Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-09-21
MISC CELLAN N Y.
TIiE FOSTER BROTHER.
BY WILLIAM CARLETON.

There is scarcely trait of human nature in
volyed in more mystery, or generally less under
stood than the singular strength of affection which
binds the humble peasant of Irish life to his foster
brother and more especially if the latter be per-
son Of rank or consideration. This anomalous at
tachment, though it may TO certain extent be
mutual, is nevertheless very seldom known to lie
equal in strength between the parties. Expert
ence has sufficiently proved TO US, that whilst in
stances of equality in feeling have been known 10
characterize it, the predominant power of spirit
has always been found to exist in the person of
the humber party. How to account for this would
certainly require Il more philosophical acquaint-
ance with human nature than has fallen to our lot
we must therefore be content to know that the
fact is precisely as we have stated it,
=
We shall now relate short story, illustrating
the attachment ofa foster brother; but as we have
reason to believe that the circumstances are true,
we shall introduce fictitious names instead of real
ones.
The rebellion of '9S was just at its height when
the incidents we are about to mention took place.
A gentleman named Moore had daughter re-
markable for her beauty and accomplishments
Indeed, SO celebrated had she become, that her
health was always drank as the toast of her ma
tive country. Nlauy suitors she had, of course,
but among the rest two were remarkable for their
assduous attention to her, and an intense anxiety
to secure her affections. Henry Irwin was high
loyalist, as was her own father, whose consent to
gain the affections of his daughter had been long
given to his young friend. The other, who in
point of fact had already secured her affections,
was unfortunately deeply involved in, or we should
rather say an open leader on, the insurgeut side
His principles had become known to Moore, as
republican, for some time before the breaking out
OF the insurrection; in consequence he was forbid
den his house and warned against holding com
munication with any member of his family. He
had succeeded, however, before this, BY the aid
of Miss Moore herself who was aware of his prin-
ciples, in placing as butler in her fathers family
his own foster brother, Frank Finuegan-an ar
rangement which never would have been permit
ted. had Moore known of the peculiar bond of af-
lection which subsisted between them. Of this,
however, he was ignorant aud in admitting Fin
negan into liis family, he was not aware of the
advantages he afforded to the prescribed suitor of
his daughter This interdiction, however, came
too late for the purposes Of prudence. Ere it was
issued, llewson and his daughter had exchanged
VOWS of mutual affection; but the national out
break which Immediately eusded, by forcing Hew
son To assume his place as an insurgent leader,
appeared to have placed barrier between him
and her, which was naturally considered to be
msurmouutable. In the meantime, Moore him
SELF who was local magistrate, and also cap
tain of yeOnanry, took. an extremely active part
in quelling the insurrection, and in hunting down
and securing the rebels. Nor was Irwin less
zealOgs in following the footsteps of the man to
whom he wished TO recommend himself as his
future son-in-law. They acted together; and 50
vigorous were the measures OF the young loyalist,
that the other felt it necessary in some instances
to check the eXuberance of his loyalty. This,
however, was not known TO the opposite party
for as Irwin always seemed to act under the in
structons of his friend Moore, SO was it obviously
enough inferred that every harsh act and wanton
stretch of authority which he committed, was
either sanctioned OF suggested by the other The
consequence was that Moore became if possible,
more odious than Irwin who was looked upon as
rash. hot headed zealot whilst the veteran was
marked as cool and willy old fox, who had ten
times the cunning and cruelty Of the sensefess
puppet he was managing. In this, 1t is necessary
to say, they were egregiousy mistaken.
In the meantime, the rebellion went forward
and many acts of cruelty and atrocity were COM
mittcd on both sides. Moore's house and family
would have been attacked. and most probably
murder and ruin might have visited him and his,
were IL not for the influence OF Hewson with the
rebels. Twice did the latter succeed, and on each
occasion, with great difficulty, in preventing him
and his household from falling victims to the ven-
geance of the insurgents Moore was man of
great personal courage, but apt to underrate the
character and enterprise of those who were oppos-
ed to him. Indeed. his prudence was by no means
on par with his bravery or zeal, for he has often
been known to sally out at the head of a party in
quest of his enemies, and leave his own mansion,
and the lives of those who werein it, exposed and
defenceless.
On one of those excursions it was that he chanc-
ed to capture small body of the insurgents, head
ed by an intimate friend and distant relative of
Hewson's. As the law in that unhappy period
was necessarily quick in its operations, we need
scarcely say, that, having been taken openly arm
ed against the King and Consultation. they were
tried and executed by the summary sentence Of .