Indiana Palladium, Volume 6, Number 46, Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, 20 November 1830 — Page 4

Written for the Palladium. I saw the poor orphan: she came to my door And a ked for a morsel of bread ; She said she was hungry, both wretched and poor, Because her dear father was dead With pity I viewed the poor sufferer's fate, Her clothes were all wet with the dew. And although that the hour for breakfast was la'e, I still had some left to bestow,

Though humble my coitage and humble my fare, I will the poor orphan" relieve, And althoug.i 'tis little I have thus to share, That little I freely will give. With haste she partook of her humble repast, My bosom heaved h gh with a groan: May God, in his mercy, long epare the keen blast, That takes me away from my own. Ve parents, O ! thinfe, while with health you are blest, Your table with plenty is crown'd, Of the orphan's lane fate, wi;h hungar opprest, Iii sorrow to wander around. S. From the PhilaJelphia Evening Post. THE VENDUE. CHAPTER I. On the evening of December 12, 1804, 1 wa3 slowly and painfully approaching the village of Brobmville, on the borders of Ohio. The day was in a peculiar manner disagreeable; a mixture of snow and rain, with a fitful but violent north west wind,. beat the tem pest on the laces of myself and compan ion. This partner in the toils and chil ly evils we had lo encounter, had only ioined me on the morning before. We had lodged at the same village and setting out at the same moment, found, by few inquiries, that we were journeying towaids the same place, tacitly agreed to advance together. If we had either felt incline J to converse, the howling winds through ihe deep forest would have prevented much social communication; but as to myself, my feelings corresponded with the forbidding aspect of the elements, and my fellow traveller seemed still more absorbed and silent. Thus passed the day, until the opening of Broomville and the closing twilight presented dimly the Red Lion, frowning welcome to the comforts of an inn. A few moments introduced our jaded nags to the stable, and ourselves to the comforts of a blazing wood fire in the sitting room of Thomas McFrame. During our day's ride, I had eyed my fellow traveller with much attention as our relative situation would admit. His frame was in a very marked degree muscular; his limbs and feature?, though rough were finely proportioned. Though the wrinkles of his face and his already blossomed head bespoke a man of fifty years, his vigor of motion, and the fire of his strongly speaking eye, evinced a healthy and unimpaired constitution. Seated at the tavern fire, as on the way, he retired within himself. Though civil and even polite when addressed, it was apparent he avoided, as far as he decently could, all conversation. A similar remark might have been made by any other observer respecting myself. A call to supper, however, roused us both, and brought us into a mixed company of about twenty persons. fc,You are going to the Vendue on Monday next, Mr. Jamieson," observ ed a sprucely-dressed dandy, looking young man directly opposite to myself and my travelling friend. "And you also. I suppose." replied a mrddb aged sharp looking man, upon whose every feature sat meanness, avarice and cnielt. 4lt depends on the weather," continued the first speaker "If the storm continues, I would not ride ten miles to save Mrs. Swansey and her famdy from the bottom of the Ohio. "The re will be better purchases for those who do go," replied Mr. Jamieson, "should the weather increase in its fury; therefore, the more violent the wind, the more determined am I to attend the sale." " So after all her struggles, her industry, and that of her children, and with every claim on the love and esteem of her whole acquaintance, this more than widow and her children are to be driven from a home they have made a garden, at this inclement season," said, vith much energy, a very interesting looking young woman, who sat beside the aged landlord of the Red Lion. "It is her own fault," observed Mr. Jamieson, with the utmost coldness "Had her finely dressed and fine feeling young daughter married young Tr imming his mother would never have exacted her husband's debt, Miss. McFrame." "Married young Trimming!" ejaculated Miss. McFrame; "and now we understand the motive which urges this same precious mother and son. I love Jane Swansey; I have loved her from our infancy; she is to me like a sister; but now I almost adore her. She has chosen to meet the chastisements of Providence rather than unite herself to baseness, ignorance, and, I may add, unfeeling rapacity. That Being who permits the blow will provide a shelter for this bereaved

