Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-09
MISC L i l. A N Y.


Among many officers, who, at the close
of the Peninsular war, retired on halt pay,
was CAPTAIN Dutton Of the -th regiment.
He had lately married the pretty, portion
less daughter of deceased brother officer,
and filled with romantic visions OF rural
bliss. and slove in cottage" the pair, who
were equally unskilled in the practical de,
tails of house keeping, fancied they could
live in affluence and enjoy allthe luxurles OF
life, on the half-pay which formed their sole
income.
They took up their abode near pleasant
town in the South Of England, and Tor a
time got on pretty well; but when at the
end of the first year sweet little boy made
his appcaranc, and at the end OF the second,
an equally sweet little girl, they found that
nursemaids, baby linen, doctors, and all the
etceteras appertaining to the introduction
and support of these baby-viSitors, formed a
serious item in their yearly expendl-
ture.
For while they struggled on without
falling into debt; but at length their glddy
feet slipped into that vortex, which has en-
rulphed 20 many and heir affairs began to
assume very gloomy aspect
But strength Is often found in the depths
of adversely, courage in despair, and both
our hero and his wife set resolutely to work
to support themselves and their children:
He wrote beautiful hand, and while
seeking some permanent employment, earn
ed a triHe occasionally by copying manu-
script, and engrossing IN an attorneys Of
fee. His wife worked diligently with her
needle, but the care of young family and
the necessity of dispensing with servant,
hindered her from adding much to their re-
sources. Notwithstanding their extreme
poverty, they managed topreserve adecent
appearance, and prevente their neigh
bors from knowing the straits to which they
were reduced. Their little cottage was al
ways exquisitely clean and neat, and the
children despite of scanty clothing, and Of
ten insufficient food looked, as they were,
the sons and daughters of gentleman.
1t was Mrs. Dutton's pride to preserve
the respectable appearance of her husbands
wardrobe; and often did she work till mid
night at turning his coat and darning his
linen, that he might appear as usual among
his equals. She often urged him to visit
his former acquaintances who had power to
befriend him, and solicit their interest in
obtaining some permanent employment; !;
but the soldier, who was as brave as hon
when facing the enemy, shrank with the
timidity of girl from exposing himself to
the humiliation of a refusal, and could not
bear to confess his urgent need. tie had
too much delicacy to press his claims, ne
was too proud to be importunate' and SO
others succeeded where he failed.
1t happened that the General under whom
he had served, and who had lost sight of
him since his retirement from the service,
came to spend few months at the water
ing place near which the buttons resided,
and hired for the season q handsome fur
nished house. Walking one morning on
the sands, in disconsolate mood, our hero
saw, with surprise, his former commander
approaching, and with a sudden feeling OF
shame, he tried to avoid recognition. But
the quick eye of General Vernon was not
to be eluded and intercepting him with an
outstretched hand he exclaimed
"What, Dutton, is that you? 1t seems
an age since we met. Living IN this neigh
borhood eh =
"Ycs, general have been living here
since I retired from the service
"And you sold out, | think--to please the
mistress | suppose, Dutton' All! these
ladies have great deal to answer for
Tell Mrs. Dutton shall call on her some
morning, and read her lecture for taking
YOU from U.S."
Poor Dutton's look of confusion, as he
pictured the generals visit surprising his
wife in the performance of her menal Ia
bors, rather surprised the veteran but ITS
true cause did not occur to him. He had
had great regard for Dutton, considering
him one of the best and bravest officers I'M
der his command, and was sincerely pleas
ed at meeting him again; so, after ten
minutes colloquy, during the progress of
which the ex-soldier, like the war-horse
L. &c L.