saluting the bride himself, which was readily excused, as he is known to be very absent-minded. In conclusion, Farrel delivered a brief hortatory address to the parties, on the affecting and solemn considerations connected with their union, which was so touching and appropriate as to draw tears from several present. Tombstones in the garden; Coat of Arms of the Steptoe family; crest, a griffin's head. The slab on the top of the principal one broken; carving on the sides; little cherubs, &c. Johnnie is of opinion, that "an old molly has her nest in the inside." Very likely. INSCRIPTION. * . * see an ancient tombstone; along the river bank; loose ice piled up on the shore; black sand such as used for letters; pretty to write sweethearts names on; found a dead rockfish-alas! cut down in the prime of thy career;—perhaps struck by the paddle-wheel of some steamer; or heartbroken by the cruel disdain of some silver scaled remorseless Dulcinea; or, peradventure, slain by some hostile pike or gudgeon. Came to a miniature cape, beyond which the river sweeps round in a graceful curve, exact arc of a circle; beach, fine wide smooth stretch for ride or promenade. In a weedy field, not far from the river-side, found, after some little research, the tombstone; plain rough slab, hearthstone looking, carved by a rude chisel as follows: "This Tomb is Sacred to the Memory, of the Honorable "Here Lyeth The Body of Dorothea Farrel, who dePhilip Steptoe, Esquire. In various Employments of Pub- ceased the 18th of January, 1675." Old bricks found hard lic Trust, an Example of Loyalty to his King, and Affection | by;-used to be houses there ;-superb situation. This anto his Country. In the Several Relations of Life, a Pat- cient lady died the very year of Bacon's Rebellion, just a tern Worthy of Imitation. An Equanimity which Few are century before the Revolution. By-the-by Bacon was made Capable of, to whom Fortune has been so auspicious, con- prisoner, by orders of Governor Berkeley, (John Randolph ducted him with success through the various Scenes of called him Governor Barklay,) as he was endeavoring to Life, contributed to the ornament of a * * * the most ex- make his escape, up the river, from Jamestown, just oppoalted, not only with propriety but site Teddington-house. Bacon was in a sloop of his own; Not Imperious with Advancement, He rose to almost the but being hard-pressed by the governor's emissaries, be Highest Honors of his Country. His Rank and Fortune quit the sloop for a small boat-in which, as he was striving made him most extensively usefull. He was descended of to make off, he was captured. Windmill, just like the one an Ancient Family, in England, which came over to Vir- mentioned in Don Quixote; enormous arms, sails, roof roginia, in a Genteel and Honourable Character. On the tary; huge lever reaching from the top to the ground, where 30th Day of May, 1748, in the 59th year of his Age, His it runs on a wheel so as to adjust the top and sails to the Spirit returned to God who gave it, and His Body reposes veering of the winds. In good winds, grinds say five barhere, in the Sure and Certain Hopes of a Joyfull Resurrec-rels corn, per diem. Near there, saw two Berkshire pigs. tion." Sam Tabb, valet de chambre and factotum general,-a person of extensive experience in the article of seine-hauling,-"stood up to his waist in the waters of the James river many a bleak blustering night-captivated, in his day, lots of rocks, cats, alewives, herrings, shad, perch, sturgeon, and what not. Sam has had his day,-has now retired, and yielded his place to other adventurers. He is now a mere laudator acti temporis; still he indulges in an occasional desultory episode, and catches now and then, ad rem natam, an extemporaneous mess of fish for the Great-house. Peace gild the sunset of thy declining years, Sam Tabb. blessed with a numerous progeny, and, to cheer thy winter evenings, an inexhaustible stock of tender icthyological reminiscences! Christmas morning, like the marble Venus, lovely, but cold. Dr. Featherstone and Farrel out boating; sun's wake on the water tremulous fluid diamonds flashing; mists hanging over the borders of the river; tiny waves rippling gaily in the morning breeze: Dr. Featherstone from St. Louis; studious reserved person; object of his visit to Teddington to make geological researches in the neighborhood. During dinner, this day, steamboat arrives. Some of the party propose, all of a sudden, to embark in her; down the gravelled walk they hurry, fluttering like doves in a gale of wind; servants running with trunks and bandboxes; high winds and waves; negroes running out the long-boat on the beach. At this instant, the captain in consideration of the tempestuous features of the weather, pronounced his veto on the fair, and put the bill in his pocket. Certain gentlemen depart amid