Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1831-01-21

the bells ring for divine service at White
Hall, where king Charles the first, was be-
headed by that arch hypocrite and tyrant
Oliver Cromwell, he repaired thither aud
paid strict attention to what fell from the
lips of the Lord Bishop Of Durham, who, en-
that occasion, delivered an eloquent sermon.
On leaving the Royal chapel, lady, appa-
rently of great distinction, dropped her
white cambria handkerchief which Young
| Curtiss observed as it fell. He instantly
picked it up and ran to the !ady's carriage
Just as it was going to drive OF. (Which prov
ed to be her grace the Duchess Of Devon
shire.) The politeness and gallantry of the
boy was highly pleasing to her grace and
she directed him TO take seat in her car
riage, that she might inquire into his situa-
ton and circumstances. The boy most rea-
Oily accepted the kind offer, and had the
honor Of remaining in her grace's palace I'M
til she placed him in the Westminster school
where, by her bounty and goodness he
received an excellent education.
As he grew up he was distinguished for
talents and worth, so much SO as to become
member Of parliament, where he did him
self great honor, particularly in advancing
the abolition ofthe African slave trade. In
the recess ofParliament, MFR. Curtiss visited
the watering place at Marsate, where, by
mere accident, he fell in company with a
most beautiful and accomplished Young Ia
dy about twenty years of age-hv the name
of Deodama, who possessed every grace and
virtue that man could wish or desire. 10
make him happy. On declaring to the fair
one his passion, Deodama was equally pleas
r. with h.
form, graceful manners, and of the most man
ly beauty. 1t was sgreed between them
that the matter should be made known TO
the father OF the lady, which was done
The father not only gave his consent to
their union. but also settled upon his daugh-
ter 4g2O. eco sterling, and appointed Mr..
CuTtiss her trustee. On the day of her
marriage he PET diamond ring on the fin
ger Of his beloved daughter, of the value of
two thousand guineas, as token of his love
and afiection-which ring had some time
previously been presented to him by the
great Catharine, Empress of Russia. To
MIR. Curtiss he presented bank note of the
bank OF England of five thousand pounds,
observing at the same time-Mr. Curtiss. |
verify believe that you have the greatest
iove and esteem FOR my beloved Deodama.
| my only child, and she having signiEied some
attachment for you-I give her TO YOU to
wife. But first I must tell you Mr. Curtiss.
that independent OF your great worth and
taients-you had stronger claims or me for
my beloved daughter than any other gen
tleman whatsoever. The facts are these
When Deodama communicated TO ME that
| an attachment subsisted between YOU and
her, Immediately applied 70 her grace the
Dutchess OF Devonshire, your friend end pa
troness, to make some inquiry OF her grace
as to your history and character The
Duchess gave me, with other matters per-
teety satisfactory, the most irrefraaiblc ev-
, idence of your being the identical bay Of
whom purchased the White Weasel. near
Exeter Change in the Strand, out Of which
made my fortune as follows II disposed
OF the White Weasel TO the great Beshaw of
Egypt in exchange for ten hcgsheads of O.
plum, which sold in the old CITY Of By
zantium, which was built by colony of 4
thonians, NOW vuigarly called Constantine
ple,) to great tea merchant of Canton. in
the East Indies, and received of him teas
and spices Of that country in payment for
the opium-n1y teas and spices I shiuped
( and brought them safe to London. (the queen
OF all cities where, in short time after
their arrival, had the good fortune to sell
them TO the London East India Company Cor
one plum, alias one hundred thousand hounds
sterling, which was paid me in specie at
the Bank of England Under these cir
cumstances, Mr.. Curtiss, could not refuse
YOU my beloved daughter, and at my death,
] shall leave yon ali my fortune, which is
considerable Go! and be heppyi-M. 7.
Sfon6c1d.