The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-02-08
THE LUCKY MISCHANCE,
OR THE ADVENTUROUS MARRIAGE.


OR THE ADVENTUROUS MARRIAGE.
By looking further you may fare Old Properb
Instead of moralzing on the idea that every mis-
chance is not misfortune, L shall illustrate il by
story.
John Hawkins and Thomas johnson, were the sons
Of two neighborng farmers who resided on the banks of
de river Mersey not far from the CITY of Chester in
England They were neatly of an age, and from their
earliest years had cherished for each other sincere
friendship which, when they grew up manhood, was
much strengthened by the circumstance of each be-
coming attached the others sister. Mary Hawkins
and Elizabeth Johnson were two beautiful girls and
had capIivated their admirers long before the latter
had found sufficient courage to reveal their attachment
Revealed, however, it at length was and after some
woong with favorable return as the hearts of
Young lovers could wish.
Time passed in this happy state of youthful court
ship until the lovers reached their twentieth year. when
they began feel impatient for closer intimacy with
the objects OF their affection. They sighed for marriage
but the of their circumstances rendered
marriage imprudent, and neither of them so much
blinded by passion not to and duly estimate the
evils of poverty In state OF wedlock.
Rather than incur these evils, they resolved post
pone their happiness until they should acquire the
ieuns of otviating them. For this purpose, like most
of the young liz the maritime ports of England
who wish push their fortunes they determined on
going sea, and after little hesitation and DELAY,
obtained the consent of their parents carry their
wishes into effect.
= Before their departure, they aaa an sseryiea with
their misiresses, each oets presence; wiien is
usual on such occasions with rural lovers solemn
pledges of fidelity mutually gyen, and love gifts
exchanged. While under ~ na tence of the warm
feelings excited by these pairing solemniiies The young
men, with the appreciation of their mstresses, entered
into compact that if Providence should permit them
TO return home together their marriages should be
LIBERATED at the time, the place, and by the
same person."
After this interview one day brought them to Liver
pool and the next saw them entered on board of
chant ship that sailed for Barbados During the
VOYAGE which was long and boisterous, they became
expert seamen. Their homeward bound voyage was
TO London, where their captain, being much pleased
with their dextery and conduct engaged them at an
increase of wages, 10 accompany him 10 Leghorn. On
their return from thence to London they settled &C
with their captain, and found that, although they
had been more than year in his service, and their
wages had been LIBERAL their earnings very Tar
from amounting TO what would warrant their entering
into the marriage state. They indeed discovered
that the savings of common seamen, in the merchant
service, who possess any generosity of spirit land how
few do not p augment very slowly, and seldom reach
to amount of much consequence. Service in the
navy, they believed would be profitable, they
would there have chance of sharing in the numerous
prizes that then daily made of the enemys mer-
chant ships The of 1903 had recently broke out
and they acquainted with several seamen who
had already received considerable sums prize money
Besides this, liberal bounty paid TO such seameD
voluntarily entered the public service. They
cep:ed this bounty, and in short time found them
selves on board of the Doris, ship thea lying at
Sheemess.
The naval history of these times testifes that the
Doris was remarkably fortunate in her crizes against
the enemy's commerce. But after the had con-
tinued almost two years, the enemy's trade being al
most totally destroyed, prizes were less frequently
made and our Young friends finding that they could
now command about hundred and fifty pounds each,
began to turn their thoughts towards home. They
were conscious however, that in active period of
the tremendous which their country was then
waging il would be easy matter TO procure their
discharge. As they were lying in Plymouth harbor,
Tom who was on occasions, less cOnscientiousIy
scrupulous than his friend could have wished proposed
to desert.
aLook ye Jack" said he, as they one dark night
stood together watch, we scarcely three ships
length from shore. We could swim to it in a twink
ling. Suppose we slip our cables and sheer off, In
three days. look we, could bring to at our fathers
fresdes."
ITO be Coniinued1