The Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1852-1853, 1853-08-03

J n.y. DuL WDuc llS WV 80 -,
what is now called the Clear Fork OF Stlil-
water about eight miles from where Cadlz
now stands, Mr. Irvine became SO well
pleased with the surrounding country-the
rough-clad hills rising in wild relief from the
fertile valley through which the stream 81
lently coursed its way-tha the was induced
to remain there, and build his home. Not
that he had any unworthy motive in quitting
his companions here, but it being his busi-
ness to find home to suit him; and not
starting out with the calculation OF accom-
panyng them any farther than the place
that best pleased him, of course he was
privileged to stop. The missionaries aG-
| ccrdingly took up their fatiguelng march,
sorry and fearful to leave their iellow-ad-
venturer, in so lore and dangerous a place,
unprotected, save by his own and his SER
wants hand.
But it may probably be well, if not re
quisite; 1--WE beg pardon of the reader for
our tediousness,) butwe say it will be neces-
sary, before proceeding farther with our
story, to record an outline of the Irvine
family history prior to their removal west.
In the year 1923, Irvine welded a lady
of high rank and attainments, but Of whose
history very little was known except to her
self and after her marriage, to her hus-
band. Irvine was gentleman also of high
repute, and wealthy planter on the banks
of the Potomac. They were happy in each
others confidence and affection, and
lived as though but for one another until
blessed with u sweet offspring which seemed
to add new and more lasting ties Of affection
between the hearts of its fond parents. Time
rolled on. The sweet and idolized infant
grew into the bright and faultless bud of
child. hood. Over two summers had played
their part in the drama Of her little life, and
layished their layors upon her, festooning
her cloudless pathway with the choicest OF
every happiness and blessing. Not only
of surprising loveliness and beauty were her
attractions, but there was in her dark, soul
full eyes, sparkling intelligence, that threw
so bewitcEing a spell of awe upon the be-
holder, that he would be compelled to ex-
claim "sureIy there is pertection!" Such
was little Irene Irvine; the admiration of all,
ard the concentration Of her parents every
hope and Joy. But twas not long till a sad
event occurred TO mar their happiness.
The indians at that time occasionally
strayed into the sediments Of the whites,
and while there committed often foul deeds
OF mischief and crime. On one occasion,
while Irene and her nurse; who was a young
woman, were on the banks Of the beautiful
rirer-the nurse engaged in reading, and
Irene playing upon the grassy carpet that
fringed even the waters edge---a canoe Was
padAled lightly into shore and ere the un-
suspecting victims We're aware of the ap-
proach of any, a brawny savage sprang up
on them and ielied the astounded nurse
Then, suatching,Np the book, the gilt bind
ing of which attracted his notice, he tool,
the stupetied child in his strong arms and
springing into his barque, quickly bore her
Oft forever from the scenes of her prattling
childhood. For long time the nurse lay
senseless upon the ground. Finally she
awakened and walked towards the house,
seemingly mconcous of what had beiel
her Before she reached the yard however,
she met Mrs. Irvine, who seemed much
alarmed, and inquired for Irene. Imme-
diately the truth flashed across her belumb-
ed mind, and wild and vacant expression
was depicted upon her countenance while
she commenced running towards the wood,
and exclaimng in wild and broken accents
"Lost-wa'er- -Indian-Irene, and her
voice was hushed in the distance, for her
speed still increased almost TO flying. She
was a maniac. Mrs. Irvine stood speech
less and paralyzed. Presently q shrek,
such as none, save an agonized mother could
utter-was heard, and she tell sense 'ess to
the ground. The servents hearing her,
rushed. d.to-and bore hcrinto thehouse. Re.
susticaton was Immediately adopted, and I
she soon revived, though only to :he con-
ciousness, that her child--he1 only and
foud-loved Irene, was lost, perhaps forever. |
Instant search was made. The river was
dragged up and down formany miles; butall
in vain. The woods and hills were also
searched, and every nook and clump ex-
plored, bul still in vain. Not trace was
discovered, either of the child or nurse. Dis
consolate and sorrow stricken, the father
with his neighbors returned to their homes
to report the failure of their undertaking.
1t is, as impossible as it would be painful,
to describe the feelings of that fond
young, mother, while she heard her hus-
bands dreaded tiding. Days, weeks, months
and years passed on, but lrene's destiny
still remained mystery. Their griefs and
sorrows were, however, somewhat alleyiated
by the birth of second infant-daughter, |
who it way readily be conceived, was doub-
ly endeared to the hearts of her sorrowing
parents. Had Irene died in her mothers |
arms, and had she seen her peacefully in
tered in the cold and cheerless grave; or had
she even known her. fate, then would she
have been more and sooner reconciled to
her hard lot, but as it was, which mys-
tic doubt and dread pended over her mind,
a secret anguished gnawed her heart,
But we have already occupied more space
in this sketch, than at first anticipated
Suffice it then to say. that Flora, the name
of the second daughter- had attained near
ly her fifteenth year, and was also well ad- |
vanced in her studies in which pursuit her
took great interest in encouraging
and providing for her 1t was about this
time however, that Mr. Irvine's financial
affairs began to wear a gloomy aspect,
owing to balls and other pecuniary involve
ments. Finally the Spring previous to
his emigration came round and he was com
PEELED to make known to bis family, their
situation and his intention to
move to Ohio. Until this time his wife
was not aware Of the delapidated state ofI