Windham County Democrat. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1836-1853, 1849-06-06
A TRUE STORY.

Many years ago happened to be one of the refer
ees in case that excited unusual interest in our
courts, from the singular nature of the claim. and
the strange story which it disclosed. The plaintiff
who captain of ship which traded principally
with the West Indies, had married quite early with
every prospect of happiness His wife was said to
have been extremely beautiful and 10 less ovdy in
her character.
After living with her in the most uninterrupted
harmony for five years, during which time two dalgl-
tiers were added TO the family, he suddenly resolved
TO resume his occupations which he had relinlushed
on his marriage, and when his youngest child was
but three weeks old, sailed more for the West
Indies His wife, who devotedly attached to
him, sorrowed deeply at his absence and 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 did any letters thosef-
sufficient but welcome substitutes, arrive to chter
her solitude. Months heightened into years, yet no
tdings were received from the absent husband and
after hoping against hope, the unhappy wife was
compelled to believe that he had found grave be-
meath the weltering ocean.
Her sorrow deep and heartfelt, but the evils
of poverty were added TO her Affections, and
the widow found herself obliged 10 resort TO some
employment in order TO support her children. Her
needle was the only resource, for ten years she la
bored early and late for the miserable pance which
is grudgingly bestowed on humble seam
stress.
A merchant in New York. in moderate but pros
porous circumstances accidentally became acqaint-
ed with her; and pleased with her gentle manners
no less than her most extreme beauty, lac endeayor-
ed to improve their acquaintance with friendship.
After some months he offered his hand and was
accepted As the wife of a successful merchant,
she 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 father were furnished with every
comfort requisite in their new avocaon of house
keepers. But they hardly quilted his roof when
their mother was taken i'll. She died after few
days, and from that time until the period of which
speak the wdower resided with the youngest dapni-
ter
Now comes the strangest part of the story. After
an absence of over thirty years, during which time
no tidings had arrived from him, the first husband
returned us suddenly as he had departed
He had changed his ship, adopted another NAME
and spent the whole of that long period on the ocean,
with other transient visits on shore, while taking q
or dscharging cargoes, having been careful never to
come nearer home than New Orleans. Why he
had acted in this objectionable manner towards his
family, no one could tell, and he obsnatey refused
all explanation.
There were strange rumors of slave-trading and
piracy afloat, but they were only whispers of con-
lecture rather than truth. Whatever might have
been his motives for his conduct he certainly
any thing but Indifferent TO his family concerns when
he returned. He raved like mad-ma when in
formed of his wifes second marriage and subsequent
death, vowng vengeance upon his successor, and
terrifying his daughters by the most awful threats
in they refused to acknowledge his claims. lie
had returned wealthy, and one of the mean reptiles
of the law, who has always to be found crawling
abont the halls of Justice advised him to bring sui
against the second husbands assuring him that he
could recover heavy damages. The absurdity of in
sinuating claim for wife whom death had relcas
ed from the Jurisdiction of earthly laws was man.
fest that it was at length agreed by all parties
Tho ttpr IN Inc adj nv fivp rpfar
1t upon bright and beautiful afternonD-ir
Spring, when we met 10 hear the singular case
The sunlight streamed through the dusky windows
of the courtroom, and shed halo around the long
grey locks and broad forehead of the defendant
while the plaintiff harsh features thrown into
still holder relief, by the same beam which softenet
the placid countenance of the adversary.
The plaintiffs lawyer made most eloquent appea
for his client and had not been informed abou
, the matter, hearts would have been melted b,
his touching description of the return of the desc
, late husband, and the agony with which he be
: held his household goods removed to consecrate
! strangers hearth. The celebrated Aaron Burr wal
counsel for the defendant and we anticipated from
, him splendid display of oratory
, Contrary to our expectations, however, Burr made
no attempt to contute his opponents oratory. Ilt
merely opened book of statutes, and pointing witt
his thin finger to one of the pages desired the ref
erees to read 1t, while he retired for moment 10
the principal iCitneSS
; We had scarcely finished the section which full
, decided the matter in our minds when Burr center
) ed with tall and elegant female leaning on his arm
/ She was attired in simple white dress, with
wreath of ivy leaves encrclng her large straw bon
, net, and lace veil completely concealing her coun
tenance. Burr whispered few words apparent
encouraging her advance, and then gracefully raj
sing her VEIL discovered to a face of proud, sur
passing beauty. recollect it as well if it hap
> pened yesterday. How simultaneously the murmu
of admiration burst from the lips of all present.
Turning to the plaintiff, MIR Rnrr asked in coli
: quiet tone
= "Do you know this lady ?"
}, Answer-"l do"
Burr-"NNill you swear TO that?'
G Ans-1 will TO the best of my knowledge an
I. belief she is my daughter"
G Burr-"Can you swear to her dentity!"
n Ans-"I can"
!: Burr-"What is her age?"
Ans-"She was 80 years old on the goth day
e April"
Bum.-"When did you last see her?'
Ans.-"At her own house, about fortnight since
G Burr.-"When did you see her previous to TN
meeting"
s. The plaintiff hesitated-a long pause ensued-
y the question repeated, and the at leng
e was
"On the 18th day of May, IL"
TX 'When she was Just three weeks old, )" added Bur
Y "Gentenlen" continued he, turning TO us, 81 hay
Dr. brought this lady here important witness,
D. such, think, she is. The plaintiffs counsel h
n pleaded eloquently in behalf of the bereaved hu