True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-03-10
MISCELLANY.
Giving away a Child.

bound for the West, was an Irish family
husband, wife, and three childreN.-
They were evidently in very destitute
circumstances; but the exceeding beauty
of the children, two girls and boy, was
the admiration of all their fellow passen-
gers. A lady, who had no children Of
her own, was desirous of adopting one of
the little travellers, and made application
to tho father, through friend, who gives
the following touching, and, as we sup
pose, truthful account Of the negotiation :
proceeded, he says, Immediately upon
my delicate diplomacy. Finding my
friend on deck, thus opened The affair :
'tYou are very poor ~ ..~-|
His answer was very characteristic:
"Poor, sir p said he 'ay if there's a
poorer man than me troubling The world,
God pity both of US, we'd be about
aquail." .4..a s.asfI
"Then how do you manage TO support
your children I"
"Iti support them, sir! Why don't
support them any way; they gel support
ed some way or other" ,'''.
"Would it be relief to you to part
with one Of them :" q ar.,
1t was too sudden he TUNED sharply
round, ..., ...,
IA what, sir :" he cried, "a relief to
part from my child! Would it be a re-
lief to have The hands chopped from the
body, or the heart torn out Of my breast 2
A relief, indeed God be good to US,
what do'you mean!' r.-.5
"You don't understand me-" I replied.
Gf, now, il we're in ones power TO pro-
vide comfortably for one Of your children,
would you stand in the way of its inter-
ests!" .f...... '...,- ,......
"No sir" said he, "lIeaven knows
that would willingly Gu. the sunshine
away from myself, that they might get
all the warm Of il; but do tell US wha.
you're driving at" s'.".o r.ss ...
then told him that lady had taken a
fancy, to have one of his children; and, il
he would consent to it, it should be edu.
Gated, and finally settled comfortably in
life. ,l :, .-3 fs9.4.# .l...
This threw him into fit of graduation.
He scratched his head, and looked the
very picture of bewilderment The strug.
gle between fathers love and chid's
interests was evident and touching. AT
length he said: -. ls, ls-e
30, murther, wouldn't it be great
thing for the baby ! But must 60 and
talk with Mary-that's the mother of
them; an It wouldn't be right to be Civ.
ing away her children afore her face, and
she to know nothing at all about it," Dr.
"Away with you, them" said !, "and
bring me an answer back as soon as pos
sible." '"
in about half an hour he returned,
leading two Of his children. His eyes
were red and swollen, land he seemed
agiialed. To h
|. "Well," enquired, "what success %
"Bedad it was a hard struggle, sir"
said he. "But | have been talking to
Mary, and she esays, as it's for the child's
good, maybe the Heavens above will
give us strength 10 bear it." ..n.
every well; and whioh of them is it to
bel" a ".
"Faix, and | don't know, sir" and he
ran his eye obviously over both. "Here is
little Norah, she's the oldest, al won't
need her mother so much but; then, oh
tare and aigers, it's myself that can't tell
which I'd rather part with least; so take
the first one that comes, wid blessin."
"There, sir" and he handed over little
Norah, turning back, he snalched her up
in his arms, and gave her one long hearty
father kiss, saying through his tears; :
"May God be good to him that's good
10 you, an them that offers you hurt or
harm, may their souls never see 81. Pc
lher." W 'N''' "'f'ts s'i"
Then taking his other child by the hand
he walked away, leaving Norah with me.
took her down TO the cabin. and we
thought tho matter settled. /. must be
confessed, to my great indignation, how
ever, in about an hours time saw my
friend Pat al the window. As soon as
he caught my eye he commenced making
signs for me to come out. ! did 50, and
found that he had the other child in his
arms. :