DEVOTED TO POLITE LITERATURE, SUCH AS MORAL AND SENTIMENTAL TALES, BIOGRAPHY, TRAVELING SKETCHES, POETRY, AMUSING MISCELLANY, ANECDOTES, &C.

VOL. XI.-[II. NEW SERIES.]

ORIGINAL TALES.

For the Rural Repository.
The Rejected Prize Tale.

BY A BACHELOR.

ELLEN HERBERT was left an orphan at early childhood. Being myself the only near relative left, she was placed by her dying mother under my charge. Mrs. B. the wife of my partner in business, kindly offered to take the little Ellen under her protection. She was a woman possessed of an amiable disposition, mild and dignified in her deportment and pleasing in her conversation, and it was with pleasure I accepted her proposal. Childless herself, her affection soon twined around the little orphan with all a mother's tenderness, and under her kind and benevolent care, Ellen Herbert, at the age of eighteen, was not only an amiable, but an accomplished female. But how shall I attempt to describe her, who has twined around my heart the cords of an enduring affection-who has enlivened with her cheering smiles many a bright hour of my existence, and who has watched over my sick bed with the self sacrificing devotion of untiring love? I will not attempt it, fearing that I may prove in my affection a too partial judge. It is true, she had faults, and who, I ask, in the wide circle of our acquaintances, has not? The adulation of the world had been poured in her ears; admired and caressed in the gay circles of fashion, it is not to be wondered at, that vanity should creep, with its poisonous effects, into her heart. She was not vain of her beauty, or her wealth; for through the careful instructions of Mrs. B. she had been taught the true value of such gifts. She was conscious of possessing them, but yet she knew that time and chance might deprive her of them, and knowing this, she had sought to cultivate the germ of intellect. She succeeded; but the too proud consciousness of her own abilities had taken from her that sweet tone of playful grace, once so endearing, and had given place to a more dignified and somewhat haughty deportiment. Though she never observed the

NO. 20.

And do you consider it a trifling matter, to have your name exposed to the ridicule of all your acquaintances.'

latter to Mrs. B. or myself, still I could detect || weakness that you have displayed on this
it in her bearing towards her acquaintance. trifling occasion.'
Mrs. B. with untiring assiduity, had sought
to eradicate this one fault, but the flattery of
indiscriminating friends had opposed her
ineffectual attempts: for praise, although it
may sometimes be an incentive to action, had
been, by being carried too far, but an injury
to Ellen.

Ridicule! my dear Ellen?' 'Yes ridicule. Will they not laugh at my vanity, since I have failed in my attempt?' I see no reason why they should laugh at you; you are not the first one who has been unsuccessful; but you have, I perceive, been too sanguine, you should have considered, my dear, the multiplicity of writers; and some of them, you know, must have had the advantage of practice.'

Then you think I ought not to have made the attempt ?'

O no! Ellen, you mistake me; I only meant to infer that you should not have flattered yourself with success. You certainly ought to know that all writers must make a beginning; and if you have a tasts for composing, I would advise you not to let such a slight failure discourage you. You have talents and education, preserve them, study the defects of your first efforts and learn to avoid them in future. But if, on the contrary, you have no real taste for the pursuit, and only commenced for the sake of winning, I would advise you by all means to relinquish it.'

One afternoon, towards the commencement of spring, Ellen and myself were seated at the parlor fire-side, listening to Mrs. B. who was reading aloud the review, but Ellen was evidently, for some reasons unknown to me, an impatient listener. She arose walked to the window, gazed out and returned, and after repeating the same movements for at least the sixth time, she was interrupted by the servant who handed her a packet, which she received with eagerness, and after exnining the contente, threw from her a look of mortification, and burst into a passion of tears. Mrs. B. started from her seat, and in a tone of alarm, inquired the cause of her agitation. Ellen replied by pointing to the paper which lay at her feet. Mrs. B. mechanically took it up, and after glancing at the contents, looked still more perplexed. She was about handing me the paper, as her eye caught some article that arrested her attention. After perusing it, she gave it to me. Poor Ellen! it was a sad disappointment. rejected prize tale! Mrs. B. did not attempt to remonstrate with Ellen, but took her seat and quietly resumed her paper. I would have spoken, but not knowing what to say, pru-dare say.' dently held my tongue. Yet notwithstanding, 'Your pride, Ellen, has made you unjust. it was evident that Mrs. B. although apparently Beware, for one vice generally engenders engaged in reading, was considering in what others, and I fear it was only the love of manner it was best to break the silence. At praise that induced you to write. I would length, she again commenced reading aloud not have you regardless of the praise of the the conclusion of the subject in which she world, but an inordinate desire for it produces had been so suddenly interrupted. This disquiet, and often corrupts the mind. was too much for poor Ellen; her bitter mortification quickly gave way to a feeling of indignation, and she exclaimed- This is too bad, I should have thought that you, above all, Mrs. B. would have known how to pity me.' Ellen, I do pity you; I pity the childish!

