Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-11-04
A TRUE SAILOR.

~ Oo4AO4h
Lieutenant Herndon, who commands
the Central America on the occasion oI
her recent destruction, was a native o.
Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was one
of the most faithful. gallant and devoted
officers in the Navy, and had. perhaps,
seen more service than any man of his
age in the country. Though small
and delicate man, he had performed ser
vices which demanded great physical
power and energy. His memorable ex-
ploration of the valley of the Amazon
was striking proof of his energy and
resources as an officer, commander,
and man. So intense was his devo
ton to the service, and his pride in bis
profession, that but a small portion OF
his time was passed on land. The New
York papers relate several Incidents of a
domestic character, illustrative of his
esprit de corps and professional fdlity.
His wife, when Informed of the catastro.
phe. and encouraged by the suggestion
that number of the crew and passen-
gers OF the steamer had been saved, and
that he might he included in the mum
Der. replied, ''No. he was brave sailor,
and would be the last to leave his ship;
he has gone down with her." What n
noble tribute 10 the true sailcr-a trib
ute enhanced by the consideration that
it came from the sister of that pride OF
the American Navy, Mathew F. Maury.
1t is said that his daughter, an &C
complished young lady. of great talent
and distinction for her exquisite musical
skill. as well as for her many personal
attractions. in parting with her father
was disturbed BY some apprehension OF
danger or casually. and asked him to
employ some homely device, ike throw
ing an old shoe, to propitiate good for
tune. and that passage occurred be
tween them, in which there was some
presage of the terrible casualty which
has clothed a whole nation in mourning.
There is circumstance connected with
this young lady which has all the inter
est of the most thrilling romance.
More than twenty years ago. in the
little old town of Fredericksburg. Vir-
ginia, there was gay wedding and hap
py festival. which absorbed the interest
of the whole population of that quiet
aud ancient burg. Il was the marriage
of lovely young lady to n gallant mid
shipman, who bad already secured a
high eminence in his profession. The
marriage was followed by gay honey
moon and social festivity, in the midst
Of which, just eight days after the wed
ding, there suddenly came an order
which produced ganeral discomfort, and
many unfavorable and denunciatory
comments on the heart and motives Of
the hand and unfeeling Department,
which could illus cruelty tear man
fom The srms.of his bride. The order
was TO rnidshipman Herndon TO report to
Captain -o Of the ship -, bound
immediately for The Pacific squadron.
The voice Of his frien and neighbors
was in favor of the resignation of the
young officer thus cruelty used, but the
dictate o duty, and above all, the coun-
sci of his bride. was that he should obey
his orders and perform his duty He,
hurried to his ship, embarked
on the long cruise, and after four years
absence, returned, and experienced the
delight and happiness, which had been
enjoyed by few, of finding loving
spouse and beautiful little daughter.
old enough 10 call his name-to greet
lim with tender embrace and welcome. |
Alas! that the same family should now
De compelled TO receive the sorrowful |
md terrible intelligence, which throws
heir little circle into grief and sorrow
Is dark as the JOY which once brighten
ID it was radient and exquisite.