family; and" Here a flood of tears choked her utterance, as she arose, and with convulsive emotion left the room. Without the least visible impression from the "passionate and generous expressions of Miss McFrame, "Miss Jane will have some use for the lumber of education she obtained in Lexington and Cincinnati,1' simpered the first speaker, with an air of profound selffelt consequence. "She will so," replied the immovable Mr. Jamieson; "if

her pride can permit her to teach a

school in place of starving: and young i her head by a rotten thread not only master James must look for some other j her farm, but every thing she possesbusiness than the bar. I have always ' ses, is under the sheriff's hand." condemned this mistaken custom, now During this brief recital, my new

gaining ground, or educating youngpersons above their means; don't you, Mr. Flinsey?" "I do so, heartily," replied our orator, who had opened the conversation. But here both speaktrs were electrified by my hitherto silent friend, who had continued to regard them with looks of the most eloquent contempt. fckExcess of education must have been followed in your families, I presume, gentlemen, with hereditary animosity," firmly and very coolly observed my friend. This very unexpected sally bro't the eyes of Jamieson and Flinsey at once on their new ally. At the first glance much wrath was mustered against the intruder, but evaporated in silence. There was a something in the stern brow, the broad and nervous form, and indignant aspect of the object of their vengence, which whispered prudence in anger. A dead silence of a few moments followed, which was again broken by my friend, who turned to our white headed and respectable looking landlord, and mildly asked who this Mrs. Swansey was, and what were the causes of her distress. "Mrs. Swansey," said Mr. McFrame with n sigh, "has been the undeserved child of misfortune from her youth. I knew her parents well, James & Ellen Wallace; we also were as their children together. Maria Wallace was their only daughter; who, with two sons, composed their family; we were all natives of Bucks county, in Pennsylvania, and bred if not in wealth, in a decent competence. Maria Wallace herself, according to the opinion of Mr. Jamieson and Mr. Flinsey, was educated above the means of her parents. She was educated at the seat of inno cence and intelligence Bethlehem: but at eighteen she returned among us, the sweet, unpresuming child she had always been. Her brothers were also promising, though in point of informa tion inferior; peace and content, with the most endearing affection, however, seemed to be their lot, when the storm of adversity burst, which still concontinues to rage. In one fatal night, fire by some means, was communicated to their barn; the wind was high and carried the flames upon their dwelling and all was consumed. What was abundance, neatness, and comfort in the evening, was ruin and desolation in morning. A good character and friend ly neighbors prevented the worst consequence from immediately following, but the wound was too deep for cure. "This calamity was soon followed by another. A young man, cousin of Ma ria, William Swansey, a young man of extraordinary endowments, but most violent passions, had imperceptibly gained her heart; was disapproved by her parents, forbid the house, and clandestinely married. They were forgiven and received to their home; but a few months left poor Maria to deplore her rashness, and to own the foresight and justice of her fond parents. With discordant tempers, poverty which William was unwilling, and Maria unable to encounter, and the stings ofa wounded heart, rendered the young & beautiful JUaria Swansey an object of wretchedness. They remained together, however, until this invaluable woman became the mother of two children, James and Jane, who are now her affectionate and beautiful companions in misfortune. Their father, in the third year of his marriage, when Jane was yet unborn, suddenly, and without any known particular cause, abandoned his family and neighborhood, He was traced to Philadelphia, but there all knowledge of his fate was closed to his distracted wife. Eighteen years have now elapsed and whether William Swansey is alive or dead, remains to us all unknown. "About a year after her forced widowhood, her parents and myself and family, made part ofa large company wlio removed to this place and vicinity. --Mr. Wallace entered the forest with his family, and commenced the very farm which is, in a few days, to be given up to strangers. The residue of this heart breaking story may be completed in a few words. Among the number, and the only one who was wealthy, was Jasper Trimming. This man lent money to most of his fellow emigrants; and as far as he could muster independence of mind to the aid of his heart, was moderate and even generous; but his wife, and now his son, are the reverse. . Old Trimming died suddenly, and the grass had not commenced to cover his grave, when his

bonas were put in suit, and execution followed judgment with unsparing rapidity, unless stayed by payment. One of their debtors was Mr. Wallace, w ho with his wife, are beyond the reach of human charity or cupidity. The two young Wallaces, many years past, left Ohio for Louisiana, and have not either returned or been heard of. Every thing that woman could do to cultivate the minds of her children and to save their home, Mrs. Swansey has done.

