The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-04-12
Volume L. Number 7.


God at whose bar must in few minutes appear
solemnly declare that you are the father of this in
nocent and injured child Takeh, and if not foe
its mothers sake, cherish it the memorial Of our
misfortunes, when shall be buried in the bosom Of
the dark and stormy ocean. Take it and teach it
the story of its mothers unhappy fate, that may
avoid future marriage where ike mine, the hand
is to be given without the heart"
All who were present she'd tears at this pathetic
appeal, and Constance Dubois wept as if her heart
would break. Even Dr. Mac Wash, who was
famed Tor taking all things easy, could notFefraih
from frequently applying to his null for reliefVhile
two large tears rolled down his singular face Mrs.
ST. Clair drew her child to her, kissed 1t several
times, then gently laid her hand upon the pillow.
composed herselfas ifo sleep, and breathing short
prayer, expired without groan.
1t is entirely out fthc power oflanguage toex-
press the feelings oftisose who still stood gazing on
the yet beautiful form of the lifeless Lucinda ST
Clair Through the rose had faded from her cheek
and the smile had fled from her once fascinating
mouth, yet there was charm still lingering about
her features which it was impossible to forget
The hearts ofthe spectators were touched even to
tenderness by the pratle of the child, and its vain
endeavours to waken its mother from her long
sleep.
The next day came, when it was considered ne
cessary to consign the dead body to the deep. The
little Scotsman objected, as twas ''sic shame to
gi sic beautiful body to the food o. wormsl and
fishes, and wadna comfort wi the moral dignity o.
the human race" But his objections were over.
ruled, for it was found that owing TO bad winds the
ship was at least twelve or fifteen days sail from
New York, and no means on board ofpreserving
the body until they should reach the port Accor-
dinghy, the body of the late charming Mrs. st.
Clair was securely wrapped in canvas, and placed
upon an inclined plain on the side of the ship. All
on board were assembled to witness the solemn
scene. Itwas deputed to DR.. Mac Wash to read
the funeral service, which he did in such quiz
zical manner that many were inclined to laugh, not
withstanding the serious occasion. After this, a
hymn was sung and the words pronounced-"We
commit the body to the deep, may God have mer- 4
yon the spirit which has departed" The next
moment plunge was heard, the waves divided,
then closed over again, and the gentle, accomplish
ed, and beautiful Mrs ST. Clair disappeared for
ever The melancholy husband sat upon the side
of the ship, watching the bubbles as they arose,
along after she receded from the spot He appear
ed more composed, but his mind seemed 10 have
settled into fixed despair, Heseldom spoke, and
noticed nothing that occurred on board. The child
after the loss of its mother, seemed to take no in
terest in any person but La Trappe, who was con-
fined in one of the state rooms, whose chains IL
played with, and to whom it seemed devotedly at
tached, as though grateful for his humanity in res
cuing it from watery grave.
Several nights after the death of Mrs. St. Clair
the crew of the Albicn were awfully alarmed at
hearing voice in the very tones of the murdered
lady, declaring the innocence of the injured La
Trappe. Sometimes it appeared to proceed from
the round-top, sometimes from the yard arms, and
at others, from the cabin and the berth where Mrs.
St. Clair was murdered The sailors knew mott
what t. make fit, but it ceased on their arrivalat
New York; and it was not until long after that it
was discovered that La Trappe was professed
ventrloquist. On the arrival of the ship at New
York, the dispatches from government, in the pos
session of La Trappe, were delivered to Sir Hen
y Clinton, who was thunderstruck at the idea
hat man, whom he supposed Of so much service
o the British army, should be guilty of imbruing
lis hands in the blood of beautiful and innocent
woman. He was confined in building appropria-
ed by Sir Henry, and jailer appointed. La Trap
,e the first night after his arrival, sunk into pro-
ound Sleep About midnight he was awakened,
md discovered female with dark lantho:n stand
ng over him.
'In the name of God whence came your" said
he astonished prisoner. 'Why disturb you
wretch doomed to suffer for the crime OF al oher."
''Nay," returned the female, al come to give
ou berty-rise and prepare to fly"
'By what strange means did You pass the jail
r?'
"By appealing TO his heart, whenla bribe had
ed. told him | was your wife, that had come
see YOU for the last time; and asked him whath he
ould think of the man who would otlet his
ifs pass to see him for the last time, if he were
,ndemned to die! He wipeda tear and bade me
ass, for which gave him some wine, into which
had infused some opium"
'Who are your" asked La Trappe, sand why 4
Ike you this interest in my welfare"
s'My name is Constance Dubois, and the rea-
IN am here is, that an innocent man may notsuf-
T. Rise and follow me, and life and liberty are
,urs''
La Trappe, almost doubling his senses, arose
ID followed the undaunted Constance. The jail
, overcome by the influence Of the drug, had
nix into profound slumber, and they passed on
lmoested to the street La Trappe's first object
as to procure boat, with witch he passed up the
udson, accompanied by Constance. On the