The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-03-19
MIS'CELL ANEOU
For the Wing STANDARD.
GRANDEMINE. CAP

EXTRACT FROM THE JOURNAL OF A TRAVELLER.
Some years since, took a passage in a
Boston merchantmen for the Brazils. 1t oc-
CURED to me that might while away many Of
the tedious hours of sea life, by keeping journal
Of my own adventures, and also noting down such
incidents as took place amongst my fellow-pas-
sengers. The following, which present to the
reader in the form of a narrative, though true to
life, will no doubt be deemed rather visionary for
a matter Of fact story. All can say is, that
have never been accused Of possessing fertile
imagination, and l ask none to believe it who
may feel otherwise disposed. c5
Amongst the cabin passengers was man
known by the name Of GRANDEMINE. Whether
this was his first, middle, or last name, no one
on board could tell. AT all events he had no
other, or, if he had, it was unknown. There
was something in this mans looks that always
kept us at civil distance from him. He was
tall and spare-made. His age was perhaps
twenty-six, though, at first sight, he appeared
somewhat older. His complexion was sallow,
and his features prominent and harsh, but not
repulsiye There was deep melancholy IN the
expression Of his eye, that filled the mind with
an underlined awe, and sent a cold chill through
the blood. Grandemine was man of few words
He kept aloof from every body, and was never
known to smile or Join in joke. As a natural
consequence, he was left to enjoy his moody
thoughts alone. No one spoke to him. or asso-
ciated with him. There was some mystery
about him, which gave rise to much conjecture
and gossip throughout the vessel t.
One fine moonlight night was pacing the
quarterback. The passengers had all retired,
with the exception Of myself and GEandemine,
who was leaning over the bulWafks. Finding
1 H. T. ~
forward and entered into conversation with an
old Frenchman, who had shown me some kind
hess when sea-sick, and was consequently a
great favorite Of mine. The mate stood on the
main-deck, watching the progress Of the vessel
as she plunged through the water. Half an
hour had elapsed since left the quarterback,
when | was startled by deep groan. looked
towards the pinnacle, and saw Grandemine stand
ing with his face towards the wheel-motionles
asif transfxed to the spot His eyes were strained
till they seemed ready to burst from their sockets
his cheek was Of an ashy paleness-his teeth
firmly set. The sickly rays Of the moon glanced
upon his features increasing their ghastiness,and
adding to their appalling widness. l felt my
blood freeze in my veins as gazed upon him
and so great was my horror, that had no pow
err to follow the direction Of his eyes. Gaunt-
stiff -speechless, he stood before me.
"See! see She moves" he suddenly ex-
claimed ''She beckons to me Oh my God ~
and with deep groan he staggered back against
the bulwarks.
Immediately ran to his assistance. He was
cold and inanimatc / called for help, and we
carried him below. The captain, by cha6ng his
temples, brought him to his senses. That night
he remained in the cabin, without utterng a
word. No explanation OF what he had seen
could be extorted from him. 1t was mystery
which none of us could solve.
t., e., 1,,,ci ,1,, o;rox dnck
There was frightful change in his appearance.
He was CHASTITY and emacated-a mere living
skeleton. His eyes were sunken, but still retain
ed their unearthy, melancholy expression. More
silent, more thoughtful than ever-he now SEEM
ed 10 care very little about the progress Of the
vessel. He never alluded 10 our destined port,
which was the subject of incessant talk with the
other passengers. For hours he would lean a
gainst the rail buried in reverie. No one chose
10 disturb him-few even spoke to him. Day
after day his health declined. | saw hat his
days were few amongst The living. Sympathy
for his unhappy situation, and some natural Curl
osty prompted me at length to enter into con-
versation with him. AT first he was reserved, and
even uncuorteous in his answers. hut finding from
my manner that was sincere III my professions
of friendship, he soon became sociable lie SAID
he felt assured that his days were numbered
He did not wish to die without the sympathy OF
at least one human being, and he confded to me
an episode in the history of his life. 1t was not
a novel one-many such events have occurred,
and many have been recorded-stil it went to
nv heart and it was new to me at that early
period of my life.
After long search, he found the realization of
beau-ideal, which from early youth he had
cherished in his heart, with the most enthusiast
tic devotion. Within two short months she be-
came shrine at which he worshipped with a
fervor which should have been extended to God
alone. Courtships are interesting only to lovers.
The history Of his may be told in a few words
He built castles, and tenanted them with a crea-
ture of perfection. He foolishly imagined that
truth and sincerity could not be without favor
able effect; and although his addresses were not
directly encouraged by words or looks, the fact
that they were not discouraged gave him snih-
cent cause to indulge in the most blissful dreams
After lavishing the noblest feelings of his heart
upon one who could not appreciate them' the
time when his fate was to be decided arrived.