Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-05-25


young man Was entered as scholar in
the military academy at West Point. For
little time all went on well the young
cadet was assiduous in his studies, became
the fayorite of the mess, and was looked
upon by the officers and professors as one
of their most promising pupils. But alasi
and alas the old habits of dissipation
were too strong to be given up all at once
He neglected his duties he drank to ex-
cess; he disobeyed orders; he openly
sneered at the regulations of the academy,
and in ten months from his marticulation,
he. was cashiered.
Disgraced and Inundated, where could
the wrelched man find refuge but in the
home of his adopted father ?? tThither,
then he went, and was again received with
open arms. During his stay at the aeade
my, the merchant had married again to
to lady some years younger than him.
self. Time passed on; just as the sun of
happiness seemed about to shine once
more upon him, quarrel took place be-
tween him and the lady, which severed
forever all the ties of friendship between
the merchant and his protege. Another
circumstance which is scarcely fit for men
ton here, was limited at. and which iftrue.
throws dark shade upon the quarrel.
and an ugly light upon the character
of the dissipated youth. Whatever the
adopted SON parted in anger. never to
meet again, and when the former died the
latter received no portion of his wealth.
Again thrown upon the world by his
own misconduct, the young man tried his
hand in a field common to young men,
and wrote several pieces and articles in
the magazines. These were so well re-
ceived that he was almost tempted to be-
lieve that he could obtain living by lite
rature. But his old habits returning, he
despaired of success in his new arocation,
and enlisted as a private soldier in the
army. He was soon recognized by a
former companion in the military acade-
my, and great interest began to be felt for
him among the officers. 1t was proposed
to buy commission for the handsome
and talented young man but just as his
friends began to rally around him, and
just as their plan seemed about to prosper,
he deserted.
For more than two wears the world
knew nothing more about his wherea-
bouts, and it may be, had almost forgot
ten him.
In 1888, however, the proprietors of a
magazine offered two prizes for the best
poem and tale which should be suitable to
their pages. Numerous MSS. were sent
for competition, and day was appoint
ed on whicht the arbitrators should meet
to Judge of the merits of the various pro-
ductions. Almost the first manuscript
that was opened claimed attention, from
the remarkable beauty and distinc.ness
of the hand writing. One of the arbitra-
| tors read "a page or two and was charm
ed. He called the attention of his friends
to the tale, and they were so much pleas
ed with it, that it was read aloud from
beginning to end, and all admitted thatit
was worthy of the highest prize. The
confidential enyelop' was opened-a La
tin motto Was discovered. No other tales
were read, and the award was immediate
ly published. But where to find the au-
thor, so that the prize money might be
paid The publishers and arbitrators
had not to wait long. On the evening
following the announcement, young man
came to the office to claim the prize. He
was pale and thin even TO ghastliness, and
his whole appearance bespoke dissipation.
want. and Illness A well worn coat, but
toned up to the chin, concealed the want
of shirt, and imperfect wretched boots
discovered the absence of stockings. But
he looked gentleman, nevertheless, for
his face and hands though haggard and
attenuated, were clean and spotless; his
hair was well arranged, his eye was bright
with Intelligence, and his voice bearing
that of scholar. The publishers and
arbitrators were interested extremely
They enquired into his history, and final
ly offered him employment on the ma
gazine for which the tale had beenwrit
ten. -a 7 -.F % ---f-
Alittle money judiciously applied soon
altered the appearance of the young man,
and in short time he took his post as
second editor of monthly magazine,
with the means and position of gentle
man.
Now here was an opportunity of re-
trieving his lost character. Here were
friends ready not only to overlook the
past. but to assist in making his future
calm and free from care. Here was
public ready TO listen to his teachings, and
patron ready to reward his labors. For
little while all went on well, and those
who knew him began to congratulate
themselves on the happy change. Those
who before admired his genius were be-
ginning to respect his integrity. He was
happy and successful in his new vocation,
He married young and beautiful girl.
his cousin he found for himself cottage.
which the care, economy and gentle tenn
per of his wife converted into a HOME. and
he was beginning to be ahappy man. 1t
wonld be well if our story ended here, but,
alas for human frailtyl alas for good reso-