The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-10-02
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Boston Mercantile Journal
EDWARD AND ISABEL: A TALE. !
Dz HAwsER MARTNoAL

EDWARD AND ISABEL: A TALE
Bz HAwsER MARTlNGaLE.
Whoever has passed up the harbor Of New
York from Sandy Hook, must recollect on
the Long Island shore, nearly opposite the
Quarantine ground at Staten Island, a beaui-
full villa, with verandahs and porticoes--sur-
rounded with shrubbery--wiih the grounds
Immediately attached TO it laid out with much
taste and elegance. 1t is, or was some years
ago, truly romantic looking spot-command-
ing complete view Of the towers, and stee-
pies, and domes of the great commercial city,
on one side and the entrance of the harbor
on the other-and the dark surface Of the
troubled Atlantic in the distance. 1t appear
ed to be just such place as sailor would
love 10 live ina welcome harbor where quiz
ct might be found. Indeed, one could hardly
associate care or discomfort with such a
charming residence.
1t is number Of years since, when lying
wind-bound in the roads near Staten Island !
ordered the jolly-boat to be rugged, and cross
ed over to the opposite shore. that | might
take near survey of the dwelling that look
ed so captivating at a distance-and as | ad-
vanced towards it, could not help wishing
that after encountering few more OF the
gales and adverse storms Of life, fate would
hold in store for me snug little harbor like
the one before me, where could let go my
sheet anchor-and remain moored in safe
~ during the few remaining years of my life.
Alas, there is no such good fortune in store
for Hawser Martingale
landed on little wharf which jutted into
the bay, and advanced through winding path
towards the house. The appearance of the
buildings and grounds on closer inspection,
fully equalled my eXpectations-and in the
beautiful ffoweas in the bow-windows, and
the rare exotics brought from their homes in
the far distant tropics, sweetly arranged in
the front avenue, recognized the, re-
fined taste and identifying hand Of woman.
longed to know if the inhabitants of this
fairy palace resembled in person, manners,
and character, the pictures that my imagina-
ton (which be it said en- PEASANT, has often
played me some scurvy tricks presented TO
my view.
All remained SILENT felt that | was an
intruder-and was about moving away from
the fragrant jessamine behind which had
snugly ensconced myself, when heard the
sound Of carriage-wheels rapidly approach
ing the avenue. In moment after hand
some equipage drove up to the gate, from
which alighted a gentleman who was yet in
the dawn Of manhood He was tall and
finely formed, and health and contentment
shone in his manly countenance. He sprang
from the vehicle, and was rushing towards
the door, when he was met by one Of the
lovelest creatures that ever haunted the fam
sc t1a o.,
ry poet. 1t was young and lovely woman
whose ayes of ebon-hue, beaming with
affection and pleasure, coal-back hair, dark,
yet transparent complexion, and the impas-
stoned feelings displayed on her expressive
features---all betrayed that she was a daugh-
ter of the south. She was evidently wife
and mother-for little cherub smiling
with delight clung to her robe, as obeying
the impulse of warm and devoted heart,
she FASTENED to greet the return Of her hus-
band.
40, Edward, am so glad you are come"
said the sylph-like beauty, in gentle and
musical voice, as she put her arm within that
Of the fortunate man who had won her for
his own-and who, could perceive, wore
her next his heart.
Happiness dwells in that mansion and
the jewels are worthy Of the casket," said l
to myself, as returned to my ship.
After got on board, walked the quarter
deck thoughtfully for sometime. My chief
mate, Mr.. Virgins, was an old sea-dog,
whom l had shipped in New York, and while
gazing on the romantic villa, and in my minds
eye, dwelling upon the lovely vision which a
short time since had passed before me, and
which could hardly believe other than a
fantasy, | remarked TO him, that would give
much to know who were the fortunate pos
SCISSORS of the beautiful houses and grounds
which | pointed ont to him on the opposite
shore.
THAT" said Mr.. Virgins, "why, that's
the place where Ned Williams lives, and his
handsome Spanish wife y
"Thcn he is sailor, Wr. Virgins" ex-
claimed, in tone of exuliation.
Every inch of him ~ continued Mr.
Virgins, he entered at the hawse hole, and
worked his way up to be chief mate Of a
noble ship. We were shipmates together du
ring the last voyage which he made as I'd
mate, about seven years ago. But Ned wa,
always a lucky dog. He is rich now-ant
will never have occasion TO handle tarret
rope, or get ducking in salt water again"
My curiosity was now fairly roused-ant
after about two hours of direct and cross
questioning, | managed TO get out Of Mr.