I But alas! rain seems now to hang over menu seemed nnecieu to me very heart. His arm rested on the table while his whole soul was moved. Struggling with his feelings, and listening as we all did with deep attention, except Messrs. Jamieson and Flinsey, who had eloped in the interim. "How far does Mrs. Swansey live from this village?" demanded my friend. 1 'About ten miles," leplied the landlord, as the company rose from the table. During ttie night the storm abated the cl ud were dispersed, and never did I behidd a more lovely winter mornleg. n hen I entered me simng room ; f found mv fellow-traveller seated, melUmcholy and self-retired as the evening J before; but with I thought, less of gloom j or wretchedness of expression. To mv demand of, "do you proceed this morn ing?" he replied, kl believe not. I am one of those adventurers who have sought this region to find a home and a grave, and have thought of remaining here a few days, and giving that picture of benevolence, M . Jamieson, a companion lo Mrs. Swanseyrs on Monday next . If there are to be purchases made why may not I h;ve the advantages as well as another?" "I can see no objection," 1 replied, "and as I am exactly in the same situation, and in a similar mind, suppose we go t gether, and outbid each other and Mr. Jamieson, until the poor widow may receive the value of her property." The gaiety of my manner in some measure softened his features, and lightened somethit g like a smile upon thp weather beaten brow before me. "It is then6eltled that we proceed together toassist in fleecing the fatherless," continued I, with an assumed levity. k,Oi on abetter errand to disappoint some harpies of their prey," said, solemnly, but mildly, my still unknown friend, and subjoined, "my name i Simon Graham" "and mine Matk Bancroft," was rapidly interchanged; and now, with a medium of communication we agreed to spend the intermediate time as well as we could, and m ike two at the sale of Mrs. Swanssy's woildly possessions. Employed with each other, or sitting with the landlord and his family , the week wore away. Our intention was, from the desire of M Graham, kept to ourselves, His reasons I know not, but felt no harm m the request. Though generally s date and calm, occasionally, and some times very violent symptoms of impatience and anxiety broke from my friend Graham. A the public tanle he was almost constantly silent,-though attentive lo the. conversation of others. Monday morning came; our reckoning paid, and horses ordered to be ready after breakfast. While seated at table, the first demand at the same place on the evening of our arrival, was now repeated "You are are going to the vendue to-da Mr. Jamieson?" "lam," replied Jami-'-n, "A-d I also," observed Mr. Flinsey "So much the better for us," said Mr. Graham, "this gentleman and myself are strangers, and stand in need of guides in this wild country. We have concluded lo enter the list for a share of the spoil ; if the dove is to be devoured, we may perhaps obtain the feathers." The proposed addition to their company, I could plainly perceive, was not very cordially received; but as it could not easilybe avoided, was coldy accep ted: and together we, in about three hours, found ourselves on the banks of the Muskh gum, and, as the reluctantly obliging Mr. Flinsey informed us, in sight of Mrs. Swansey 's house. Before we arrived Mr. Graham, by a sign, invited me to ride slowly and fall in the "rear. When our two companions were beyond hearing, he addressed me thus "It is very evident to both of us, that we attend this salr fromsimi lar motives, and therefore ought not to traverse each other's designs. For reasons which I shall feel bound to give you in the sequel, I wish to become the purchaser of all this property, and am determined to be so, or compel whoever opposes me to pay its value. It that blood-surker befoie me, or any of his tribe, obtains the widow's farm, he or they shall not have much cause to exult in the cheapness oftheir purchase. I would consider it a very great obligation if you would take the lead in bidding,andpermitme tobid when I find the price uear the value. Should any part be knocked down to you, I engage to take it off your hands. I pledge you my word, and if that does not satis

