The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-07-31

only transient visits on shore while taking il
or discharging cargo having been careful
also, never TO come nearer home than New
Orleans. Why he had acted in this unpar-
donable manner toward his family no one
could tell, and he obstina,ely refused all ex-
planation There were strange rumors OF
slave-lrading and piracy afoat, but they were
only whispers Of conjecture.
Whatever might have been his motives for
such conduct, he was certainly any thing but
indifferent to his family concerns when he re-
turned He raved like mad man when in
formed Of his wifes second marriage and sub
sequent death, yowing vengeance upon his
successor, and terrifying his daughters by the
most awful threats, in case they refused to
acknowledge his claims. He had returned
wealthy, and one of those mean reptiles Of
the law who are always to be found infesting
the halls of justice, advised him to bring a
suit against the second husband, assuring him
that he could recover heavy damages. The
absurdity of instiluting a claim for a wife
whom death had already released from the
jurisdiction of earthly laws was so manifest,
that il was at length agreed by all parties TO
leave the matter to be adjudged by FIVE re-
ferees.
II was on bright and beautiful afternoon
in spring that we first met to hear this sin
gular case. The sunlight streaming through
the dusty windows of the court room, and
shed halo around the long grey locks and
broad forehead of the defendant while the
plaintiff &. harsh features were thrown into
still holder relief by the same beam which
softened the placid countenance of his ad-
versary. The plaintiff s lawyer made most
eloquent appeal for his client, and had we
not been better informed about the matter,
our hearts would have melted at his touching
description of the return Of the desolale hus-
band, and the agony with which he now be-
held his household gods removed to conse-
crate a strangers hearth. The celebrated
Aaron Burr was counsel for the defendant,
and we anticipated from him splendid dis
play of oratory. | had never before seen
him, and shall never forget my surprise at his
appearance. Small in person but remarka-
bly, well formed, with an eye as quick and
brilliant as an eagles, and brow furrowed
by care more than time, he seemed a very
different being from the arch traitor and muir
derer had been accustomed to consider him.
His voice was one of the finest | ever heard,
and the skill with which he modTated it, the
variety of its tones, and the melody Of its ca
dences were inimitable. But there was one
peculiarly about him that reminded me Of the
depths of darkness which lay beneath that
fair surface You will smile when tell you
that the only thing about him disliked, was
his step. He glided rather than walked; his
foot had that quiet, stealthy movement that
inyoluntarily makes one think of ifaa@hAss-. !
Burr made no attempt to coniute ms opPo,c
nent's oratory. He merely opened book Oh
statutes and pointing with his thin iinger 70
one Of the pages, desired the referees TO reao
4 while he retired for a moment to bring IN
he nrincipal witness We had scarcely n
nished the section, which fully decided the
matter in our minds, when Burr re-entered
with tall and elegant female leaning on ms
am She was alfred in simple white dress,
with wreath Of ivy leaves encifciihg ~
large straw bonnet, and lace ven cou,Pic'eiJ
concealing her countenance. Burr Wh'sPe'eu
few words, apparently encouraging het -
advance, and then gracefully raising ne' Nen
discovered to US face OF SURPRISING oea"'y.
I recollect as well as il It had haPPened ou'
Yesterday, how simultaneously the nurlhu'
4 &c admiration burst from the lips OF all pre-
1 sent. -, =
Turning TO the plaintiff, Burr asked IN
cold. quiet tone, Do you know this lady
Il do was the answer.
.Wil YOU swear to that 2
/ Il will: TO the best Of my knowledge aho
belief, she is my daughter ;,
Can you-swear to her indemnity Z
Il cam said the plaintiff.
what i her age 2 asked Burr.
} She was thirty years OF age on the 1o''
day Of April 49,, ~ a..
r when did you last see her Z
t al her own house, about fortnight since
= And when did you last see her previous
. that meeting s,oa-
0 The plaintiff hestated-a pause ensuea-
) tho question was repeated, and the answer
It lenoth was, .on the fourteenth day oil Ma
! IL
!. when she was just three weeks DID, aa
1t ed Burr. .Gentlemen,' continued he, tur
II ing to us, / have brought this lady mere as
d important witness, and such think she Is. /,
II The plaintiffs counsel has plead most ei
" oueutly in behalf the bereayed husband, :"
" escaped the dangers Of the sea, and return
is only 10 find his home desolatc. But VINO "
lie nicture 10 you the lonely wife bending over
da;ly toll. devoting her best years to
u, drudsery of sordd poverty, supported :, .,
e. by the hope of her husbands return
III will paint the slow progress of heart sickne
ne the wasting anguish Of hope deferred, and
n nalIy the overwhelming agony winch Gu
IL 49, axf