The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-05-14
TIE ONLY son.
A THRILLING STORY,

One fine summer morning, as / was riding
with friend through handsome village in the
central paft Of New York, and admiring the
beauties he pointed out to me with all the pride
and precision Of the ''Oldest inhabitant," +" my
attention was attracted by an aged couple, |
dressed in deep mourning, who were walking
slowly down a shaded avenue, in front OF
one Of the most beautiful residences in the
place.
The feeble steps Of the old lady, who leaned
heavily upon the hand Of her companion, and
expression Of deep and lasting sorrow which
possessed her thin and palhd features, con-
trasted with the firm tread, and stern, solemn
aspect Of the old man, awoke my curiosity, and
| inquired if there was lot some domestic his
tory of interest connected with this venerable
couple.
''Taere is indeed" replied my friend. "You
recall to my mind one of the most singular in
cidents-the most startling tragedy, in short
which our goodly village ever witnessed"
"That old and sorrow stricken couple" pur-
sued my friend, "may be seen twice or three
times a week-oitener when the weather is
fine-walking down the ayeuuc il Just auch
manner-nevcr any "a .. -.. a. slow
er.
"You see them now getting into the carriage,
which has just rolled up to the gate. They
will ride mile, VIXEN the carriage will stop,
and they will walk through another gate, which
is of iron, hanging between posts Of iron, all
black as ebony. They will enter green field,
where the birds sing sweetly these fine morn
ings, a lonely field, however, where there are
none dwelling above ground, yet there are a
great many inhabitants-the rich and poor in
terminged and resting on the same level about
four feet beneath the sod!
This aged couple are going to visit the grave
Of heir Ouly child.
1t twas SON.. l will tell you his history if you
will listen.
This old man was once the most enterprising
the boldest and most absolute man in the vi
clnity. His name is Col. -. You have
heard Of him, for he distinguished himself il
the last war. People used to say he was mad
of iron. Yet he has one of the most upright
generous hearts in the world.
The old lady 1 remember as lady Of grea
beauty, not more than twenty years ago, whel
she was about forty. Besides she was quite a
celebrated for her gentleness and benevolenCe
as the Colonel for his iron will. She had
soft, affectionate heart which shOne beneficial,
only child
He was a wild, handsome, passionate boy
generous at times, but oftener tyFanical AM
wilful. We were sChOolmates, and we alway
played together until he was sent away to al
academy, when our intimacy ceased. / saw
him rarely afterwards, until, having been ex
PEELED from college for striking professor, il
a Fl Of passion, he returned to his father
house.
Morgan, in his childhood, had been INDUCED
and caressed by his fond mother and his father
treated him with undue severity. The Colonel
loved his boy, but he believed in the necessity Of
discipline, to curb his passions, while Mrs. Fl.
weeping over the stern treatment Of her dar-
ling, endeavored to make up for il in indulgence.
Then the boy grew up to fear his father,
and to feel contempt for the authority Of his
mother.
Well, on Morgan's return from college in dis.
grace, he was 50 changed that you would hardly
have known him, not so much in personal ap.
pearance, for he was still handsome, but in BIZ
manners. All | need say is, he had earned thu
reputation of being the most reckless and dissi
pated fellow in college.
Col II. was terribly enraged at the disgrace
his wild son had brought upon himself anC
family. lie treated him With greater severity
than ever refusing to crafty his love of pleasure
by furnishing him with funds, and subjectinl
him to the most rigid discipline. The result
was, father and son had a terrible quarrel, il
which the latter boldly facing the thunders o.
the Coonel8 wrath proved himself to have
initiated his iron will, if not his fearIessness oi
character.
On that very day Morgan left his fathers
house, and took up his residence at the hotel,
to the great distress of Mrs. H., who from that
time, never saw a happy day. These events
occurred twelve years ago.
don't know that the Young man ever en-
tered the house but once afterwards except to
see his mother in the absence Of the Colonel
and to obtain the funds she uaed To snare for him
out of her allowance.
Morgan wished to go abroad. But to travel
very extensively, required more money thar
Mrs H. had at her command, and all her eff
forts to induce the Colonel to grant suppl,
for the purpose, were in vain. She might a
we'll have asked the sea to deliver up its rich
es. Enraged at the i'll success Of her applica
ton, Morgan determined TO see his father him
self, and by some means procure the amount
was SO desperately resolved to have.