divides into two parts, the principal fall,which is forty feet high. But there are, both above and below the principal falls, anumber of smaller falls, which we could approach with ease, as the waterwas very low.
These falls are not to be numbered among the largest, but among thehandsomest in the United States.A constant mist arises from them, and, as the sun shone verybrilliantly, several rainbows were seen atthe same time. In the rock, as at Niagara, were some remarkable and deep cavities.	These falls are not indeed to be numberedamong the largest, but among the handsomest falls which I have seen. A constant mist arisesfrom them, and, as the sun shone very brilliantly, we saw several rainbows at the same time. In the rock,as at Niagara, we observed someremarkable and deep cavities....
At the base of the small island which divides the chief fall into twoparts, a remarkable cave appears below the falls, leading to theother side of the rock. The Hudson is partly navigable above Glenn’sFalls, and two miles farther up, feeds a navigable canal, with thirteenlocks, which runs seven miles north of the Hudson, and there joins Champlain canal.	At the base of the small island, which divides the chief fall into twoparts, a remarkable cave appears below the falls, leading to theother side of the rock.... The Hudson is partly navigable above Glenn’sFalls, and two miles further up, feeds a navigable canal, with thirteenlocks, which runs seven miles north of the Hudson, and then joins Champlain canal.
The party arrived at Saratoga at twoo’clock in the afternoon, and stopped at Congress Hall. The greater partof the company had already departed,among thosewho remained was the governor of the state of New-York. They were introduced to his Excellency. The gentlemen conversed with him freely, and found himintelligible and refined, and scientific in his conversation.	We arrived at Saratoga at two o’clockin the afternoon, and stopped at Congress Hall. The greater part of thecompany had already departed, so that but fortypersons remained; among these was the governor of the state of New York, the celebrated De Witt Clinton. I was immediatelyintroduced to his excellency, and very wellreceived by this great statesman.
During the period spanned by Alida (1811–1816), thegovernor of New York was Daniel Tompkins.
In the evening the company assemble in the large hall in the lowerstory, and pass away the time in music,dancing or conversation, where they witness allthe politeness, refinement, and hospitality that characterize theAmericans.	.... In the evening the company assembles in the large halls in thelower story, at this season, alas! by thefire, and pass the time in music, dancing, orconversation....
The waters of thedifferent springs are generallydrank, but baths are also erected. High Rock spring flows from a whiteconical lime-stone rock, five feet high. The water is seen in this spring in constantagitation. So much fixed air escapes from it, that an animal held overit, as in the Grotto del Cane, near Naples, cannot live above half aminute.	The different springs, which do not lie far from each other in a swampy ground in thesame valley, are called Hamilton, Congress, Columbia, Flat Rock, Munroe,High Rock, President, and Red Spring. The water is generally drank, but baths are also erected.High Rock Spring flows from a white conical limestone rock, five feethigh, in which there is a round aperture above,about nine inches in diameter, through which the water in the spring isseen in a state of constant agitation. So much fixed air escapes fromit, that an animal held over it, as in the Grotto del Cane, near Naples,cannot live above half a minute....
In a few days they left Saratoga Springs, in a convenient stage, to goto Albany, thirty-six miles distant. Theypassed through a disagreeable and sandy country. The uniformity was,however, very pleasingly interrupted by Saratoga Lake, which is eightmiles long.	The governor had the kindness to give me someletters for New York, and a letter of introduction to the Shakers of NewLebanon. Furnished with these, weleft Saratoga Springs, September 12th, at 9o’clock, in a convenient stage to go to Albany, thirty-six milesdistant. We passed through a disagreeableand sandy country. The uniformity was, however, very pleasinglyinterrupted by Saratoga lake, which is eight miles long.... ...
At the small town of Waterford theypassed along the left shore of the Hudson on a long wooden bridge, toavoid a bad bridge over the Mohawk. Theyproceeded on their route in the night on avery good road, and passed through Lansingburgh and Troy. The latter isvery handsomely built, and many stores were very well lighted up in theevening. Here they returned to the rightshore of the Hudson, and reached Albany at ten o’clock at night.	At the small town of Waterford wepassed along the left shore of the Hudson on a long wooden bridge, toavoid a bad bridge over the Mohawk. Weproceeded on our route in the night on avery good road, and passed through Lansingburg and Troy. The latter isvery handsomely built, and many stores are very well lighted up in theevening. Here we returned to the rightshore of the Hudson, and reached Albany at 10 o’clock at night. ...
At eight o’clock next morning they took passage on board the steam-boat,to go down the river as far as the town of Catskill, at the foot of PineOrchard. The company ascended the mountain, which is twelve miles high,in stages. They reached Pine Orchard a little before sunset. Thebuilding on the mountain for the accommodation of visiters, is asplendid establishment. Alida was truly delighted with the landscape itpresented in miniature; where large farms appeared like garden spots,and the Hudson a rivulet, and where sometimes the clouds were seenfloating beneath the eye of the spectator. This paragraph does not appear in Travels in North America.
	Travels
The next morning they again took the steam-boat at Catskillto go to Hudson, twenty-seven and a half miles from Albany, whichthey reached about noon. This city appears veryhandsome and lively.	At ten o’clock we embarked on board the steam-boat Richmond. The banks of the Hudson are very handsome, and hereand there well cultivated. From Albany to New York it is one hundred andforty-four miles, and to West Point ninety-six. Hudson, a place twenty-seven and a half miles fromAlbany, which we reached at noon, seems to be very handsome and lively. We remarked in the harbour several sloops, and onshore some brick stores, five stories high.
On the opposite side of the river is Athens, between which and Hudsonthere seems to be much communi­cation kept up by a team-boat.A very low island in the middle of the stream between the twoplaces, rendered this communi­cation somewhat difficultat first, as vessels were obliged to make a great circuit. To avoid thisincon­venience, a canal was cut through the island, throughwhich the team-boat now passes with ease and rapidity.	On the opposite side of the river lies Athens, between which and Hudsonthere seems to be much communi­cation kept up by a team-boat.A very low island in the middle of the stream between the twoplaces rendered this communi­cation somewhat difficult at first, asvessels were obliged to make a great circuit. To avoid thisincon­venience, a canal was cut through the island, throughwhich the team-boat now passes with ease and rapidity.
This place affords a very fine view of the lofty Catskill mountains.They left the cityof Hudson in the afternoon, and arrived at West Point at eleven o’clock atnight, on the right side of the Hudson, and landed at a wharffurnished with a sentry-box. An artillerist stood sentinel.	This place affords a very fine view of the lofty Catskill Mountains. About eleveno’clock at night we arrived at WestPoint, on the right side of the Hudson, and landed at a wharf furnishedwith a sentry-box. An artillerist, who stood sentinel, examined us.I afterwards discovered that this rule wasmade on account of the visits which the cadets receive.
They were obliged to ascend a somewhatsteep road in order to reach the house which is prepared for thereception of strangers. The building belongs to the government, and isdesigned for the mess-room of the officers and cadets. The purveyor forthis table is bound by contract with thegovernment to keep several chambers with beds in order for the receptionof the relations of the cadets.	We were obliged to ascend a somewhat steeproad in order to reach the house, which is prepared for the reception ofstrangers. A small but very clean room wasprepared for us. The building belongs to the government, and isdesigned for the mess-room of the officers and cadets. The purveyor forthis table is bound by contract with government to keep several chamberswith beds in order, for the reception of the relations of the cadets,and thus a kind of inn arose.
The morning after their arrival, the gentlemen paid an early visit tolieutenant-colonel Thayer, superintendent of the military school, andwere received in a very friendly manner. He had presided over this school several years. Colonel Thayer has entirely remodelledthis institution, and very much improvedit.	The morning after our arrival we paid an early visit to lieutenant-colonelThayer, superintendent of the military school, and were received in avery friendly manner. He has presided overthis school eight years. It was founded in 1802, during the presidency ofJefferson. Colonel Thayer has entirely remodelled thisinstitution. During his travels in Europe hevisited the French military schools, and has endeavoured to make thisresemble the polytechnic school. But he will find it difficult to equalthis once celebrated school, as with the best will in the world hecannot find in this country such excellent professors as were assembledin that institution.
Sylvanus Thayer (1785–1872) was Superintendent of West Point from1817 to 1833.
