Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1847-06-29

4
| to improve their condition.
/ Five years from the time when Henry Oliver
commence the practice of law, in association
with Mr.. Hallarn, he was run by one OF the po-
ltical parties for Congress- and elected by large
majority In the Hall Of Representatives he
distinguished himself in many important bates
and his became known throughout the
country. For many years he continued to be
elected to Congress- and to be held in high esii-
nation man Of great intellectual power and
unflinchng integrity No man had farer rep
utation-no man was held in greater esteem by
his pc rsonal friends. or by the people, who only
knew his w orth by the quality of his nets
Thus had he earned for himself distinguish
ed name, all men were proud to take hum by
the hand and all circles felt honored by his pres
ence, though the facts of his early life and
doubtful parentage were very well known
Mr. Haam it'll whom Henry was still asso-
cated in business, sitting in his office one
dav about ten wears from the time when young
Oliver had stepped upon the worlds broad stage
as man, when the widow of very eminent
professional man who had died some years before,
came in and begged to have a few words of con-
versaton with him. provided the interview would
had known the lady for years. She was connect
ed with some of the best families in the state,
and had, in her younger days, been brilliant wo-
man Of fashion. He assured her that any thing
she might wish to say him would be held per-
fcc,ly sacred. She seemed good deal disturbed
and sat for some time evidently at loss how to
be gin the communication she wished to make
At length she said
..You are, of course, intimately acquainted
with Mr.. Oliver"
I 81 am" replied Mr.. Halan; ~ raised him,
might almos, say, from a boy, know him tho
roughly"
"IIe has made himself a brilliant rcputa,ion,' >
remarked the lady.
ale has fairly and honestly made it. But the
public know not half his WORTH
'Do Won know his famIlv?'' asked the lady
"No, nor does he know them himself lie was
abandon By his mother when an infant
$50 have heard. But has he no suspicion
who are his relltlons?'
"None in the least
"Let them occupy what social position they
NAV, he " i'll do them no dscredit." said the Ia
dy
"Discredit.' calculated Mr. Haam. "No
ma am But he would 90 them honor. / care
not who his relatives or how they stand, Hen
" Oliver is worthy TO take his place beside
hem"
"Thev might claim him now, without blush
of shame - continued the lady, looking intcnt y
in the face OF Mr.. Haam.
so far Henry is concerned. they might,
, he returned feeling considerably annoyed by
the lady's manner and WORKS. and not really I'M
, derstunding the drift Of her strange questions.
MIR. Hallam," resumed the visitor. after
pause her voice slightly trembling."I will no"
, communicate a score, that has been locked in
my bosom for thirty years. Henry Ohxer IS my
I son.
"Your son,'' exclaimed Mr.. Halam, starting
to his feet. "Impossible?"
at is as say, Mr.. Hallam For years my
, ewes have been upon him, and have marked
with mothers pride--,nnged, j, is true, with
o,he, emotions of Ear less pleasing character
his steady advancement to positions Of honor
The time has at last come it seems TO me, whe !,
| can claim him without disgrace. II is no dis
honor to be the mother Of such son, even if he
were not born i'll wedlock.'
Mr. HalIam was COMPOUNDED. He made no re-
ply for no words that he dared utter could at all
, express his feelings. While he stood silently
LOOKING into lace OIL his NiSitoT, siit
sNow that Won know secret. which for the
present al least, must remain such. wish you Il
obtain for me an interview with my SON.
Mr.. Hallam bowed.
"Can have it to-dayl'
81 presume So
"May ask you 10 bring Henry to my hous'
this alernoon7'
Il will tell him that You desire to see him
] any hour you may name replied Mr. Haliasn
! ..Say five o'clock
Mr.. Hallam again bowed.
His visiter fingered for a while, making man.
: remarks on the subject, all going to show tina
the pride she felt in her sons reputation was tn
! only Incentive she had in claiming him; and tina
o this feeling entirely obl,eraied all $ anne and al
. compunction at having abandoned him while al
Y infant.
;, AT FIVE o'clock Henry Oliver called at the hous
OF the lady who had desired an interview. N or
o der, as he supposed. 10 consult him on some pro
d fessional business. He found her sitting in on
e Of her parlors. She received him in a formal an
), somewhat embarrassed manner. After both Ia
sat silent for space of time, the lady sal
e without any preliminary remark, and in lon
d rather agitated voice.
r, ..Henry, l am Your mother.''
as if pistol had been fred close TO his ear; CAV
d the woman look of profound establishment. an
a then replied in firm tone