Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-06-14
A TRUE STORY.

. u
Many years ago l happened to be one OF
the referees in case which excited unusual
interest in our courts, from the singular ma
tnre ofthe claim, and the strange story which
ii disclosed The plaintiff, who was cap
tain ola merchant ship which traded prin-
cipally with the West Indies. had married
quite early with every prospect of happi-
ness. His wife was said to have been ex.
tremey beautiful, and no less lovely in char.
acter.
After living with her in the most uninter-
rup,ed harmony for five years. during which
time Two daughters were added to his fami.
ly, he suddenly resolved to resume his occu-
patton, which he had relinquished, on his
marriage, aud when his Youngest child was
but three weeks old, sailed once more for
the West Indies. His wife who was devo-
,edly attached to him, sorroved deeply at his
absence, and found her only comfort in the
society of her children aud 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 solitude Months length
ened into years, yet no tidings were receiv-
ed of the absent husband and after long
hoping against hope, the unhappy wife was
compelled to believe that he had found a
grave beneath the weltering ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but
the evils ofpoverty were now added to her
affection, and the poor widow found herself
obliged TO resort to some employment in or
der TO support her children. Her needle
was her only resource, and for 10 years she
iabored early and late for the miserable pit
lance which is ever grudgingly bestowed on
humble seamstress.
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, endeavoredto improve their
acquaintance wrh friendship
After some months, he offered his hand,
and was accepted. AS the wife of sue
cessfu merchant, she soon found herself in
the enjoyment Of comforts and Injuries, 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 ev-
cry comfort requisite in their new avocation
Of house keepers. But they had scarcely
Quilted his roof when their mother was Ia
ken i'll. She died after few days sick
ness, and from that time until the period OF
which speak the widower resided with the
youngest daughter.
Now comes the strangest part oil the story.
After an absence of 80 years, during which
time no tidings had been received from him,
the first husband returned as suddenly as he
had departed
Ele had changed his ship, adopted another
name, and spent the whole of that long pc
Rod on the ocean, with only transient visits
on shofe, while taking in or discharging car
60; having been careful, never to come
neafer home han New Orleans. Why he
had acted in this objectionable manner tow
ards his family, no one could tell, ana he
obstinately refused all explanation.
There were strange rumors OF slave ira
ding and piracy afoat, but they were only
whispers of conjecture rather than truth
Whatever might have been his motives for
such conduct, he was certainly any thing
but Indifferent to his family concerns when
he returned He raved like madman
when informed ofhis wife's second marriage
AMI subsequent death, vowing vengeance
upon his successor, and terrifying his daugh
tiers by the most awful threats, in case they
refused TO acknowledge his claims. He
had returned wealthy, & one OF those mean
reptiles of the law, who are always 10 DC
found crawling about the halls OF justice al,
vised him TO bring suit against the second
husband, assuring him that. he could reoov
er heavy damages. The absurdlty oil Insll
tuting a claim for a wife whom death nae
already released from the jurisdiction Of
earthly laws was so manifest that 1t was al
length agreed by all parties 10 leave the
matter to be adjudged by five referees
1t was ON blight and beautiful morning
in spring, when we met to hear this singv
lar case The sunlight streamed through
the dusty windows OF the court ROOM anc
shed halo round the long grey locks ane