cheers and waiving of hats;-the "boat rocking, like a duck, on the heaving ridgy waves. Gentlemen at Teddington, when their conversational resources are running low in the parlor, adjourn to their chamber. There, necessity being the mother of invention, they subvert one of your old-fashioned black leather square bottomed revolutionary chairs: then with aid of pillow and cloak, take up an easy unsophisticated recumbent position on the floor, feet set obversely to the fire,--the only real comfortable mode of repose now extant. Modern Teddington-house is frame. In the yard, near it, stood the ancient family-seat of the Steptoes; large brick structure; a fanciful superstitious old lady there, conceited it to be haunted, wouldn't live in it, so it went to decay; bricks found under ground there at this day. Muscovy ducks; box-nests attached to trunks of trees, with a notched slab (a sort of Gradus ad Parnassum) to ascend by; throw their young out as soon as hatched; compendious mode of education. Steamboat passes; student from Williamsbarg embarks; he sighs to depart, and from the deck continues to waive with his handkerchief, his last affectionate reluctant adieus. Mr. Fantleroy arrives; a stout gentleman, lately returned from an eight months tour of Europe. On the marble centre-table, lie books of engravings which be brought with him; Views in Rome, and "Vedute E Monumenti Classici Di Venezia." Three gentlemen went a hunting; killed a leveret. In the evening, game of How do you like it?' Air, heir," bow, beau,'' tulips,' 'two lips,' 'liar, lyre,' ' row, roe,' &c. Company in semicircle around the fire; Farrel 'master of ceremonies, and gentleman usher of the black rod.' Danced an old Virginia reel, like the one described in 'Thinks I to myself,' that charming little story. Parties, Viola, Crayon, Emeline, Minna, Brenda, Virginia and Georgiana. Air, Love in a Village.' Alice at the piano. Cotillon : Crayon, Minna, Racket, Brenda, Halifax, Georgiana, Captain Melville, Beverley and Viola. Next morning, snow-storm. Farrel, unfeeling as a tombstone, killed a poor red-bird. No more in flowery spring, flitting from bush to bush, conspicuous in crimson plumage, shall he welcome in with melodious throat the blushing dewy dawn. By means of certain small leaden globules, commonly called shot, feloniously slain, he is fallen on the sand stained with his dripping blood. See, his little heart heaves for the last time, and afar from his accustomed mate and familiar nest, he breathes out his tiny soul in the thin circumambient air! Silver plate at Teddington; arms of the Steptoes; crest, griffin's head; crest of the Melvilless, three martinets. Family portraits in drawing-room;-the captain and bi Farrel, Meade, and Captain Melville, took a walk to'lady by Sully, (the elder.) She looks like some heroine of romance: a fair poetical creation; lovely face, with all the bulldog, malicious, piratical-looking, pug-nosed, crosslineaments of beauty; and her dark hair streaming down eared, double-jointed; antique obsolete double chairs; amher neck of alabaster. An old lady in hoops; child in her phibious between arm-chair and settee; convenient for tételap. That child, mother of an old bachelor, on the other a-téte, solus cum solá; passage wainscoated high, black-walside of the river, of great wealth. This boy now living at nut. Two old moth-eaten English engravings--fox-hunting C, just across the river, heir to perhaps the largest scenes. Drawing-room pannelled, curled maple; inside fortune in the State-viz: say 30,000 acres of land, and window-shutters, &c. In a corner, on small angular shelf, 600 slaves. This young heir occasionally visits Teddington. model-schooner; seven old portraits; old-fashioned lookingThere is a fine portrait of one of the Steptoes, perhaps by glass over fire-place, inserted, &c. &c. Farrel called for Sir Joshua Reynolds; rich court dress, trimmed with gold-pen and ink, and took notes; great admirer of old houses lace; fine face. In the dining-room is an erect old gentle- and young ladies; fond of fun and tombstones. man, in a wig and gray doublet. The county, in which Teddington stands, is remarkable as the birth-place of two illustrious personages-viz : General William Henry Harrison, and John Tyler.