Volcano weekly ledger., 1857-03-14

80? If so, you have doubtless undergone
bardships almost unbearable, and beheld suf-
fering in its most aggravated forms.
Then money could buy but few Of the
comforts, or even necessaries of life. There
was but little that could be purchased, and
the incessant rains had rendered it nearly
impossible to take advantage of what was to
be had Want and wealth were frequently
joint tenants Of the same premises.
Methods of conveyance were so i'll suited
to the season, and so impossible were the
roads, that travelling without actual suffering
was not to be expected.
Familiarity with suffering doubtless har-
dens the heart; yet there were those who
during that long, dreary season of trial, let
no opportunity pass unheeded of doing their
constant drain upon their purses, and of their
own convenience.
Near the middle of December in that men,
orable winter, on day when the rain poured
down in ceaseess aoods a woman, drenched
to her inmost thread was standing on the
sidewalk of boxes and barrels, on the corner
of Clay and Montgomery streets, in San
Francisco, holding in her arms babe which
she tried in vain to shield from the fury Of
the storm, and which, from its low wailings,
was suffering from its exposure. By the side
of the woman stood shivering boy, proba-
bly, eight years old, who clutched the folds of
her lank dress as though he feared that the
next blast would sweep him from his frail
footing; and girl, too, in about her first
teen, was but few feet of, looking full as
wo-begone as the Others of the group. They
were mother and her children.
Just then there were no other persons visi-
BILE from that point; but soon there emerged
from building near the plaza, young man
with his brown hat drawn over his forehead,
and his form protected from the drifting rain
by gaiy colored serapG thrown over his
shoulders. He started in the opposite direc-
ton from the persons just described, but
stopping short, as though he had recalled
something neglected, he turned upon his heel
and drew near the exposed family. Quick
ening his steps as he approached them, with
pity evident in his every look, he exclaimed,
For mercy's sake, madam, permit me to
take you to a shelter"
The woman merely thanked him, and de-
clincd his offer.
"But you are suffering here, and your lit
tie ones-they will perish, said he
at will not be long" replied the woman
in low voice.
Indeed it will not" he added, "for they
will soon die here Let me remove them,
entreat you, from this merciless storm"
The woman not asserting to his earnest
proposal, the young man drew from his pock-
ct handful of coined ounces, and insisted
upon her acceptance Of them.
This evidence Of heartfelt sympathy from
stranger, caused the tears to well up from
the fountain of her heart to her clear blue
eyes, and tremble on their lashes while yet
smile fitted over her countenance, and set
tied around her expressive lips.
She then informed the stranger that heI
husband had just left them for moment tc
make few inquiries; that they had just land
ed from boat from Sacramento, and that as
to his gold, she assured him she could not re-
press a smile at the idea Of charity being of
fered to her when she had thousands at heI
disposal.
The husband here joined them, but the
storm forbid explanations, and they separated
Let us follow the family and learn little
of their history.
Continuing along in the direction OF Sac
ramento street, they were soon in quarters
as comfortable as the place afforded, where
they found portion of their goods, sent il
advance of them, and they were not tardy il
changing their garments for those that wer,
dry; and seated around the heated stove
Mrs. Doran (that was the name Of the fam
ilv) related to her husband the incident O.
the proffered aid from the young man.
Col. Doran was a man of fine feelings, anC
this act towards those on whom his affection.
centered filed bis heart with kindliest emo
tions; yet the object of his gratitude was un
known to him, and it was highly probable ht