was never more strikingly exemplified than in this narrative. These persons, delighted and cheerful, arose in the morning, anticipating much pleasure from the excursion which was to relieve their minds from the usual occupations and fatigues of the day, and to celebrate an event that always gives joy to a happy family, and excites lively gratitude in a pious family. Mr. Thomas Gilbert, on the thirteenth September, arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and received on the morning of that day the usual compliments and congratulations from his friends, which he returned with a few lively and humorous remarks upon his dignity, as one who had passed from infancy to manhood, and was now capable of judging and acting for himself, acknowledged by law and common consent independent of parents and friends; not imagining that the day which made him so free, would ever after be observed by his friends as a day of sorrow and lamentation. To celebrate this day, he invited to a waterparty his widowed mother, his sisters, Miss Eliza Gilbert and Mrs. Maria Mills, his brother in-law, Mr. Alexander Mills, and his only niece, Anna Eliza Wharton Mills, with the ladies who were boarded and educated by his sisters. His mother not only declined the invitation, but used many arguments to dissuade him from his purpose: but his mind was so set upon his plan, that he was determined, and the others acceded to his proposal; when every arrangement was made for the excursion, and one of the most careful watermen employed. 4 About two o'clock in the afternoon, the happy party left their habitation, to return no more! A few of them entered the boat at Chatham, and passed through the arch that proved so fatal in the evening; while the more timid preferred walking about a mile and a half, and joined their companions above the bridge. The fineness of the day, and the calmness of the water, together with the delightful scenery that distinguishes both sides of the river, combined to invite their confidence, to exhilarate their spirits, and to render their excursion pleasant. Under these circumstances, they proceeded as far as Halling, a pleasant village, about five miles from Rochester-bridge, on the upper bank of the Medway, where they landed, and continued some time wandering in the churchyard, and other parts, musing on the different objects that were presented to their view. The person at whose house they took refreshment, accom panied them to the boat, which they entered, apparently much satisfied, and proceeded on their return, expressing the gladness of their hearts by singing hymns. About half-past seven, they entered the arch, through which some of them had passed early in the afternoon, unconscious of their danger, when unexpectedly, the boat was upset by coming in contact with a piece of timber, which the workmen repairing the bridge had left extended from side to side. One heart-piercing shriek was heard by the passengers above: the boat was observed rolling down the stream, but all the party it contained were gone for ever! The time of the evening rendered it difficult to obtain assistance, which the approaching darkness helped to render unavailing: every exertion was continued, but not one of the bodies was found until the next morning. The water must have been so deep when they went up the river, as entirely to conceal the piece of timber, which afterwards proved so fatal: and, on their return, they could not perceive a notice. affixed to the bridge, which, I am informed, the Jury considered as insufficient; and which the subsequent practice of the bridge-wardens has proved to be so; for they have since placed a boat with a light near the spot, to prevent a similar accident. By this melancholy event, one whole family, consisting of the husband, wife, and only child, is swept away! A widowed mother is bereaved of all her children, her son-in-law, and her only grandchild! The wife of the waterman is bereft of her husband, and his children are left fatherless! Some have to mourn the loss of a brother, some the loss of a sister, and many parents the loss of their children !—yea, every order of relationship has been destroyed. Miss MARY ANNE MATHEWS, near Chelmsford, Essex 11 To reflect upon their employment a short time before their decease, is a circumstance of alleviation to surviving friends. They were heard at a little distance, as they approached the bridge, singing the following hymn, composed by Mr. W. Shrubsole, of London, which I remember to have been a great favorite of theirs, and which, on this occasion, appears peculiarly appropriate : Soon as my infant lips can speak O let my heart thy favor seek! In childhood's following years my tongue And this the expressive, humble song, |