fy ycu,here is money to pay more than all can reach. As 1 really bad no wish to become his competitor, and had full confidence in his honor, I readily assented to the arrangement. The day, though keenlycold, was clear and serene; a crowd had collected on our arrival. As we rode up to the gate of the front yard, the first objects which arrested our attention were two trembling females, weeping, and with eyes turned towards the dwelling house, were slowly led down the lawn. The murmer of regret of some, and the sneers of many, told us at once who those mourners were. It was the mother and daughter leaving, as they thought forever, their home, and finding a momentary shelter from charily. A noble, manly, and really elegant y oung man walked between; he was the son and the brother. I have been witness to many a scene of sorrow, but never was my heart more bitterly wrung than when this mournful group passed their gate into the open road the wide world. The fortitude of Mr. Graham was wholly overcome. The heav ings of his bosom were convul sive, and the big drops flowed abundantly down the most impressive countenance I ever beheld. "Where are those poor fugitives now to go?" I demanded of a decent old man, as the Swansey 8 turned up the river road. "They are going to my house," said the stranger, "where they shall remain

j as long as it is in my power to protect them; bui oh God of mercies! I am involved in the same gulf which has swallowed them. In a few days my family may be also fugitives before these Trimmings. Heaven forgive them." A most energetic fchake by the hand from Mr. Graham, stopped the aged speaker. "Whatever reward may await the Trimmings, yours shall be ample and beyond your hope," said Graham; as he again pressed the old man's hand. Quickly, however, gain inghis self command, he turned to me and observed, "it is time we took our places;" and we walked swiftly into the house, and with some trouble gained seats near the sheriff's table a feumoments before the sale. Mine was by a window from which was a full view of the front of the building, the river, and adjacent shores. The prospect was indeed peculiarly fine. The advanced season had disrobed the forests, and embrowned the fields, but the bold outline evinced the richness of the landscape when spring had clothed it in green. The house, under every disadvantage, appeared to have been the abode of more cultivated elegance than I would have expected ta find in a place a few years before a forest. My examinations were soon interrupted. The sale of personals commenced, and according to my understanding with Mr. Graham,! bid for every article; and for some time no name but that of Mark Bancroft appeared on the clerk's book. A few deep and witty voim? gentlemen, finding my disposition to purchase so keen, agreed to have some fun at my expense. Their wit escaped my observation, hut my more sagacious friend perceived the plan, and turned it most effectually on their own heads, by leaving a number of articles on their hands, at, in some cases, ten limes their value. This he effected by taking my place in bidding, and kept up his communication with me, unperceived by the crowd, with the aid of his pocket book and pencil.-A lot of chairs, at one hundred dollars, which cost about twenty five, broke the chai m, and exposed the crest-fallen purchaser to the unmerciful jests of his coadjutors, who attempted to conceal their folly by making a butt of him. In fine, the personal property, with these Irifling xceptions, became mine; or rather, I became the trustee of Mr. Graham. The amount of sales falling far below the debt and costs, the land was next put up. "A fine farm, one of the best in the country three hundred and twenty acres, highly improved; fifty acres of meadow; a fine orchard; and elegant house as you may see. Who bids?" "Five hundred dollars," exclaimed a voice behind the crowd. "A thousand dollars" exclaimed I. "Twelve hundred," replied another voice. "You are determined lo have this farm by some mrans or other," shrewdly exclaimed the first bidder.! "Mr. Trimming is a persevering young man," echoed from one or two voices. The very name was enough for Mr. Graham, who wrote fifteen hundred, and held it in the palm of his hand. "Fifteen hundred," wa3 repeated by me; and almost at the same moment, "Two thousand" came from the lips of Trimming. Six thousand was written by Graham, and proclaimed by me. "Eight thousand, Trimming! ight thousand, and the land is yours,"jocularly observed a young man. But Trimming began to feel something apprehensive of having his name placed on the same list with the purchaser of the chairs had his fears, and fainty bid "six thousand five hundred." At this criis Graham decided the contest, by proDouncing ten thvasaiid the ha:,d

of the sheriff fell, and Simon Graham wa3 recorded, and closed the sale. The crowd now began to disperse. I could perceive that a few of the most respectable of ti e company were very much gratified at the result, when the sheriff read thirtpen thousand seven hundred and sixty four dollars, as the amount. But our attention was engrossed by the old man to whose hospitable house the destitute family of Swansey had retired. As soon as the opening crowd would admit, he advanced and seized our hands alternately. Not a word could escape from his mouth; his heart was too highly swelled for utterance, but his looks bespoke ten thousand blessings upon our heads.

