Litchfield enquirer., 1830-08-26
THE BROTHERS.
Alas they had been friends in youth"

: Where Passion is allowed to enter, we and wretchednesS cucumber the paths o1 all the inmates. l have seen the quarrels of men who had the ties of friendship a. lone to bind them but have beheld them make up their differences ere the sun could go down upon their wrath. | have observed the disputes of brothers, and have known these relatives to brood upon their quarrels even in the quiet and con- ciliating night-hours, of days, nay, years have passed away, but uncharitabloness, like the toad nurtu:ing its froth, has contin- ued to increase.
 John and Francis were brothers. There were two years difference in their age ; there was greater difference in their dis positions. John was high mettled and daring. Pride kept him from his dishon- or, and example more than reflection, gave him frankness of heart. He was the cOns- pani0n of his school.
 The younger boy was quiet and thought fal-he was the last to quarrel, but when he did so it was plainly seen he had brought his mind into the lists. Francis ] was the Gdviser of his school fellows.
 These lads upon leaving their alma ma ter mounted the blue jacket of the sailor ; and they entered the same vessel as mid- shipmen. The frigate was lying off the Bat tery one Sunday when the most important part of this narrative occurred.
 In company with some of their mess mates, the brothers took the gig, and went over to the Jersey shore to dine. Young hearts think only of enjoyment, and even designate excess by that name. They called and they ordered-jests were ban died about; and even, with some of their jokes. At last, they all, except Francis D., felt satisfied that visit to an Af- rican church, and the disturbing the con- gregation, would be tho height of enjoy ment. They rushed out of the tavern.- John,' said the younger brother, as John was stepping into the boat 'you shall not go.'
 The eldest lad looked haughtily at him and replied, do you mean to get in, sir, and steer the boat for otherwise, you may wait where you are until the captain sends for you Francis stepped ins said not another word, but guided the boat to thea Battery wall. He was the first, to spring out.- When the rest had clamorously climbed |up, then Francis accostcd his brother.
 JOhn, do you recollect the day? dc you know how you will distress your mott- CT, by what you are doing to-day desire, sir,' retorted John, .you will not attempt to dictate to me your age should tell you to obey and not advise.'
 Do you recollect your father--
 Hold your prate, Mr. Holiness, for you cannot and shall not stop me-
 'Then, John, must and will try what a brother who is only anxious for your hap piness can do.'
 Francis manfnlly placed himself before him; he did not touch his brother, though he checked him in his path.
 ITO hell with you! said the rash brother.
 May, John, you know me, John; l will not let you thus go and disgrace your family
 -Then feel an elder brothers powcr,' and he struck the lad with vio- lence. A blow it seemed to fill the youngest with fire.
 A blow ? shrieked out Francis, seizing John at the same time by his cravat.- Their companions parted them but notll- ing could now appease their irritation:- The eldest lad ragged, and almost cried from passion; the wrath of the youngest was quiet but steady. 'This affair gentle men must be hoaorably settled,' said one of their heartless companions. They hur- ried again to the ship, and with an unset- tied and rapid action, soon reached the op- posite shore.
 Wrath is always nasty, and often acts unfairly. The eldest brother ran up to his 0dversary (no longer blood of his blood no longer a relative and fred no injury occurred. Francis, indignant at the eagerness of J ohm, deliberately levelled his weapon-and struck his brother. He fell without a word or a sound escaping from him. Ii was awful one moment and this yonng being was alive, and in the most violent nervacation in another, hIs very blood seemed to have been instanta- neously withdrawn from his body! Francis cried out immediately after the smoke had passed from his vision and, flingiDg down the pistol, ran to support his brother. But, directly afterwards, he ap- peared as if he were stupi6ed-as if he were in horrible dream. The father and mother were looking from the window when he was carried past. The encour- agers of the duel hastily left the door after they had deposited their burden. Francis ,l,.oxv h;r,ealf on tho eofsa-hiA his face and