The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-11-19
sELECH FLAE IL.
The TragedyaOf Hairston,

EsIf ia * s. a
Arthur Hertherington was the son Ola
Catholic eeatleman, whose grandfather had
obtained from his personal friend, Calvert,
Lord Baltimore, grant of thirty thous- !
acres of land in the richest portion OF the
eastern shore of Maryland. In the course
Of fosr or five generations, however, tins
magnificent estate had gradually decreas-
ed, under the effects of high living, so that
Artkur Hetherington of the present mar
rative found himself the possessor OF only
about one-third of the. original estate. 81
.srThis. however, was a princely property,
and d sufficiently dangerous possession for
a. young man of thirty-one, without near
relatives, and with no one to restrain him.
ARTHUR was the Oldest Of two sons, and,
by the law of sprimogeniture, succeeded to
the estate, George, the younger OF the two,
receiving a supply of money, with which
he commenced the world. There, had
never been much love between the broth
ers, and, on the day when Arthur Hether-
ington took possession, a scene of violence
occurred, the details of which were not
accurately. known, although it is easy to
guess at the matter. Certain it is, that
anhonr after the entrance Of the two broth
ers into the library Of the mansion, strug-
gle was heard, then a heavy fall, and
George issued forth, silent andpale, monnt-
ed his horse, and SO disappeared
Arthur was found extended on the floor
with,a deep wound in his temple, from
which the blood flowed profusely. He
was Immediately carried to his chamber
bythe old black major-domo, his father
steward, and now his own; and he did no
issue from bis sick-room for a mouth
When he again appeared, he said nothing
Of the, scene which had passed in the libra
ry; nor, indeed, did hee allude to i
afterwards.
sThe younger brother, asI have said
had disappeared, and it was soon discoy
cred thar he had contracted enormou
debts, both debts ,"of honor'' and Others
in the he.neighborhood, none of which ha
been discharged. He had apparently fie
the coHhtry to avoid these obligation
and it was soon known that he had. gone
Europe. A year passed, and his brothe
then. at William and Mary College in VI
ginia, received one morning an Engli'
journal, which gave him intelligence
George Hetherington's death. He hi
been killed in drunken brawl, in q le
Lendon tavern. -
bLet.me now speak briefly of the. cha
acter of Arthur Hertherington. Fromif
early childhood, he had never known
tender Influences Of paternai or materr
Affection and his brother had never felt
him, in spite of every exertlon.. upon
own part, the least good feeling even.
Jealousy Of his birthright had dried
any emotions of affection in the young
brother, andzArthur was thus left aloI
The consequence of this isolation was
sober aud silent reserve. and an assidnc
cultivation: Of the powers Of his intelle
rather than those of his heart. AT "
liamsbarg, whittier he went about the m
die the century, be became the intiin'
associate of Governor Fauquier who
! conscientious infdel, and from this ]
bleman, and afterwards from the writ
Of the Eneyelopadia, young -Hetheriagt
acquired profound contempt for Il