The cadets, whose number may amount to two hundred and fifty, aredivided into four classes forthe purposes of instruction. They are received between the ages offourteen and twenty, and must undergo an examination before theyenter.	The cadets, whose number may amount to two hundred and fifty, but at the last examination consisted of two hundredand twenty-one, are divided into four classes for the purposes ofinstruction. They are received between the ages of fourteen and twenty,undergo an examination before they enter....
Instruction is communicated gratuitously to the cadets, each of whomreceives monthly eight dollars from government as wages.	Instruction is communicated gratuitously to the cadets, each of whomreceives monthly eight dollars from government as wages.
A public examination of the cadets takes place every year at the endof June, by a commission appointed by the Secretary of War. Thiscommission consists of staff officers from the army and navy, members ofCongress, governors of states, learned men and other distinguishedcitizens. After this examination, the best among those who have finishedtheir course are appointed as officers in the army.	A public examination of the cadets takes place every year at the end ofJune, by a commission, appointed by the secretary of war. Thiscommission consists of staff-officers from the army and navy, members ofcongress, governors of states, learned men, and other distinguishedcitizens. After this examination, the best among those who have finishedtheir course are appointed as officers in the army.... ...
The cadets live in two large massive buildings, three stories high,and are divided intofour companies.	.... The cadets are divided in four companies, and live in two large massivebuildings, three stories high.... ...
The institution possesses four principal buildings. The two largestserve as barracks for the cadets, a third contains the mess-room,and the fourth the church.	The institution possesses four principal buildings. The two largestserve as barracks for the cadets, a third contains the messroomand inn, and the fourth the church, chemical laboratory, library, and the hall fordrawing, in which are some of the best drawings of thecadets....
A large level space, consisting of several acres, lies in front of thebuildings, forming a peninsula, and commanding the navigation of theHudson, above which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight feet.Towards the river it is surrounded bysteep rocks, so that it is difficult to ascend, unless by the usualway.	A large level space, consisting of several acres, lies in front ofthe buildings, forming a peninsula and commanding the navigation of theHudson, above which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight feet.Towards the river it is surrounded withsteep rocks, so that it would be difficult to ascend, unless by theusual way.... ...
	.... A band of music, paid by the government,belongs exclusively to them, and is said to afford the best militarymusic in the United States. Every one hashis taste.... ...
The party now ascended the rocky mountain on which are to be seen the ruins of Fort Putnam. The way led through a handsome forest of oak, beech,chestnut and walnut trees. The fort occupying the summit of the mountain, was erected in anindented form, of strong granite, and is altogether inaccessible on theside next the enemy. It had but a single entrance, with very strongcasemates. It was built on private property duringthe revolution; the owner of the ground claimed it, andgovernment were obliged to restore it. The government afterwardsacquired the ground on which West Point stands, as well as the adjoiningheights.	Notwithstanding my injured side, I ascended the rocky mountain on which theruins of Fort Putnam lie. My way led through a handsome forest of oak, beech,chesnut, and walnut trees. The fort occupied the summit of the mountain, was erected in anindented form, of strong granite, and is altogether inaccessible on theside next the enemy. It had but a single entrance, with very strongcasemates, and two smallpowder-magazines. It was built during therevolution on private property; the owner of the ground claimedit, and government were obliged to restore it tohim, after which he destroyed the fort. The government afterwardsacquired the ground on which West Point stands, as well as the adjoiningheights....
A very fine view one may have from FortPutnam of the plains of West Point and of the Hudson river. The view to the north is particularly handsome,in which direction Newburgh, lying on the river, is seen in the background.	A very fine view is enjoyed from FortPutnam of the plain of West Point, and of the Hudson, which here calls to mind the high banks of the Rhine.The view to the north is particularly handsome, in which directionNewburgh, lying on the river, is seen in the back ground. We saw nothing of the Catskill mountains. ...
A band of music, paid by the government, belongsexclusively to the cadets, and is said to afford the best military musicin the United States.
The party generallyregretted leaving this agreeableplace, where they had been highlygratified during their short stay. Theytook passage on board the steamboatConsti­tution, bound to New-York,sixty miles distant.	I was very sorry thatwe were obliged on the third day after our arrival to leave this agreeableplace, which had so extremely pleasedme; but I was obliged to go to NewYork at last!... Travels (Baltimore chapter) .... We went on board the steam-boatConstitution.
	Travels
They were now again on their way to one ofthemost flourishing cities in the UnitedStates, which attracts a great part ofthe commerce of the Americannation. Theycame into the vicinity aboutsunset, and at eighto’clock in the evening they landed inNew-York.	.... After sundown we came into the vicinity of NewYork, the largest city in the United States, which attracts nearly the whole commerce of the country, and now already numbersone hundred and seventy thousand inhabitants. We landed about eight o’clock in the evening....
Travels in North America ends here.
Leaving their friends in the city, Albert and hissister took passage in a stage coach next morning, and journeyed in ashort time as far as the village of ——, and from thenceproceeded on to the residence of their father.
[CHAPTERXXVIII.]
Ah! now again all my sensations move to see aparent, and I sigh once more to meet the kind caresses of afather—and weeks seem ages in this separation.
	The Merchant’s Daughter
The feelings of Alidawere those of boundless joy to meet againher parents, after an absence from them which appeared long to her.	Her first feelings were thoseof boundless joy....
	Children of the Abbey
She was grieved to find her father had sufferedmuch from indisposition during her absence. She endeavoured in vain, byevery soothing attention, to recall him again to health and happiness.His malady increased daily, and he became a preyto infirmities, which at length confinedhim to his room.	Lord Dunreath had long been aprey to infirmities, which at this period generally confined him to his room....
The gladsome sensations of Albert were changed soonto those of melancholy, when he saw that his father was affected with aserious illness, and dejection supplied the place of more happy andanimated feelings.
Alida, for several weeks, scarce left theapartment. One morning she perceived that he had altered very materially for theworse. It was only at intervals he could converse with her, andthen his conversationwas calculated to give her fortitude andresignation, and prepare her mind foranapproaching melancholy event, which, whenever she received the least hint of, her grief wasinexpressible.	Her father was considerably altered for the worse, and unable to rise, except for afew minutes in the evening, to have his bed made. He complained of nopain or sickness, but seemed sinking beneath an easy and gradual decay.It was only at intervals he could conversewith his daughter. His conversation wasthen calculated to strengthen her fortitude and resignation, and prepare her for anapproaching melancholy event. Whenever she received a hint of it, her agony was inexpressible....
Her father observed her emotion. “Alida, my dear child,” said he, “donot be alarmed, as I appear much worse than I am in reality at present;”but she had drawn these words from the physician that morning, that hismalady had increased greatly since the day before. Perceiving a visiblechange in his appearance, she scarcely left the room of her father till a late hour, when he, perceiving her almost fainting with fatigue, requested her to retire torest. Albert supplied the place of his sister, and remained withhis father, while the affectionate care of his only surviving son wasgrateful to the bosom of a fond parent.	... her father who saw her ill, and almost sinkingwith fatigue, requested her to retire to rest....
The slumbers of Alida were broken, and fearing toleave her father too long, she arose very early next morning to attendhim. He was evidently much worse next day, which was Sunday, and intimated that he wished all the family sentfor. He then requested Alida to read somepassages in the bible, as was his daily custom.	It was now Sunday, andhe desired the service of the day to be read.A small bible lay on the table before him, and Amanda complied withhis desire. In the first lesson were these words:
“‘Leave thy fatherlesschildren to me and I will be their father,’ what words of consolation are these,” said he, “what transport do they convey to the heart of a parent,burthened with anxiety. Yes, divineDisposer,” he exclaimed, “I will, withgrateful joy, commit my children to thy kind care and protection.”	“Leave thy fatherlesschildren to me, and I will be their father.” The tears gushedfrom Fitzalan; he laid his hand, which appeared convulsed withagitation, on the book. “Oh! what words ofcomfort,” cried he, “are these; what transport do they convey to the heart of aparent burthened with anxiety! Yes, merciful Power I will, with grateful joy, commit my children to thycare, for thou art the friend who wilt never forsake them.”
When the physician made his morning visit, as hewas going to take leave, Alida asked his opinion. He shook his head, andseemed to give no hopes of recovery.