A

'I shall never attempt it again,' said Ellen, I could have borne it better, had I been superceded by some popular writer, but this one is new to me, some stupid pedagogue I

'Read the piece, Ellen, and perhaps you will judge better of the author.'

'No, I will not read it, the name of the author is enough for me, do not ask me to read it.'

I will not urge you to peruse it, if you do

Is it possible! Who arrested them?'

That I cannot tell you; but it was a gentleman, who would better have answered your description of Edward Brown; be stopped and held the horses until the servant came to his relief.'

not choose to. I am sorry to see you apartments and attendants, and modestly the whole length of the square before they possessed of such foolish prejudices, I trust declined giving me any farther trouble. I were arrested.' you will one day be ashamed of them, but I knew that there were many little delicate had fondly fancied that you were already attentions to be administered to an invalid, divested of them. The writer, whose name that hired attendants are sometimes incapable sounds so harshly to your ears, because yet of bestowing. And who, thought I, would unpopular, may be your superior in many bestow them more willingly than Mrs. B. or points, if so, you should have the generosity Ellen. I stated to him my thoughts, and to yield to him the victory. And allowing proposed speaking to Mrs. B. who was ever him to be your inferior, you should consider ready to relieve the afflicted, whenever it was that the disappointment of a rejected prize in her power. With a glow of pleasure on piece might have been as great on his part, as his fine countenance, he replied, that any yours now is; although perhaps it might not attentions which could be conveniently conhave excited the follies of prejudice in ferred on his mother, could not but be consequence.' gratefully received. And Mrs. B. and Ellen, after once visiting the suffering invalid, were constant in their kind attentions. I learned with gratification, from Ellen, that the mother was every way worthy of such a son.

For if,' said Ellen, the situation of Mrs. Brown is calculated to excite sympathy, her patient endurance of suffering and the mild sweetness of her disposition are no less calculated to win my love and admiration.'

The change of air, with careful attendants, soon rendered Mrs. Brown convalescent, and though Ellen had become to her a dear and cherished friend, still she had never met with Edward in her frequent calls; though I doubt not but my description of hint had excited a little curiosity in her mind. Yet her visits had been always made when she knew him to be occupied in his engagements from home.

Ellen felt the justness of the rebuke, but false pride forbid her acknowledging her error. Without venturing a reply, she arose and left the room, and the conversation was not resumed in my presence. I trust my readers will remember in extenuation of Ellen's conduct, that it was her first disappointment. Life with her had been like a tranquil stream that glides on through flowers and sunshine. Successful in all her little undertakings, and with every wish of her heart gratified, it is not surprising that Ellen should have felt keenly the destruction of her imaginary dream of success. I have already informed my readers, that my partiality for my niece must preclude all right to portray her according to my own ideas. Therefore, an impartial description of her own conduct must be the criterion for them to judge by. A few weeks after the above incident, I received a letter from a friend in New Orleans. requesting my influence in procuring a situation for a young man in his employ, who was desirous of removing from the city in consequence of the illness of a widowed mother. My correspondent commended the character and abilities of the young man in the warmest terms. Being in want of an assistant, I immediately accepted the pro-admiration of him to yourself.' posals, and in a few weeks had the satisfaction of receiving into my employ, an accountant No, I hope not, I should not like to every way worthy of the warm recommendation undergo such a penalty. Why he stood like that I had previously received of him. a mute, on the door steps, and let the servant Edward Brown was a young man of a dismount and hand his mother out of the prepossessing appearance. There was a tone carriage, without even proffering his asof modest confidence in his address, and a sistance; and with his mouth and eyes mild dignity in his manners, that filled me considerably extended, he stared first at the with a feeling of undefinable interest, and horses and carriage, and then at me, as if he immediately won upon my confidence; nor was astonished.'

One afternoon, Ellen came tripping into
the room where I was sitting, with her coun-
tenance unusually expressive of mirth. She
had just returned from a ride, in which she
had been accompanied by Mrs. Brown.
'Well, uncle,' she exclaimed, I have
seen that irresistible favorite of yours.'