* (Spell their names backwards.) Born within five miles of each other. Ride to 'The Row; Emeline, Rosalind, Farrel. Derivation of the name, 'The Row,' uncertain. Some suppose it borrowed from the name of the first settler; others from its being a nice distance to 'row' a boat from Teddington; while others again refer it to a 'row' of poplar trees there. Rode in Indian file along verge of river-bank; steep precipice; danger of falling over it; had to take down fence; rode into the yard; found large old French walnut there,| planted by the first settlers,-perhaps 200 years old; giant limbs; trunk measured 21 feet in circumference. "Hear, land o'cakes and brither Scots, -; Dr. Dr. spent Thursday: three gentlemen arrived from PPalmer, Mr. High, and Mr. Dandridge. The some years at Paris, and travelled in Europe. Mr. High is thought by the ladies uncommonly handsome. Mr. Dandridge the most amiable of men, was formerly proprietor of The Row ;' liberated a large number of negroes, and sent them to Hayti. These three gentlemen pass only a day or two at Teddington. Frills to coat-sleeves in old pictures; pretty fashion. Farrel and Rosalind playing chess; she checkmated him. At whist, some one to-day asked, by mistake, what's diaFarrel rode out with Captain Melville over plantation; monds? Farrel replied, Brenda's eyes! Mrs. Melville negroes pulling ears of corn from off the stalks; boy keep-washing cups and saucers; obtained her autograph, and ing up cornstalk fires; day cold and dreary; winter scenery; that of all the company. Rosalind writes funny little ox-cart hauling corn to barn; Farrel and Finella, with a pencil and paper, recreating themselves with the following According to Sam Tabb, mammoth-bones found on other cramped, crank-sided hand. Captain and Halifax at chess; Teddington-house; main-building and two wings; double portico; dormant windows. Front yard, magnolia trees; pride of China; gravel walk. Telling stories to little boys, about Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday, on the desert island; Jack the giant killer in his five mile boots; and Tom Thumb, bears, &c. Halifax tells of a man in his part of the world, who, being asked what he thought of Mr. Van Buren, said-'I care no more for Van-juran, than I do for the Poke of Rome.' And another being asked whether he was in favor of a convention, answered--"In favor of who? Mr. Convention! I don't know such a man in the county.' Finella is a diminutive lady; her form though small is of exquisite proportions, and her face perfectly classical. She is in fact a little Grecian statue. Her face is pale like moonlight: 'Oh call it fair not pale;' dark expressive eyes, and every feature elegantly chiselled; a most expressive mouth; lips arched like Cupid's silver bow. She is a souvenir picture a miniature diamond edition of the British Poets. She reads and speaks French, and is skilled in the harp and piano;-affable; well-read; full of sensibility; a little romantic. Such is the charming little fairy Finella. Miranda is a native of the City of Florence, in Italy. Her father was an officer in the American army, and afterwards consul at Tunis, in Africa. He passed a good deal of time in Italy, where he made the acquaintance of Lord Byron, who contracted a high regard for him. At last to great joy of all arrived safe at City Point; so called because there is no city there-lucus a non lucendo, No car; cold as the North Pole; passed night aboard. Supper, oysters, (procured by the care of Captain Melville,) beefsteak, rabbit, ship-biscuit. Anica, waiting on the young ladies, rather snappish, some of them inquiring her name, she replied, Oh don't pester me, my name is Anarchy and Confusion.' Farrel and Meade proposed to some of the fair to go out to Cawson's; they declined. Some of the gentlemen go up to pass the night at a tavern. In the saloon, cards; cabin below, Miranda strikes her light guitarThe Ivy Green;' creeping, creeping, still creeping, like Miranda is intellectual and well-read; fond of poetry-some little bug travelling. What matter-what matter! Wordsworth, Coleridge, &c.; versifies herself; an accom- No matter-for plished singer, with a fine voice; and expert performer on guitar and piano. She is acute and original, witty herself, and ready to appreciate wit in others. She is sometimes a little excitable, and exhibits occasionally a flash of temper. It is however evanescent. She is of a pensive turn, and goes not much into society. Her mind is well stored, and she can both amuse and edify whenever she pleases. She is careless of dress and fashion, and participates but seldom in scenes of gaiety. She sometimes amuses her leisure in writing valentines. "Nought is every thing, and every thing is nought, And thinking but a waste of thought." At breakfast, in morning, Anica requests the company to excuse the milk;' that is, the absence of it. Ladies last night, talking and laughing at two o'clock; gentlemen had very little sleep; no 'kiver;' some round the stove, others on the floor; snoring; borealis, Latin means a real bore.' Racket kicked up a great fuss. It was New-Year's night; a little past twelve o'clock, Farrel observed that he had had Miuna and Brenda are both beautiful; and the only dis-no sleep last year, 1839; hoped to have some the next, 1840; pute is which of the two is the more so. Minna is said to inquired of a boy there, whether it was yesterday, or tohave the more masculine mind of the two; has a large morrow?