Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1839-06-01
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From the Ladies' Companion for May
AN OLD GENTLEMAN,s STORY.
BY MRS. ZnsCHY

AN OLD GENTLEMAN,S STORY.
ExsCxr.
MANY wears ago happened to be one of tho
yeferees in the case which excited unusual inter-
est in our courts, from the singular nature OF the
clam. and the strange story which IT disclosed |
The nlaint,f who captain OF n merchant ship
which traded principally with the West Indies,
had married quite early with every prospect oil
happiness His wife said to have been ex-
tretnely bea ltful, and no less lovely in charac-
ter.
After living with her in the most uninterrupted
harmony for five years, during which time two
daughters were ADDED to his family, lac suddenly
resolve cd TO resume his occupation, which he had
rciinquished on his marriage, and when his young
es, child was but three weeks old, sailed once
moro for the West Indies. HIS vile VINO was
devotediy attached to him, sorrowed deeply at his
absence, and found her only comfort IN the socie-
" of her children and the hope Of his return.
But month after month passed away, and he
came not, nor did any letters, those insufficient
but welcome substitutes, arrive to cheer her soil
4ude Months lengihened INFO years, yet no
tidings were received Of the absent husband;
and after long hoping against hope, the unhappy
wife was compelled TO believe that he had found
u grave beneath the welteeing ocean.
Her sorrow deep and heartfelt, but the
evils Of poverty were added to her atiiiction,
and the widow found herself obliged to resort to
some employment in order to support her child
ron Her needle was her only resource, and for
ten years, she abored early and late for the
miserable pittance, which is grudgingly
bestowed on the humble seamstress.
A merchant of New York, in moderate but
prosperous circums,an accidently became ac-
quainted with her, and pleased with her gentle
manners no less than her extreme beauty, en-
deavored 10 improve their acquaintance with
friendship.
After some months, he offered his hand, and
was accepted. As the wife of a successful mer-
chant, she soon found herself in the enjoyment
Of comforts and luxuries, such she had never
before possessed. Her children became his child
rem. and received from him every advantage That
wealth and affection could procure. Fifteen years
passed away; the daughters married, and by their
step-tather we're furn shed with every comfort, re-
quisite IN their avocation of house keepers.
But they had scarcely quilted his roof, when their
mother was taken i'll. She died after few day 3
sickness, and from that time unii! the period OF
which l speak, the wdower resided with the
youngest daughter.
Now comes the stranscst par, of the story
After an absence of thirty years, during which
tune no tidings had been received from him, the
first husband returned suddenly ne had de-
parted.
lie had changed his ship, adopted another
name, and spent the whole of that long period ON
the ocean with only transient visit. shore,
while taking in discharging cargo; hIving
been careful, also, never to come nesrer home
than New Orleans. Why he had acted in this
objectionable manner towards his family, no one
could tell and he obstinatey refusei all explana-
tion.
There were strange rumors O slave trading
and piracy affoat, but they wereonly whispers OF
conjecture rather than truth. Whatever might
have been his motives for suh conduct, he was
certainly any thing but Indifferent to his family
concerns when he returnd. He raved like a
mad man when infornpd of his wite's second
marriage and subsequer death, vowing venge-
ance upon his successor. and terrIty ing his daugh
tiers by the most awfs threats, IN case they retus
ed to acknowledge Ais claims. He had returned
wealthy, and neof those mean reptiles of the
law who are always to be found crawling abou
the halls OF usnce, advised him to bring a sui
against the second husband, assuring him that he
Gould recover heavy damages. The sbsurdity
OF institutiog n claim for a wife, whom death haC
already released from the jurisdiction Of earthly
laws WINS manifest, that il was at length agreed
by all parties to have the matter to be adudget
BY tive referees.
II was on bright and beautiful afternoon il
spring when we met to hear this singular case
The sunlight streamed through the dusty win
dows OF the court room, and shed halo arount
inc long gray locks and broad forehead of tn,
defendant; while the plaintiffs harsh features
we're thrown into still holder relief, BY the SAM
beam which soi,ened the placid countenauce of hi
adversary
The plaintiffs LAWYER made a most eloquen
appeal for his cliopt, and had we no, been inform
" "oout me matter, our hearts would hav
been melted by his touching description of tn
return OF the desolate husband, and the agon
win which he now beheld his household god
removed to consecrate a strangers hearth TIL
ce'eerated Aaron Burr was council for the defend
am, ana We anticipated from him SPLENDID dis
play of oratory.
Contrary TO our expectations however. Bur
made no attempt TO coniute his opponents ora
tory. He merely opened book of Statutes, an
pointing with his thin finger to one OF the pages
desired the referees TO read it, while he retire
ior moment to bring in the principal rritnes
we had scarcely finished the section which fullu
decided the matter in our minds, when Burr r,
entered with a tall and elegant female leaning o
ms arm She was at,ired IN simple white dres
win wreath of ivy leaves encrcIing her larg
bonnet, and lace veil completely concealing he
eou"enance Burr whispered few words, al
pareh"y encouraging her to advance, and the
gracefully raising her veil, disclosed to us a ia.
o. proud, surprising beauty. recolcct a. we
as was ye.te rday how simultaneously III
marmur OF admiration burst from the lips of a
present Turning to the plaintiff. Burr asked
cold, quiet tone,