‘\ 4 I THE NORXVALK GAZE’l"‘E. .--... _To this proposition the black readily assented, and he and Ward departed together, the latter taking with him his double barrelled grin, and being followed by a large dog. As they proceeded on their way, the negro conversed freely with the farmer, who did not doubt but that he should make an easy capture of him. Great, therefore, was his astonishment, when having got seine distance from home, his black compan- .ion, who probably had from the first suspected the farmer’s inten- tions, suddenly ~faced about, closed with him, and wrenched the gun from his grasp. VVard uttered a cry as the negro cooked the gun and raised it to his shoulder, but fortunately the triggers were not set, and the farmer rushed behind a tree at a few yards distance. Here he waited until the negro had fired ; and as the contents of the sec- ond barrel rattled against the tree, the farmer drew his hunting hatchet and rushed a ainst his antatronist. The black was piiepared :—be Chad concealed about him a large butcher knife, which he quickly produced, anda fierce struggle ensued immediately. Both were powerful men, and the combat was for life or death. As they closed upon each other, Ward’s dog sprung upon the negro, who had not perhaps calcu- iated on this addition to his antagonist’s strength; but he reso- lutely continued the combat, and at lengthdispatched the faith- ful animel by a skillful stroke on the neck. The negro had freed liiinsel from one of his enemies ; but, Ward enraged at the loss of his -faithful dog, fought with still greater desperation, and several blows and stabs were exchang- ed. The farmer received a deep though not dangerous, gash on the breast, and the blood of his adversary weltered from many a Wound : still each grasped his weapon, and t.he result of the struggle remained doubtful. _ Much has been said and written upon the valour of men, who, locked up in armour, endeavored to thrust each other from their war steeds, or with mace and battle axe batter each others heads for an hour together. Now-a days a man is considered brave if he possesses nerve enough to stand and receive his an- tagonists fire at twelve paces, withontflinching. It is difficult to define true courage, but old Quarles himself would not have hesitated to acknowledge that it was conspicuous in the coin- hatgtnts, whose desperate valour we are endeavoring to des- cri e. ' The horrible fray still continued. \Vitb such weapons, ‘scarcely ablow could have been struck, without inflicting a ghastly, if not dangerous wotind. At length, exhausted and faint with loss of blood, the negro sunk upon the green sward, cover- ed with innumerable wounds and drenched in gore. _ To the eternal honor of the Yankee farmer, he did not take advantage of his mutilated adversary as he lay on the grou_nd bleeding and helpless. His foe was at his feet, and a single blow of his hatchet might have inflicted the coup de grace, and revenged the death of his faithful dog; but \Vard was a brave man—he made the poor wretch, whom he had overpowered, promise not to quit the spot, and then hastened in search of as- sistance. When he returned the negro was gone; but the car- cass ef his trusty dog remained. The-ground torn tip as if it had been the scene of a bull fight, and the bushes bespririkled with blood, attested the violence of the struggle. “There was as much blood on the ground,” said those who visited the spot, “as if some animal had been butchered.” To 'ru1~: EDITOR or THE GAZETTE. A few days since, you published some remarks of a corres- pondent on the subject of teaching, which were manifestly in- tended to be personal. This is evident from the fact, that the stu- dies particularly noticed in those remarks are pursued in but one school in Town. Such a communication would be deemed un- worthy ofnotice, were it not that most persons presume ifno re- ‘ ply is given that none can be given. The writer of the thing under consideration, has chosen to conceal his name, but there are private circumstances which do not leave this a matter of doubt. If he recognize nothing in this reply that belongs to himself, he Wll'l take no offence. - Hisinsinuations are without foundation, and bear internal ' evidence of the invidious spirit that dictated them.—-Tliey show no marks of a liberal and courteous mind; and if this reply slmwuld seem to partake in any degree, ofthe same character, it has this apology, that it is extorted, not gratuitous. This first is, that the school has not_been kept during the regular hours.