Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-10-06
THE SEA CAPTAIN

THE SEA CAPTAIN.
"My muster left US, said Launcelot ;--et me see
il was abort ten years ago; and since then have
never heard OF him. Well do remember the night
when he bade my mistress adicu. He was agtated,
he placed hs hand dcspairngy upon his brow. sighed
deepy-pressed to his bosom an infant babe--and
rushed from the dwelling. What became Of him we
never knew; but the master Of brgan inc, who had
last arrived from Aeppo, said that he died on ship
board, and was cast into the sea-" "a. d, -
The RED CRoss KNIGHT.
In the winter of the year 1914, a gentleman;
who in early life had accumulated a larco for
tune, hastily entered his house, and bidd:ng
his wife prepare his wardrobe and pack it up;
informed her, that in consequence of the then
existing political relations between this coun-
try, France and England-for the British Or
ders in Council, and the Berlin and Milan De-
crees, were then in existence 1T was necessary
for him to visit the port of ST. Sebastians, TO
save from impending ruin the little remnant of
property which had been saved from the de-
struction Of a princoly fortune. ..t..
1t is perhaps necessary to premise, that the
gentleman had, in early life, been engaged in
the East India trade, and the trade 10 the
North West Coast of America; and, that be-
ing early concerned in a traffic, which had
heretofore been almost unknown 10 the citi-
zens of America, and from a participation in
which the colonies had heretofore been pro-
hibhed' the business was unusually productive,
and secured to almost every adven,urcr, an
early state Of Independence. Although de-
IaI 4. 4 Al
tho acquisition of wealth, as is always the
case, gained for the hero Of this tale, The re-
spoct of the higher circles of society, and his
company was courted by those, who but for
his wealth, would not have admitted him to
their presence. But beyond the usual attrac-.
tons of wealth, he was rendered exceedingly
interesting, by his numerous accomplish. .ments,
and finished manners, and wherever he went.
he was sure to make numerous friends and adj
mircrs. He spoke with great fluency most of
the modern languages, was conversant with
several OF the sciences, and like the unfortu-.
nate Falconer, he was poet, and a paintor.
So many accomplishments nrc not often found
IN sailor; but what added particularly to his
ce'c":::y al nome, was his undaunted bravery;
and more than once had he mingled in the
fight, and with an untirng zeal and valor, de-
Tended the flag Of his country.
His fame was trumpe'cd among the first cir.
o'es of the town, and many fair one, as she
gazed upon his manly person, and watched
the glances of his full and insinuatnc evs.
sighed for the young and accomplished CAP
TAIN He was made in natures finest mould:
he was not nsensible Of the charms Of woman,
and ere hc had attained the age Of twenty-five,
he addressed Rowena Mar became engaged
to her, and on his return from voyage to Can
ton, made her the happy companion Of his joys
and of all his hopes. s
His cup Of happiness now seemed 10 be filed
"A princely fortune was at his command; and
prefcrring the gentle haven Of womah's love;
to the dangers Of the ocean, he resolved to
bid the seas adieu. and spend tho remainder
of his life, in the bosom of his family. Con-
tented, happy, md surrounded by a host Of
friends, he wished for nothing more. and
thouSht, uio""Ps VI Ns'c oiso thuh tnC
companion of his life, and thanked the kind
fatcs, that they had thus early blessed him.
To consummate his happiness, hc built a splen-
did establishment. entertained n large circle Of
friends whenever thoy favored him with their
society, and FOR year or two spent his time
in what is called series of " rational d,ssipa-
tion." At length. however, wearied with tho
Of a life Of fashion. 10 employ his
mind, ho purchased two or three ships, and
once more commenced trading to tho indies.
dt home himself, and confidne bis
business TO the hands Of agents. For The first
few years he was successful, but at last tho
tides were changed, and in less than a year,
moro than half Of his immense estate was los,
in tho ad-cnimcus entorprizcs; when, cha
qrincd, and determined on losips all OF redeem
Ins fot,nncs lie ,rcaecd IN an Illicit tradc 20
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