--called for an Almanac. beaming blue eye; is a superb singer. Brenda is a gay fascinating sylph. They both write elegant hands. Rosalind has not the classic profile of Finella, nor the wit of Miranda. She cannot sing like Minna, nor waltz like Brenda. Sit at her side, she is plain; move round a little, at an angle of forty-five degrees, she is very pleas ing; take a position right opposite to her and look her full in the face, and she is perfectly captivating. Her form is perfect, and she laughs beautifully. Her sensibilities are tender, and her tears lie near the surface. She is highspirited, with a considerable tincture of family pride. She is variable in her appearance; looks best in a speckled In morning some of the party visited the Caledonia, Brander; she lay alongside. Racket rode on a horse to town (bitter cold morning) to procure a conveyance. Petersburg, Va., Dec. 12th, 1840. OLD CROSS-FIRE: C. C. dress of her own making, and her hair plain. Her dispo- A STORY OF THE NORTH-WESTERN BORDER. sition is like a spring day alternating from the sunshine of gaiety, to the pensive shades of dejection. Happy will he be, who, appreciating her worth, shall succeed in winning her affections ! "In the desert a fountain is springing, In the wide waste there still is a tree, And a bird in the solitude singing, Which speaks to my spirit of thee." The day of departure is come. Bitter cold; high wind; river rough; floating ice. Embarked in the Thomas Jefferson. Ladies' saloon; some of the gentlemen there. Emeline reading Marriage in high life' to Rosalind. Emeline at last so affected at the story, bursts into tears, and BY GEO. S. M'KIERNAN. The early history of North-Western Virginia is rife with incidents of a romantic character. The extraordinary perseverance and courage which characterized the pioneers of that region of country, and the almost incredible sufferings they were compelled to endure, are, perhaps, without a parallel in the history of any country but our own. Whilst many of those who penetrated far into the western wilds went thither to hew down the foresttrees, and make the wilderness assume the cheerful aspect of the abode of civilized man, a large number of persons were attracted to that country solely by the love of dangerous adventure, and a fondness for living in a state of comparative restraint from the forms of social life. The latter class of adventurers, though not so numerous as the first, furnished most of the heroes of those desperate partisan rencounters with the natives, which occupy so large a space in the annals of the West. is obliged to go down into the cabin below to vent her grief. She looked so interesting in her riding-dress, and in tears. Ladies eating drifted snow off the deck; Brenda and Farrel cutting names, with her diamond ring, on the glass of the saloon window. Weather growing worse; walking on deck to look at Brandon; banks of the river covered with snow; masses of floating ice-freezing now; looks like a scene in Nova-Zembla, or Lapland. Dense fogs; steamer run aground, in three fathom water, four miles from City Point, near Berkeley. Negro heaving the lead. Presently Virginia entered the saloon, with a sad countenance, exclaiming, 'The man has lost his wedge! Soon after Miranda comes in, and repeats in doleful accents, "The man has lost his wedge! Steamer cutting through the ice; danger of springing a-leak; Farrel had his eye on a hen-coop; in the year 1774, the settlements on the upper porin case of a shipwreck, meant to offer Rosalind a passage tion of the Ohio river seem to have been peculiarly obnoxious to the Indians. Several furious assaults in it to land. During the first eight years of that long and bloody war with the savage tribes, which commenced were made by large bodies of Mingoes, Wyandots, | In the course of his recent rambles through the and Shawanees, upon Fort Wheeling, and other country, Wetzel frequently discovered some pecustockade forts in that vicinity; and small parties of liar mark or sign which confirmed him in his conmarauders were continually prowling about the set-viction that the Indian had not left the neighbortlements, employing themselves in burning houses, hood. His friends endeavored to persuade him destroying crops, driving off cattle, and murdering that he was mistaken; but he resolutely adhered to the people as frequently as occasion offered. his opinion, and declared that he would yet "be the death of the cursed old red dog." Among the most notorious of the leaders of these savage brigands, was a Mingo chief, called As Wetzel could not convince the settlers that by the settlers "Old Cross-Fire”—not so much on Old Cross-Fire was yet lurking about the neighaccount of his years, as from the circumstance of borhood, he ceased to mention his name; but his firing his rifle from