The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1847-12-24
From the Star Spangled Banner.
THE DRAYMAN:
Or Wealth VS.. Worth.

merchant who lived in the city of New York
He had graduated at well known university,
and had spent three years i'll one of the best
law offices in the city, and two yeers in the
city of Boston, having it in view to establish
himself in his profession in the latter place,
where by the gift of his father and uncle he
was in possession of large property.
Few young men enter upon the responsible
tiles of life with sounder philosophy, more ex-
emplary habits-or with more correct views of
human happiness, than did the subject of our
story, lie was, moreover, close observer of
men and things, and had learned, that at least,
one source Of human misery could be traced
to the false standards of worth so often found
in communities.
He had, during his collegiate course, been a
member of class of society, whose customs
had exemplitied to his mind an error too often
prevalent in regarding wealth and the distinc-
tions 1t confers, the passport to honor and USE
fulness. He resolved to show, in his case, the
folly of it.
On his return from Boston to New York, he
was received with every mark of respect and
distinction that could have been desired by the
most ambitious mind. At many parties he
was welcomed as an honored guest, and flatter-
ed by all.
SO remarkably prepossessing in personal APP
pcarance was he, that he received from his as
sociates the sobriquet of the Young Napoleon
Nor was there one whose manly beauty better
deserved the distinctions this voluntary COM
plment sought to bestow. His tall, finely
formed person-dark and intelligent eye
open and frank countenance-dignfed and
honorable conduct, gave attraction to him
wherever known.
Yet, with far too many, he believed his chief
nj al, TO 70 ha Dir 70 ho
invited, was his known wealth. This he be-
lieved to be the passport which gave him ad-
mittance to the high favor he enjoyed among
the distinguished heiresses of beauty and for
tune, sporting like gay butterflies in every cir
Gle in which he moved.
Taking this view of things, he naturally be-
came distrustful-more SO, in all probability,
than was iusttiable. He placed less credit to
the account of many who appeared to regard
him with more esteem, than was due.
Three months from the day on which Sum-
merton entered the joyous circle of home,
amid the scenes of his youth, and felt the
warm affectionate embrace of his mother
awakening the fond recollectons of child
heed, he had resolved to leave that endeared
place, to all appearance, and to spend some
time abroad. Yet he never left the city. Not
a day passed on which he did not see the ia
mlllar faces OF MS IrlenuS.
The fine broadcloth and gold appendages of
wealth had been exchanged for the coarse
frock and pants, with the glazed cap of a
Drayman-the finished carriage was exchang-
ed for good cart; and thus furnished he hir-
ed lodgings in a good house in retired street.
and prepared for adventure.
Day after day saw him driving quietly
through the streets, none of his old associates
recognizing him or dreaming that the merry
whistle of the driver, who playfully cracked
his whip over the ears Of fine French horse,
was the son of millionaire, and himself
worth half million.
His exactness in all things-his faithful at
tention to business soon gained him large
share of confidence among the merchants and
he soon added several teams to his own.
The familiar name of Bob which he as
sumed was as notorious in a few months as the
ambition of Drayman could desire. Nor
was the field of his labors or his popularity
alone confined to his business.
The superior advantages his education gave
him, especially in law, soon offered him fire.
quent opportunities for improving and benefit
ing his fellow laborers. In several instances
he volunteered his services in settling Difficult
ties which had arisen between them-always
advising settlements rather than litigation.-
He thus acquired influence over them, which
he afterwards made very serviceable to the
political party to which he was attached, much
to his qualification.
Among the mercantile houses for which he
did business in his line, was the firm of Bout
ing & Co.-the senior partner of which was
one of the wealthiest merchants In the place.
During the three months he had spent in
propyia perSonae he had become acquainted
with Helen Boutng, the youngest and he
thought, lovely and highly accomplished
daughter OF the merchant. Her beauty, no
less than her intelligence charmed him, yet,
so distrustful had he become, that he feared,
lest should he avow his attachment to her,
choice might be made on her part, less gov