True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-04-28
INTERESTING SKETCH.
Adrian Gray.
BY IRA D. WARREN.

BY IRA D. WARREN.
It was cold morning in December
that sat by the cheerful fire in my libra
ry with young Adrian Gray. The sun
shone with an unusual brightness, Civ
ing the crisp and frozen snow the appear
ance of being covered with spangles of
glit.ering silver. As we sat silently smo-
king our cigars, each absorbed in his own
reflections; Adrian turned to me and asked
i'll would like to hear the incidents Of his
earlier life! had been intimately ac-
quainted with him for some years, altho'
at this time he was scarce twenty five, and
/ had observed about his expressive
countenance look Of unfathomable sad
ness, which, | was satisfied, something
besides time has wrought. | answered
that | would listen with pleasure TO what
he chose to relate; for Ihad often desired
to know more of him, but had not the
courage to ask him what | wished, as |
well knew that there is sacred privacy
in every human heart that the nearest
friends cannot invade with impunity.
"As have sat here" said he, "for the
past two hours, the incident Of my life,
for ten years past, have presented them
selves to my memory like some unfolding
panorama. Twas then fifteen years of
age; wild, carelass, reckless boy. My
father was a country clergyman, and like
all persons Of that class who spend their
lives for the good of others, was poor, and
with large family Dependant. upon the
charity of his Pensioners. Yes! | say
the charity! Of his Pensioners for his
support; for although he served them
faithfully, they looked upon the miserable
pi,tance which they allow him, not as
anything he had right to demand, but
as aims which their magnificent munifi-
cence bestowed upon splendid pauper.
They were oil pious, guod men, no doubt,
but they forgo. that the laborer was wor-
thy of his hire.
III observed this. and deep and bitterly
did feel its sting. resolved, that new
or, from that hour, would | remain de-
pendent upon that narrow-minded penu-
riousness. resolved, as my father was
unable to give to his child the advantages
of such an education as he desired. and
as I wished to commence the world for
myself. did it with hearty good will.
II commenced with the labor of my
hands, for neighboring farmer. How
I remember the quiet old man teaching
me the mysteries Of farming, paying me
eight dollars month for my services
l persevered in what had undertaken,
and the enthusiasm Of my young feelings,
and independence, overcame obstacles
which the cold heart Of calculating pru-
dence would never have endured. !, by
those means, obtained thorough educa-
tion, and commenced the study Of law
with gentleman whose kindness shall
never forget; for it seemed 10 me, then,
that he was the only one, except my own
family, who took any interest in the strug.
Cling boys advancement. The longer
live, and the better acquainted | become
with the world, as it is, the closer seem
to be drawn by the golden chords ol
friendship, 10 my truest and best friend
and / have every reason to be grateful,
when I see how few there are in this
lriAing world who will lend a hand to the
struggling aspirations Of youth. II wa!
through his influence and advice that
am here. -Four years ago came bere
stranger, with neither money or friends
to seek my fortune in this great CONNER
cial emporium, this gigantic pulse Of the
commercial world, any arrangement o.
which is felt in all countries of the globe
as late incidents have clearly shown.
"Here l arrived one cold, wet October
morning, land you know how gloomy
New York is on such day) full Of hope
and ambition, which even the cold gloom
Of such day, stranger as | was in great
strange city, when not single ray o
sunshine stole through The dark clouds
that sbrouded the sky, to enliven thu
scene, could not dampen or cheek.
my early struggles (which som'
would call my fortupes) had not taugh
me 10 be humble; for there is prid
which becomes every man, and poo
young man, who depends upon his owl
exertions for advancement in life, shout
possess il. possessed it to its fulles
extent. Had La less keen sense OF wrong
] should have avoided many unpleasant
things. I have learned, however, tha
the mind will support much when calle
into exer,ion by The necessity Of things
the days Of joy arenot more rapid in shei
flight than the DAYS Of sorrow but W
/ count not the moments Of their duratio
! with so scrupulons an exac,ness.
IL have loved once. Yes the poo
! boy who had surmounted the create
obstacles between him and success ha
the audacity to love the daughter Of on
whose earlier days had been marked b
incidents and struggles not widely diffe
, ent from my own, This, perhaps was
r bwsakpess; bu. il was weakness uniye
sally Incident to humanity; and ! Al
not the first who has been, nor the IA