Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-12-06
AN ORIGINAL STORY.
A sKRroH FROM REAL LIFE.


My ancestors emigrated from the Albion
Isle about one hundred and seventy years
ago and settled in the Province of Virginia.
About the year 49,, in one of the Coun-
ties of the Old Dominion, were to be seen
a gay and fashionable party, gathering at a
stately country mansion. Around the yard
stood costly and finely decorated carriages,
liveried attendants and prancing, noble
blooded steeds, eyincing that some extraor-
dinary scene was about to transpire which
had collected the aristocraey of all that sec
tion Of country. Down the long avenue
embowered with luxuriant shade trees, is to
be seen approaching richly clad gentle
man, with associates chosen from the richest
families of Virginia. He was young, buoy
ant and handsome of tall and command
ing appearance an accomplished scholar
and Of the most polished manners. He ar
riNes, and is saluted on all hands as the for
tunate Edward --, the Bridegroom
for it was wedding occasion that had con-
gregated the joyous crowd together.
4 Let us follow him to the room where, with
palpitating heart, and blushing cheek, his
intended awaits his coming. She rises with
i queen-like dignity to receive him. Her
dark auburn eurls are insufficient to con-
ceal the virgin blush of innocence as it is
: mantles her cheek her dark lustrous eyes
! beam forth joy and happiness and her tall
: figure and commanding step elicit the admi-
ration of all. Soon they are ushered into
the brilliantly lighted hall, where diamonds
: and rubies fash from her costly decorated
, parsonage. A murmur of applause and adj
. miration is heard, but in moment all is
e quiet, as the Reverend man of God, in sol
) emn tones, proceeds with the marriage Ger
! emony. In the sight of high Heaven and
: in the presence of that large coneourse o.
b witnesses, he solemnly promises to love
I honor and protect her who likewise confded
! to him the treasures of her hearts best af
o fections. They were man and wife.
:, The merry sounds of the viol invited al
+ to the amusements of the dance, and on g tn,
i light, fantastic toe F" that happy assemblag,
/ tripped away till the gray hours of morning
n The insidious wine cup was circulated, 0
< which the newl y elected husband partool
IS quite freely. A succession of brilliant par
o ties followed, at each of which Edward -
e partook to intoxication.
is At the close of the honeymoon festiyi
d ties, the happy pair repaired to the ampl
is estate of the husband, on the fertile bank
st Of the broad Roanoke. Along by the sid
e of that same majestic and luxuriant stream
s. lay the rich farm he had inherited by hi
d beautiful bride, besides several thousands q
c dollars in ready cash, in the hands of he
i brother (who was her guardian, her fathe
having died in the Revolutionary struggle.
g oh how much joy, happiness, and homo
y was in store for this highly favored couple
l. ALAS it was of short duration. The ru
inous draught Of intoxication led to tn
p racetrack, the gaming table and the mic
is night debauch. Following each other
E. rapid and fearful succession, soon his proper
s ty is squandered, and he dies in few yea1
es after the occurrence of the joyous scenes;
lg bove recorded, in dreadful fit of mania po1
ii tul His large estate is wound up, and OF
10 of all his vast possessions Of the moi
ID valuable plantations in Virginia and some 3
a or 40 slaves-only three hundred dolIa'
= remained for the support of his widow an
lis orphan daughter
all Hands unused to labor had now to beg
Is the task for sustenance. By dint of u
ell ceasing industry and frsgality, she was e
ds abled to raise her daughter in respectabilit
EST That daughter was afterwards married in Of
fa- of the Towns of North Carolina, in the ye
le- 1919, to an humble mechanic, who died