Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-03-15
Correspondence Of The Jour. Of Com.
MRS. GEN. GAINES-A ROMAN
TIC STORY.
wAsnlreror. Feb. Ii. 1874.

WAsBrEoroN, Feb. 10, 1914.
THE two most important cases now be-
fore the Supreme Court, are those Of the
heirs of Stephen Girard, UerSus the city Of
Philadelphia, and that of Mrs. Gaines, the
wife of Gen. Gaines, who has long and ear
nestly labored for her rightful possession.
The history Of Mrs. Gaines, were it UNI
folded would be seen to possess something
of the romantic. For a long time her pa
rentage was concealed from her. In early
life she was brought from New Orleans to
the Middle States, and for many years living
in the family Of a Col. Davis, near VIII
mington, Del, passing under the name of
Myra Davis, as a niece or perhaps daughter
of this man, who was believed TO have pos
session Of some portion of her property
As her mind unfolded with the growth Of
her person, Myra naturally became inquisi-
tive on the subject of her lineage, expecta-
tons, &C., but obtained little satisfaction
from her reputed uncle or father. Davis,
however, sent her to the best schools, that
she might receive a finished education.
where she learned French, drawing, &C.
Arrived at womanhood, with a sprightly
mind, a good person, and a very frank, az
fectionate and coniding disposition, Myra
became an object of interest TO those Of the
other sex, who are not insenslble TO the
charms of the more tender portion Of our
race. Probably the air of mystery that sur
rounded her, did not diminish that interest.
There was one young man in particular,
who was smitten with her charms MIR.
Whitney, son Of Gen. Whitney, of your
State, a lawyer by profession, an amiable
and excellent young man, and in the estima-
ton of Miss Davis, to be preferred before
all others to a place in her affections. To
his proposals for a union, Miss ID. assent
ed, with a !rankness which presented a
strong contrast TO the feelings of her uncle.
He was violently opposed to it, without, il
is believed, assigning a satisfactory reason.
Every obstacle, however, thrown in the path
Of the lovers, served only to strengthen
their mutual attachment. Miss d. fled the
house Of her uncle, took refuge in a seclu-
sion which he in vain endeavored to pene-
trate, awaited with a maiden's modesty and
e lovers anxiety the arrival Of her betroth-
ed-for lovers will exchange pledges, tho
it be through stone walls or over tempestu-
Gus waves made a grand mistake in meet
ing another gentleman of the name of
Whitney, who happened to arrive at a GER
tain place in a train Of cars, in which at the
same hour she expected the real Whitney
but at length, after the course of true love
had run with a roughness to which their
young hearts had been strangers, they were
happily and triumphantly married.
MIR. and Mrs. Whitney went to New Or
leans, the seat Of some millions worth of
property which she claimed as her own, and
which she contends is fraudulently withheld
from her. Mr.. Whitney there investigated
the matter with untlring diligence, met with
usual obstinate opposition in such cases, and
was, | believe, even thrown into prison.
He was not destined either to recover the
property, or to continue in life with his be-
loved bride. Mrs. Whitney became a Wild
ow, a youthful widow, and a very sincere
mourner. In this state of womanhood, she
/, was approached by the gallant old General,
who sympathized SO deeply with her sor-
! rows as to offer to take that place in her af-
, ~fections which had been occupied by her de-
, parted husband. Whether those substantial
; charms in expectancy had any hand in van
! gushing the heart of the old gentleman, il
would be presumptuous in any one to deter.
mine, without looking into the interior of
! his mind, and inspecting his motives. The
frank-hearted girl, however, was understood
to have assured the brave soldier, in accent
} ing his hand, that one condition must ever
be reserved. She was always to have the
privilege of eulogizing the character, loving
the memory, and descanting on the virtues
I of her first and youthful Love ad H6itum.-
Who would refuse such a boon? OF late
years the General and his lady have been
engaged at times in travelling as the minis
tiers of Deace and uood will IN mon NJ timaa
in prosecuting this claim, involving an inn
| mense fortune. The laws delay has for a
long time held the result in allegiance. But
: at this session of the Court, it has been ar
gued by eminent Counsel at lenetb,-the
matter is before the Judges in full,-the
parties are anxiously 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 | sim
J. cerely believe has been u%njustly denied her.
Mrs. g. is a lady of many fine qualities
Happily, among the list of her virtues is 10
be found perseverance, and ever-buoyant
hope, which have carried her safely thus far.
Should she even fail of her object, fortituds
will not forSake her. Resignation will then
be expected to adorn the mind which has
hitherto been equal to every emergency.
The U. S. Supreme Court have decided
the famous case of Gen. Gaines and his wife
d in their favor. This makes General Gaines
worth about SIG, 900, 900 in property in
l. New Orleans--the richest man in this coun-
k try.