Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-05-17

vaton."
Charles and Lucy knelt beside the ven-
cradle old man, and while he prayed they
wep. tears Of grateful emotion.
twas sleepless but not unhappy night
TO the three Inhabitants Of the neat and
cheerful dwelling they were about to leave
and go they knew not where. 1t was then
that young Wilson learnt the real value of
money. By means Of it he could give
shelter to those who had kindly received
him when every other door was closed up
on him.
All night long he thought Of the Forged
Patent. There were few words drop
ped by Mr.. Davis which he could not dis
miss from his mind-,ha, Crosby had writ
ten TO the real owner Of the land and OBJ
tanned the promise of deed.
1t is now time for the reader to become
more fully acquainted with the history
Of the young stranger.
His father, Charles Wilson, Senior, was
a merchant Of Boston, who had acquired
an immense fortune, At the close Of the
late war. when the soldiers received from
the government Of their bounty of l60
acres Of land, many Of them offered their
patents TO Mr.. Wilson for sale. Finding
that they wefe resolved to sell them, he con-
cluded to save them from a sacrifice Of
their hard earnings, and purchase at fair
price all that was offered. In three years
no small portion of the Military Tract
came into his possession. On the day
that Charles became Of age he gave him
a deed of a principal part of his land in
Illinois, and insisted tina, he should go out
to see it, and if he liked the country, to
settle there. Wishing him TO become iden-
tilted with the people, he recommended his
son on his arrival in the State to lay aside
his broadcloth, and dress like a back
woodsman.
On the morning Of the sons departure,
Mr.. Wilson received a letter from man
in Illinois, who had frequently written.-
He wished to purchase certain quarter
section at government price, which Mr..
Wilson promised him on those terms, pro-
vided he forwarded certificate from the
Judge of the Circuit Court that the land
was worth no more. The letter Just re-
ceived enclosed the certificate in question
Mr.. Wilson had given this tract TO Charles
and putting the letter and certificate into
his hand enjoined upon him to deed it to
the writer agreeable to promise, on his ar
rival at Illinois.
The remarks Of Mr.. Davis, forcibly re-
minded young Wilson Of this incident, and
on the next morning after, he became &C
quain,ed with the design Of Crosby, with
trembling hand examined the certificate
1t was written by Crosby, and the land he
wished to purchase, the identical farm Of
Davis.
Astonshed that his friend, the Judge
should certify that the land was worth no
more. Mr.. Davis asked 10 see the certif-
cate, and after a moments examination,
unhesitatlngy pronounced the signature a
forgery.
An explanation from the young man
now became necessary, and calling Lucy
into the room, told them his history, and
laid before them pile of patents and bank
notes, one after another, till the amount
reached thousands.
1t was a day Of thankful happiness to
old Simon Davis and his daughter, and
not less so to young Wilson.
Not long after this scene, Crosby en-
tered. His air was that Of man who
has an enemy in his power and intends to
tramp on him. He scarcely noticed Will
son except with look Of contempt. After
pouring out all his maledictions upon the
family, he advised them to leave immedi-
ately. The old man enquired if he would
give him nothing for the improvements he
had made. The answer was, mot a cent
" You certainly would not" said Will
son, drive this old man and his daughter
pennyless into the world!
What is that to you" replied Crosby,
with look of malice and contempt. {"
will answer that question:" said Wilson,
and acquainted him what the reader has
already learnt. Crosby, a. first, was stu
pifed with establishment, but when he saw
that all his schemes Of vllainy were de-
teated, and proof of his having committed
forgery could be established, his assur-
ance forsook him, and he threw himself
upon his knees and begged first the old
man, and then Lucy and Wilson to spare
him.
In accordance with his appeals the lat
ter agreed 10 purchase the farm upon
which Crosby lived, upon condition of his
instantly leaving the country. He accep-
ted the terms, and with his family fled to
Texas.
Why should spin out the narrative {?
Lucy and Charles were married, and
though splendid mansion soon rose upon
the farm Of Davis, both loved far better
the little room where she had so long and
anXiously watched over the sick bed of the
homeless stranger. MI. Wilson was rich,
but never forgot those who were in want.
Cheered by the kind and affectionate at
teniion Of his children. Old Simon Davis
almost seemed to have renewed his exist
ence. He lived many years, and long
enough TO tell the bright eyed son Of
Charles and Lucy, the story of the forged