He entered into conversation with the openness and candour which is so
remarkable in the American, and in a little time observed that he presumed
I was from the old country. I told him that I was, and added that I was an
entire stranger on board. I saw his eye brighten up at the prospect he had
of doing a fellow-creature a kind turn or two, and he completely won my
regard by an affability which I shall never forget. This obliging gentleman
pointed out everything that was grand and interesting as the steamboat
plied her course up the majestic Hudson. Here the Catskill Mountains raised
their lofty summit; and there the hills came sloping down to the water's
edge. Here he pointed to an aged and venerable oak which, having escaped
the levelling axe of man, seemed almost to defy the blasting storm and
desolating hand of Time; and there he bade me observe an extended tract of
wood by which I might form an idea how rich and grand the face of the
country had once been. Here it was that, in the great and momentous
struggle, the colonists lost the day; and there they carried all before
them:
They closed full fast, on every side
No slackness there was found;
And many a gallant gentleman
Lay gasping on the ground.
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