176 FACTS RELATING TO GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Before the first year had elapsed, the income of the concern being 

 small, and not relishing the manner of the majority of the people, I 

 resolved to relinquish the publication and try my fortune elsewhere. 

 — Accordingly I disposed of the establishment, and again took up my 

 residence in Boston, But it was not without some gloomy feelings 

 that I left Groton. It is a beautiful spot, and I have left there many 

 warm friends, and a great matty cold and indifferent acquaintances. 

 But I am convinced that a person who is born and bred in cities, 

 can never gain popularity among the great body of our country 

 people. There is a difference in the comprehension of things which 

 can be accounted for only by the limited knowledge'of country 

 people and the extensive advantages of those who reside in cities. 

 Here in this place also I was engaged in a small love affair ; but as 

 it did not amount to much it is best to say not much about it. I 



will just remark, however, that Sarah B proved herself to be a 



coquette — that I proved myself to be a warm-hearted fool who can 

 love anything upon earth that appears to love me — and it is better 

 the flame, or rather the smoke, was so soon extinguished. 



About this time a prospect of business called me south ; but 

 when at my journey's end I was disappointed in my plans and I was 

 obliged to journey back again. In the city of New York I was 

 taken sick, but I pushed forward for Boston where I was under the 

 care of a physician two or three months. 



From the time I resigned my editorship at Groton, I have been 

 a constant contributor to several literary works, and have studied 

 incessantly besides attending to daily business ; for a man, espe- 

 cially a novice, must do something more than spin out his brain, in 

 order to get his bread. 



The following entry in the diary was written presumably 

 at Philadelphia. The name of the article would indicate to 

 a native of the town that the scene of the story was laid at 

 Groton, as it was. 



Tuesday, May 10 [1831], wrote the "Legend of Gibbet Hill" 

 for the Philadelphia Album. Drew some characters from real life, 

 two young ladies, who were once particular friends of mine. True 

 portraits — expect to get into a scrape — can't help it, I have 

 always been wanting to say something. 



These extracts from the journal show something of the 

 writer's character. Rogers had a good deal of poetic 