	A&M (Melissa’s father to Alonzo)
Her father requested her to be seated by thebedside. “My child,” said he, “I wish to discourse a little withyou. And could I again see Theodore, how gladly would I now receive him.I have deeply injured him,” said he, “and my child too; and have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own bosom.I have often considered his piety and worth. His moral characterwas all that it should be. Superfluous wealth is not necessary to ensureearthly felicity, but a competency and contentment therewith, is allthat is necessary to happiness.”	“I have injured (saidhe) my young friend, deeply injured you, but in doing this I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own bosom.”
	Lives of Signers: Samuel Adams of Massachusetts
“Do not renew your sorrows, dear father,” saidAlida, “what is past is beyond recall. Let us confide in a just over-ruling Providence, that disposesall material events for the wisest purposes.” Her tears flowed inabundance, as her looks rested upon the visage of her father, and deepdistress was depicted in her countenance.	He had been accustomed for years, to confide in a just over-ruling Providence....
	Children of the Abbey
“My dear child,” said her father, “weep not for me, think that rest must now be acceptableto the weary traveller, whose hopesare centred in theRedeemer, (as the only name under Heaven, whereby we can be saved,) andcan leave the world in the joyful anticipation of receiving thoseinestimable blessings, in a life to come, which the Gospel promises toevery true believer.” He had scarcely uttered these words, when he sunkalmost senseless upon his pillow. The greater part of the family nowassembled round him. The physician came and gave no hopes of recovery.He faithfully watched over him the whole evening and a part of thenight, and about twelve o’clock his family had the sorrow and misfortuneto witness the distressful and trying scene. Their father was nomore. The distress, fatigue and agitation of Alida, couldno longer be borne with, and for many weeks she was confined to herroom. The loss of her parent and the terminating scene, had left her indeep affliction: all repose seemed fled forever, and bitter anguish hadsucceeded, and taken up its residence in her bosom. Reflections rose inher mind continually, that her situation had been heretoforecomparatively happy, to what it at present afforded. An illness of shortduration had suddenly deprived her of a very dear father, and she nowfelt herself a lonely, dejected orphan.	my Amanda, weepnot too bitterly for me; like aweary traveller, thinkthat rest must now be acceptable to me.
[CHAPTERXXIX.]
Could I trace back the time, a distant date,since my ancestors traversed these fields, and held possession of thiswide domain.
The melancholy event had taken place, and Alberthad lost his father. His heavy and heartfelt affliction could not atthis time be alleviated, and his mind was involved in gloom and sadness,which he endeavoured in vain to dissipate.
He was now deprived of the kind hand of a parent,who had used his endeavours to lead him in the way he should go, fromhis infancy: and assisted him with a kindly advice, and supplied himwith a timely experience, and in the wisdom of whose salutary council,he could now no longer repose.
He felt himself deprived of this kind assistant,whose precepts had been his guide ever since the first dawningirradiations of reason had began to appear, to enlighten his mind, andwith the eye of vigilance watched over him, endeavouring to trace outhis good or evil propensities, and to point to the particular advantageson the one hand, and the baneful effects on the other, and to train hisideas to whatever was most commend­able, and praiseworthy.
Albert had ever evinced a disposition pleasing toparental hopes and wishes, and flattering to a fond father’s mostsanguine anticipations. He was ever cheerful in complying with whateverhe considered his duty, and conformable to the will of his interestedparent.
	Alida [page 128] (chapter XVI)
He now revolved in his mind, and reflected what hadheretofore been his particular wishes. It hadlong been the wish of his parent, that he should close his business inNew-York, and settle himself on the paternal estate. He,therefore, was diligent in his endeavours to do this, as soon as hisspirits would in any wise allow him to attend to these affairs, and atthe commence­ment of the ensuing spring, he happily terminated hisbusiness in the city, and returned to the country.	He had imparted to his sonhis wish for him to close and settle his mercantile affairs in thecity, (as the times were dreary,) andreturn to the paternal estate. Alida [page 153] (chapter XX) He had long wished him toclose his affairs of business in the city, and settle himself on thepaternal estate.
The remembrance of his father for a long intervalof time was in every object around and about the mansion, in which hewas established, and reminded him of his bereavement, and he wasaffected with sorrowful meditations, and a borrowed serenity wasmanifested in his appearance.
	NY Weekly: Mrs. Mordaunt
He reflected on his present condition,—hewould say, how desultory is the happiness of man, he laysplans of permanent felicity, when the whirlwind of affliction arrives,and destroys the towering edifice of creative hope, and his schemes of contentment are changed todisappointment and wo.	How desultory are the schemes of man, he lays plans of permanent felicity, whenthe whirlwind of affliction arrives, and destroys the towering edificeof creative hope.
	Alida [page 13] (chapter I)
He had taken possession of the paternal estate, which had for some yearsbeen the wish of his father. Like him he was fond of rural pleasures and amusements, and to dissipate care amid the diversified scenes of rustic life, afforded him satisfaction andpleasure.	The mind of its owner took particular delight in rural pleasures and amusements; in dissipating a part of his time in the innocent scenes of rustic life, and in attending to thecultivation of his estate, which was large and extensive.
	NY Weekly: The School of Nature
To contemplate the inimitableworks of Creation, was to him no less pleasing than instructive. Where so manyobjects arrest the attention, and afford abundance of entertainment, equally calculated to raise in the human breast the most unfeigned offerings ofwonder, gratitude and praise to the great Dispenser of benefitsto mankind, and the Author of universalexistence.	Nature presents to the imagination an inexhaustedfund of rational amusement. To contemplate theinimitable works of creation, is no lessinstructive than pleasing. Animate as well as inanimate objects afford an abundanceof entertaining ideas, equally calculatedto raise in the souls of human beings themost unfeigned offerings of wonder, gratitude, and praise. Thegaiety of spring, the smiles of summer, the secundity of autumn, and thedreariness of winter, all combine to celebrate theAuthor of universal existence.
The magnificence of the celestial, and the curiosity andvariety of the vegetable world, that haveproperties which, if accurately seen,yield inconceivable astonishment to the eye of the beholder,	.... The magnificent and wonderful objects of the celestial, and the curiosity and variety of the vegetableworld, as well as the formation of all animals, reptiles,insects, and other productions of Nature, haveproperties which, if accurately viewed,yield inconceivable astonishment to the beholder.
	NY Weekly: Detraction
and confessalike the happy influence of the Deity. Itcharms in all thegenial warmth and softness ofspring,	.... In a word, the whole reign confessed the happy influences ofthe Deity, and charmed in all the genial softness of the spring.
	NY Weekly: The School of Nature
when the earth teems with a matchless splendour, when its green huesand universal verdure come forth in all their pristine elegance andenchanting attractions, which constantly afforded the contemplative mind of Albert, an inexhaustible variety ofentertaining and useful lessons.	When spring, for example, returns with all it’snative beauties, as succeeding the gloomy aspect and forbidding horrorsof winter; when it teems with a matchless splendour and magnificence; when its green hues and universal verdure come forth inall their pristine elegance, and enchanting attractions.... whichwould afford him anendless variety of useful andinstructive lessons....
	NY Weekly: Extraordinary Adventure of a Spanish Nobleman
In the meantime his new station in life called himto new responsibilities, and a new field of action, unknown to himbefore, presented itself, wherein he must act in many differentcapacities. He was naturally of a domestic turn of mind, and had always declined entering into the constant routine of engagements, to which themost part of the fashionable world,more or less, subject themselves. He avoided all excess andextravagance, in every respect, in which people of this description losethe greater part of their time. He was extremely fond of walking, as heconsidered gentle exercise the best medicine of life, and he passed muchof his time in strolling over the fields or in the forest glen, amid thegreen wood shade, wrapped up in solitary reflection.	.... but his grace, who wasof a domestic turn, and averse from the vanities of high life,declined entering into any engagement which might subject him to the impertinence,folly, and etiquette, to which the major part of the fashionable world seem toabound, either as servile imitators, or involuntary slaves....
