Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-05-09

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drawing, &c. Arrived at womanhood
with a sprghtly mind. a good person,
and very frank, and afectionate and
confding disposition, Myra became an
object OF interest to those of the other
sex who are not insensible to the charms
OF the more tender portion of our race.
Probably the air of mystery that sur
rounded her did not diminish that inter-
est.
There was one man in particular,
who was smitten with her charms: Mr..
Whitney, son Of Gen. Whitney, of New
York, lawyer by profession, an amiable
and excellent man, and in the estimation
Of Miss Davis, to be preferred to all 9th
ers to place in her affections. To his
proposal for union Miss ID. assented,
with lfankness which presented a
I'srong contrast TO the feelings of her I'm
Gle. He was violently opposed to it,
without, it is believed, assigning a salts
factory reason. Every obstacle, howev-
er. served only to strengthen their
mutual attachment. Miss D. fled the
house of her uncle, took refuge in a Sc
cluslon which he in vain endeavored 70
penetrate. awaited with a maiden's mo-
Idesty and lovers anxiety the arrival
of her betrothed: for lovers will exchange
pledges, though it be through stone walls
or over tempestuous waves-made a
great mistake in meeting another gentle
man of the name Of Whitney, who hap
pened to arrive at a certain place in
train of cars, in which at the same hour
she expected the real Whitney-but at
length. after the course of their true love
had run with a rouehness to which their
young hearts had hitherto been strangers,
they were happily and triumphantIy
MARRIED.
MIR. and Mrs. Whitney went to New
Orleans, the seat of some millions worth
OF property, which she claimed as her
own, and which she contends is fraudu
iently withheld from her. Mr.. w. there
investigated the matter with untiring dill
lgence, met with the usual obstinate OPP
position in such cases, and was believe
even thrown into prison. He was not
destined either to recover the property
OF to continue ir life with his beloved
bride. Mrs. Whitney became widow,
youthful widow, and very sincere
mourner. In this state of widowhood,
she was approached by the gallant old
General, who sympathised SO deeply with
her sorrows as to offer to take that place
in her affections which had been occu-
pied by her departed husband. Wheth-
er those substantial charms in expectan-
cy had any hand in vanquishing the heart
of the old gentleman. it would he pre-
sumptuous to determine without looking
into the interior of his mind. and inspee-
ting his motives. The frank-hearted
girl, however, was understood to have
assured the brave soldier. in accepting
his hand, that one condition must ever
be reserved. She was always to have
The privilege of eulosising the character,
loving the memory. and descanting on
the virtues of her first and youthful love
ad hdituna. Who could refuse such
boon ass
OF late years the General and his lady
have been engaged at times in travelling
as the ministers Of peace and good
will to men at times in prosecuting
this claim, nvoiving an immense fortune
/ he laws delay has for long time held
the result in abeysance. But at this
session of the Supreme Court it has been
argued by eminent Counsel at length
the matter is before the judges in full
the parties are anxiousy, awaiting that
decision which is to make or break
But if justice be done, there is little
doubt that Mrs. Gaines will win the
cause, and come into the possession of
that property which I sincerely believe
has been unjustly denied hel.
Mrs. G. is lady of many fine quail
ties. Happily, among the list of her
virtues is to be found that of persever
ance, and every buoyant hope, which
have carried her safely thus far. Should
she even fail of her object, fortitude
will not forsake her. Resignation will
then be expected to adorn that mind
which has hitherto been equal to every
emergency.
The long pending suit before the SUI
preme Court of the United States, hav-
ing been decided in favor Of the heroine
of the above story. she is now the veal
thlest woman in the Union, being worth
about fifteen millions of dollars.
ESQ.,
Origin Of The Names Of The States.
Maine VINO caHad ac oarIv 90 l62o
from Maine in France. of which Henri
eta Maria, Queen of England, was at
that time proprietor.
New Hampshire was the name given
to the territory conveyed by the Plymoth
company to Captain John Mason, by pa
tent. Nov. 7, 1859, with reference to the
patentee, who was governor oe Ports.
mouth. in Hampshire, England
Vermont wac 80 called BY the inhabi-