The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-01-02


heress He must not be hsrshly censured for
his fault--a fault which sprung from generous
root, and one with which few young men, like
him, handsome and penniless, can be charged.
From long brooding over the subject Of his re-
lations towards Margaret Neale, there came upon
Herbert Moore burning desire to make for him.
self name, which, even in the eyes Of the world,
might balance the fortune of his bride. Yet how
was this to be accomplished Though possessed
Of various talents, Herbert Moore was fully aware
that he had no positive genius for any department
Of science or art. He was not q brilliant scholar,
though educated and well read He was not
poet, though truly poetical. He was not an art
list, though Of fine artistic tastes. Nor was he a
musician, though he sung pleasantly at evening
parties.
Just at this perplsxing period, there was great
excitement throughout the country upon the
Mexican war. Our hero's native State raised Q
regiment of volunteers, and his native city Was
crsllsdsepon Cor company. To tAsccnuuaud VI
this company young Moore aspired, though in
heart he utterly condemned the objects and con-
duct of the war. Mr.. Neale, the uncle and guar
dian Of Margaret was man of fortune and great
influence in his city and State, and with his
countenance, Moore had no doubt Of his appoint
ment But this " aid and COMFORT the old gen.
tlsman, at his niece's request declined giving to
his young friend softening his refusal, however,
by the kindest professions and advice, and by
saying that the house of Neale & Co. could not
spare their head clerk.
After a few weeks, during which Moore was
still bent upon his warlike purpose, having some
4aors Tom other quarters, the sppofntheue "a
given to the son Of an old soldier, a young man
of decided military propensities The conse-
sscn:- 80, :Ast ssss-I, L sa4dc1 G. CT psssion
and modification, enlisted as private in the COM
psny he had wished to command.
Margaret Neale with whom Of late he had had
but brief and constrained interviews, was in
formed Of this piece of madness by her pastor,
old Mr.. Mcdonald, who had been as father to
Herbert and herself since their childhood Mar
garet was quite overwhelmed by the sad news, and
sent the good minister to her lover, to persuade
him, even yet to abandon his Wild undertaking.
When Mr.. Mcdonald returned the next morn
ing, he shook his head sadly, as be placed in Mar
garcts hand the following letter:
"MY DEAR MAReAREr: II | may yet once
more caii you thus-once more, and for the last
time, shall 50 presume.
81 failed to obtain the appointment which de-
sired failed partly il not entirely, through your
adverse influence; and, in my first disappoint-
ment and chagrin, have taken rash step, but
will abide the issue, and submit to the penalty
return you your troth-too high an honor, too
priceless a treasure, to be possessed by poor
volunteer-an adventurer--a soldier in the ranks
My own must remain with you forever. Though
! 90 from you under cloud, though you turn
from me with GOODNESS, despise and forget me,
am still your-yours in life and in death and
the thought Of no other love shall ever visit this
sad heart, than that which for a brief season up
lifted it to heaven.
sMy recr mesAe-s Need comm,ud her 10
your care and affection2 dare not ask you TO
be to her as daughter, for the sake Of our past
love; but for her own dear sake, and remember
ing your forgiviug tenderness, dare even ask
this Of you.
81 leave my mother In the enjoyment Of,
trust, comfortable income from her own little
property and mine so her care win only be for
me, her unworthy son.
"And now, farewell / have no strength with
which to part with you otherwise than thus, even
should you condescend to grant me IN interview.
II ever return 1t will be with the hard-earned
bonors which may make me even your peer, In
the worlds sight II return not, then you may
1uo hat in nha All Joxy
grave, under foreign soil, there moulders away
a heart which to its latest throb held you dearer
than its life-blood
Think as kindly Of me as you can, for, oh
Margaret! If have erred in this step, it is from
my love, which, though SO proud and impetuous
is all as tender and devoted. II | have brought
sorrow to your heart, forgive for believe me,
the sharpest grief, the sternest agony, is mine.
MAY God be with you'll
"HKRBERT MooREn
To the above letter, Margaret Neale returned
this reply.
My DEAR FRIEND In very few words |
must give you my sorrowful farewell. My soul
is too much shaken and my heart too cruelty torn
with contendipg emotions for clear thought or
calm speech.
al take back the plightsd troth you return to
me--for you no longer seem the man to whom so
lately joyfully and trustingly gave my love and
my faith.
"You are mistaken Not from your loue you
do this wrong, but from your pride--your hard,
unlovely pride--and dsarer to yoa than my es-
TEEN and affection is your own fierce and fiery in
dependence. For the triumph of your naughty
will and from poor fear of the mean suspicious
Of the world, you have been willing 70 lay crush
ing sorrow on heart which has loved you only
too we'll God forgive you, Herbert God for.
give you
"Your mother, for her own sake, shall be dear
to me, and also for the sake Of our lost Love
al bid you last sdieu! II you return from
war and conquest, you will doubtless come as the
renowned hero, to others-as the stranger, to me
At the last, must speak the truth at my heart,
and say, that in my eyes, as In the eyes Of all
lovers Of justice and freedom throughout the
world all the honors gained by the actors in this
most unholy war against sister Republic will
be 80 many disgraces. Oh, believe me laure's
won on such bsttle-6elds may never light the
brow with true glory, but only darken II with
curses.
@But know that IL Is vain to talk thus To you
at this late hour The path you have chosen you
will resolutely pursue Herbert do not yet re-
pent me of my opposition to your first project ]
did what thought right-God will care for the
result
aw;,h nraver 10 Heaven for your preserva-
tion through the fearful dangers which You must
encounter--s fervent pleading which is the deep
eat cry Of nv heart bid you farewell!