The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-08-19
A PAGE FROM LIFE.

.
A PAGE FROM LIFE.
For several years after the National Era
was first published, it was regular household
guest, whose weekly visits we're ever hailed
with sincere pleasure. But, in the course of
time, pecuniary trials came, change Of resi-
dence, an unfortunate embsrkation in a new
business. Disappointment after disappoint-
ment succeeded, and embarrassments, that
made it seem necessary for the husband and
father to seek elsewhere situation that would
enable him to meet the wants of those depend
on him. By the suggestions of kind friend,
he sought the distant copper region on the
shores of Lake Superior. After some weeks
of anxious waiting, favorable situation was
offered him, which he readily embraced, ard his
letter home announcing it was filled with
heartfelt rejoicing, in the prospect of obtaining
means to make his beloved ones comfortable.
The wife and mother mediately disposed Of
her household furniture, prepared herself and
little ones for the long journey to join him, and
was paying the fnsl farewell visit to kindred
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ing the last adieus of her husband, and brief
account of the closing scene, by those who had
received the stranger into their dwelling, and,
Samaritan.hke, had ministered to him through.
out fornight's illness, srrsyed his senseless
form for its silent resting place, and, whilst the
soft radiance of an August moon flooded the
earth, lowered his coffin into lone grave.
The blow, so sudden, so heavy, was almost
overwhelming to the bereaved wife her chill
dren were yet too young to appreciate their
loss. A leaden weight seemed to descend upon
her heart, and from that day has rested there !;
but with it came the anguished feeling, that
for her there could be no quiet repose in which
to estimate the length, breadth, height, and
depth, of her sff1 'ction. She had no home. in
which to hide her SORROWS from curious ewes
no fathers house TO fee to for refuge and rest.
The necessities of her little ones, with the kind.
ly.mesnt importantly of friends, who thought
action necessary for the preservation of her
reason, impelled her to enter at once upon the
worlds arena, to struggle in the great battle of
life bearing her poor, bleeding, lacerated heart,
that throbbed and longed for rest, covering it,
as best she might, from other eyes. In the
Uuoy 5CuOOi-IOOuig ouC iOT u lew nOur6
forget the desolation of her life !; but in the
breathing Of unconscious childhood could be
heard, often and often would the convulsive
sobs of a stricken heart rack her frame, and
the scalding tears wet her pillow. Many kind
hearts proffered words of sympathy, but amongst
them none had known from experience the
trials of her lot, and she felt that alone must
she bear her burdens, alone struggle on, q des
titute widow. For some time the weight and
oppression of grief made even the consultations
Of the Bible seem afar off, and not intended
for her but as the bursting heart must find
some relief, the sgonizing prayer for aid
seemed more forced from her by her great woe
than any feeling that she should find the power
Of endurance she asked for. Yet, as she grew
accustomed to this lone communion with her
Heavenly Father, pouring ont to Him the an
guish she felt Omnipotence alone could com.
prehend, q secret balm was infused, and in
time the raging tempest stilled. Glimpses of
Infinite Love and compassion darted into her
sore spirit, and the still small voice at intervals
was heard, Whispering, Peace, be still"
In the course of year and q half, the idea
that had previously dawned upon her mind.
that for her childrsn's sake it would be best to
20 West, and find place in some new settle
ment, where she might gradually make home
for them, and they grow up with the growing
neighborhood, developed itself into settled
purpose, and, in the spring of 1856, two dear
friends accompanied her as far as Cincinnati.
There she bade sdieu to the last of her &C.
qusintance, and glided on down the beautiful
Ohio, and up the Mississippi-on and on, till
eli her fellow passengers, who had started in
company with her, had gone and she felt, in
looking ont upon the bold bluffs along the
shore, that not only her own welfare, but that
Of the children dearer to her than life, was in
great measure committed to her individual
care. The very necessities of her situation
nsrved her for action and when she finally
reached the place she sought, and had taken q
piece of land, she was ready to turn her hand
to anything that might offer. She taught few
pupils; she took in sewing she washed for her
neighbors, and finally succeeded in obtaining
. situation, where she could earn comfortable
Subsistence by keeping boarders for a year or
two.
But most of this sketch is only predatory
introduction to the main subject. Nearly two
years had passed away since that little broken
household circle had been .sojourners ia the
Far West" 1t was q cold winter dsy, inst |
after New Years, when paper was brought
from the Office, and the wrapper hastily torn |
Of, and then, for the fret time in several years,
did the rnother's eyes nest upon the well-remem-
bered National Era, looking 90 like dear |
friend of other days, in the same dress it was
wont to wear in the years gone by. No wonder
the gushing tear-drops fell upon its page, bring
ing up afresh, as it did, 80 many memories Of