	NY Weekly: The African’s Complaint
When the sun was gilding the westernhemisphere, and the day shone in all the mildness of the season, enveloped in serious thought and reverie, Albert walked forth amongthe surrounding shades. “Happy, ye freeborn sons of Columbia,” said he, “liberty and plenty now bless your domestic retirements,—War, devastationand wide-wasting rapine have fled your peaceful shores. No dread of destruction todisturb your uninterrupted tranquil­lity; the exercise oflaudable industry can again bring home to each family competency andrepose.”	Phoebus had immersed his flaming forehead in theWestern main—smoothly glided the wild zephyrs.... enveloped in a pleasing reverie,I walked forth amongst thesurrounding shades. ——“Happy, ye freeborn sons of Columbia,”exclaimed I, “liberty and plenty blessyour domestic retirements; war, devastation, and wide-wasting rapinehave fled from your peacefulshores—no murderous assassin, or night prowling incendiary,carries the hidden dagger of slaughter, or dread torch of destruction todisturb your uninterrupted tranquility....
	NY Weekly: Extract from a Letter to Miss ****
The clear cerulean sky addeda soft beauty to the adjacentlandscapes, as he listlessly wandered along thebeach. The idle murmuring of the waves upon the sandy shore, theconfused gabbling of the waterfowl, andthe near view of the full-spread vesselmajestically advancing over the white-capped billows, thatadvanced and receded in gentle monotony, tended tosoothe the lone bosom to calmness and quietude.	.... When we sailed gently down the harbour, the clear cerulean of the sky added a softer beauty to theadjacent landscapes.... when listlesslywandering on the rocky beach, the idle murmuring of the waves upon the sandy shore,the confused gabbling of the sea fowl, andthe distant view of the “full spread vesselmajestically advancing over the white cap’d billows,” tended to sooththe sorrows of humanity, and lull the mind to quietude.
The day ended, and calm evening drew on. The silver rays of thefull-orbed moon shed a majesty on each surrounding object. Thescene appeared in solemn grandeur; the duskyforest reflected a yellow radiance; and the rolling wonders of the heavens glittered over the head, while awful stillness reigned, interruptedonly by the strains of the night-bird, whose melodious notesserved to soothe theheart to harmony.	The day ended, and still evening drew on. Then did natureappear in silent magnificence; while the silverrays of the full orbed moon shed a majesty on each surroundingobject. The lofty summit of the cloud-topt mountain appeared in solemn grandeur; the dusky forest reflected a yellowradiance; and the rolling wonders of the skies glittered over ourheads: while the awfulstillness that reigned, interrupted only bythe lonely strains of the whip-poor-will, served to exalt the soul, and distend the heart.
	NY Weekly: Chearfulness
Albert returned home with a leisurely step, hisfeelings were raised in devotional gratitude to that beneficent Being,on whom we depend for every present and futurefelicity, and who had surrounded us with so many blessings, thatconspire to compose the mind to calmness and serenity.	Indeed, true piety is an invaluable treasure; andhappy are they who esteem its salutary tendency. It meliorates themorals and disposition, and promotes present andfuture felicity.
[CHAPTERXXX.]
	Abbé Claude Le Ragois: Instruction sur l’histoire de France etromaine (1737): Proverbes ou Sentences
Ceux qui ne sont gens de bien qu’en apparence—sont obligés dese contraindre, beaucoup, et de garder de grandes mesures, afin depasser pour se qu’ils ne sont pas.	Ceux qui ne sont gens de bien qu’en aparence, sont obligez de secontraindre beaucoup, & de garder de grandes mesures, afin de passerpour ce qu’ils ne sont pas....
	NY Weekly: Essayist, No. II
Alida ruminated on her lonely situation. Shereflected on former days, and the many happy hoursthat had gone by for ever, when the roses of health hadarrayed her cheeks, and gay thoughthad filled her fancy, and every object was deckedwith the charms of fascination, whenher heart was unacquainted with sorrow, and experienced serenity and happiness without alloy.	.... To review the transactions of former days, the many sportive hours which havelong been past.... ’Twas then healthand beauty bloomed upon the cheek, and every object was decked with the charms offascination. ’Twas then the heart ignorant of vice and unacquainted with sorrow or misfortune, enjoyed every pleasure withoutalloy.....
	Hannah More: On Dissipation
She deplored the loss of a kind father; inhim she was deprived of a friend, who could never be again supplied toher, and in whose society her mind wasin a constant progressive state ofimprovement.	.... She who dedicates a portion of her leisure touseful reading, feels her mind in a constantprogressive state of improvement....
This is the only identified passage from Hannah More. The text may havebeen reprinted in a periodical such as the New-YorkWeekly.
	NY Weekly: Domestic Felicity
His filial affection, his kindness, his watchfulendeavours for her welfare, were evinced by a careful anxiety and painsto enlighten her mind with those qualities and acquirements, that wouldbe most conducive to enlarge her sphere of usefulness in life, andfurnish her with the means of rational pleasure, and to blend with her personal appearance the more fascinating charms of a well-improvedunderstanding.	.... Maria, who has only completed fourteen, to a beautiful countenance, joins the more fascinating charms of a well-improvedunderstanding....
She mourned his loss at a residence where everyobject recalled him continually to her remembrance. She was whollyabsorbed in melancholy, and amid these sad ideas that agitated her bosomalternately, Bonville arrived from the neighbouring village, and herattention was for a time diverted, and she was relieved from a train ofpainful reflections. Her brother had a long conversation with himrespecting Theodore, and wondered how it happened that his friendRaymond had never received any intelligence from him.
Bonville seemed much embarrassed at theseobservations of Albert, and it was some length of time before he madeany reply. Then biting his lips, and putting on an air of displeasure,he said that he had actually thought of going to England himself, totrace him out, and ascertain the cause of his strange conduct. Thenassuming a look of insignificance, accom­panied with severalspeeches in double entendre, he remained in sullen silence.
The conduct of Theodore certainly, thought Alida,is mysterious and singular, and his long silence is truly unaccountable,and the idea of ever meeting him again with these different impressions,that at present bore sway over her mind, agitated her greatly. Inhappier days, when herhopes had rested on him in full confidence, she thought herselfsufficiently strong to bear every other evil; but to be assured of hisinconstancy, was an idea she could scarcely endure.
Although Albert might decidedly be called a personof discernment, still he had not yet fully discovered the deceptivepowers of Bonville, whose many evil propensities were in a mannerconcealed, by a condescending courtesy and affability; though his mindinherited ill-nature and sarcasm in the extreme.
The sprightliness of his manners, mingled with acertain degree of humour and generous sentiments, occasionally minglingwith his discourse, threw a veil over his imperfections, and excitedone’s admiration.
Albert thought him ungenerous for many scandalousassertions concerning Theodore, and he still hoped he might again arriveon his native shores, and be able to answer all suggestions to hisdisadvantage.
Alida had never discerned his real character,therefore she reposed full confidence in all he said. His behaviour toher was respectful, and his exterior extremely prepossessing. Heappeared all goodness and benevolence, and ever expressed themost generous sentiments towards those he pretended to censure.
These deceitful appearances were joined with asemblance of piety; and he could at any time make himself appear toadvantage, by the display of a variety of superficial knowledge. He wasproud to excess, as if he really possessed qualities to be proud of. Onewould scarcely suppose that such a person could be capable of trueattachment, but so it certainly was; that knowing the many imperfectionsof his own nature, caused him more deeply to revere the oppositequalities in Alida, and the idea of shortly gaining her hand, carriedhis senses to such a pitch of enthusiasm, that it would not be thoughtstrange to suppose, that the disappointment of his pride would overwhelmhim with lasting dismay.
	NY Weekly: Detraction
The superiorexcellence of Theodore furnished a markfor the calumny of Bonville,supposing his own success depended on the disparagement of the other.Thus envy is usually led to asperse what it cannotimitate; and the little mind scandalizes the pre-eminence of its neighbour, andendeavours to depreciate the good qualities that it cannotattain to.	Superior excellence is the generalmark for calumny; and envy is usually ledto asperse what it cannot imitate. A little mind isscandalized at the pre-eminence of its neighbour, and endeavoursto depreciate the virtues which it cannot attain to.
