Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-10-26
From the Edinburgh Literary Gazette.
TIE SOLDIERS RETURN.

LIE SOLDlEhS RETURN.
The following beautiful instance of filial
affection deserves to be handed down to the
latest generations:
Some travellers from Glasgow were OBJ
liged to stop at the burgh of Lanark, and hav.
ing nothing better to engage our attention,
said one of them, we amused ourselves by
looking at the passengers from the window
Of our inn, which was opposite the prison.
Whilst we were thus occupied, a gentleman
came on horseback, very plainly dressed, at
tended by servant. He had scarelypassed
our window when he aligned, left his horse,
and advanced towards an old man who was
engaged in paving the streets.
After having saluted him, he took hold of
the hammer, struck some blows upon the
pavement. at the same time addressing the
old man, who stood amazed at the adven-
ture: this work seems TO be very painful
for person Of your age have you no sons
who could share in your labours, and CON-
fort your old ageP the oldest has obtain
ed the rank of captain in India in the SER
vice of the Honorable company. The Sc
cond has likewise enlisted in the hope Of
rivaing his brother The old man paus-
ed, and momentary tear bedimmed his
eye. 'And pray what has become Of the
thirdP 'Alas! he became security forme;
the poor boy engaged 10 pay my debts, and
being unable to fulfil the undertaking. he is
in prison. AT this recital the gentleman
stepped aside few PAGES, and covered his
face with his hands. After having thus
given vent to his feelings, he returned to
the old man and resumed his DISCOURSE
'And has the oldest--this degenerate son
this captain-never sent any thing to ey-
tricate you from your miseresP 'Ah! cal
HIM not degenerate my son is virtuous
} he both loves and respects his father. He
has oftener than once sent me money, even
: more than was sufficient for my wants /; but
: had the misfortune to lose it by becoming
security for very worthy man., my land
, lord, who was burdened with very large
: family. Unfortunately, finding himself un
able TO pay, he has caused my ruin. They
I have taken my all, and nothing now remain,
{ for me- At this moment, young man
d. passing his head through the iron grating
t Of window in the prison, began to cry
/ Father father if my brother William i
t still alive, that is he, he is the gentleman
J., who speaks with you Yes my friend,
= is he,' replied the gentleman, throwing him
e self into the old mans arms, who, like on
o beside himself, attempting TO speak, am
e sobbing, had not recovered his senses, whel
It an old woman, decently dressed, rushe
\ from poor looking hut, crying Where
: he then? Where art thou, my dear VII
n liam? Come to me, come and embrac
II your mother' The captain no sooner OF
d served her, than he quilted his father, an
1t went to throw himself upon the neck Of tn
(; good old dame.
d The scene was now overpowering; tn
l. travellers left their room, and Increased tn
y number Of spectators, Witnesses Of tn
most affecting sight. Mr.. Wilson, one {
2 the travellers, made his way through ii
ID crowd. and advancing to the gentleman thu
is addressed him - Captain, we ask the hol
l. or Of your acquaintance /; it is impossible
N express the pleasure we have had in beir
g Witnesses of this tender meeting with you
re family we request the favor of yoii or
&c yours to dinner in the inn.' The capital
er alive to the invitation, replied that he won
e, brother had recovered his liberty. AT d
ne same instant he deposited the sum for whi'
r. he had been incarcerated, and in We
Iy short time after his brother joined the part
he The affectionate William was in the mic
ot, of multitude who were loading him wi
ad caresses, all of which he returned with {
de utmost cordially.
n. AS soon as there was an opportunity
nut free conversation, the good soldier unbosol
ms ed his heart to his parents and the trav,
er lers. Gentlemen said he, to-day | e
ed in its full extent, the kindness ofProviden,
le; to whom owe every thing. Ny uni
N brought me up to the business of weavt
* but requited his attentions badly; for h9
20. ing contracted habit Of idleness and
'as sipation, enlisted in corps belonging
he the East India company. was then lii
his more than eighteen. My soldier-like
ell pearance had been observed by Lord G
it'll ton, the commanding officer, with whose
IN ne6cence and nexhaustible generosity
at Europe is acquainted. My zeal for the S
ess vice inspired him with regard and thar
the to his cares, | rose step by step to the ra
M of captain, and was entrusted with the fnl
ca of the regiment. By dint Of economy, Q
ol- the aid OF commerce, amassed honora
led a stock of 100000. At that time | {
re- the service. 1t is true that made tn
full remittances to my father; but the first OF
son consisting of f2OO reached him.
his second fell into the hands Of man who
but the misfortune to become insolvent; ar
led, entrusted third to Scottish gentlen
ain who died upon the passage; but | hold
Ior- receipts, and his heirs will account to
and for it,
My After dinner, the captain gave his ia,
KY! 20Ol. to supply his most pressing wants,
for at the same time secured to him, as we
g Of to his mother, an annuity Of s0l., revers
ally to his two brothers. Besides, he preser
INN 500. "a a marriage norton to his ST: