Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1842-01-07
From the Old Dominion.
CQ.S.P SSXO.NS OF n rICTI.N.

The following tale was written for the edi-
tor of the Old Dominion, by one OF the most
highly gifted poets in America.
Confessions:
am the only son of reputable and wealthy
parents. Early in life entered into mer-
camille house in New York for the purpose of
aconiring knowledge of the business, prepzT-
atory 10 commencing on my own responsibility,
a mercantile career. At this time was eigh-
teen. and had but recently returned from my
academic studies at New Haven. My person
at that early period was good, my mind polish
ed by education, and my manners II not grace
full, were easy. was glad of heart and am
bilious of distinc,ion-eager for the reputation
of integrity, and an enthusiast in my admlra-
ton of genius. My associates were reputable
and the sons of conference.-the prospect before
me was excellent, and life glided onward like
placid stream.
1t was within few weeks Of my nineteenth
birthday; that became acquainted with Ame-
liza Monfort. She was being of perfect viz
tue, of transcendent beauty, and of uncommon
mind-had an eve for the bauties of nature,
and a soul for the spell of poesy. She was
three years my junior; her beauty rather In the
blossom than the bud, and her intellect more
remarkable for its gift of Imagination than Tor
its power. She had mingled little in society
knew less of the heartlessness Of mankind
and her heart was the temple of enthusiastic
and ardent, but of hallowed feelings.
For myself, had mingled much in female
society had pressed many "a thin :ed lip,' and
bowed before many rich dark eye. but A.
melia was glad creature, "a girl IN gentleness,
and "a high souled woman IN dignity; and
when she ELECTED admiration it was even blend
ed with esteem. Mingled in temperament, also,
there was tinge of romance; it was the TO.
nance rather, Of devoted feeling than of aflec-
ted sentiment; and even when her affections
were boarded mp in the sanctuary OF her own
pure bosom, she acknowledged their burning
intensity. and confessed the idoatry which
would mingle in her love. In brief, Amelia
became the beau ideal of my fancy, and ere
knew her many months l was her worsblpper.
NV thoughts were bound up in the frenzy
Of nv feelines-affection had impaired IA my
character new tinge; and to my habits ano'h-
er current. In my communings with that be-
ing was supremely happy. There was en-
chantment in the very atmosphere she breath
ed j; my dreams caught their delerious rap'ules
from neI memory, anu my ""hi"5
dwelt constantly on Amelia. She was worthy
Of all my regard, worthy Of all my devo'lons-
and every hour seemed but to unfold some es-
timable trait In her character.
When was twenty years of age we were
married. Ny father relinquished his business
in my favor, and life glded on fol another year,
all sunshine and happiness.
Bv this time had gone out more frequent
" TO mlngle with the world -became interest
ed in politics, and thirsted for power. was
enoaqed in lucrative mercantile career-my
family was influential and my aid readily ac-
cepted, if not cour,ed, by the willy and pelhdl-
Gus minions of of office. Gradually, became
interested in political warfare-gradualIy l tor
got the spell of my wife's virtue and affections
and gradually, there was dellIlum OF Joy
in the wine cup, and became one Of the so-
tares of Bacchus.
/ cannot portray how insidiously the charm
wove in my senses, and fritted away my lac
ulties. It now seems as terrible and impos-
s;ble dream-but the horrors of that dream are
imprinted with letters Of fire upon my pfaln'
The agonies of my remorse have bave been as
serpents enawing the tenderest vitals ofmy OK,
is,ence. l gaze back upon the past, and would
fam blot its hallowed moments from the page
But to continue. With 'stealthy step and
slow / became the victim Of intepPerance'