Thus the distempered eye is impatient of prevailing brightness, andby attempting to observethe lucid object, inadvertently betrays its own weakness; and persons of theirunhappy complexion, regard all praises conferred upon another, asderogatory from their own value.	Thus the distempered eye is impatient of prevailing brightness; and,by attempting to observe the lucid object, inadvertently betrays its ownweakness. Pride is the fruitful parent ofDetraction; and it is the unjust estimate which men set upon themselves,that generates in their minds this ridiculous contempt of greaterworth. Persons of this unhappycomplexion regard all praises conferred upon another as derogatory fromtheir own value.
	NY Weekly: Moral Maxims
And a person without merit may live without envy; but whowould wish to escape it on theseterms!	A man without merit may live withoutenvy; but who would wish to escape on these terms?
[CHAPTERXXXI.]
May he again return, and with him bring A soft serenity on pleasure’s wing; While anxious fears, and doubt, shall disappear, The heavy mists of gloomy thought to clear.
The scenes of solitude were now more pleasing toAlida than ever. She loved to wander through the shady grove and lonelyvalley, and adapt their retirement to her own particular situation. Shewould often stray as far as the cottage or the farmhouse, at a littledistance, and would sometimes take the winding path through a beautifulpiece of wood which led to Raymond’s, where the thick foliage formed agrateful shade.
	NY Weekly: The Nettle and the Rose
There she would indulge herself in solitarythought. “How changeable are all things terrestrial,” said she, “the varied year has itsseasons, and winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of each other.The elements are frequently disturbed by storms and tempests, so,in like manner, is the human breast at intervals troubled and discomposed, and often remains overshadowed withpensive sadness and cheerless reverie; and these desponding ideas mustcontinue to have influence over the mind, till thesunshine of reasonand religion kindly dispels the gloom, and awakens anew the feelings of theheart to the rays of hope and more enlivening sensations.” She had justreturned home one afternoon from Raymond’s, when her brother, who hadbeen absent on business to the city, drove up the avenue,accom­panied by Mr. More.	.... As the year has itsseasons, and winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of eachother, so changeable likewise is the condition of mortals; and asthe elements are frequently disturbed bystorms, hurricanes, and tempests, so isthe mind of man frequently ruffledand discomposed, till the sun-shine of reasonand philosophy bursts forth and dispels thegloom....
Albert informed his sister of the arrival ofTheodore. She almost fainted at the intelligence, so unexpected: andalthough she wished of all things, to learn all the circumstancesattending his absence, yet she dreaded the event, to behold him again,fearing the truth of Bonville’s suggestions.
In the midst of these thoughts and fears, Theodorealighted at the house, and was shown by the servant into thedrawing-room.
Theodore, regardless of all around him, as soon ashe beheld Alida, he grasped her hand, exclaiming with rapture, “Has theperiod at length arrived, and am I indeed once more so happy as to meetagain my much-esteemed and long-lost friend.”
Alida gazed on him in silence. He saw her extremeagitation, and after they were seated, he observed more particularly heraltered appearance. What surprise and grief was manifest in hiscountenance, when he saw the paleness of her cheek, and the roses thatonce spread their healthy hueover them, now seemed fled for ever. In a length of time, she becamesomewhat more composed; but in what light to consider Theodore, she yetdid not know, and former ideas still clouded her imagination.
At length she assumed sufficient courage, to askhim, why he had not thought proper to inform any of his friends of thecircumstances attending his absence.
Theodore could scarcely remain silent while Alidawas speaking; he was surprised beyond all description at what he heard.“Can it be possible,” said he, “that you have missed of informationconcerning me, when I delayed not to inform you of all my movements,every opportunity I had to convey intelligence.” He then informed herthat the letters had been sent to Raymond, and those for herself wereenclosed, and committed to his care; and through this channel, he hadrelated minutely all the various trials and circumstances attending hisunexpected journey, and the cause of his protracted stay. Alida wasevidently convinced, and appeared again assured of the truth of herlover. The energy with which he spoke, his agitated feelings, joined tothe distress visible in his countenance, convinced her of his sincerity,at least caused her to doubt, what a few moments before appeared soincontestible: and her present happiness fully compensated for thelengthy period of distress and anxiety she had experienced.
Albert was delighted at the return of Theodore, andhighly gratified in his hopes, to find in his early friend, still theman of honour he had ever considered him. He had never once mentionedhis name to Alida during their separation; although his thoughts oftenrevolved on the unhappy result of their acquaintance, and the futurewelfare of his sister.
Mr. More was a silent spectator of this joyfulmeeting. He now beheld the person who had been so happy as to win theesteem and affections of Alida, a person that he had heard spokenof, though it had appeared that he never expected to see.
He witnessed the happy meeting. Sighs and tearsfrom this time were his only companions, while his aspect pourtrayednought but anguish and utter despair. He looked upon this happy pair asalready united. He shed tears of evident anguish, when he took leave ofAlida, and his looks told her it must now be forever.
	A&M
The evening was not far advanced, when Bonville,who was altogether ignorant of Theodore’s arrival, unexpectedly made hisappearance. Struck with the utmost conster­nation at seeing him, heinvolun­tarilyreceded a few paces, then suddenly advancing, as if recollectinghimself, he gave him his hand with seemingcordiality.	Beauman and Alonzo addressed each other with much seemingcordiality.
The natural politeness and civility of the othersupplied the place of a more cordial reception.
Ten thousand fears at once agitated the bosom ofBonville, while he appeared half frantic with grief and apprehension.Dismay threw a sudden cloud over his under­standing; he was confusedin the extreme. He had intercepted all the letters of Theodore; hesecretly reproached himself for his treacherous conduct.
He now saw the termination of all his hopes.Disap­pointment he could not brook, his pride could never submit toit with any degree of resig­nation, and the bitterness that pervadedhis mind, almost bordered on phrenzy.
His conscience reproved him for reiteratedmisre­presenta­tions and calumnies of Theodore, with which hehad harrassed the mind of Alida. He knew that a discovery must now bemade of his perfidy, and on his return home to the village, he wasconfined to his room with a sudden illness, succeeded by a dangerousfever.
[CHAPTERXXXII.]
	Thomson: Seasons: Spring, last 10 lines
O, time! roll on thywheels, and bring around the period, when social joy shall smile beforeme; when in the vernal day of life, orevening serene, I grow of one dearobject more and more enamoured; while myremembrance swells with many a proof ofinterested friendship.	As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll, Still find them happy; and consenting Spring Sheds her own rosy garland on their heads: Till evening comes at last, serene and mild; When after the long vernal day oflife, Enamour’d more, as more remembranceswells With many a proof of recollectedlove, Together down they sink in social sleep; Together freed, their gentle spirits fly To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign.
The present situation of Albert was happilyindependent. The prolific soil of the estate, on which he lived,furnished him with an ample abundance. The prospect that surrounded himwas inimitably beautiful, and the peculiar advantages of his eligiblesituation, was the admiration of the stranger who frequented thevicinity, or resorted in the summer season to the neighbouringvillage.
Albert had descended from an ancient family, he hadan estate to preserve, but not an entailed one, as was the case withmany of his family, at this time in England.
	NY Weekly: Baron de Lovzinski
He was a gentleman, placid, humane and generous;altogether unacquainted with that ambition which sacrifices every thing to the desire offortune, and the superfluous splendour thatfollows in her train. He was unacquainted with love too, the supreme power ofwhich absorbs and concentrates all our faculties upon one sole object.That age of innocent pleasure, and ofconfident credulity, whenthe heart is yet anovice and follows the impulse of youthfulsensibility, and bestows itself unreservedly upon the object ofdisinterested affection; then, surely, friendship is not aname.	How happy, but how fleeting is that time of life,when one is unacquainted with ambition, whichsacrifices every thing to the desire of fortune and the glorythat follows in her train, and with love, the supreme power of which absorbs and concentresall our faculties upon one sole object! that age of innocent pleasures, and of confident credulity, when theheart, as yet a novice, follows the impulseof youthful sensibility, and bestows itself unreservedly upon the objectof disinterested affection! Then, surely, friendship is not avain name!
	NY Weekly: A Rural Picture
Albert, during his abode in the city, hadassociated with ladies of rank, beauty and accom­plishments. He wasa general favourite among them; he had been flattered, courted andcaressed, but none had the power to fix his attention. Since his returnto the country, he had been frequently invited to assemble among theartless villagers, decorated in their own native beauty, assisted sometimes for ornament with the spoils of Flora. Health, pleasure and naivette,was in the air of these charmers, and all that was pleasing to win hisregard and esteem. These scenes of rural pleasure, these social parties,were adapted to his taste. In comparison of which the gay assemblages ofthe city had been formerly uninteresting; and he had been heard to say,that whenever his mind should become fixed, his choice would be somelady who resided in the country.	.... led up their artless charmers, in straw hatsadorned with thespoils of Flora....
