The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-06-26
RHODE-IsLAND REPUBLICAN.
SELECTED TALES.
A TRUE STORY.
By MRS. EMMA C. EMBURY.


Many years ago happened to be one Of
the referees in case which excited uuus-
ual interest in our courts, from the singu-
lar nature of the claim, and the strange
story which it disclosed. The plaintiff,
who was captain of a merchant ship which
traded principally with the West Indies,
had married quit. early with every pros
poet of happiness. His wife was said to
have been extremely beautiful, and no less
lovely in character.
After living with her in the most unin-
tsrrupted harmony for five years, during
which time two daughters were added to
his family, he suddenly resolved to resume
his occupation, which he had reliuquished
on his marriage, and when his youngest
child was but three weeks old, sailed once
mere for the West Indies.-His wife, who
was devotedly attached to him, sorrowed
deeply at his absence, and found her only
comfort in the society of her children and
the hope of his return. But month after
month passed away, and he came not,
neither did any letters, those insufficient
but welcome substitutes, arrive to cheer her
solitude. Months heightened into years,
yet no iidIngs were received of the absent
husband aud after long hoping against
hope, the unhappy wife was compelled to
believe that he had found grave beneath
the watering ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but
the evils of poverty were now added TO her
affection, and the widow found herself o.
bIised TO resort to some employ in or
der 10 support her children. Her needle
WINS her only resource, and for ten years
she labored early and late for the miserable
pi,tance which is ever grudgingIy bestowed
on humble sempslress.
A merchant in New York, in moderate
but prosperous circumstances, accidentally
became acquainted with her, and pleased
with her gentle manners no less than her
extreme beauty, endeavored to Improve
their acquaintance with friendship.
After some months he offered his hand,
which was accepted As the wife of u sue
cessful merchant, she soon found herself in
the enjoyment Of comforts and luxuries,
such as she had never before possessed.
Her children became his children, and re-
ceived from him every advantage which
wealth and affection could procure. Fif-
teen years passed away; the daughters
married, aad by their step-father were fur
nshed with every comfort requisite in thei.
new av0cation of house keepers. But they
had scarcely Quilted his roof, when their
mother was taken i'll. She died after a
few days sickness, and from that time nn-
til the period Of which speak, the widow
er resided with the youngest daughter.
Now comes the strangest part of the
story. After an absence of thirty years,
during which time no tidngs had been re-
ceived from him, the first husband return
ed n. suddenly qs he had departed.
He had changed his ship, adopted a.
mother name, and spen. the whole of thot
long period On the ocean, with only trans
lent visits on shore, while taking in or dis
charging cargo; having been careful never
to come nearer home than New Orleans.
Why he had acted in this objectionable
manner towards his family, no one could
tell, and he obs,ins,ely refused all explsna-
tion.
There were strange rumors OF slave ira
ding nad piracy afloat, bu, they were only
whispers of conjecture rather than truth.
Whatever might have been his motives 70.
such conduct, he was certainly any thing
but Indifferent to his family concerns when
he returned. He raved like a madman
when informed of his wife's second mar.
riage and subsequent death, vowing veu-
gennce upon his successor, and terrifying
his daughters by the most awful threats, in
case they refused to acknowledge hi.
claims. He had returned wealthy; and one
Of those mean reptiles Of the law, who are
always to be found crawling about the halls
efjusice, advised him to bring suit against
ihe second husband, assuring him thut he
he could recover heavy damages. The alb
surd'iy Of institu,ins claim for n wife
whom death had already released from the
Jurisdiction Of earthly laws was so mani-
Test, That It was ut length ogreed by oil
parties to leuve the matter out 10 be ad-
judged by FIVE referees.
IL was on bright and beautiful nfer
noon IN spring, when we met to hear thi,
singular Gaze. The sunlish, s,resmed
through the dusty windows Of the c,ur
room, and shed a halo around the lone
grey locks aud broad forehead O. the def.n.
,lnn,; while the plaintiffs harsh feature,
were thrown into still bolder relief, by tbc
same beam Which sofiened the placid coun.
Ienunce Of his adversary.
The plaintiffs lawyer made most clo.
qucn, appeal for his client, and had we moi
bcca informed in the matter, our heart.
would have b~en melted by hi. touclrine {
description of the return rf the desolsis
husband, and The agony with which lIc nov