Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-06-07
A True Story.

intciest Ill our courts, ITOlH tuc Singular ma
ture of the claim, and the strange story
which it disclosed. The plaintiff, who was
captain of merchant ship which traded
principally with the West Indies, had mar
ried quite early, with every prospect of hap
piness His wife was said TO have been ex-
tremely beautiful, and no less lovely in
character
After living with her in the most uninter-
rupted harmony for five years, during which
time two daughters were added to the fam-
ly, he suddenly resolved to resume his oc-
cupeton, which he had relinquished on his
marriage, and when his youngest child was
but three weeks old, sailed once more to the
West Indies His wife who was devotedly
attached TO him, sorrowed deeply at his alb
sence, aud found her only comfort in the
society of the children, and the hopes of
his return. But month after month passed
away, and he came not, nor did any letters,
those insufficient but welcome substitutes,
arrive to cheer her solitude Months length
ened into years, yet no tidings were re-
ceived from the absent husband and after
hoping against hope, the unhappy wife was
compelled to believe that he had found
grave beneath the ocean waves.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but
the evils of poverty were now added 10 her
Affections, and the widow found herself
obliged to resort to some employment in or
der to support her children. Her needle
was the only resource, and for ten years
she labored early and late, for the miserable
pittance which is ever grudgingly bestowed
Oh an humble seamstress.
A
but prosperous circumstances, accidentally
became acquainted with her, and, pleased
with her gentle manners no less than with
her extreme beauty, endeavored to improve
their acquaintance into friendship.
After some months, he offered his hand
and was accepted. AS the wife of the sue
cessiul merchant, she soon found herself in
the enjoyment of comforts and luxuries such
as she had never possessed. Her children
became his children, and received from him
every advantage which wealth and affection
could procure.
Fifteen years passed away; the daughters
married, and by their step-tather were fur
nshed with every article of comfort requi-
site in their new avocation of housekeepers.
But they had hardly Quilted his roof when
their mother was taken ill. She died after
few days, and from that time until the Pc
riod of which speak, the widower resided
with the youngest daughter.
Now comes the strongest part of the sto-
ry. Alter an absence of over thirty years,
during which no tidings had been received
from him, the first husband returned as sud-
denly as he went.
He had changed his ship, adopted anoth-
er name, and spent the whole Of that long
period on the ocean, with only transient
visits on shore, while taking in or dschar-
ging cargoes, having been careful never to
come nearer to home than New Orleans.
Why he had acted in this objectionable
manner towards his family, no one could
tell, and he refused an explanation.
There were strange rumors ofslave trading
and piracy ahoat, but they were only whis-
pers of conjecture, rather than truth. What
ever might have been his motive for this
conduct, he was anything but indifferent to
his family when he returned. lie raved
like mailman when informed of his wife S
second marriage, and subsequent death,
vowed vengance upon his successor, and
terrified his daughters by the most awful
threats, in case they refused to acknowledge
his claims
He had returned wealthy, and one of the
mean reptiles of the law, who are always tc
be found crawling about the halls of JUS
tice, advised him to bring suit against the
second husband assuring him that he coulG
recover heavy damages. The absurdity o
iusttuting claim for a wife whom deatl
had already released from the jurisdiction
of earthly laws, was so manifest, that it wa:
at length agreed by all parties to leave thu
matter to be adjudged by five referees.
1t was upon bright and beautiful after
noon in Spring, when we met to hear this sin
gular case. The sunlight streamed through
the dusty windows of the court room, ant
shed halo round the long grey locks ant
broad forehead of the defendant, while thu
plaintiffs harsh features were thrown int
still holder relief, by the same beam whicl
softened the pleasant and soft countenanc
of his adversary
The plaintiffs lawyer made most elo
quent appeal for his client, and had we no
been informed about the matter, our heart
would have been melted by his touching
description of the return of the desolate hus
band, and the agony with which he no,
beheld his household gods removed to con
secrate strangers hearth.
The celebrated Aaron Burr was counse
: for the defendant, and we anticipated fror
him splendid display of oratory. Contra
ny to our expectations, however, Burr mad
no attempt to coniute his opponents oratc
ry He merely opened book of statutes
and pointing with his thin finger to one Z
the pages, desired the referees to read il
while he retired for moment to bring i
the principal witness.
: We had scarcely finished the section
which fully decided the matter in our mind:
, when Burr re-entered with tall and elC
giant female leaning on ois arm. She wa
attired in simple white dress, with
wreath of ivy leaves encircling her larg
I straw bonnet, and lace veil completed
concealing her countenance. Burr viii:
! pered few words, apparently encouragin
her to advance, and then gracefully raisin
7 the veil, discovered to us face Of PROUD
9 surprising beauty. l recoIlect, as well q
! if it had happened yesterday, how smut;
Y neously the murmur of admiration bur-
. from all present. Turning to the plantif
e Burr asked, in a cold quiet tone
q. IN n. IxI