Although Albert experienced a degree of happinessand contentment unknown to many, in his present situation, yet hesometimes felt himself very lonely.
Alida was anxious that her brother should look outfor a suitable companion; if he could be fortunateenough to find one that was amiable and sensible, and whose actionsshould be under the influence of genuine piety; one who would beambitious to preserve domestic sunshine, by the goodness and equanimityof her disposition; who would have a tear for distress, a heart forfriendship and love, exerted in benevolence and charity, and in the meantime have a care to the good order and arrangement of domestic dutiesand economy.
Albert often descanted in conversation with hisfriends, on the general neglect of female education, which consisted ofa few trifling embellishments, while those of the more substantial orderwere left out of the question. He thought that young ladies generallywere not sufficiently learned in the solid branches, to exercise theirmental powers to advantage, or to be agreeable, intelligentcompanions.
	NY Weekly: Panegyric on Marriage
“If it be true,” said he, “that ourpleasures are chiefly of a comparative or reflected kind, how suprememust be theirs, who continually reflect on each other the portraituresof happiness, whose amusements	If it be true, that our pleasures are chiefly of a comparative orreflected kind—How supreme must be theirs, who continually reflecton each other, the portraitures of happiness—whoseamusements—
“Though varied still, are still the same In infinite progression.”	“Tho’ varied still—are still the same—in infiniteprogression.”
“How tranquil must be the state of thatbosom, which has, as it were, a door perpetually open to thereception of joy or departure of pain, by uninterrupted confidence in,and sympathy with, the object of its affection!” “I know of no partof the single life,” said Albert, “moreirksome than the privation we feel by it, of any friendly breast wherein to pour our delights, or from whence toextract an antidote for whatever may chance to distress us.”	How tranquil is the state of thatbosom, which has, as it were, a door perpetually open to thereception of joy, or departure of pain, by uninterrupted confidence in,and sympathy with, the object of its affection! I know of no partof the single or bachelor’s estate, moreirksome than the privation we feel by it, of any friendly breast in which to pour our delights, or from whence toextract an antidote for whatever may chance to give us pain—
“The mind of a good man is rathercommunicative than torpid. If so, how often may a person of even the best principles, expose himself tovery disagreeable sensations, from sentiments inadvertently dropped, ora confidence improperly reposed. What but silence can be recommended,since, in breaking it, so much danger is incurred among those who are little interested in our welfare?A good heart, it is true, need not fear the exposition of itsamiable contents. But, is it always a security for us, that we meanwell, when our expressions are liable to be misconstrued by such asappear to lay in wait only to pervert them to some ungenerouspurpose?”	The mind of a good man, I believe to berather communicative than torpid:—If so, how often may a youth, of even the best principles, exposehimself to very disagreeable sensations, from sentiments inadvertentlydropped, or a confidence improperly reposed!—What, but silence,can be recommended to them; since, inbreaking it: so much danger is incurred, among those little interestedin our welfare? A good heart, it is true, need not fear theexposition of its amiable contents:—But, alas, is it always a security for us, that we meanwell, when our expressions are liable to be misconstrued by such asappear to lie in wait only to pervert them to some ungenerouspurpose?
“The charms, then, of social life, and the sweets of domesticconversation, are pre-eminent. What moreagreeable than the converse of anintelligent, amiable, interesting friend; and who more intelligent than a well educated female?What more engaging than gentleness andsensibility itself? Orwhat friend more interesting, than one we have selected from the wholeworld, as a companion in everyvicissitude of life?”	The charms, then, of social life, and the sweets of domesticconversation, are no small incitements to themarriage state.—What more agreeable than the conversation of an intelligent, amiable, and interestingfriend? But who more intelligent than awell-educated female? What more amiablethan gentleness and sensibility itself? Or what friend more interestingthan such a one as we have selected from the whole world, to be our steady companion, in every vicissitude of seasons or of life?
“If either party be versed in music,what a tide of innocent pleasure must it prove, to be able to soothe in adversity, to humanize inprosperity, to compose in jargon, and tocommand serenity in every situation? How charming a relaxation from thenecessary avocations of business on the onehand, and the employments at home, in domestic affairs, on the other!And as a finale, to chant the praises of the Almighty in hymns of praiseand thanksgiving.”	If either of these parties be versed inmusic, what a tide of innocent delight must it prove,—to soothe inadversity, to humanize in prosperity, to compose in noise, and to command serenity in every situation....How charming a relaxation from the necessary avocations ofbusiness!——“Of business do yousay?”—Yes; for I number this too, among the pleasures of thehappily married. Let the lady find agreeable employment at home,in the domestic oeconomy of her household,but let the gentleman be pursuing by unremittedand honest industry, new comforts for her, for his children, and forhimself.
Albert had lately made several visits at somedistance from home, where he had told his sister, were several youngladies, who were very agreeable. Alida did not think this of anyimportance, as she knew her brother heretofore had been difficult toplease. She was one day rather surprised, when he wished her toaccom­pany him thither. She declined the invitation, however, notthinking he wished it for any particular reason.
In the course of a few days he pressed her again togo with him. Alida now thought she would accom­pany him, if it wasonly out of curiosity. When they arrived at the house of Albert’s newacquaintance, several ladies were introduced one after theother, and Alida soon found, that one of them had arrested the attentionof her brother particularly. She, however, thought him rather premature,as he had so recently become acquainted with the family. On their returnhome, he gave her to understand, that his affections were engaged, andin the course of a few months, she was called on to attend theirnuptials.
The appearance of Eliza was interesting; she wastall and graceful. Her large dark hazel eyes sparkled beneath abeautiful arched eyebrow, and her transparent complexion was shaded andadorned by profuse locks of dark brown hair.
In the meantime Albert appeared perfectly happy,that he had at length found a fair one to please him, and shortly afterhe returned home with his bride, with sanguine expectations before him,anticipating much future happiness.
[CHAPTERXXXIII.]
	De Vernage
“On punit plus severement un ennemi par le mepris et par l’oubli, quepar les chatimens les plus rigorieux: c’est, pour ainsi dire, le reduireau néant.”	On punit plus sévèrement un ennemi par le mépris et par l’oubli, quepar les châtiments les plus rigoureux. C’est pour ainsi dire le réduireau néant....
	A&M (Alonzo speaking)
The disagreeable facts so long in detail, had nowtaken a new turn for the better, and Theodore and Alida were again inpossession of more than former felicity, after their long separation.Alida soon began to recover in some degree her native cheerfulness,soothing the bosom of her lover with her grief-dispersingsmile. The unpleasant fears that had such a length of timeharrassed her mind, were now happily terminated by the return ofTheodore and the clearing up of all doubts and suspicions concerninghim, to the utter confusion of Bonville. All her corroding anxietieswere now removed, and recent events had made her happy in comparison towhat she was a few weeks before, and her present consolation fullycompensated for all the preceding months of unhappiness.	.... come in all thy native loveliness, and cheerthe bosom of wretchedness by thy grief dispersingsmile!
	A&M
Theodore was again happy in the society of Alida,the pensive sweetness of her manner, herinnate goodness, and amiability, which hadattracted and secured the early affections of his heart,	.... that pensivesweetness, those unrivalled virtues and matchless worth, which hefound in Melissa, and which attracted,fixed, and secured the youngest affections of his soul?... ...
and madeimpressions thatcould never be obliterated.	.... your ingenuous conduct has left impressions in my bosom whichcan never be obliterated.... ...
He gave a minute account of all thathad happened, from the time they hadparted until they had met again.	Alonzo then gaveMelissa a minute account of all thathappened to him from the time of theirparting ... until he met with herthe day before.