his left shoulder. This never allowed a week to elapse without taking a chieftain had, at the head of his party, committed scout through the country in the hope of coming in Gumerous depredations upon the settlements, but contact with him. The settlers, however, lulled always succeeded in escaping unharmed, despite themselves into security; and, apprehensive of no the many exertions made by the hunters to arrest impending danger, engaged in agricultural pursuits. his infuriate career. Old Cross-Fire was an ex- They cleared the rich bottom-lands, built substanpert woodsman; and many a borderer was willing tial fences, planted their corn and potatoes, and to bear testimony to his surprising skill as a marksman. He had frequently come in collision with Major M'Colloch, Lewis Wetzel, and other famous Indian hunters; but all their stratagem and prowess were vainly exerted; the Mingo invariably came off unscathed, and was emboldened to inflict his acts of wanton cruelty with increased temerity. His person was familiar to most of the settlers. He was of herculean fabric, his height being several inches over six feet; and every part of his vast frame was built in admirable proportion, if we except his arms, which, like those of Rob Roy M'Gregor, were so long that "The chief could stand in upright mien, And fairly grip his knees." He carried a rifle of more than ordinary weight, which he cross-fired from his left shoulder, and, though contrary to the common rule, with almost unvarying accuracy and effect. soon gave an air of comfort, and a promise of plenty, to their infant settlement. Their implements of war were thrown aside as articles no longer useful. A man, it is true, was occasionally seen with a rifle upon his shoulder; but no other purpose was had in view than to shoot a deer or a wild turkey. About this time a young man from the east of the Alleghanies arrived at the Wheeling settlements. He had performed the entire journey across the mountains, on horseback, at an inclement season of the year, and was nearly exhausted with fatigue and exposure to the elements. He was destined to Kentucky, but gladly accepted an invitation to pass a few days with Col. Zane, one of the earliest settlers at Wheeling, to whom he bore a letter of introduction. Elliot Frazier had scarcely passed a day in the hospitable dwelling of Col. Zane, before he was seized with disease, the effects of his recent exposure, which confined him to his bed. His malady assumed a serious character, depriving him at times of his reason. He laid for many days unconscious of his condition, and insensible to what was passing around him. When at length his disease took a favorable turn, and his mind regained its suspended powers, he discovered that a beautiful being was At the time of the incident about to be related, the Indians had, in a great measure, ceased their hostile incursions into Western Virginia. Most of them had retired farther west, to operate against the settlements on the lower section of the Ohio. Even Old Cross-Fire himself, who lingered about Wheeling long after his tawny comrades had changed their seat of war, was now seldom spoken hovering over his couch-tenderly administering of by the settlers. The prevailing idea was that he had forsaken his old theatre of operations for another that promised a better remuneration for his toils. The only individual who dissented from this opinion was Lewis Wetzel, one of the most suc- The good Samaritan who watched over the cessful Indian scouts ever known. Wetzel was, stranger-youth was Rose Mason, the fairest flower perhaps, possessed of a more thorough knowledge that bloomed on the banks of the Ohio. She was of the character and habits of the Mingo chief than the adopted daughter of Col. Zane, the intimate any white man on the border, for he had often been friend of her gallant father, who had lost his life in an eye witness of his crafty movements when beset a desperate conflict with the Indians, during the by his enemies. The chief had long been the es- early stages of the war. Rose had received her pecial object of Wetzel's hatred; and though he education at one of the best seminaries the "old had often laid deep plans to ensnare him, the settlements" afforded in those days; but she had wily savage always found means to frustrate them. imbibed no sentiment that destroyed the native to his wants, and manifesting, by the sweet smile that played upon her countenance, a pleasurable feeling at witnessing the improvement of his condition. "True; but" "I will listen to no more objections," interrupted the maiden; "you must be my companion to Short creek, to-morrow." simplicity of her manners. She was a young lady a week is of no consequence to you. If you miss of fine intellect; and her heart was filled with af- the first boat, you can wait for another." fection and