tokens of affection, which you so constantly lav-|French ship, and a few weeks after Marie's deished on his predecessor. For myself, I will now parture, his rakish-looking bark, worked by a dessay farewell, since I return to France, which, as perate crew, collected from all parts of the world, the place of my birth, is naturally still dearer than skimmed lightly along the blue seas, in quest of this of my adoption." Then bowing to the as- its unsuspecting victim. sembly, her pale cheek flushed with pleasure, as she presented to them their new Governor. A moment of silent astonishment ensued, during which, Loinville actually seized his dagger, as with the intention of stabbing the being, who was thus about to frustrate all his darling schemes of passion; for in her departure, he saw only the desire of a reunion with the hated Maubrey. Dissembling his rage, he however listened to the new Governor's tedious harangue, and then hurrying through the crowd, after fixing his eyes on Marie with an expression which seemed to say, "I will yet have my revenge," while it drove terror to her heart, he suddenly left the assembly.

Loinville never quitted the deck, but sat with his eyes fixed on the far horizon, observant of every slight cloud, and cursing every contrary breeze. At length the joyful cry of "Ship ahoy!" was heard, and he perceived that it was no other than the St. Nicholas, which they were rapidly approaching. The crew grew as boisterous as though it were a fête-day, and every hand worked hard, till, thanks to its peculiar construction and the favorable breeze which swelled its sails, the Santiago made rapid progress towards the French vessel, which, as though enchained by some invisible spell in the midst of the blue sea, was unable to change its position, while the pirate vessel felt the advantage of the least passing breeze.

At length, when at no more than a pistol's shot, the Corsairs, with wild and savage imprecations, threw the grappling irons into the shrouds, and

After a short skirmish, the pirates declared themselves masters of the ship and crew, while true to his passion, Loinville rushed down into the cabin, and encountering Dr. Johnson at the entrance, triumphantly enquired for Marie.

As it was necessary that the vessel of war, the Amphitrite, should stop for some time at St. Domingo, after a few days' stay at Martinique, Marie felt that she could not endure the delay, and accordingly took passage in a ship bound for Bor-armed to the teeth, leapt aboard the St. Nicholas. deaux, which was expected to sail immediately. It was in vain that some of her friends insisted on the superior accommodations of the Amphitrite, the anxious Marie could not be dissuaded from an immediate departure, and as her ill-health seemed increased by the prospect of delay, the physician even seconded her wishes, and in the course of a few days, she bade farewell to the Islands, where she had experienced so much suffering, and attended by the physician and Palida, departed amid the tears and acclamations of the excitable inhabitants, who pressed from all parts of the interior to the shore, and extended their arms with the most extravagant gesticulations and ejaculations for her safety, as she took her place in the boat which was to convey her to the vessel.

The Count de Loinville did not appear to bid her farewell, but concealed behind the ramparts, he indulged his excess of passion, as he saw the boat strike from the shore, till suddenly turning away, he muttered, "No matter! we will soon meet again. Juan de Mata, the famous pirate of these seas, has promised to befriend me, and with his crew, I feel that I may once more regain my lost Marie."

In the ocean which divides the Eastern and Western hemispheres are roads invisible to the eye, but which are as familiar to the mariner, as though they were regularly marked out with poles.

Juan de Mata, the dreaded Captain of the Santiago, knew exactly in what latitude he would meet with the St. Nicholas, bound for Bordeaux, and after a conversation with Loinville, who promised him the whole booty, only reserving the lady passenger for his prize, with the condition that he should land them in some South American port, he Joyfully acceded to his proposal of seizing on the

The physician gravely opened the door of the state-room, and quietly said, "You will find her within."

Loinville hurried on, a malignant smile curling his lip; but judge of his horror on discovering a coffin in the centre of the apartment, while at its side sat Palida, her face buried in her hands, in an attitude of the deepest sorrow.

"Disturb not the dead!" she exclaimed, as roused by his approaching footstep, she looked up, and caught Loinville's wild howl of disappointment, as tearing away the hankerchief which concealed the face, he gazed in speechless anguish on the remains of the ill-fated Marie.

"Dead! dead! Marie! my beautiful! almost my own!" he murmured, as leaning over the coffin, his tall form shook like a leaf in the storm, while cold drops of sweat rose on his forehead at the unexpected sight.

Then throwing his arms on the bier, he cried vehemently, "she is yet mine! no earthly power shall tear her from my sight."

mis

"Be composed, sir," said the physician, who had been a silent spectator of the scene, "that young and beautiful being was the victim of your ruled passion; for I doubt not but that constant and harrassing anxiety produced that affection of the heart, of which she expired a few hours since. Assist me now in accomplishing her last wishes, that her precious remains might be carried to her bereaved husband, the Marquis de Maubrey."

