Page:Poems Taggart.djvu/27



Agreeably to your request I have drawn up a brief account of the visit we made, in the spring of 1832, to the home and graves of our forefathers, and of an incident which then occurred.

Wearied with the noise and bustle of a Rhode Island Election, we determined to make our escape from Newport, to the quiet scenes, in the midst of which we had passed together many happy and tranquil hours. We intended to cross from the Island to the town of Little Compton; but, as might have been anticipated, the ferryman was enjoying the Election holyday at Newport. Observing a small house on the hill, I went to it for the purpose of procuring some provisions for our party. When I reached the fence, I observed, in the little yard before the house, an old man, who seemed to be occupied about some household duties, and who did not at first notice my presence. As soon however as I spoke to him (Mr. Taggart), he came toward