HE EARLY LIFE OF ENOCH CROSBY.

_Gen. P_. "Enoch Crosby was born in Massachusetts, in 1750. When he
was only three years old, his father took him, and the rest of his
family, into the state of New-York to live. He was a farmer, and had
bought a farm in Southeast, a town which borders on the state of
Connecticut.

"Southeast is a wild, rough, and romantic place. Its hills are high
and steep. Several cataracts tumble over precipices, and fall upon the
ear with deafening noise. Two rivers, called the Croton and the Mill
river, wind through the place. Several large ponds enrich the scenery.

"In this rude, but yet delightful country, Enoch Crosby lived, till he
was sixteen years old. He was a strong and active boy. He could climb
the highest hills without fatigue, and walk on the brink of frightful
precipices without fear. His playmates admired him for his courage. He
always took the lead because they wished it--they loved him, because
he was generous and noble.

"When Enoch was, sixteen years of age, misfortune came upon his
father. The family had lived comfortably. They were prosperous
farmers--but _now_, a blast came--I know not the cause--but it came,
and they were poor.

"Enoch's father decided that his son must learn a trade. It was no
hardship for him to work--this he had been accustomed to. In those
times, people laboured harder than now-a-days. Industry was a virtue--
idleness a shame. And it was hard labour, and solid fare, that made
the men of those times so much stronger, than those of the present
generation.

"Enoch loved labour, and was willing to learn a trade. But it was hard
parting with friends, when the day arrived, that he was to go from
home. It was settled that he should be a _shoemaker_, and should learn
the trade of a man in a neighbouring town.

"The morning, at length, came, when he was to go. His bundle of
clothes was nicely put up by his mother; and his father added a few
shillings to his pocket--and then came the blessing of his worthy
parents, with their good advice, that he should behave well, and
attend to the duties of his place.

"And, said his tender mother--a tear starting from her eye, which she
wiped away with the corner of her lindsey-woolsey, while she spake--
'your _Bible_, Enoch, you will find in your bundle--don't forget
_that_--and you must pray for us--my son--'

"She could say no more--and Enoch could hear no more. Without even
bidding them 'farewell'--for his heart