The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-08-17
COMMERCIAL CoURTsHIP.

! A merchant, originally from Liverpool, having
| acquired large fortune in one of the West India
Islands, concluded that he could not be happy in
the enjoyment of it, unless he shared it with wo
man of merit, and knowing Of none to his fancy he
wrote to a worthy orrespondent OF his IN Liver
pool TO procure a "heIpmate" for him. He was
not acq tainted with any styl except in business
therefore treating of affairs Of love matters
of Merchandise, after giving his friend sew
era! commissions, and reserving this for the last,
he went on thus:-'ltem. Seeing L have taken
resolution to marry 81 that do not find suitable
match for me here do not fail to send by the next
ship bound hither, young woman of form and
qualifications following: As to portion demand
none let her be of an honest family, between 90
and 25 years of age, of middle stature, and we'll
proportioned; her face agreeable, her temper mild,
her character blameess, her health good, and her
constitution strong enough to bear the change of
climate, that there may be no occasion to look for
a second soon after she comes to hand-which
must be provided for as much MS may be, consider
ing the dangers of the If she arrive here con
ditioned above said, with the present letter en-
dorsed by you, at least, true copy thereof, that
there may be no mistake or imposition, | hereby
engage an; bind mysefto satisfy the said letter by
marrying The bearer at Is days sight. In witness
Whereof subscribe," &c.
The CORE pondent read and this odd
article which put his future spouse the
footing with the bale of goods he send to
his friend, and after admiring the prudent exact
ness of the West Indian, (whose righteousness he
well knew and his laconic style in ennumerating
qualifications he insisted on he endeavored to
him TO his mind, and after making many inquiries,
he judged he had found lady fit for his purpose
of reputable family, but slender fortune; of good
temper and plous education, well shaped and more
than commonly beautiful. He made the proposal
to her, and the young woman, whose dependence
chiefly upon cross old aunt, with whom she
lived in state of perpetual uneasiness, accepted
1t.
A ship bound for the West Indies, was that week
fitting up for Liverpool, the young woman together
with the bale of goods put board; being well
provided with necessaries, and particularly with
certificate in due form, and endorsed by the cores
pendent. She was also included in the invoice,
the last article of which run thus:--
''ltem; young gentle woman of "a years OF
uge, quality, shape condition, as per order, ap
pears from the certificate and affidavit she has pro-
produced
The writings which were thought necessary for
so exact man as her future husband, were, an ex
tract from the parish registers certificate of her
character attested by the clergyman; an attesa-
on of her neighbors, setting forth that she had pa
tantly lived three years with an old aunt, who
was intolerably peevish, and had not during all
that time given the said aunt, the least occasion for
complaint; and lastly, goodness of constitution at
tested by four physicians. Before the gentle wo-
mans departure, the correspondent sent letters of
advice by other ships to his friend informing him
tha, by such ship he should send a woman OF
such mage, character condition., &c.-in word
such he himself had requested to be sent.
The letters of advice, the bales, and tho young
woman, got safe into port. and the West Indian, !