The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1852-08-03
A H8rOkess Heart.

The interesting case of literally V
broken heart we subjoin, was related
by DR.. ]. X. Mitchell, Of the Jefferson
College Philadelphia, to his class last
winter while lecturing upon the disea-
ses Of the heart. 1t will he seen, ON
perusing it, that the expression, "b,o-
ken hearted" is not merely fgu' ativc.
In the early part of his medical ca
reer, DR.. NJ. accompanied as surgeon a
packet that sailed between Liverpool
and one ofour southern ports. On the
return VOYAGE, soon after leaving Liv-
erpool, while tho doctor and the cap
tain Of the vessel, weathcr-bcatcn
son Of Neptune, but possessed of un-
commonly fine feelings and strong i'm
pulse, were conversing in the lattcr's
state-rooln, the captain opened large
chest, and carefully took out number
Of articles of various descriptions,
which he arranged upon table. DIR.
M. surprised at the display OF costly
jewels, ornaments, dresses, and all the
varied paraphernalia Of which ladies
are naturally fond, inquired Of the cap
tain his object in having made SO many
valuable purchases. The sailor, in re-
ply, said that for seven or eight years
he had been devotedly attached to a
lady. to whom he had several times
made proposals Of marriage but was
as often rejected; that her refusal to
wed him, however, had onl y stimulated
his love to greater cxcrtion; aud that,
finally, upon renewing his offer, de-
claring in the ardency Of his passion
that without her society life is not
worth living, she consented to become
his bride upon his return from his next
voyage. He was so ovcroyed at the
prospect Of a marriage, from which, in
the warmth of his feelings, he probably
anticipated more happiness than is usu-
ally allotted to mortals, that he spent
all his ready money, while in London,
for bridal gifts. After gazing at them
fondly for some time, and rclnarking
on them in turn, 81 think this will
please Annie, and 81 am sure she will
like that" he replaced them with the
utmost care. This ceremony he re-
pcated every day during the voyage;
and the doctor often observed tear
glistening in his eye, as he spoke of
the pleasure he would have in present
ing them to his aflianced bride.
On reaching his destination, the cap
tain arrayed himself with more than
usual precision, and discmbarked as
soon as possible, to hasten to his love.
Asihe was about to step into III, car
tiage awaiting him, he was called aside
by two gentlemen who desi ed 20 II AXE
communication, the purport of which
was that the lady had proved unf.ith-
ful to the trust rel 'ed in her, and had
married another. with whom she had
deeamped shortly before. Instantly
the captain was observed to clap his
hand to his breast, and fall heavily to
the ground. He was taken up, and
and conveyed to'his room on the YES
ael. DIR. NJ. was Immediately sum
moned, but before he reached the poor
captain he was dead. A post mortcm
examination revealed the cause of this
unfortunate disease. His heart was
found literally torn in twain The
tremendous propulsion of the blood,
consequent upon such violent ner-
vous shock, forced the powerful mus
cular tissu IS asunder, and life was at
an end.-"Io Day.