Page:Letters to Squire Pedant in the East.pdf/15



ALTISONANT acknowledges his obligation to write to the 'squire;— the cause of his leaving the East, namely, density of population, want of labor, and high prices of produce – how the disclosure of his intention to go to the West affected his enemies and friends his farewell address to his parents and friends, and how it affected them.

A description of the morning when he left home – set out alone, with the exception of a companionable dog, whose qualities are described – his endurance of noon-day heat – and the close of his first day's travel.

Altisonant tarries over night at a tavern – his contract with the Landlord to waken him early – pays his bill and sets off – travels until noon – rests under a tree – takes a nap – a thunder-storm comes on which produces a flood – its effects upon Altisonant.

Altisonant arrives at a tavern as preparations are making for a feast – learns it is to be a marriage-feast – discovers that the landlord and he are first cousins – is invited to stay and partake of the festivity – Landlord's daughter is married – a description of the wedding guests and the parson – their amusements interrupted by a general sneezing. (viii)