gentle sympathies, to the exclusion of every unworthy passion. Although she was delicately sensible to every thing unbecoming her sex, she saw no impropriety in contributing all in her power towards alleviating the sufferings of a fellow mortal. She volunteered her services cheerfully to act the part of nurse to the patient. She felt a rational pleasure in supplying the invalid with every little comfort which his situation required. Under her soothing ministration Elliot regained his health. "And why not for life?" asked Elliot. No reply was made to this question. Rose had not anticipated such an interrogatory; nor did its full meaning, at first, flash upon her mind. But when its true sense became apparent to her, a thrill went to her heart, and a deep blush suffused her cheek. For the first time, she now found that she was in love. She spoke in an altered tone, without raising her head, which she had, unwittingly, cast down. "You will go with me?" she said. The youth now often spoke of continuing his journey to Kentucky. Day after day, however, passed by, and he still remained at Wheeling. In sparsely populated regions strong personal attachments are quickly formed. The manly bearing of "Most surely, dear Rose," replied Elliot, who Elliot had rendered him a favorite among all the was delighted to find that he had not offended her settlers, and they strongly urged him to abandon by the abruptness of his words. "I can refuse you his original intention, and remain where he was. nothing," he added; “and the boats may come and To this proposition he declared he could not ac-go, by fleets, for all that I care." cede; but when the image of Rose Mason presented itself before his mind's eye, he was nearly tempted to recall his words. "I will depend upon you," said the maiden, as she left him; for Rose's mind was filled with such strange ideas that she was glad to seek solitude. Since the arrival of young Frazier, a new feel- Soon after the sun had arisen on the following ing had found its way into Rose's heart-a feeling day, Elliot Frazier was before the door busied in which she was unable to explain. When he spoke cleaning his rifle. Lewis Wetzel just then apto her about his expected departure, a shade of proached him from the direction of the high hill in melancholy would overspread her countenance and rear of the fort. banish completely the bright smile that usually dwelt upon it. There was no dissimulation in the maiden; she felt that his absence would cause her to be unhappy, and she took no pains to conceal the sorrow with which she contemplated the event. Elliot," said she, one day, “you must agree to remain with us. We cannot spare you." 66 "It will never do!" exclaimed the youth-"I have been idling my time here too long already; and I'll jump aboard the first boat that passes down the river." "What's to be done to-day, Ellit?" inquired the hunter, as he came up to the youth, and lowered his gun to his feet. "I am going to Short creek with Miss Mason," said Elliot. "I shall take my gun along, and if I can only get a glance at a buck's tail, I'll bring it home as a trophy of my skill in rifle shooting." "If you see a deer, Ellit," said the scout, laughing, "you'll be sure to git the buck fever." "Never fear!" replied the youth. "Sich things always happen to green hands," "We will all feel very unhappy when you are said Wetzel; "but you'll git over the fever by-andgone." by. That rifle of yourn aint exactly to my liking," "Not more so than I will, Rose," replied Elliot. he continued; and here he took the richly mounted "The happiest days of my life," he continued, rifle of the young man and deliberately examined "were those of my recent sickness. If it were it in all its parts. "It's too light, intirely; and as not wicked I could almost pray for another oppor- for these silver fixin's, they aint of any manner of tunity to have you for my ministering angel." "Elliot!" "Forgive me, Rose. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for your kind attentions, and I knew not how to express it." "I am going to Short creek, to-morrow, to visit a friend," said Rose, "and you must go with me." "It is hard to refuse you," replied Elliot; "but I may miss an opportunity of descending the river if I go with you. The water is up now, and boats may be expected to-morrow." use." "They will not prevent it from shooting well,” said Elliot. "No! nor neither they wont," rejoined Wetzel. "but I'll be skinned if I'd have 'em on a gun of mine. Now, here's my old woman, Ellit," added the hunter, as he raised his weather-beaten rifle from the ground: "an uglier old rip you never lar your eyes on; but, then, there's no mistake in her. She always tells. Many's the red skin she's sont to his long home." "It is a valuable piece, without doubt," said the "I will not excuse you," said Rose. "A day or 'youth. |