The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1852-08-12
A BROKEN HEART.

The interesting case Of literally BRO
KEN HEART we subjoin. was related by Dr.
J. K. Mitchell, Of the Jefferson College
Philadelphia, TO his class last winter, while
!ecturing upon diseases Of the heart. Il
will be seen, ON perusing it., that the ez
preston "broken heartcd'' is no, merely
igurative.
10 the early part of his medical career
DR.. NJ. accompanied, as surgeon, packc'
that sailed between Liverpool aud one ol
our southern %orts. On the return voy
age, soon after leaving Liverpool, while the
doctor aud the captain Of the vessel, a
weather beaten son Of Neptune, but poss
ossed Of uncommonly fine feelings and i'm
pulses, were conyersing in the latter's
stateroom, the captain opened large
chest, and carefully took out number Of
articles Of various descriptions, Which be
arranged upon table. DR.. NJ, surprised
q, the display OF costly jewels, ornaments,
dresses, and all the varied paraphernalia oil
which ladies are naturally fond, inquired
Of the captain his object in having made SO
many valuable purchases. The sailor, in
reply, said that for seven or eight years he
had been deyotedly attached to lady, to
whom he had several times made propo-
sails Of marriage, but was as often rejected; ];
that her refusal 10 wed him, however, had
only stimulated his love to greater exer-
ton; and that, finally, upon renewing biz
offer, declaring, i'll the ardency Of his pass
ion, that without her society life was not
worth living for, she consented to become
mis- bride upon bis return from bis mex,
voyage. He was SO overjoye ed at the pros
pect Of marriage, from which, in the
warmth Of bis feelings, he probably an
'icipa,ed more happiness than is usually
illo,ted to mor,als, that he spent all his
ready money, while in London, for bridal
gifts. After gazing at them fondy for
some time, aud remarking on them in turn.
II think this will please ANNIE" and 81
am sure she will like that" he replaced
them with the utmost care. This ceremo.
ny he repeated every day during the voy
age; and the doctor often observed tear
gls,ening in his eye, as be spoke OF the
pleasure he would have in presenting them
70 his affianced bride. On reaching his
destination, the captain arrayed himself
with more than usual precision, and dis
embarked as soon as possible, to hasten to
his love. As he was about TO step into
the carriage awaiting him, he was called
aside by two gentlemen, who desired to
make communication, the pufport Of
which was that the lady bnd proved
to the trust reposed in her, and
hid married another, with whom she had
decampsd shortly before. Instantly. the
captain was observed to clap bis hand to
his brcast, and fall heavily to the ground
He was taken up, and conveyed 10 his
room on the vessel. Dr. NJ. was imme-
dia,ely summoned; but before he reached
the poor captain, he was dead. A pos,
mortem examination revealed the cause oil
his unfortunate decease. His heart was
found literally torn in twain! The tremen-
dous propulsion Of the blood, consequent,
upon such violent nervous shock, forced
the powerful muscular tissue asunder, and
life was at an end The heart was BRO