Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-10-16
From the Ladies' Companion.
THE REFEREE CASE,
OLD GrNr.EMAN's STORY.

The outlines of the following sketch were
related to me, by an aged and honorcd MEM
Der of a large family connection a man who
possesses an almost incXlIaustable fund OF
legendary lore, and whose most interesting
anecdotes and most comic tales are but rec
collections Of past scenes, of which he can
IN the language of .Eneas, 'qnorum magma
pars .tui."
"Many years ago. said Mr.. E-,"I
happened to be one of the referees in a case
which excited unusual interest in our courts,
from the singular nature of the claim, and
the singular story which it disclosed. The
plaintiff, who was captain Of merchant ship,
which traded principally with England and
the West Indies, had married quite early in
life with every prospect of happiness. Ills
wife was said to have been extremely beau
tiiul, and no less lovely in character. After
living with her in the most uninterrupted har-
mony for five years, during which time two
daughters were added to hrs family, he sud-
denly resolved to resume his occupation,
Which he had r%clinquishcd on his marriage,
and when his youngest child was but three
weeks old, slilcd once more for the West
Indies. Ills wife, who was dcvotedly at
taclcd to him, sorrow ID deeply at his abb
sence, an" found her only comfort in the So
ciety of her children, and the hopes 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 heightened
into years yet no tidings were received of
the absent husband; and after long hoping
against hope. the unhappy wife was compel
led to believe that he had found a grave be-
meath the watering ocean.
"llcr sorrows were deep and heartfelt,
but the evils Of poverty were now added to
her Affections, and the widow found herself
obligedt to resort TO some employment in
order to support her helpless children. Her
needle was her only resource, and for ten
years she labored early and late for the mis-
cradle piltancc, which is ever grudgingly
bestowed on the humble scarnstrcss. x
merchant Of New York, in moderate bu,
prospecting circumstances, accidcntly became
acquainted with her, and pleased with her
gentle manners no less than her extreme
beauty, cndcavorcdlo improve their acquain-
lance with friendship. litter some months
he offered her his hand and was accepted,
As the wife Of a successful merchant she
soon found herself in the enjoyment of COM
forts and luxuries, such as she had never be.
fore possessed. Her children became his
children, and received from him every ad.
vantage that wealth or affection could pro-
cure. Fifteen years passed away (; the dauph-
tiers married and by their step-fatIlcr were
furnished with every comfort requisite 10
their new avocation Of housckcepcrs. Blu,
they had scarcely quilted his roof, when
their mother was taken i'll. She died aflc,
a few days sickness, and from that time nm.
Ill the period Of which | speak, tho widowc,
had resided with the youngest daughter.
snow comes the strangcst part of the sto.
ry. After an absence Of thirty years, du,
ring which no tidings had boon received
from him, the FIRST husband returns as sud.
denly as he had departed. lie had cbangot
his ship, adopted another name, and men
the whole of THAT long period of time on III,
ocean,, with only transient visits on shor,
while taking or discharging cargo; hayin,
been careful, also never to como noare
home than New Orleans. Why ho ha,
acted in this objectionable manner toward
his family, no one could tell, and he obsti
nately refused all explanation. There wer
strange rumors Of slave trading and pirac,