	A&M (Benjamin Franklin speaking to Alonzo)
He had visited the merchants in England withwhom his father had been concerned in business, and he found ashe expected, that he had been overreachedby swindlers and sharpers. The pretended failure of the merchants withwhom he was in company, was all a sham, as, also, the reported loss ofthe ships in their employ. The merchants had fled to England; he had them arrested, and they had given up their effects to much more than the amountof their debts. He therefore procured areversion of his father’s losses, withcosts, damages and interests, when legally stated.	.... I wrote to my correspondent in England,and found, as I expected, that hehad been overreached by swindlers and sharpers. The pretended failure ofthe merchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as also thereported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants fled toEngland; I have had them arrested,and they have given up their effects, tomuch more than the amount of their debts. I have therefore procured a reversion of your father’s losses, which, with costs, damages, and interests, when legallystated, he will receive of my agent inPhiladelphia....
	A&M
Theodore then made his next visit to Raymond’s.His friends werejoyfully surprised at his arrival.He stayed the night and related a long narrative to his friend. Earlynext day he proceeded from thence to his father’s house, where hearrived after a considerable journey. Theodore found his parentsmore happy than he expected. With abundant joy they welcomed him whom they had given up for lost.	The friends of Alonzo and Melissa werejoyfully surprised at theirarrival.... Alonzo found his parents in penurious circumstances indeed, hisfather having, the preceding summer, been too indisposed to manage hislittle farm with attention, and being unable to hire labourers, hiscrops had yielded but a scanty supply, and he had been compelled to sellmost of his stock to answer pressing demands. Withgreat joy they welcomed Alonzo, whom they had given up as lost.
Theodore then related to hisfather all the incidents that had happened in England, minutelyparticularizing hisconduct with regard to the merchants with whom his father hadbeen connected, and then presented him with the reversion of the estate. The old gentleman fellon his knees, and with tears streaming down his cheeks, offered devoutthanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies.	.... Alonzo then related to his fatherall the incidents of his travels,minutely particularizing the disinterestedconduct of Franklin, and then presentedhis father with the reversion of hisestate. The old man fell on his knees,and, with tears streaming down his withered cheeks, offered devoutthanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies.
	A&M (earlier)
In the meantime, the illness of Bonville hadincreased to an alarming degree. He sent for Theodore. He thought it hisduty to attend the summons. When he arrived at the house of Bonville hewas shown immediately into his apartment. He was surprised to see himstretched on a mattrass, his visage pale andemaciated, his countenance haggard, his eyes inexpressive andglaring. He held out his hand and feebly beckonedto Theodore, who immediatelyapproached the bed-side.	.... As he passed along the different apartments hewas surprised at hearing his name called by a faint voice. He turned tothe place from whence it proceeded, and saw stretched on a mattress, a person who appeared onthe point of expiring. His visage was pale and emaciated, his countenance haggard andghastly, his eyes inexpressive and glazy.He held out his withered hand, and feebly beckoned to Alonzo, who immediately approached him....
In Alonzo and Melissa, this episode takes place in an Englishprison hospital. Beauman has had a leg amputated.
“You behold me,Theodore,” said he, “on the verge of eternity.I have but a short time to continue in this world.” Heevidently appeared to have suffered much from the remembrance of hisungenerous conduct towards Theodore.	“... you behold me on the verge of eternity; I have but a shorttime to continue in this world.”
“I have caused much unhappiness between you andyour Alida,” said Bonville, “to which you will scarcely think it possible that I was designedly accessory.” He then confessed toTheodore that he had intercepted his letters, and begged hisforgiveness.“I could say much more on the subject would my strength admit,” said he, “but it isneedless.” Here Bonville ceased. Theodore found he wanted rest; medicalaid had been applied, but without effect.Theodore then left him, promising to call again next morning.	“You are unhappy, Alonzo, [said Beauman] in thedeath of your Melissa, to which it is possible Ihave been undesignedly accessory.I could say much on the subject, would my strength permit; but it is needless—she is gone, andI must soon go also....” Here Beauman ceased. Alonzofound he wanted rest: he enquired whether he was in want of anything to render him more comfortable; Beauman replied he was not; “forthe comforts of this life [said he] I have no relish; medical aid is applied, butwithout effect.” Alonzo then left him, promising to call again in the morning.
He was startled at the confession of Bonville; hefelt at first indignant, and meditated what course to pursue. After duereflection, he at length made the decision.
	Amelia, or the Faithless Briton
His devotions to Alida he did not wonder at. The pride of parental attachment and nature had graced her with every charm and accom­plishment. He at length determined to cast aveil of pity over the actions of Bonville, and not to upbraid him, butto treat his past conduct with silent contempt, and endeavour as far aspossible, to bury the remembrance of his errors in oblivion.	....The pride of parentalattachment had graced her with every accom­plishment thatdepends upon tuition....
	A&M
He called to see himnext morning; he perceived an alarming alterationin his appearance. He was cold—a chilling sweat stood upon his face, hisrespiration was short and interrupted, his pulse weak and intermitting.He took the hand of Theodore and feeblypressed it.	When Alonzo called the nextmorning, he perceived an alarming alteration in Beauman. Hisextremities were cold, a chillingclammy sweat stood upon his face, his respirationwas short and interrupted, his pulse weak and intermitting. He took thehand of Alonzo, and feebly pressing it....
He soon fell into a stupor; sensationbecame suspended. Sometimes a partial revival would take place, when hewould fall into incoherent muttering,calling on the names of his deceased father,mother, and Alida.	Beauman soon fell into a stupour; sensation became suspended; hiseyes rolled up and fixed. Sometimes a partialrevival would take place, when he would fall into incoherent mutterings, calling on the names of his deceasedfather, his mother and Melissa; hisvoice dying away in imperfect moanings, till his lips continued to movewithout sound.
Towards night he lay silent, and only continued to breathe withdifficulty, when a slight convulsion gavehis freed spirit to the unknown regions ofexistence. Theodore attended his funeral, andthen journeyed on to the dwelling of Albert. He informed Alida of thedeath of Bonville, and of his confession.	Towards night he lay silent,and only continued to breathe with difficulty, till a slight convulsion gave the freed spirit to the unknown regions ofimmaterial existence. Alonzo followed hisremains to the grave; a natural stone was placed at its head, onwhich Alonzo, unobserved, carved the initials of the deceased’s name,with the date of his death, and left him to moulder with his nativedust.
	A&M (later)
At the mention of Bonville’sfate, she sighed deeply. “It istrue,” said she, “he has perplexed mewith many vain fears, by misrepresentation,but could he have lived, I would freely have forgiven him.”	At the mention of Beauman’sfate, Melissa sighed. “With how many vain fears(said she) was I perplexed, lest, by somemeans he should discover my existence and place of residence, after he,alas! was silent in the tomb!”
He evidently fell a victim to disappointed prideand remorse at the remembrance of his own baseness.
[CHAPTERXXXIV.]
In the Almighty Power he placed his trust, Through all the changing scenes of deepdistress; His fortune now is better than before; Again the Omniscient Hand has deigned to bless.
	A&M
Theodore’s father was soon in complete re-possession of his formerproperty. The premises from which he had been driven by his creditors,were yielded up without difficulty, to which he immediately removed. Henot only recovered the principal of the fortune he had lost, but thedamages, with the interest; so that,although like Job, he had seen affliction, like him, his latter dayswere better than the beginning.	Alonzo’s father was soon in complete repossession of his formerproperty. The premises from which he had been driven by his unfeeling creditors were yielded up withoutdifficulty, and to which he immediatelyremoved. He not only recovered the principal of the fortune he had lost,but the damages and the interest; so that,although like Job he had seen affliction, like him his latter days werebetter than his beginning.
Like him, he reposed faith and confidence in hisMaker, who had secretly supported him inhis misfortunes; and who now, like a cheering sun dispersing the surrounding gloom, againgladdened his heart with returning peace and prosperity. Wearied of the business of life, he did not again enter intoits affairs, but placing his money at interest insafe hands, he lived retired on hisestate.	But wearied with the bustles of life, he did not again enterinto the mercantile business, but placinghis money at interest in safe hands, lived retired on his littlefarm. Power of Religion: Job .... At length, the goodness of that God whom heserved, and who had secretly supported himunder all his sufferings, broke forth upon him with increased energy;and, like a cheering sun dispersing thesurrounding gloom, again gladdened his heart with returning peace andprosperity.
It was also the decided choice of Theodore andAlida to reside in the country. The calm and serene pleasures ofretirement were particularly interestingto both, and they were now supremely blest in each other’s society.