1845.] The Nun.-Extracts from a "Biographical Sketch" of Wm. Baynham, of Virginia. 549

"Her husband! who made him such ?" shrieked | the infuriated Loinville.

"They were privately married at Martinique "BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH" OF WM. BAYNHAM, OF VA., before his departure,” answered Dr. Johnson.

parted great, with undeviating fidelity, on the 4th [the superanuated and pragmatic dotard, who, with of July, when the little that is known of them is the aid of spectacles, can scarcely read, and who repeated with a scrupulous love of truth and fear cannot understand his own writings. We are far of novelty and the vague and scanty anecdotes from disapproving of political studies, and readily respecting them, that float in uncertain tradition, admit, that in a Republic, where a knowledge of and which change their forms as frequently as the our rights and liberties is a necessary antidote to clouds which float in the atmosphere, there is no the insensible encroachments of power, they ought record whatever, where the young Virginian can to constitute the fundamental, or, at least, the prilearn any thing more of the lives and characters mary branch of education. But we ask, are the of his ancestors, than what is immediately con- honors which attend the noisy and turbulent career nected with a short period of our history. There of the demagogue, the only honors worthy of exis no lasting monument to perpetuate their names; citing emulation, and the capitol the only temple there is no glowing page where he can contemplate in which a seat is desirable for the ambition of and admire their virtues, or where he can learn to youth? Who will say that the fame of a Davy, a imitate their actions. Not a tomb or a stone marks La-Place, or a Stewart, is not as enviable as the the spot where the ashes of most of them repose, diplomatic honors of a Talleyrand, a Castlereagh, and the pilgrim, whose rare gratitude leads him to or even a Chatham ? To merit, indeed, even politiseek their neglected graves, esteems himself for-cal distinction, in any extraordinary degree, litetunate, if some old, grey-headed domestic can point rature and the arts must be united with politics, it out among the ruins and the weeds of the an- which, without their ennobling influence, degenecient and unrevered cemetery. But this is not our rate into a narrow and contemptible art, unworthy only ingratitude. The muse of biography sleeps of the name of Science, in which low cunning and over their graves, and no pious son has attempted selfish ignorance, usurping the place of knowledge to rouse her from her slumbers, to sing the ex- and integrity, by a rapid and inevitable progression, ploits of his fathers. In short, no where, except degrade the most high-minded nations to their own in the life of Washington, by Chief Justice Mar- despicable level. Whatever is noble and elevated shall, can be found an authentic and regular Biog-in individuals—whatever is exalted and magnaniraphy of any one of the revolutionary worthies, who have done so much honor to our State and to the world."

mous in nations, and whatever has been worthy of admiration in both, has been the result of that union of all the sciences, and that cultivation of all the faculties, which alone can lead to superOur author certainly writes like one who feels eminent excellence, and it is utterly in vain for deeply for the interests and honor of his State, and either ever to wish for or expect permanent politi should not such remarks be well weighed by every cal distinction, whilst they neglect the broad and true-hearted Virginian, and his mind be filled with imperishable basis of general knowledge, which regret, that, in a State which abounds in such alone can render it durable,—or despise the eleganabundant materials for the pen of the biographer, adorn it. It is devoutly to be hoped, that this discies of literature, which alone can dignify and so few should be found to take up this elegant, in-graceful apathy will not always endure, and that, teresting and useful department of literature. Let unless our political mania is entirely incurable, the it never be said by another writer, that Virginians rapid progress of literary improvement, so visible are remiss in recording the exploits and achiev-in every part of the civilized world, may extend ments of those who have won honor for them-its beneficial effects to us, and give a new and acselves and their State, and rendered themselves illustrious in the senate, or in the field; in science, or in literature.

awakes to brawl amidst electioneering riots, cautive impulse to that dormant spirit, which now only cuses and clubs, and that the best talents of the country will not always be permitted to evaporate in toasts and orations, newspaper essays and po

In the progress of this Sketch, the author, after alluding to the neglect of the cultivation of Litera-litical circulars.” ture in Virginia, proceeds to state what he believes to be some of the causes of this neglect. His remarks on this subject, I think, are very correct, and will be read with much interest by every Virginian, who feels interested in the cause of literature, and its improvement in his own State.

