American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-05-07

MICHAEL BURN.

Among the numerous Islands in Casco Bay, there
are few indeed which at pre- sent contain mo- than
single dwelling; vet century ago the traveller
would have been cheered with the mingled hum OF
business and oil pleasures and could have rested be-
meath many hospltable root the ruins of which are
now scarcely visible They we're formerly inhabi
ted bv fishermen, but account Of tie frequent al
lacks or Indians these were Abandoned and being
oil slight materials. sunk into decay. Near one
OF these RUNS and not far from Diamond Cove, Is
Tie grave OF Michael Durham occurrence while he
lived there should rescue his name from oblivion
One evening as he sat at the door of his hu,. lis.
tening to the wave which broke on the rocks which
surrounded him. his dog, who was lying at his feet,
suddenly sprang up and darting towards prolec
ting cliff plunged into the aater. The fisherman
presuming from his earnest manner that something
had attracted his attention fastened to the spot from
which his animal had leaped, but the night toe
dark to discover either the dog or the object OF his
pursuit, and the murmur OF the waves prevented
ascertaining even his direction. Having for some
time awaited his return in vain, and supposing al
last he was in the ruitless chase of seals which
frequently made their appearance, he retired.-
Scarcely however had he sought his pillow, when
The well known bark and scratching al the dool
announced not only his return, but anxiety for his
masters presence. He opened the door; the dog
whned, pulled him gently as if wishing him to fol-
low, and suddenly left him.
Having lighted his lantern he left the hut, the dog
by his barking directing the path; but on approach
ing the shore. Judge his prise to find his faithful
animal by human being TO all appearance corpse
II WAS evident that the dog had just drawn him from
the water, bu' there were no marks of violence OF
his person He opened his waistcoat-the body wa
yet warm and filled with the hope of restoring
animation, he bore it to his hut. In short tim,
the stranger gave signs OF returning life, and by the
next morning he was able to converse with his &C.
perous preserver
You probably recolect said the stranger, of seeing
yesterday vessel near your harbor. In that vesse
ii was my misfortune to have been passenger
heaven grant that the loved being have lett there
has not fallen victim to perfdy and ingratitude.
am native of America, but have esided in France
where acquired considerable fortune. DESTROYS
OF spending my last days in the land OF my fathers
converted my property into specie and with
young and adored wife embarked in this vessel
The master and crew l loaded with presents, bu
this only served to increase their rapacity. i ha
no fears either for my life or property Last nigh
their dabolcal plans for the destruction Of both
put into execution. l was alone on the quartz
deck when deep groan causing me to turn, be
held one Of the passengers struck down with an ak
as he was approaching TO Join me. The ruffian
with horrid yells rushed forward to secure secon
victim; but though nearly overpowered by my sen
Stations, was enabled to reach the tafarel and drop
ped into the sea.
The darkness of the night, the presumption tina
could not reach land, and above all the work @
death which was still unfinished. prevented pursuit.
and | made an effort float, trusting in Providence
for my guide. But what was life /? The being TO
whom wished to live was deserted at the momen
she most needed my assistance.
The shrieks of the dying broke upon my ear, an
fancied could hear the voice OF my wife mplo
ring mercy. The thought was agony--Thre
"inss attempted to gain the ship, but in vain; sh