And how do you like him? said I, starting up with animation.

Why I think you may have all the

But have you conversed with him?'

did a long and intimate acquaintance with his The poor fellow! why you should have
character, tend in the least to diminish my pitied him, Ellen, he was only falling rapidly
regard for him. The journey from New in love with you.'
Orleans to New-York, the place of my 'Pshaw! he took a droll way of showing
residence, had been too much for the weak it then; for while the servant was leading his
state of his mother's health, and I requested mother into the house, he followed behind
han to call on me for any assistance that it with the grey-hound, which I could not help
was in my power to bestow. But he thanked considering the nobler animal of the two.
me with some warmth for the trouble I had But the horses, I suppose frightened at his
already taken, in procuring him suitable appearance, started with me and proceeded

Ah ha! and the whole amount of it is, that instead of falling in love with my favorite, you have chosen one of your own. Mighty fine Miss! quite romantic!-Did he make any fine speeches, was there no fainting and exchanging of rings and all that lackadaisical nonsense?'

'No,' said Ellen, laughing, there was no fainting nor fine speeches, and as to falling in love, I had no time, but if you keep on I shall imagine I have.'

You had better not, Ellen, for I mean that you shall reserve your heart for my favorite yet. I must gain the victory, so prepare for another interview.'

No, no!' she exclaimed, one is enough, if I have sinned in differing from you, inflict any punishment but that.'

With a merry laugh she tripped out of the room. I could not give credit to Ellen's ridiculous description of my favorite. I concluded that she had overdrawn the sketch, in order to repay me for my habitual propensity of quizzing, and I felt an inclination to draw from Edward, himself, an account of their meeting. When I entered my counting room, he was leaning against the desk in a deep study. As I entered, a slight shade passed over his features, and after a short conversation I observed, My niece came near being run away with to-day, was you a witness to it?" He started and replied—

But who,' inquired I, was the young man that entered the house with your mother?' I presume it was a student of Dr. Y's,' said he, looking rather surprised at me.

The reader may suppose that I was quite elated at my discovery, as it afforded me quite a field to play off my pranks upon Ellen. I sat Mr. Brown to copying some letters, and pretending urgent business, requested him to leave them at my dwelling, as he passed on his way home in the evening, as I should not return to my counting-house again. When I returned home, I found Ellen engaged in drawing some sketches, and putting on a

No exclaimed his uncle, with attention. thing,' said the Colonel, with emotion.· Do tell,' said Aunt Patty, taking a pinch| Shoot me if I don't wish I had been his of snuff. uncle. Don't you think so, Carlo?' address Now the Colonel was noted for his extra-ing the dog who was just coming from under ordinary relish of a good joke, even though he was a sufferer by it himself.

• Come, let's have it,' said he, filling his glass.

La suz,' said Aunt Patty.

Well, you know Bill, he is desperately in love with a very handsome young lady, but poor as a beggar, and wishes to marry her, but dares not, without consent of his uncle, a very fine old gentleman, as rich as Crœsusdo take a little more cordial.'

Why-don't his uncle wish him to marry!' Oh, yes! but there's the rub. He is very anxious that Bill should get a wife, but he's terribly afraid he'll be taken in. Because it is generally understood that he is to be the old gentleman's heir. And for this reason, his uncle, although very liberal in every thing else, suspects every young lady, that pays his nephew the least attention of being a fortune hunter.'

Scat,' said Miss Patty-and away went Puss,

Well, how did he manage?' said the Colonel.

Why,' said Henry, laughing, he was in a confounded pickle. He was afraid to ask his uncle's consent right out; he could not manage to let him see the girl, for she lives at some distance. But he knew that his uncle enjoyed a good joke, and was an enthusiastic admirer of beauty. So, what does he do-but go and have her miniature taken, for she was extremely beautiful, besides being intelligent and accomplished.'

'Beautiful! intelligent! and accomplished!' exclaimed the Colonel, pray what objection could the fool have to her?'

Why-she is not worth a cent,' said

Henry.

Fudge,' said the Colonel; I wish I had been in the old chap's place-but how did he get along?'

Why, as I said, he had her picture taken, and as it was about time for collecting rents. he thought it would make the old gentleman good natured, if he went home and offered to assist him. So home he went, taking with him a parcel of oranges. By the by-that puts me in mind-I bought me some at the same place, but have left them in the hall.' So, stepping out of the room, he returned with a handkerchief filled with some of the finest oranges that ever came over; and handing one of them to his aunt, he laid the rest on the table beside his uncle.