The writer says,

The following paragraph is interesting, and shows the importance, not only of rescuing the virtues and actions of our distinguished ancestors from oblivion and handing them down to posterity, but of collecting and preserving, also, every thing relative to the history of the State, from its earliest settlement down to the present period, and in reference to which, very diligent and laudable exertions have for some time been in operation. Our author beautifully says:

"In our opinion, the cause is not very obscure, and the whole of our literary indifference, as well as many other defects in our national character, may be accounted for in one word-namely, Poli- "Perhaps some Plutarch may yet arise, who, 'fired tics. It is our exclusive and infatuated devotion with a thirst for noble fame and smit with the love of to politics, which prevents our success in every honorable deeds,' shall embody in his faithful and eloother branch of science, and in literature and the quent page, the virtues and the actions of our illasarts,—and indeed, which makes us totally neglect trious ancestors, and thus hand them down to the them. In Virginia, we are all politicians, and imitation, the veneration, and the gratitude of the what is more, we are all political writers, from the rising and future generations, to the most distant school-boy, who is scarcely out of Syntax and the posterity. Nor should his grateful and honorable English reader, (if haply he was ever in them,) to task be too long deferred. The busy hand of time

is daily removing some of those documents from | And clad in russet, faintly fleck'd with green, which any authentic biography must be compiled, Lamenting, teach the philosophic lore and covering with a veil of impenetrable obscurity, Of brief prosperity. That lofty Pear, those events which lose their lustre as well as their reality by the incertitude in which they were in- Which, like some feudal baron from his tower, volved. Added to this irreparable waste of time, Did awe the neighboring peasantry of shrubs, that ignorance and indifference which have, within Is humbled, they should see him yield his pride our knowledge, already destroyed the most valua- To every robber-breeze. ble materials, is every day renewing the sacrilege, and with Vandallic impiety sacrificing, in the let-A tint of snow from the young Almond's wealth, The grass-mound takes ters and other writings in their possession, the re

cord of facts, the maxims of experience, and the Strew'd freely round,-while leaning on her prop, lessons of wisdom. This ruthless extermination The Peach, like drooping mother, mourns her is proceeding with gradual, but inevitable steps, to

babes,

or on the soaring wing, Lift up your voice, ye birds, Sing of the season's prime,

remove every vestige of the past, and if it is not Dead at her feet. soon arrested by some enterprising and laborious biographer, will shortly leave him no other oracle From the cool nest, to consult than the Babel-tongue of tradition, which confounds all actions, events and ages in chaotic And comfort them. and inextricable confusion, and will drive him to When their brief sorrow shall be turn'd to joy,— the unfortunate alternative of either misrepresent-Tell them, that man, their culturer, oft beholds ing the great, or of permitting them to remain in an His beauty, and his pride, like theirs, depart ; oblivion inglorious only to their survivors. Let us But yet, from what he counteth loss, doth reap not, then, delay the fabric until the materials of

strain,

So, bid them bide

which it is to be built shall have crumbled into A more enduring gain. dust, but hasten, while it is not yet too late, to redeem the errors of the past, by the atonement of a In cheerful hope, the chastening of this hour, vigorous and unremitted servitude for the future." And yield their fragrance to the unpitying winds, I shall not proceed, Mr. Editor, to make any far- Since God remembereth them. Lift high your ther comments upon this ably written and interesting production, and I fear that I have already quoted too largely, but the subjects alluded to are of such great interest and importance, that I have thought they might find an appropriate place in the Messenger.

It, perhaps, ought to be mentioned that this Memoir was written more than twenty years ago, and may be found in the 4th vol. of the Philadelphia Journal; an interesting question will occur to the reader, whether the author's remarks are just, when applied to the present time, in relation to the cause of the neglect of Literature in Virginia, and of recording and handing down the virtues and noble actions of her illustrious sons; and the solution of this question, we believe, would afford an interest ing theme for some able contributor to your Journal. W. J. Tuck

Memphis, Tennessee, May 7th, 1845.

FRUIT TREES SHEDDING THEIR BLOSSOMS.

The world doth take us captive, with its charms
Of vanity and pleasure ;-so our thoughts
Are scarce in unison with Nature's grief,
When her sweet blossoms fall.

Yon stricken trees,

From whence glad Autumn gathereth plenteous

stores

Of ruddy apples for the wintry eve,
Resign their radiant robes, and rich perfume,
That made the orchard like a queen's levee,

Minstrels of heaven! and ask the mourning trees,
If those pale petals fell not, where would be
The glory of their fruitage, and the praise
Of the Great Master, at the Harvest-day?

Hartford, Conn.

