The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-03-27
MRS. GEN. GAINES-ROMAN.
TIC STORY.

Washington Feb. l3.-The two most
important cases now before 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.
eral Gaines, who has long and earnestly
labored for her rightful possession. En-.
ineut Counsel are engaged in these cases,
and it is pleasant TO contrast the quiet
dignity of the supreme Court Room. with
the more animated hustle of inferior
, Courts,
The History of Mrs Gaines, were it un-
folded would be seen to possess something
Of the romantic. For long time her per-
rentage was concealed from her. In ear
life she was brought from New Orleans
TO the middle States, and for many years
living in a family of a Col Davis, near
Wilmington, Del, passing under the name
of Myra Davis, as the neice or perhaps the
daughter of this man, who was believed
to have possession of some of her property.
As her mind unfoldeG with the growth of
her person Myra naturally became inquis-
tive on the subject of her lineage, expec-
tations, &C., but obtained little satisfact-
ion from her reputed uncle or father. Da.
Wis, however, sent her TO the best schools,
that she might receive finished aduca :
ton, where she learned French. drawi ng,
9c. Arrived at womanhood, with a
sprightly mind, good person, and a very,
affectionate and confding disposition, MY.
ra became an object ofinterost 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 surrounded her, did not diminish that
interest. There was one man in particu-
lar, who was smitten with her charms,
Mr. Whitney, son Of Gen Whitney, Of
your State, lawyer by profession, an
amiable and excellent young man, and in
the estimation of Miss Davis, to be pre-
fered above all others to a place in her
affections, To his proposal for union.
Miss Davis assented, with frankness
which presented strong contrast to the
feelings of her uncle. He was violently
opposed TO il, without, it is believed assign
ing satisfactory reason. Every obsta-
Gle, however, thrown in the path of the
lovers, served only TO strengthen their
mutual attachment. Miss d. fed the
House of her uncle, took refuge in the Sc
clnsion which he in vain endeavoure1 TO
penetrate,awaited with maiden's modes
iy and lovers anxiety the arrival Other
betrothed--for lovers will exchange pledg
es, though it be through stone walls or o.
yer tempestous waves-made a grand mis-
take in meeting another man by the name
of Whitney, who happned TO arrive at a
certain place in a train ofcars which in
the same hour she expected the real
Whitney-but at length, after the course
Of their true love had run with a roug hness
TO which their young hearts had hitherto
been strangers, they were happily MAR
RIED. Mr. 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 fraud
ulently withheld from her. Mr. w. there
investigated the matter with untiring dill
gence, met with the usual obstinate oppo.
sition in such cases, and was, believe
even thrown into prison. He was not
destined to either recover the property, or
10 continue in life with his beloved bride
Mrs Whitney became widow, youth.
full widow, and very sincere mourner
In this state of widowhood she was ap-
preached by the gallant old General, who
sympathised so deeply with her sorrows
as TO offer to take that place in her affect
ions which had been occupied by her de
parted husband. Whether those subsian-
lial charms in expectancy had an hand
in vanquishing the heart of the old gentle>
man, it would be Prescriptions in any one
TO determine, without looking into TIE
interior of his mind, and inspecting his
motives. The frank hearted girl, howev-
ever. was understood to have assured the
brave soldier, in accepting his hand, that
one condition must ever he reserved. She
J was always to have the privilege of eulog.
izing the character, loving the memory
and descanting the virtues of their first
aud youthful Love, ad ibitum.-Who
: would refuse such booni Of late years
+ the General and his lady have been en-.
+ ragged at times in travelling as the minis
tiers of peace and good will TO men; al
t times in prosecuting this claim, involving
an immense fortune. The law has for
a long time held the result in obeyance.
But ar this session of the Supreme,C C. il has
been argued by eminent Counsel at length
the matter is before the Judges in full
the parties are anxiously awaiting that
decision which is to make our break. But
if Justice be done, there is little doubt thai
Mis- Gaines will win the cause, and come
INTO the possession of that property which
sincerely believe has been unjustly de-
MED her. Mrs Gaines is a lady of many
fine qualities. Happily, among the list:
of her virtues is TO be found that Of Perse.
, verance.