The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-11-04
LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT.

l..
Mrs. Edgar was the widow of captain from
the East, wh0 as is too often the case witt
those who follow the sea for livelihood haC
spent his money as fast as he had earned it
and, when he died, left his widow destitute
with one child George to provide for.
George was quite young too young to be o
any service to her; but his devoted affection
and obedience amply repaid her for all the care
and tolls she had to encounter while strugglin.
to maintain them both by her needle At
very early age he was taught to love and fear
God, and the sincerity and tervency with which
! he joined in the humble dcvotions in which she
daily engaged, was Il source of pleasure to the
widows heart, which worlds of mere earthly
qualification could not have tempted her to
part with and she felt often constrained to
thank God that she was not wealthy lest the
influence of the world, and its deceitful pleas
ures that kill the soul, should be brought to
bear upon his young mind, and lead him astray
from the path of virtue and morality.
The story of her restitution is unfortunate
ly, too common to render it necessary for me to
repeat it here. Sickness had Overtaken her
and, having no longer the health to use her
needle, poverty and deep distress came on her
One by one, every article required for comfort
as well rs necessity was parted with, until, at
the last when her suferings were ended here,
and she was called to enjoy the happiness
which her faith had taught her to expect here
after, she had nothing left which she could call
her own except ring containing some Of her
mothers hair, which her uncle had given her,
and which no necessity could induce her to
part with. The ring her son secured after his
mother had left him forever; and this, with II
lock OF her own hair, was all he had left of her
who loved him with all the teryor of pious
mothers love.
George Edgar felt that he was now, indeed
alone in the world; but he would not despair,
for his trust was in God: and after he had seen
the remains of his mother removed to their
last resting place, he returned to the lonely
chamber she had occupied, and there in deep
humility, implored Divine guidance and pro-
lection.
He was sadly off indeed, for clothing, as we
have already seen but he had the good sense
to know that he could procure neither clothing
nor employment by sitting still and grieving.
Commencing himself therefore, to the protec-
ton of God, he started off, determined to leave
no effort untried that could procure him en-
ployment of some kind, by which he might
earn subsistence, be it ever 80 scanty.
He strayed down towards the docks on the
East river, and went ON board several vessels
offering himself as boy to go before the mast
His appearance, however, was much against
him, for all classes are but too apt to form
opinions from outward appearances, and the
best of men are sometimes prejudiced against
the worthy and deserving, solely from their
outward indications of poverty and distress
George had almost begun to despair ~ he
was weak cold, and hungry but trusting still
IN Divine mercy, he persevered Toward the
close of the day, after he had wandered about
without tasting a mOrsc of food, and almost
perlshng with cold, he went ON board brig
which, from appearances, was ust ready to
sail on her voyage and on reaching the deck
he approached large portly man, whom he
took to be the captain
Do you want boy sir ~ he asked, mildly,
endeavoring to restrain the tears which his
bodily suiferngs and the fear of another disap-
pointment had forced from his eyes.
The captain, for such he was, eyed him for
one moment, and said What can you do on
board ship"
81 can learn to do anything sir" replied
George.
What Is your name!"
George Edgar SIR
Where are your parents, and where do they
live! Do they know you want to 90 to sea :
My father died many years ago, sir, and
my poor mother died last night
Poor fellow said Captain Hart "What
was your father!D
He was sea-captain, sir, replied George,
somewhat proudly.
Then you have no friends here at all ~ in
CURED Captain Hart
None but God SIR was the meek reply
"You are the boy want, George" said the
worthy captain, in benevolent tones. You
are just the boy for me; and if you trust in
God he will soon make friends for you. But
you seem frozen half to death. Are you not
very cold ~
Very, sir, and very hungry for have not
tasted mouthful of food today
Here doctor! doctor - n the captain ex-
claimed, as II stout negro came out OF the gal
ley and ran aft; here, take this youngster
and give him something to eat--plenty of it
and then 90 in the cabin and get him some of
the clothes that young vagabond left the other
day when he ran away. George, you 90 with
the doctor, and when you have warmed your
self you may come down in the cabin, and |
will see what can do for you. Poor fellow
halffrozen and halfstarved! How much we
have to be thankful for! ~
george could not say anything Tor ms heart
was too full but the tear OF gratitude coursed
down his wan cheek, rs he silently followed
the cook into the galley The good-hearted
negro sat before him kid I filled with good
and wholesome provisions, such rs had not
passed his lips for many day, and he watched
the poor lad with eager interest as he silently
and thankfully deyoured his meal
tell you what, youngster you may thank
God you came across Captain Hart There
an many such men as he on blue water"
do thank God with all my heart for this,
and for all his other mercies, replied George.
That's fine fellow, | am only poor mig
ger, but have sailed with Captain Hart these
seven years and would not leave him for all
the brig could carry. He is the best man and
the kndest captain | ever sailed with; he'll
make man OF you, promise you used to
curse and swear and drink like brute but
s"Doctor" is the term always applied to the cooks
| of merchant vessels.
I A wooden vessel, In which the yietuals for tho
crew are put, when cooked