Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1839-08-31
A! TRUE STORY.

A TRUE STORY.
Many years ago, | happened to be one Of the
,,tsrees in case which excited unusual interest
ID our courts, from the singular nature Of the
caiu. and the strange story which it disclosed.
The plaintiff who was Captain Of a merchant
,bp which traded principally with England and
hs West Indies, had married quite early IN life,
with every prospect ofhapplness. His wife was
said to have Seen extremely beautiful, and no less
lrcy in character.
After living with her in the most uninterrupted
harmony for five years, during which time two
daughters were added to his family, he suddenly
resolved to resume his occupation, which he had
reiuquishod on his marriage, and when his youn-
gea child was but three weeks DID, sailed once
moro Tor the west Indies. Ills wife, who was
deyoutly attached TO him, souowed deeply at his
absence, and found her only comfort IN the socl-
ETY. o. her children, aud Tho hope OF bis return,
But month after month passed away aud he came
not, nor did any letters, those insufficient bat
elcomv substitutes arrive 10 cheer her solitude.
ns lonqtAeued into years, yet no lldngs
we're r3ce',ed Of her absent husband aud after
long hoping against hope, he unhappy wife was
compelled to believe that he had found IA walory
g-ayo beneath the welterIng ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but the
evils Of poverty were now added to her affection,
and he widow found herself obliged to resort to
some employment in order TO support her help.
less chdfen.--iIor nealle was her only re-
source, and for ten years she had Iabared early
and late lov the miserable pitance, which is grudg-
lngly bestowed on the humble seamslrtsS
merchant Of Nov York; IA moderate clrcumstan-
ces, accidentally became acquainted win h'H
and pleased with her geu1ecI manners no less
than her extreme beauty eudeayored 10 improve
Their acquaintance with friendship Alter some
months be offered her bus hand and was accepted
As the wife Of >oeco~+iul merchant she soon
found herself N toe enjoyment Of Injuries snch
as sAe re'e' before possessed iieT chi'ureh
became hs children, ana received nom nun eF'
cry advantage tha' "'al'i ana a"ecuoh eoo'u Pro
cure FIieen years passed away ana NE
daughters were married. ana oy me" sep la'le'
were furnished win every comfort requisite ID
lneiT new aHocalIon O house'Ntefefs' Dun 'hel
had scarcely quilted has rooi, when iheif nolheF
was taken ILL., She dled alter le" Gays sex,
moss, and from that Tune to the Peuod OF when
SPEAK, the Wdo"tr had resided win Inc young
est daughter
Now comes the Srangost part Of the Story
Alter an absence Of thirty years during which
no lId'nes had been received from him. the lrst
husband returned as suddenly as he departed.
lie had changed bis ship, adopted another name
and had spent the whole Of that long period oil
time on the ocean, with only transient visits on
shore, while taking in or dlschargIng cargo nav
ne been careful never 10 come nearer nome 'han
New Orleans. Why he had acted III ms unpaF,,
donable manner towards bls family, no one coHId
TELL, and he obstlnaleIy refused all explanation.
There were strange ramors OF slave trading ahu
piracy afoat, but they were only Whispers or con-
lectures rather Than truth Whatever inlgh' nave
been his motive for such conduct he was certain
y any thing but Indifferent TO his lamly concerns
when he returned. He rayed like a mailman
when informed Of his we's second marriage and
subsequent dealh--vowng vengeance upon bis
successor, terrifying his daughters by the most
awful threats in case they refused 10 acknowI-
edge his cluims. lie had returned wealthy and
one Of those mean reptiles OF The law who are
always to be found crawling about the halls OF
justice, advised him TO bring slt against the
second husband, assuring him he could recover
heavy damages The absurdliy OF insiutng
ria Car ustfa n.I Haath had already IeIGas-