'To relieve him and us, the sheriff ad vanced, and with much suavity addressed us, by observing, "Gentlemen, you are, I presume, strangers to this placer but I hope may not remain so; your presence has saved a worthy family from total ruin. The property is valuable, and worth the money you have engaged to pay; but in ihe present posture of our affairs, it is net probable, if you had not interfered, that more than one third the sum would have been realized." I then relinquished my purchases to Mr. Graham, who observed to the shei iff, that he was ready to receive his vouchers and pay over the money, but wished to be present when Mr. Trimming received his dividend, "I see no light you have to intern re with my business," tarllv observed Trimming. "When it suits the convenience of the sheriff to satisfy your demand against the estate of James Wa. lace, young man," replied Mi. Graham, "I am determined to be, with his leave, present; and will then satisfy you amply how far I have a right to be there; and in the mean time desire, for your sake, not another word of impertinence.' The presence of the sheriff, and the stern look of Graham, made the admonition effective. N xt day, at ten in the morning, and at the house, or rather store, of Mr. Trimming, it was arranged that the business should be closed, and Trimming departed. "That is truly a successful family, that of the Trimmings," said the sheriff. "Riches have w ing-," replied Graham : "their j day of calamity and retribution may arrive before they are prnpared to encounter its charges;" and turning to me, observed, that the advance ot veiling rendered it prudent lo think of lodging; and smiling for the first time since we had met "Mr. Bancroft and the sheriff, if they can pui up with my fare, will do me a favor by being my j guests to-night ; as this gentleman," sti ring the hand of the protector of Mrs. Swansey, "must have as many guesta as it is probable he can well accommodate." The sheriff, and I believe my self, looked something foolish; but cur surprise was soon over, as the cook of the Red Lion now appeared, with a small close cart, and so well were their preparations made, that, in a short time, a verv comfortable rrnast wa? j ready. "1 anticipated," said Mr. Grai ham, "that something of this kind might be necessary, and left a note wilh Mr. M Frame, who has performed his part. We found every thing necessary for our accommodation in and about the house, as we four sat down, for eiir old friend was detained. "Thank God," said Graham, as he placed himself at the table, "I once more sit down in my own house, and with my neighbor?. This gentleman's name I am sorry not to know." "A thousand pardons, Mr. Graham," said the sheriff "Solomon Overton it is not a name to be ashamed of." "You are now," said Graham, "Mr. Overton, at a table where you have no doubt sat many time-s before, and where, my dear friend for you are that in heart and soul you shall ever be a more than welcome visitant. You have this day done an act which secures you an ample reward. The engagement i? made with a party who fails in none of its contracts. Go home to your family and cheer the heart of the widow and the orphan, and lay your head on your pillow in peacp. I am much mistaken if Mrs. Trimming or her son will sleep to morrow night as soundly.' It was now I first had it in mv power to observe the countenance of Mr. Overton. To a common abserver, and on an ordinary occarion his face would have indicated nothing within above the common country farmer; but to my eye, and under the circumstances which led to our acquaintance, benevolence of an exalted kind beamed from his eye, and I still sincerely believe from his heart. His conduct, which had so deeplv inter(7" Continued on first page. INDIANA PALLABXUBI, TRlNTED AND FUPLlSHED BY Publisher of the Laws of ihe United States, The TaUad mm 19 printed weekly, on super royal paper, at THREE DOL LARS, per annum paid at the end of the ear ; but which may be discharged by the pavmcL of TWO DOLLARS in adiance or b paying: TWO DOLLARS an l FIFTY CENTS at the expiration of tlx montht. Those who receive their papers by the mail carrier, mu3t pay the carriage, o-l.erwi.se it be &du?d to their subscription.