Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-09-25
From the Kuicserbooser for September.
THE WIDOWS HOPE.
A TALE OF REAL LIFE.

with my Pensioners, as well as with the world at
large But one that occurred not long since has
dweIt much on my mind, that | feel constrained
to give II TO the public.
Among my congregation is a widow lady. Of
most pious and exemplary character, who, with an
only son, has been a constant attendant upon my
ministry for upward Of ten years She has scarcely
reached the midsummer of existence. though she
has been widow for many years, her husband hav-
ing died soon after their marriage Her SON. at the
time Of which | write, had Just entered his eight
eeuh year. lie was an active, manly boy, of
thoughtful spirit, who looked more at the future
than boys of his age are apt to do. From his boy
hood he had had a great prediction for the water,
although his father, who seacaptain, had lost
his life upon that treacherous element Before he
left school, his talk was continually of the ocean
and the ships that 90 down to do business on its
mighty deeps; aud nearly all his pay-hours were
spent in lettering about the harbor and on board
the vessels that crowded its busy wharves He Oft
en- spoke to his mother of this ruling passion and
expressed determination OF gong 10 sea as soon
as hts school days were over She, however could
not bear the thought of this; and urged her oblec-
tons upon him with such aheclionaie and fearful
earnestness that he finally gave up the project and
submitted himself entirely TO her will According
ly when he had reached his fifteenth year he was
put out apprentice to a mechanic, with whom he
stayed, apparently contented until he had entered
iEhACthh ltdl pursuing MS dNOC1ion 50 Qil-
eily and so industriousy, that his mother thought
he had entirely forgotten his boyish prediction.
In the meantime, too, he had become attached to
young lady, the daughter OF a near neighbor aud
close friend Of his mothers, both Of whom were
also attendants upon my minisirations Intelligent
and thoughtful, with sweet face aud a pure aud
loving heart, Mary - was in every respect wor-
thy Of the regard Of the widows son.
About this time, the business to which William
xras Cd hoc I,o al
that too from causes that threatened to be perma-
nent, Many failures had taken place among the
employers, and his own master had discharged all
his Journeymen, who were thus thrown pennies
upon the world. These things created gloomy
dependency in Williams mind lie became rest
less, and was continually looking forward, and an
iicipafIng life Of struggle and poverty. Then his
old prediction for the returned with greater
force than ever, aud he felt that il was upon that
element. and that alone that his destiny was TO be
achieved These thoughts, however, he Kept from
his mother, well as from his berothed. But he
often impaired them 10 me, aud gave him such
consolation and advice as occurred to me at the
moment. Above all things, endeavored to lead
his thoughts from the sea.
As he frequently called to spend an evening with
me-for ! was much attached to him perceived
that he was every day growing more disseminated
and unhappy in his situation. His employer too,
had become neglected. of his AFFAIRS and dissipaied
and, | suspect. abusive toward his apprentices.
though Of this William never uttered word to me.
was disturbed at these indications, as well on his
account as on that Of his mother for, aware Of the
decided aud manly tone Of his character, felt sure
that he would not long remain in his present stua-
ton; and what would follow in that case, knew
too well. But | was not prepared must confess,
for what aerward happened. Going by the wild
ow's dwelling one morning, stepped in TO make a
short call when | found her in tears. On the Ia
bic lay an open letter, which she handed TO me
] without uttering word II was from William
On the day previous he had shipped for whaling
voyage, and before you will receive this letter, he
wrote, Il shall be on my way TO New-Bedford
where the ship lies. | have done wrong. know
dear mother, he continued; and am fully aware
how much sorrow my course will bring upon Mary
and yon. But, as could not resist the impulse
that led me on thought it best not TO impan IN,
design to either of YOU because your enireates and
tears would only have added nexpressibly to ny
own anguish, while they could not shake me from
my purpose. You shall hear from me often, unt
never, | trust, in way that shall make you blush
that am your son. Farewell! God will keeI
you, know, as hope he will me- handed The
letter back to the mother but knowing that words
of consolation at such moment, would sound bu
cold and cherries, ! took my departure, withou
saying word.
A few days alierward the Elizabeth, the ycsse
Bedford. on three years cruise in the Pacific
William wrote home by every conveyance, both 4
his mother and Mary and, as was a constant Wis
tier at the house OF the former, her letters were al
ways handed TO me for my perusal. was mucl
pleased with the manlness of his thoughts, as wei
as with the affection he always eyinced toward hi
mother, and all other friends he had left behind
and never laid down one OF his epstles wthou
saving. That boy will make noble man, YETI Il
ono Of his las: letters he informed us that, in con
sequence Of the desertion at one OF the islands q
tue second mate he had been put in his place, am
was now in a fair road 10 promotion lie was Of
board Of temperance ship, too, with pions, "a
thcrly captain, and steady crew. and TO this fact b
! often advered in his letters. This gave grea
consolation to his mother; but she often told m
!" that, when looking back TO the manner of his de
par;ure, she could never help greyng that i, Shout
have been so secret without ore pressure Of tn
hand, OF single vocal farewell Time, however
!. wore away the keenness of her grief; and after
lapse Of two years and upward, she, with hopefu
eye, began to look forward 10 his return. Mary
i too, had become comparatively happy again, an
' quietly remembered each day that brought her neal
= er her lover. One morning about this time too
! up my newspaper, aud on glancing hastily at III
shp-news, the following paragraph caught my eye
Spoken ship Elizabeth Of New Bedford o
! The 3Oth January, while in pursuit of whale, III
: second mate, William --, of -, wa
Il knocked overheard and drowned was nes
pressbly shocked at this sad intelligence. ha
spent an hour with his mother on the evening be
{ fore, and knew that she was then ignorant Of he
: calamity and therefore, hastily seizing my hat,
e went over to her dwelling, in order TO break tn
matter to her gently, with such words of console
ton as my office suggested, before the ruder yoc