The old gentleman smiled in every corner of his face, and put his hand into his pocket. Why didn't he marry her at once, and leave the rest to chance? asked the Colonel, Shoot me if I would'nt.'

Why you must know that Bill loves his uncle as if he had been his own father-for the old gentleman was as good as a father to him; So he could not bear the idea of getting married without trying to get his consent. And then you see, he could be married at home, and that would just suit his uncle, for he mighty fond of a good frolic now and then.' He deserves to have her for that one

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the chair.

'Yes, sir,' said Carlo-or rather seemed
to say; for he looked up with an expression
so intelligent, that it conveyed the meaning
as plainly as though he had spoken it in words.
La suz! said Aunt Patty.
'Positively, Colonel, I think you have got
the finest dog in the country,' said Henry,
patting Carlo on the head.

Now if there was one thing that the old
gentleman liked better than to be called
Colonel, it was to have his dog praised. So
he grew warmer and warmer, and presently
pulled out his pocket-book.

'Well,' said he, did he give his consent? What comes next?'

BIOGRAPHY.

From the American Magazine.

Gen. William Moultrie. THIS gentleman, was born about the year 1720. But little is known of his early years. In 1761, we hear of his being a captain of a company of light infantry of a provincial regiment, in an expedition against the Cherokees.

A defensive war being determined upon, at the first meeting of the Provincial Congress, it was resolved on the fourth day of their session, that two regiments should be raised, of five hundred men each. This was done, and on the 17th of June, the same day in which the battle of Bunker Hill took place, William Moultrie was made a Colonel of the second of these regiments. He immediately entered upon the arduous and important Why,' said Henry, the old gentleman duties of his station; and in the following was mightily tickled to see the oranges! So September a detachment of his soldiers took he bade him a hearty welcome, and asked him possesion of Fort Johnson. At that time all about every thing and every body in town. there was neither a state nor a national flag. This was just what Bill wanted. So after The council of safety directed him to cause answering all inquiries, he takes the minia-one to be made. The state troops were then ture out of his pocket, and handing it to his dressed in blue, and wore silver crescents uncle asked how he liked it-telling him that in front of their caps. Taking a hint from a particular friend lent it to him. The old their costume, he constructed a large blue gentleman was in an ecstacy of delight, and flag with a crescent in the dexter corner; declared he would give the world to see a and this was the first American standard woman as handsome as that, and that Bill displayed in South Carolina. might have her.'

Ha shouted the Colonel. The old chap was well come up with. The best joke I ever heard of-but was she really so beautiful?'

On the 19th of December, Colonel Moultrie, with between two and three hundred soldiers and volunteers, embarked at Charleston, in the darkness of night, for Haddrell's Point, with the intention of erecting a battery there to expel the men-of-war, which were blockading the harbor. In a few hours their works were thrown up, and by day-light the cannon were mounted, and the embrasures completed. The British ships immediately became alarmed, and left the cove and Sullivan's Island under the control of the American batteries. In March, 1776, a fortress was erected upon the Island, of a size sufficient to contain a thousand men; and Colonel Moultrie was ordered to that post. An expedition was then fitting out at NewYork against Charleston; and the following account of the brilliant action which ensued, is given by Colonel Moultrie himself, in the

Memoirs of the American Revolution,' which, in two volumes, he presented to his countrymen, at the close of that war of Independence in which he so bravely participated.

At this time it was the general opinion, especially among the sailors, that two frigates would be a sufficient force to knock the town about our ears, notwithstanding our number of batteries with heavy cannon; but in a few weeks, experience taught us that frigates could make no impression on our palmetto batteries.

THE NAMES OF THE MONTHS-These came May 31, a large fleet of British vessels to us from the Romans. January from was seen about twenty miles to the windward Janus, an ancient king of Italy; February of the bar; and on the 1st of June, they from Februo, to purify; March from Mars; displayed about fifty sail before the town, on June from Juno: July and August were so the outside of the bar. The sight of these named in honor of Julius and Augustus vessels alarmed us very much; all was hurry Cæsar. Before the time of Julius Cæsar, and confusion: the president with his council, these months were called Quintillis and Sex-busy in sending expresses to every part of tilis, being the 5th and 6th months, reckoning the country, to hasten down the militia; as the Romans did at that time, from March, men running about the town looking for as the commencement of the year. Sep-horses, carriages, and boats, to send their tember, October, November, and December, signify the 7th 8th 9th and 10th months fron March, when the year began.

families into the country; and as they were going through the towngates into the country, they met the militia from the country marching