American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1858-08-05
CITY OF LANCASTER:
FhuTsday Morning, Aug. s. 1858
A FORCED SALE.

1t was dark tempestuous Dight-the
winds whistied fearfully-aud hailstoues
whose size threatened to demolish the win
dows, ratified against them with pertinaci.
ty, as il to test their strength. In the par
lor of an old fashioned house. besides a
rather comfortable frs on such a night,
was seated the family Of Mr.. Southerlane,
consisting Of himself. wife, daughter, and
a faithful maid servant. A heavy gloom.
more Of sorrow than Of anger. rested on
each brow; not even excepting that OF the
maid servant alluded to, from whose eager
glances ever and anon cast towards the
family group, close observer would have
noticed the deep interest she took in the
cause OF their grief. The picture was a
melancholy one, for virtue in distress had
no light shade to lelieVe: all around is dark
and sofnbre. The sensitive artist would
have thrown aside the pencil if tho subject
had baen presented to his view as we have
described it. and his heart would have
received an impression. that could not be
transferred to canvass.
TO- morrow observed Mr.. Switzerland
SIS the anniversary Of the melanch ly death
of our Henry-to mo- row will be ten years
since the vessal in whish he sailed was
lost, and all on board perished-al
all
'Alasi' exclaimed the wife, as the tears
coursed their way down her cheeks TO
morrow will re melancholy; indeed it will
for to morrow this house, which belonged
To nv father-lhe furniture. which tint
has made, as II were part Of ourself. ant
associated with many pleasing event II
cur lives, is to be sold-torn from US BY
the unrelenting hsn1s Of creditors. But
thank Heaven, misfortune. not crime
has reduced US to this stage OF poverty,
No, nv child, unless with what littl'
money friend loaned me. can secure
few articles. Ellen, my dear. take pen
oil and put these down; irst the side boart
two beds, chairs and kitchen tn ngs. Th'
side board, it is true. will be 10 US super
fiuous piece Of furniture. but it belonged
to my mother, and l cannot, and will no
part with it.
But my piano. pa, must it go3'
The wife sighed, the laiher cast his eye
towards the Pickering fr+, and the daugh
ter was silent. The fate Of the piano wa
decided upon: melancholy pause in thu
conversation plainly told how severe wer
the feelings Of the victims when exeotinI
the penalty Of a bond.
60, Mary. and request the Sherif's OF
fcer, whois Watching the property. to wal
into the parlor; he is only doing his duty
no doubt it is as psinfu! to him as it is dis
tressing to us. Let him share a seat at on
FIRE, for it is severe night
1T ia a fearful night observed MI
Southerland, 'snd we have behaved YER
rudely TO this man.
Mother, made gre in the room wher
he--but
Speak out child-it was with the LAT
stick
Father, it was
Mary returned with the officer: polit
Rent.emanly man-for such should be til
character Of men who have toperform
part 10 the drama cf life--whose duty w'
y to torture by the rack; with this differenc
however, that was physical torture
ours q mental one-administered wit
all the nicely and precision OF legal Ju
ics.'
The officer accepted the invitation, an
endeavored to cheer his victims by en'
merating many instances Of similar kin
equally poignant and distressing.
Thus the evening passed heavily ar
cheerlessly away.
The next day the sale commenced. II
/. house was put up first.
Seven thousand Eve hundred dolla
was at last bid. upon which he dwelta m
Inenl. Mr.. Southerland compressed b
lips and muttered 10 bimself:
1T cost my father fifteen thousand do
lars 1 5ats
Seven thousand Eve hundred dollar
d going--once--t three times--for Il
last going sl.ige3 e
Eight thousand. " ~ .sa,s.is ,i /
sn4 Thank you, sir, going 6l eight thousar