Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-04-03
A PASSING SHADOW OF LIFE.

The Philadelphia Gazette records a circum
stance that was noticed in that city on Tuesda,
last, whilst the ship Thomas p. Cope was drop
ping off her fastenings to take her departure fol
Liverpool, having amongst her Storage passen.
gers, various emigrants returning to the gres,
valleys of their fatherland, disappointed in not
hnding in our country the FL Dorado that had
been promised them:
"Among the passengers was a woman who had
no attraction OF form feature to arrest the aten-
ton. There was, however, a nervousness or hes
itation about her action, which induced us to OBJ
serve ner more narrowly She several times as
cended the gangway leading up the ships side,
and standing on the gunwae, gazed intently up
the street, as If awaiting the approach of some
one The order was then given TO cast off the
ships fastenngs; friends had exchanged their
pairing greetings, and all had descended to the
| decks. This woman still remained, statue-like,
WIN her eyes fixed longingly in the direction in
dicated. Some Of her acquanlances tried to per-
suade her to get on board; finally she word seem
70 yieid' nut Her strength of mind would fail her.
ana she would rush on shore again. The fasten-
'nes "ero loosened; the ship was abou. TO sway
OH from the dock, when her friends again appeal-
go 20 net; she again assembled and stood irreso-
iute; there was but moment 10 decide; an in
slant and 1t would be too late she threw forward
her arms; some acquaintances received her and
WIN her eyes streaming with tears and her head
bent backward and turned over her shoulders 10
take her last, long, lingering look she disappear.
ed behind the bulwarks and we saw her no more
"Our curiosity was excited to know the his,o-
ry OF her hearts longing, and we therefore made
inquiry among those watching the ships depar-
ture. We could CLEAN but an outline of her so-
ry she had brutal husband, whose conduct
was so insuferable that some friends about to
.'return home" advised her 10 accompany them.
She had yielded; but when the hour of separa-
"on-pcrhaps forever--approached, her heart
seemed TO soften; old memories were re-awakened;
me youthful troth, tho at the altar, and the
hrst endearmen,s Of the welded state rushed back
upon her mini the husband who, perhaps an in
ebrlate, had :ll-lreated her. or had forgotten her
Tor another, was her husband still. And, in the
nope to see him once agan-perchance to have
MN come to her penitent; and ask her to forgive
HIM and remain, she gazed up that long street
until her eye-balls seemed strained almost to
cracking. But he came not! Beneath that coarse
gown there beat woman's bosom in the recess
es OF that heart there was the diamond in the
rrongh of pure female ove-generous, long-sulTer-
Ing, forgiving, and undying. We can Imagine
the anguish OF that separation; the intensity of
agony which now overwhems the poor creature
when The waves Of the ocean have cnt of all
hopc of return May lie who comfortetlr the
mourner's woes and aeviates the bitterness of
SORROWS cup, soothe her with his holy influence
and bring balm to her crushed and wounded
spirit"