Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-03-20
, d. c., SATURDAY. MARCH 20, 1865.

eO@ - - 49, - - -
we again introduce the young fisherman to our
readers; it is not necessary that he should be
traced through all the Oppressive and exalting
circumstances which attended his indefatiga
ble struggles for distinction.
A country had thrown off the yoke of Great
Britain, thither he hastened, animated by the
love Of liberty and hatred Of oppression. He
ranged himself in the ranks Of the intrepid
and hardy colonists; fought and bled with
them, and in . few years, experienced a sue
cession Of honors, which nothing but heroic
valor, patriotic zeal, and the respect and love
Of mighty and generous nation could have
awarded him.
One morning, lofty vessel bearing the flag
ofthe United States, anchored off Duncansby
Head An old man stool upon the beach,
watching with interest the proud bark that
foated SO gracefully and gallantly upon the
water. at is vessel Of the mighty people that
repelled the soldiers Of our king" unused the
old man, "they are great nation. They say
there's no distinction there betwixt the poor
man and the rich, and fisherman is respected
and protected, as the master of thousand
pounds" Here his musings were hushed, q
boat was seen pulling from the ship and head
ing towards the shore.
With awe and respect the old man gazed
upon the strange people, as they stepped upon
the beach; one Of them, who appeared by his
dress to be the superior officer, stood, and for
moment confronted the old man, who shrunk
from the deep gaze Of his blue eye. "Do you
not remember the child of your own flesh and
bloodf" said the officer. "Father, do you forget
your truant Pault"
The old man was stupefied; his eye roamed
over the figure of the handsome officer, and
then his recollection was thrown back upon
his own wayward boy.
For a moment he doubted his senses, and
passed his hand across his brow, with be-
wildered air, but gradually the identification
beamed upon his understanding and clasping
the officer to his aged breast he exclaimed,
welcome, my SOD, welcome to your old fathers
heart" He could speak no more-words could
convey no idea of his feelings, and he abjured
them; once he wept like child and then he
laughed immoderately, for there was vanity
and delight at the old mans heart
"Place him on board, " said the officer to one
Of his comrades, and in few minutes the old
man paced the deck of ship, commanded by
his own brave, and long lost son.
The officer, accompanied by file of marines,
then proceeded toward the castle. On inquiry
for Sir James, he was sh.wn into the oratory.
The nobleman arose at h tntrance, and bow.
ing courteously, desired his visiter to be seated
"You do not recognize me-" Sir James, said
the officer, slime has effaced my recollection
from your memory"
If | ever had the pleasure Of your acquain-
tance,it has, returned the nobleman," gazing
earnestly at the features of the officer.
"Look again, Sir James-examine well, and
you may perceive in the hard countenance of
him who now confronts you the lineaments of
che injured Paul"
"Hal recognize you, said the nobleman, in
husky voice, while his cheeks assumed an
ashy paleness, and his hand grew tremulous as
a leaf of autumn; twice he essayed to speak,
but as often his voice failed him, At length
with desperate effort, he broke forth: "Yes
Paul, recollcct you well; but you have
been fortunate in your absence" As the noble
man concluded, he attempted complacent
smile, but it was abortive, and died ghastly
upon his thin and colorless lip.
For q time the officer remained silently
gazing at his companion, who seemed to
shrink from the penetrating blue eye that
pierced the inmost depth of his soul at length
breaking the silence, with low, deep, intona-
ton, that his voice always wore when excited
he said:
"And bless it that II has given me the
power Of revenging her who sleeps the victim
of your treachery. Sir James, we must fight"
Eight echoed the nobleman, "Solemnly,"
is Il not better Paul. that the past should be for
gotten. 1t can never be recalled, and the death
of either of us would not assist the case a
particle. Many years have fallen over that
transaction, and it sleeps salmostforgotten. Then
why awaken the recollection OF circumstance
which will only serve to call for h painful feel
ings, without an attendant to alleviate themf"
"Sir James" answer the officer, and his
voice seemed TO heave from his inmost chest,
az have experienced many vicissitudes of for
tune since fed this shore, and encountered
enough of the storms and calms Of life to effscc
the remembrance Of many occurrences, but
that one is deeply, too deeply, for my equani-
nifty, engrafted here" As he spoke he placed
his hand emphatically upon his breast, and
there was q moment Of painful silence ere he
again resumed. "Allmy struggles for distinc-
ton have been instigated partially, that we
might meet on an equality. When we were
both younger, we crossed weapons. There was
discrepancy, then, in our station. You were
peer Of the realm, heir to princely nsme, and
I poor despised fisherman But time has
effected change in my regard. You still retain
your title and distinction, and have the honor
a tha command in the r.yy ~ tho th;rto,,n