Originally published in 1948, this book is of a remarkable gentleman, Alexander Stewart, who was born in Kirkaldy, Fifeshire, in 1790, and died in 1874. In middle life he wrote for his children an account of his adventurous youth, when he ran away to sea, was captured by the French, and spent some ten years as a prisoner. On returning home, he took to teaching, but then came a compelling inner call to the Christian ministry, and for the remainder of his life he preached the gospel with characteristic vigour and courage. Sir P. Malcolm Stewart, his grandson, in his Preface speaks of his “sense of pride in Alexander Stewart’s patience, endurance, and determination, in his great physical and moral courage, and his fight for freedom whether in prison or in the ministry.” “The style of writing,” says Alexander Stewart, “which I have adopted is that of unadorned narrative,” and such a story needed no external embellishments. His early narrative is given in extenso; the later portion is taken and abridged from his diary. Altogether it is a remarkable addition to the corpus of memoirs of the Napoleonic era. This book is a re-issue originally published in 1948. The language used and views portrayed are a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This is a story of choices. Choices that we all have to make in our business and personal lives and the future ambitions we all have or desire. It is my story, Alex Stewart, told through my eyes, my experiences, the lessons I have learned through my own experiences. I am sure my experiences can make or facilitate the right choices in the lives of anyone who might read this story. For these reasons I wrote this book.

Offers a firsthand account into early-nineteenth-century New York State and Lower Canada during a time of enormous growth and change. In the pre-dawn of August 2, 1826, Alexander Stewart Scott stepped aboard the steamboat Chambly in Quebec City, Canada. He was beginning a journey that not only took him across New York State but also ultimately changed his view of America and her people. A keen observer, the twenty-one-year-old meticulously recorded his travel experiences, observations about the people he encountered, impressions of things he saw, and reactions to events he witnessed. This firsthand account immerses the reader in the world of early-nineteenth-century life in both New York and Lower Canada. Whether enduring the choking dust raised by a stagecoach, the frustration and delays caused by bad roads, or the wonders and occasional dangers of packet boat travel on the newly completed Erie Canal, all are vividly brought to life by Scott’s pen. This journal also offers a unique blend of travel and domestic insights. With close family members living in both St. John’s, Quebec, Canada, and Palmyra, New York, his travels were supplemented by long stays in these communities, offering readers comparative glimpses into the daily lives and activities in both countries. Gregarious, funny, and inquisitive, Scott missed nothing of what he thought worthy of observation. “Everything Worthy of Observation charts the lively trip of Alexander Stewart Scott across New York State in 1826. From drinking the waters at Saratoga Springs to getting completely drenched by the spray at Niagara Falls. Scott’s fascinating diary is contextualized and expertly explained by Paul G. Schneider Jr. making the reader want to visit these places in order to compare Scott’s observations.” — Jennifer A. Lemak, coauthor of An Irrepressible Conflict: The Empire State in the Civil War “Everything Worthy of Observation is a delight to read. Not only does one see State landmarks such as Niagara Falls through fresh eyes (a neatly foiled snake attack at the Falls is recounted) but one almost feels the dust of stage coach travel. The hazards of canal travel are made clear—the large number of low bridges on the Erie Canal required that canal boat passengers ‘lie down flat on the Deck … or get down below’ to avoid receiving severe blows and getting knocked down. No doubt the pleasure of reading this book is greatly enhanced by the scholarship of Paul G. Schneider Jr. His extensive research is evident in the wonderful notes he provides that furnish context for the reader. I highly recommend this book.” — Margaret Lynch-Brennan, author of The Irish Bridget: Irish Immigrant Women in Domestic Service in America, 1840–1930 “Carefully transcribed and meticulously edited, the travel journal of Canadian Alexander Stewart Scott provides a close-up view of life in upstate New York in 1826. A cultivated devotee of the theater and of books and reading, Scott records many details during his canal and lake voyage. He describes meeting many interesting people during his travel, which included transportation not only on canal boats but also by stagecoach and steamboat. Scott has left us with a fascinating depiction of New York State during a significant period in its history.” — Paul R. Huey, Retired Senior Scientist (Archaeology), New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

In 'A Virginia Village', Charles Alexander Stewart immerses his readers in a rich narrative that marries local color with historical perspective, effectively capturing the essence of a bygone era in a Southern American community. Stewart's prose resonates with the authenticity of a first-hand account, intertwining personal memories with broader social commentary. This piece finds its place alongside the classics of American regional literature, serving as a cultural artifact that reflects the collective experience and social dynamics of its time. The literary style is both engaging and reflective, prompting readers to consider the shifting societal fabric within the microcosm of a Virginia village against the broader tides of American history. Charles Alexander Stewart brings to his writing a confluence of personal experience and scholarly background, shaping a narrative driven by both empathy and academic understanding. Perhaps inspired by the Virginia community's rich narrative potential, Stewart's background may have enabled him to delve deep into the past, delivering a story that is at once intimate and encompassing of the sweep of cultural and historical nuance. His ability to vivify a small village's story suggests an author deeply attuned to the subtleties of place and time, with the detail-oriented eye of a researcher and the heart of a storyteller. 'A Virginia Village' is recommended for readers who treasure the tapestry of America's local histories and the richness of its social landscapes. As meticulously recreated by DigiCat Publishing, this edition offers a testament to the enduring relevance of such narratives. With Stewart's work, enthusiasts of historical and regional literature are presented with a volume that not only entertains but enlightens, offering insights into a corner of America often left in the shadows of grand historical narratives. Its detailed portrayal of everyday life and its literary merit make it a compelling read and an essential addition to the collection of any lover of classic American literature.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1881.