The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-04-17
NOS

trembling hand, prey alternately to the feel
lngs OF hope aad apprehension. My entrance
was unfortunately ill-timed. Mr.. Lake was
seated at table, and near him, also seated,
| were two other individuals. When entered,
Mr. Lake greeted me with glance which he
intended should produce whitening effect,
and imperously demanded my business.
told him firmly yet modestly, that 1 was the
person who had applied to him week pre-
vious, for the situation Of mate on board the
Vulture, and now called upon him agreeably
to his own appointment
Mr.. Lake rose from his scat with fury in
his countenance, and advanced towards Inc.
81 know nothing about you, sir" said he, in
a voice almost inariiculate with rage. 81
want no mate for the Vuture, and when
want you, will send for you. There is the
door, sir, and | desire you will not interrupt
me again."
This reception, so brutal, so ruf1ian- like, so
different from my anticipatioEs, almost para
lyzed my faculties. could hardly believe my
ears. While stood like one thunderstruck,
he again beloved forth" There is the door,
| tell you; be off about your business
Since that time, ] have often wondered at
my passiveness under such insolent treatment.
left the apartment without speaking word
and as | turned away from the door, | well
recollectthat the feelings, which the conduct
of this highly respectable merchant had
aroused in my bosom, were more akin to pity
than indignation. have since reoiced that
| did not fell him to the floor, while he SO bru-
tally confronted me. have often knocked
man down for less provocation. But his
frosty locks protected him from my resent
ment.
About four years after this occurrence, so
Notifying to my feelings, took place, was in
command of a beautiful ship, belonging to
one of the weathiest merchants in Boston,
lying at one Of the wharves, ready to sail for
the East, Indies. On the morning of The day
on which | sailed, while engaged in writing
in the cabin, the steward told me that gen
tleman wished to see 'me | ordered him to
show him into the cabin, and in few mo-
ments Mr.. Lake, the very man who had treat
ed me with so much conrumey few years
before, while | was triendless and in distress,
stood before me.
recognised him at once, but he of course,
did not recolect the features of the poor fell
low, whose feelings, while revealing in the
pride and insolence of wealth, he had so wan
tonly wounded. His manner was quite diff
ferent now, from what it was when he greeted
me at former period He was all bows,
smiles, and sunshine Although the sight of
him, at first, not little disturbed my equi-
nlmity and suffused my visage with the flush
Of anger, did not knock him down, or kick
him out of the cabin, but assuming tone of
cvilily foreign to my feelings, requested him
to be seated, and at once demanded his bust
ness. - -.....
This is Captain Martingale, presume 7"
said he .-...
| bowed assent.
:" / understand that you are about proceed
ing to Batavia, and il is in your power to con-
fer on me a great obligation" .- H..
| requested to know the nature of the obi
cation.
O. have" said he, in my possession the
note of hand of an individual who is now in
Batavia. 1t is for $1,000. understand that
he has for some time past, been engaged in
very prosperous business-and have reason
to believe that if the note was presented TO
him. he would pay a part, and perhaps the
whole amount therefore wish to entrust the
whole amount in your possession-wth au-
thorlty to recover any portion of the amount
due, and invest it in what ever way you may
deem best for my interest"
Without any hesitation told him that |
would cheerlully execute his commission.
The papers were placed in my hands, and |
soon after proceeded on my voyage.
In less than year after this occurrence,
returned to Boston; and on the day succeed
ing my arrival, proceeded to Mr.. Lakes
counting room, on Central wharf. He was
exceedingly rejoiced to see me, and this time
shook me warmly by the hand, and invited me
to seat near the fire-ndeed | have seldom
been treated with more civty and respect.
amounting almost to lawning polteness, than
| was by This worthy gentleman on this occa-
sion And this, ifpossbe, added to the con-
tempt with which, viewed his character.
informed him of the mode in which had
arranged his business, which was perfectly sa-
tislactory to him. | placed in his hand the
necessary papers, and took up my hat prepa-
ratory to quitting his apartment.
"Captain Martngac," said he, ~ feel
very much obliged to you, for your very pro-
per proceedings in this business. 1t must
have given you some trouble, and am willing
to allow you any reasonable compens alton"
" Mr.. Lake. answered /, i require no
compensation for the services have rendered
you, And now, sir, | wish you to look ME
fully in the face 1t is hardly five years since
| called upon you in this very apartment, to
solicit the situation of mate, on board mise
rable old brig bound to Havana. My demean-
or toward you was that ola gentleman, but
you treated me like blackguard-I was hum
bled and unfortunate, and instead of reaching
forth your hand, and succoring deserving
young man, struggling as il wcrclor existence,
you treated me with wanton insult and con-
tempt. You songht to t-ample upon me as il