The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-06-16
The Two Husbands.
A STORY OF THRILLING INTEREST

Many years ago I happened to be one
the references in case that excited unu-
sual interest in our courts, from the sngu-
lar nature of the claim, and the strange
story which it disclosed. The plaintiff,
who was the captain of merchant ship
which traded principally with the West
Indies, had married quite early with eve
ry prospect of happiness. His wife was
said to have been extremely beautiful, and
no less lovely in character.
After living with her in the most unin-
terrupted harmony for five years, during
which time two daughters were added to
the family, he suddenly resolved to resume
his occupation, which he had relinquished
on his marriage, and when his youngest
child was but three weeks old, sailed once
more for the West Indies. His wife, who
was 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, nor
did any letters, those insufficient but well
come substitutes, arrive to cheer her soli-
tude. Months heightened into years, yet
no tidings were received from the absent
husband; and after hoping against hope,
the unhappy wife was compelled to believe
that he had found grave beneath the well
tering ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but
the evils of poverty were now added to
her affections, and the widow found her
self obliged to resort to some employment
in order 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 grudging-
ly bestowed on an humble seamstress.
A merchant in New York, in moderate
but prosperous circumstances, accidentally
became acquainted with her, and pleased
with her gentle manners no less than her
extreme beauty, endeavored to improve
their acquaintance with friendship.
After some months he offered his hand,
and was accepted. As the wife of sue
cessful merchant, she soon found herselfin
the enjoyments of comforts and Injuries,
such as she had never possessed. Her
children became his children, and received
fire. him every advantage which wealth
~ affection could procure.
Fifteen years passed away; the daughters
married, and by their step-father were fur
nished with every comfort requisite in
their new ayocation as house-keepers. But
they had 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 l speak, the widower resided
with the youngest daughter.
Now comes the strangest part Of the sto-
ry. After an absence of thirty years,
during which time no tidings had been re-
ceived from him, the frs, husband returned
as suddenly as he had departed.
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 discharg-
ing cargoes having been careful never to
come nearer home than New Orleans.
Why he had acted in this objectionable
manner towards the family, no one could
tell, and he obstinately refused all explana-
lion. x y
There were strange rumors of slave trad
ing and piracy aAoat, but they were only
whispers of conjecture rather than truth.
Whatever might have been his motives
for his conduct, he was certainly anything
but Indifferent to his family concerns when
he returned. He raved like mailman
when informed of his wife's second mar
riage and subsequent death, vowing ven
geance upon his successor, and terrifying
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 to be found crawling about the
halls Of justice, advised him to bring suit
against the husband, assuring him that he
could recover heavy damages. The absur-
dity of instituting claim for wife whom
death had already released from the juris-
diction of earthly laws, was SO manifest
that it was at length agreed by all to leave
the matter to be adjudged by five referees.
1t was on bright and beautiful after
noon in spring, when we met to hear the
singular case. The sunlight streamed
through the dusty windows of the court
room, and shed halo around the grey locks
and broad forehead Of the defendant while