Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-12-07


and manly William was to enter on the study of
law, with high raised expectations and goodly
hopes. His father was well pleased and supplied
him with every necessary article, and furnished
means for his pleasure. Amidst all these mo-
tives and Notwithstanding these inducements,
which were hold out to him, William N. faded
away like neglected rose, tho color left his face
his eyes grew dim and his countenance became
pale and sallow and it was evident that he was
wasting slowly and steadily away. He had
been prosecuting his law studies, apparently with
unremtting ardor, for more than year. wh'n,
ono morning, to the astonishment of his friends,
he was not seen, nor was he to be found in the
village. Every one was in search of him, for
every one loved, every one admired him.
The river, which ran few rods from the vii
lage, was rakod, but he was not there. His
door was at length forced open he was not there.
But on his writing desk his fathers large eye
caught the sight Of mote He hastily opened
it and road the following words =
my Father-You compelled me to pursue a
study contrary to the wishes Of my heart contra
~ to my hopes, when you was aware at the time,
Of my wish to enter the United States Navy.
There could have distinguished myself There
it was, and only there, that my feelings were
centered. There, and only there, my bosom burn.
ed to labor in defence ofmy country and the rights
of nations. I am now beyond your reach, and
never will again come under your roof; unless
you swear to exert your influence for my wishes.
1t will be useless for you to endesvor to find me.
but if you willing to exert yoir influence for
my welfare, il is enough. A noe left on my ia
BILE, expressive Of your determination is suffi-
Gent" WILLIAM -"
Judge of the fathers feeling, as he read the
alive, he raised his eyes to heaven, and offered up
a prayer of thanks to the orderer Of all things.
He Immediately took pen that ay before him,
and wrote as follows:
"Come back, my son, and I ,cH do any thing
for you. Your Father"
The next morning he was at he breakfast Ia
BILE; but not word was Spoken concerning his
disappearance but the familiar love of con-
family. The next day the proper documents were
sent to Washington. In few days, such were
the representations by all his friends to the Navy
Department, that warrant wasobtained for him,
aud forwarded to his father. Now his cup seom-
ed full even to overlooking. II few days he
was ordered to ship fitting fG the Mediterra-
mean. He was ready at the appointed time and
place, and enrolled as regulr officer--on the
ships papers.
The wind being favorable, they set sail, and
after a pleasant voyage, arrived at Gibraltar.
During the voyage, he had given offence to one
Of his own moss who had treasured it up an
insult, and determined to harbor 1t against him
until fit opportunity should offer to ask and OBJ
tain summary satisfaction! Not a word did
he lisp to any one, of his Intentions but treated
| William N. as he always had in terms of the
warmest friendship. But when the anchor was
cast snts w".- r'.-.d in his hand, which
--''ng he found to be- a chall~ngo az Inc.
of whom he least expected it. William N. was
no coward, neither was he of disposition to
rush headlong and madly upon danger. But now
was trial of courage and love.
He thought on his hom,, and his parents, of
| the agony of his father AMI the torment of his
mother, when they should lnow that he had bcon
the murderer Of fellow being or had been con.
signed himself to watery grave. He thought
of life and all its joys on tle other hand, he saw
around him a sort of brave young men, who
thought no more of death than of life, he saw
the finger of scorn pointed at him in case of a
refusal TO fight and no other road was pointed out
to him than to meet his former friend but present
foe, face to face, perhaps on the field of death.
He pcnned an acceptance, and after a letter
addressed to his father and his mother, and an ex.
position Of his views, feelings and motives, he
was prepared.
The seconds wore chosen the time, place and
manner arranged. They met. At the first OK.
change of shots William Ms hat was taken
away from his head. The second and his adver.
sary fell to the ground-the ball had entered his
bosom and passed directly through his heart /!
William N gazed upon his CHASTITY features /;
and prayed, implorcd his forgiveness. The dying
young man opened his ashley lips and uttered one
word" Cursed !"-William N. turned away from
him; walked towards the rock of Gibralter, and
said 81 would not live this life again for all that
heaven bestows! That single word "curscd''
has ruined my peace, my prospects and my hopes.
Madness Madness! !" One plunge and the doep
blue waters of the Atlantic overwhelmed him.
The ocean became again calm but he persisted !
z.