Eastern times., 1855-08-30
q 6oob storp.
The Referee Case.
AN OLD GENTLEMAN's STORY.

AN OLD GENTLEIAN's STORY.
The outline of the following sketch was re-
lated to me by an aged and honored member of
large family connection-a man who pos
sesses an almost inexhaustible fund of legend
ary lore, and whose most interesting anecdotes
and most comic tales are but recolections of
past scenes, of which he can say, in the Ian
guage of Enas, quorum magma pars fui."
Many years ago. said Mr.. E, l hap
pened TO be one of the referees in case which
excited unusual interest in our courts, from
the singular nature of the claim, and the
strange story which it disclosed
The plaintiff, who was captain of merchant
ship which traded principally with England
and the West Indies, had married quite early
in life, with every prospect of happiness
His wife was said to have been very beautiful,
and no less lovely in character
After living with her in the most uninter-
rupted harmony for five years, during which
time two daughters were added to his family,
he suddenly resolved TO resume his occupation,
which he had relinquished on his marriage,
and when his youngest child was but three
weeks old, sailed once more for the West In
dies.
His wife, who was devotedly attached 10
him, sorrowed deeply at his departure, and
found her only comfort in the society of her
children and the hope of his return. But
month after month passed away, and he came
not, nor did any letters-those insufficient but
welcome substitutes-arrve to cheer her soli-
tude.
Months heightened into years, yet no tidlngs
were received of the absent husband and, af-
ter long years, the unhappy wife was COM
PEELED TO believe that he had found a grave be-
meath the welterng ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but the
evils of poverty were now added TO her afflic-
ton, and the widow now found herself obliged
10 resort to some employment, in order 10 sup
port her helpless children. Her needle was
her only resource, and for ten years she la
bored early and late for the miserable pittance
which is ever grudgingy bestowed on the hum
bic seamstress.
A merchant in New York, in moderate but
prosperous circumstances, accidentally became
acquainted with her, and, pleased with her
gentle manners no less than her extreme beau
ty, endeavored to improve their acquaintance
with friendship.
After some months he offered her his hand
and was accepted. As the wife of a success
full merchant, she soon found herself in the en-
joyment of comforts and luxuries such as she
had never before possessed. Her children be-
came his children, and received from him every
advantage that wealth and affection could pro
cure them.
Fifteen years passed away the daughters
married, and by their step-father were fur
nished with every comfort requisite in their
new avocaton of housekeepers. But they had
scarcely quilted his roof, when their mother
was taken i'll. She died after few days sick
ness, and from that time until the period of
which speak, the widower had resided with
the youngest daughter.
Now comes the strangest part of the story.
After an absence of thirty years, during which
no tldlngs had been received from him, the
first husband returned as suddenly as he had
departed. He had changed his ship, adopted
another name, and spent the whole of thai
long period on the ocean, with only transieu,
visits on shore, while taking in or dischargnp
cargo, having been careful, also, not to come
any nearer home than New Orleans
Why he had acted in this objectionable
manner towards his family, no one could tell,
and he obstinately refused all explanation
There were strange rumors of slave trading
and piracy afoat, but they were only whispers
OF conjecture rather than truth.
Whatever might have been his motives for
such conduct, he was certainly anything but
Indifferent TO his family concerns when he re-
turned. He raved like madman when in
formed of his wife S second marriage and sub
sequent death, vowing summary vengeance on
his successor, and terrifying his daughters
with the most awful threats in case they re-
fused to acknowledge his claims.
He had returned wealthy, and one of those
mean reptiles of the law, who are to be found
crawling about the halls of justice, advised
him bring suit against the second husband,
assuring him that he could recover heavy dam
ages. The absurdity of Instituting a claim for
wife, whom death had already released from
the jurisdiction of earthly laws, was so mani