- Ifina single instance the time has been too short, in twenty ;__has it been too long. Instead of an hour the time universally 19 a1lowed—tlie sciiool has but thirty minutes recess, and yet is contintied till the usual time ofclosing. The individual who has acted the honorable part ofa reporter in school, objected to this arrangement, “for," said he, “go in at what time we may, we shall not be dismissed earlier than 4- o'clock.” Does this look like contracting the hours '3 The charge is unfounded and ma- licious. \Vhile the slightest deficiency in time creates alarm, no account is made ofthe extra hours weekly spent in the school room: The next reproach is a want of system. That the best possi- ble system is adopted, is by no means contended, but that there is as much system as can be introduced into such a school, is true. A large proportion ofthe scholars are attending to Arith- metic, with many it is a principal study, oociipying most of the day. The frequent interruptious,‘froni this source, to which a Teacher is subject, are known to all who know anything of the matter. The various difliculties that occur mtist be promptly met and, in this branch ofstudy, they may occtir frequently and at any time. The necessar_v consequence is that a lesson will sometimes be crowded out ofits place. It is admitted that in a few instances a lesson has been delayed for the want of previous attention to it. There may have been unjustifiable neglect in this, but it yet remains to be learned that reproach is due for niaking preparation upon any lesson previous to recitation. In the cases alluded to, the lessons might have been dispatched at once, with entire ease. and with equal satiq/‘action to the pupil; and a generous mind woulddiscovcr in the circumstance oftheir being delayed, evidence of honest and faithful intentions} If the previous review ofa lesson is a sin, it has at least the merit of bringing the offender into good society. The fact is indisput-3 able that ofiicers ofcollege, who have been noted for their faith- ful discharge oftlieir official duties, have daily practiced the same, and that without disguise or shame. Those who neglect to do it, are generally more careless of their charge. No man need blush to avow that he adopts such precedents. Last comes, in italics, the charge of incompetency. Perhaps this is true-and how did the gmitlentan inform himself on this point? It innst have been in one of two ways—-eitlier from a disaffected boy in school,or from personal observation. Iffrom report, it is submitted to the judginentof the candid whether, in such a case, the representations of a boy are to be relied upon, who, in addition to a meddling, oflicious disposition, had his own private revenge to gratify; and who,ifhe were disposed, might not be able to repeat correctly the instructions given him an hour after he had received them. It is notorious that, for months, he had been angry with the Teacher, because he had not redressed a feigned injury from one of his school mates. He openly avow- ed his spleen, and was constantly engaged in futile attempts to prejudice the minds ofthe. younger scholars, so much that he was often reproved by his fellows,‘ of more honorable feelings. for his unworthy conduct. \Vhen such testimouyis relied upon, there is at once an end of all confidence. . . But perhaps the gentleman relied upon his_own_ observation- if so, notbingcan be said against it. His ability is undoubted.. The profound research and critical knowledge of his gifted tniud are generally understood and appreciated. The sirriple state- mentofa fuel, will bea better enconiiuin than all general praise. This erudite man was once present at an examination of this school, and when the interesting boy in question li_ad gone through with his exercise in Greek, the learned gentleman was requested to ask ‘him any question he pleased. Casting his eye over the page, he inquired “From what is eipon derived!” “lfrom eipo" was the prompt, but mistaken. answer. VVith a quiet dignity he closed the book, satisfied with his examination; but when he had ceased to attract attention, he turned to a gentleman near him and enquired, “Did he answer right?” This, Sir, is one of the Patrons of Learning, a censor of schools and Academies, who arrogates to hiinsclft-he right to give them character with the public. VVhen the interests of education are entrusted to such hands, there is no danger ofimposition. They are always ready to give the alarm, and it is quite safe for Parents and Guardians to rely upon their representations. There is no dan- ger that a desire for distinction, an olficious zeal, prwate pique. or even an opportunity of being rcmarlcably witty, should bias the judgment or corrupt the heart. To one who lives by popular applause, and has no better rule oflife than the capricious dictates ofcustoni, there may be some- thing nf terror in tho frowns ofsuch men._buttliose who are con- tent with the approbation oftl'ieiro'wn minds. _and can be happy away from the crowd, can look upon them without dismay.
Norwalk Chronicler