The parents of Theodore rejoiced at their presenthappiness, and took upon themselves the necessary preparations for theirnuptials, which were to take place as soon as all was in readiness forthis happy event.
	A&M
No cross purposes stood readyto intervene, to disturb their repose or interrupt their tranquil­lity. It was at that season when naturewas arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetestfragrance. Silk-winged breezes played amidst the flowers, and birds of every description carolled their song in varyingstrains. The air was clear and salubrious, and the sceneenchanting.	.... No cross purposesstood ready to intervene their happiness, no determined rival, noobdurate father, no watchful, scowling aunt, tointerrupt their transports. It wasthe latter end of May; nature was arrayed in herrichest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest perfumes. The sun blended its mild lustre with thelandscapes’ lovely green, silk-winged breezesfrolicked amidst the flowers; thespring birds carolled in varyingstrains....
And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations ofthy bosom, at the approaching union of Theodoreand Alida.	And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations ofthy bosom, for Alonzo and Melissa areMARRIED. ...
To our hero and heroine, therural charms of the country furnished asource of pleasing variety. Spring, with its verdant fields and flowerymeads—summer, with its embowering shades—thefertility of autumn, with its yellowfoliage—winter, with its hollow blasts and snowy mantle, alltended to fill their bosoms with sensations of pleasing transition.	To our hero and heroine, therural charms of their secluded village were a source of ever pleasing variety. Spring, with its verdured fields, flowery meads, and vocalgroves; its vernal gales, purling rills, and its evening whipper-will:Summer, with its embowering shades,reflected in the glassy lake, and the long, pensive, yet sprightly notesof the solitary strawberry-bird; its lightning and its thunder: autumn, with its mellow fruit, its yellow foliage and decaying verdure: winter, with its hoarse rough blasts, its icy beard, and snowymantle, all tended to thrill, withsensations of pleasing transition, the feeling bosoms of ALONZO and MELISSA.
Their religious principles were the same. They werea constant assistance to each other in the fulfilmentof their pious duties, truly endeavouring to follow the life of theRedeemer, who taught by his example and practice, what he required ofus. Assiduously cultivating those innate Christian principles andperfections, best calculated to promote the praise and glory of God, andwhereby we may obtain the everlasting favour of that ineffable Disposerof all things, in whom we live, and move, and have our being. But soon a mournful shade was thrown over theirpeaceful tranquil­lity and happy anticipations; and manifest wastheir grief, when they received the dreadful intelligence that Mr. Morehad committed suicide. At the news of this rash and sinful action, theywere thrown into an abyss of sorrow, the painful remembrance of which,for a long time, threw a dark and melancholy cloud over theirfelicity. It is to be regretted that a spirit of religion andphilosophy had not been more duly exercised in the mind of Mr. More,that at length by patience and resignation, he might have been broughtto see how vain and transitory are all these things; and thereby havebeen led to look for permanent happiness to a nobler source.

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[POEMS.]
Only the poems whose sources have been identified are repeated here. Titles in brackets are included for completeness.
[HYMN.]
CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE.
	Bourne, “The Sabbath School”, stz. 1–3, 5. Quoted from The ChristianVisitant, Boston 1827.
“Be doubly blest th’ auspicious day The edifice was plann’d; And may immortal gifts repay The founder’s lib’ral hand:” Angels with joy beheld it rise, To train immortals for the skies.
How sweet to mark the artless throng, To hear the ingenuous youth, Raise with one voice the infant song, And learn the word of truth. “Delightful work his path to trace, Who died to save our ruined race.”	How sweet to mark the artless throng, And hear th’ ingenious youth Raise with one voice, the infant song, And learn the word of truth; Delightful work! his path to trace, Who died to save our ruined race.
“Now, Fancy, o’er life’s little span Glances her busy eyes, And sees them bear the name of man, Industrious, good, and wise:” Bids them each useful art employ, Anticipates their future joy.	Now fancy, o’er life’s little span, Glances her busy eyes. And sees them bear the name of man— Industrious, good, and wise: Bids them each useful art employ, Anticipates their future joy.
With ardent zeal some students may From hence arise and shine, To wipe the orphan’s tears away, And heal with balm divine; “With winning eloquence to tell, What glories in Emmanuel dwell.”
Some of the little ones may live To adorn their country’s name; “Indulgent heav’n by them may give Fresh lustre to her fame. Some may the blessed Gospel bear, To distant lands, and plant it there.”	Some of the little ones may live To adorn their country’s name; Indulgent heaven by them may give Fresh lustre to her fame. Some may the blessed Gospel bear To distant lands, and plant it there.
And many to this favour’d spot, On God’s eventful day, O happy, enviable lot, Grateful shall point and say, “There—there—to us the bliss was given, To seek and find the path to heaven.”	And many to this honor’d spot, On God’s eventful day, (Oh happy enviable lot!) Grateful shall point and say, There,—there,—to us the bliss was giv’n, To seek and find the path to heav’n!
FRIENDSHIP.
	Tighe, A Faithful Friend is the Medicine of Life, last fivestanzas.
“Oh, give me the friend, from whose warm, faithful breast, The sigh breathes responsive to mine; Where my cares may obtain the soft pillow of rest, And my sorrows may love to recline.”	Oh! give me the friend, from whose warm faithful breast The sigh breathes responsive to mine, Where my cares may obtain the soft pillow of rest, And my sorrows may love to recline.
Not the friend who my hours of pleasure will share, But abide not the season of grief; Who flies from the brow that is darken’d by care, And the silence that looks for relief.	Not the friend who my hours of pleasure will share, But abide not the season of grief; Who flies from the brow that is darkened by care, And the silence that looks for relief.
Not the friend who suspicious of change or of guile, Would shrink from a confidence free; Nor him who with fondness complacent can smile, On the eye that looks coldly on me.	Not the friend who, suspicious of change or of guile, Would shrink from a confidence free; Nor him who with fondness complacent can smile On the eye that looks coldly on me.
“As the mirror that’s just to each blemishor grace, To myself will my image reflect; But to none but myself will that image retrace, Nor picture one absent defect.”	As the mirror that, just to each blemishor grace, To myself will my image reflect, But to none but myself will that image retrace, Nor picture one absent defect.
To myself let my friend be a mirror astrue, Thus my faults from all others conceal, Nor ever when absent those foiblesrenew, “That from heav’n andfrom man he should veil.”	To my soul let my friend be a mirror astrue, Thus my faults from all others conceal; Nor, absent, those failings or folliesrenew, Which from Heaven andfrom man he should veil.
[TO MARIA.] [THE SUN.] [THE VOICE OF TIME.] [In Memory of MRS. WILLIAM RICHARDS.]
INVOCATION TO PRAYER.
	Henry Ware, “Seasons of Prayer” (first three stanzas).
Morning.
To prayer, to prayer; for the morning breaks, And earth in her Maker’s smile awakes. His light is on all, below and above; The light of gladness, and life, and love; Oh, then, on the breath of this early air, Send upward the incense of grateful prayer.	To prayer, to prayer;—for the morning breaks, And earth in her Maker’s smile awakes. His light is on all below and above,— The light of gladness, and life, and love. Oh, then, on the breath of this early air Send upward the incense of grateful prayer.
Evening.
To prayer; for the glorious sun is gone, And the gathering darkness of night comes on: Like a curtain, from God’s kind hand it flows, To shade the couch where his children repose;— Then pray, while the watching starsare bright, And give your last thoughts to the Guardian of night!	To prayer;—for the glorious sun is gone, And the gathering darkness of night comes on; Like a curtain from God’s kind hand it flows, To shade the couch where his children impose. Then kneel, while the watching starsare bright, And give your last thoughts to the Guardian of night.
Sabbath.
To prayer; for the day that God has blest, Comes tranquilly on with its welcome rest; It speaks of creation’s early bloom, It speaks of the Prince who burst the tomb. Then summon the spirit’s exalted powers, And devote to Heaven the hallowed hours!	To prayer;—for the day that God has blest Comes tranquilly on with its welcome rest. It speaks of creation’s early bloom; It speaks of the Prince who burst the tomb. Then summon the spirit’s exalted powers, And devote to Heaven the hallowed hours.