L. H. S.

THE BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN.

Mr. Editor,

Carolina. Failing in this, he afterwards moved slowly, and frequently halted to collect all the tories he could persuade to join him. He passed Broad river, and before the last of September encamped at a place called Gilbertstown, within a short distance of where the thriving village of

Rutherfordton now stands.

The following account of the battle of King's Mountain is a copy of the original paper, drawn up by the late General Joseph Graham, father of the present Governor of North Carolina, of Lincoln county, North Carolina, the county in which the site of the battle is located. The accompanying plan* of the battle, is a copy by a young lady of men. Carolina, from the original, taken by Gen. Graham on the ground. This graphic account, given by an uninterested individual, of the battle that led to

the retreat of Cornwallis, then on his advance through Carolina, may afford interesting information to your readers, that love to dwell upon the scenes of the Revolution.

Very respectfully, yours,

His forces had increased to upwards of 1000 On his march to this place, he had furnished arms to such of his new recruits as were without them. The greater part of them had rifles, but to a part of them he had them to fix a large knife they usually carried, made small enough at the butt end for two inches or more of the handle to slip into the muzzle of the rifle, so that it might be occasionally used as a bayonet.

had gone over the mountains to obtain assistance, and was in consultation with Col. John Sevier and Col. Isaac Shelby what plan should be pursued, when the two paroled men spoken of arrived and delivered their message from Col. Ferguson.

Although Col. Ferguson failed to overtake the detachment of mountain men alluded to, he took After the defeat of Gen. Gates and the army two of them prisoners, who had become separated under his command, on the 16th of August, 1780, from their comrades. In a day or two he paroled and the defeat of Gen. Sumpter, two days after- them, and enjoined them to inform the officers on wards, near Rocky Mount, by Col. Tarlton, the the Western waters, that if they did not desist South was almost entirely abandoned to the enemy. from their opposition to the British arms, and take Most of the troops, both officers and men, who protection under his standard, that he would march had escaped from Gates' defeat, passed through his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, Charlotte, N. C., where most of the militia of and lay the country waste with fire and sword. Mecklenburg county were assembled in conse- Col. Charles McDowell, of Burke county, on quence of the alarm. The regular troops chiefly the approach of Ferguson with so large a force, passed on to Hillsboro', where Gen. Gates finally established his head quarters. William L. Davidson, who had served as Lieutenant Colonel of the regulars in the Northern army, was appointed Brigadier General of the militia in the Salisbury District, in the place of Gen. Rutherford, who was It was decided that each of them should use his taken prisoner at Gates' defeat. He formed a best efforts to raise all the men that could be enbrigade and encamped on McAlpin's creek, about listed, and that their forces when collected, should 8 miles below Charlotte, and in the course of two meet on the Wataga, on the 25th of September. or three weeks, was reinforced by Gen. Sumner, It was also agreed, that Col. Shelby should give (a continental officer,) but having no regulars to intelligence of their movements to Col. William command, he took command of the militia from Campbell of the adjoining county of Washington, the counties of Guilford, Caswell, Orange, &c. in Virginia, with the hope that he would raise what After Gates' defeat, the attention of Lord Corn-force he could and cooperate with them. wallis was chiefly occupied with burying the dead, taking care of the wounded, and forwarding, under suitable guards, the great number of prisoners he had taken, to the city of Charleston, and regulating the civil government he was establishing in S. Carolina, and examining the state of the posts occupied by his troops on the Congaree, Ninety-Six and Augusta. By the 1st of September, he had his arrangements made, and detached Col. Ferguson over the Wateree with only 110 regulars, under the command of Capt. Dupiester, and about the same number of tories, but with an ample supply of arms and other military stores. His movements were at first rapid, endeavoring to intercept the retreat of a party of mountain men, who were harassing the upper settlement of tories in South

It was our wish to give the plan also, but we were compelled to omit it.-Ed. Mess,

They met on the Wataga the day appointed, and passed the mountain on the 30th of Sept., where they were joined by Col. Benjamin Cleveland and Major Joseph Winston, from Wilks and Surry counties.

On examining their forces, they were found to number, as follows:

From Washington county, Virginia, under
Col. W. Campbell,
Sullivan county, North Carolina,
under Col. Isaac Shelby,

From

From

400

240

Washington, North Carolina, under
Col. John Sevier,

240

160

From Burke and Rutherford counties, N. C.,
under Col. Charles McDowell,
From Wilks and Surry counties, North Car-
olina, under Col. Benj. Cleveland
and Major James Winston,
Total,

350

1,390