Madison Whig advocate. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1839-1841, 1839-07-06
A True story.

A True story.
i Many years ago | happened to be one
of the referees in case which excited
unusual interest in our courts, from the
singular 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 quite early
with every prospect of happiness. His
wife was said to have been extremely
beautiful, and no less lovely in char
acter.
After living with her in the most un-
interrupted harmony for FIVE wears,
during which time two daughters were
added to his family, he suddenly resolv-
ed to resume his occupation, which he
had relinquished on his marriage, and
when his youngest child was but three
weeks old, sailed once more for the
West Indies. His wife who was devo-
tedly attached to him, sorrowed deeply
at his absence, and found her only com
fort in the society of her children and
| the hope Of his return. But month af-
ter month passed away, and he came not,
nor did any letters, those insufficient
| but welcome substitutes, arrive to cheer
| her solitude. Months heightened into
years, yet no tidings were received of
the absent husband; and after long hop
ing against hope, the unhappy wife was
compelled to believe that he had found
a grave beneath the weltcring ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt,
| but the evil of poverty were now added
to her affection, and the widow found
| herself obliged TO resort to some en-
ployment in order to support her chill
| dren. Her needle was her only resource,
and for ten years she labored early and
late for the miserable pittance which is
ever grudgingly bestowed on a humble
seamstress.
A merchant of New York, in moder-
ate but prosperous circumstances, acct
dentally became acquainted with her, and
pleased with her gentle manners no less
than her extreme beauty, endeavored to
improve their acquaintance with friend
ship.
After some months, he offered his
hand, and was accepted. As the wife
of a successful merchant, she soon found
herselfin the enjoyment of comforts and
luxuries, such as she had never before
possessed. Her children became his
children, and received from him every
advantage which wealth and affection
could procure. Fifteen years passed
away; the daughters married, and by
their step-father were furnished with
every comfort requisite in their new avo-
cation of house keepers. But they had
scarcely quilted his roof, when their
few DAYS sickness. and from that time
until the period of which | speak, the
widower resided with the youngest
daughter.
Now comes the strangest part of the
story. After an absence of thirty years,
during which time no tidings had been
received from him, the first husband
returned as suddenly as he bad departed. |
He had changed his ship, adopted
another name, and spent the whole of
that long period on the ocean, with only |
transient visits on shore, while taking |
in or discharging 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 obsti- |
nateIy refused all explanation.
There were strange rumors of slave |
trading and piracy afioat, but they were
only whispers as conjecture rather than
truth. Whatever might have been his
mdfves for such conduct, he was GER
fanny any thing but Indifferent to his
family concerns when he returned. He
raved like mailman when informed of
his wife's second marriage and subse-
quent death, vowing vengeance upon
his successor. and terrifying his daugh-
Il -g.I 81
thew refused to acknowledge his claims.
He 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
a suit against the second husband, as
ssring him that he coulo recover heavy
damages. The absurdity of instituting
a claim for wife whom death had al
ready released from the jurisdiction OF
earthly laws was so manifest, that 1t
was at length agreed by all parties to
leave the matter to be adjudged by five
referees
1t was on bright and beautiful after
noon in spring, when we met to hear
this singular case. The sunlight stream
ed through the dusty windows OF the
court room. and shed halo around the
loug grey locks and broad forehead OF
the defendant; while the plaintiff s harsh
features were thrown into still bolder re-
lief. by the same beam which sottened
the placid countenance OF his adyer-
sary.
The plaintiffs lawyer made most
appeal for his client, had we
not been informed about the matter, our
hearts would have been melted by hisl
touching description of the return OF
the desolate husband, and the agony
with which he now beheid his household
goods removed to consecrate stranger 81
hearth. The celebrated Aaron Burr
was counsel for the defendant, and we
anticipated from him splendid display
of oratory.
Contrary to our expectation, however,