The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1858-12-02

passed. appeared like distressing Dream from
which had just awakened, and it was a consid-
cradle time before | recovered full sense of the
distressing reality of my destitute situation.
Immediately proceeded to Savanna where the
kindness Of few individuals, among whom was
the Captain of South American privateer,
then fitting out at that port, relieved my neces-
sites, and by his persuasion / consented to en-
gage in the service, as second in command. I
was accordingly, by my request, introduced to
the crew, who were already enlisted, as brother
of the Captain, recently arrived from the north
and the name of Laftte, which then assumed,
I have continued to bear My fortunes were
desperate life was burden I had nothing to
lose the situation was one which well accorded
with my feelings, and did not hesitate to ac-
cept. Our commission was from the republican
government Of Buenos Ayres For several
years we were prosperous; I had amassed a
considerable fortune, and entertained serious
thoughts Of returning to New York, when one
evening, as we were on cruise off St. Domn-
CO. looking for some merchantmen which we
knew were daily expected from Spain, we fell in
with British vessel Of superior force, who or
dered US, under pain of being fired into, to send
our boat on board, and heave to till morning
Captain Lafitte refused; a short alteration en-
sued; and an action of the most desperate kind
commenced. The British vessel was carried
by boarding, after great slaughter Captain
Lafitte was Killed early in the engagement i
was severely wounded by sabre in the head -
and the third in command, vindictive in dispo-
sition and exasperated by opposition, ordered
no quarters to be given, and the conquered were
exterminated. By this time the government
under whose orders we were acting, had been
put down by the Royalists who had effected a
counter-revolution. We were declared to be
acting without orders from any government,
and, refusing to surrender ourselves for trial,
were outlawed, and reward offered for our
heads 1t became necessary to provide for our
selves. On the death of Capt Laftte, sue
ceeded to the command and we established our
selves on the northwest part of the Gulf, and
lived on our enemies. When the South Amer
leans were again found in arms, l espoused their
cause, but majority of my men declined acting
in concert with their marine, or having our fate
linked with theirs. Our numbers had increased
so much, that added two vessels to our estab-
lshment, appointed Laborde second in COM
mand, and took possession of this island, where
we have successfully maintained ourselves against
any attempts made against us. My correspon-
dence with New Orleans is direct, and I receive
information almost weekly Of the important
events going on. When the present war broke
out between the United States and Great Brit
an, we declared ourselves on the side of the
former, and have acted accordingly; and though
we fight with the halter round our necks, being
considered by the Government as pirates, still,
unless we are driven to extremities, we shall be
found faithful friends to the republic
Thus sir, have given you short account
of the manner in which I became chief of this
establishment; and l can sincerely say, that if
our present disabilities could be removed, most
cheerfully would we perform any duty which
might be assigned US in aid of the govern
ment"
My most persevering exertions shall be used
in your favor" I replied, and have reason to
believe with success / am not entirely I'M
known to some Of the officers of the government
at Washington, and representation of your
wishes would undoubtedly meet with immediate
attention from the executive"
For your friendly proposal, I thank you,"
Laitte REPLIED it promises to restore me to
that world which was once enlivened by the be-
witcbng influence of Mary
"Laitte," said l, Il should have thought
that the perils you have passed through would
have obliterated every trace of that victim of
love from your memory"
When this tide ceases to ebb and flow
when yonder Mississippi rolls its turbid waters
to the frozen north ~ when the needle forgets to
point to the pole-when this heart palpitates
for the last time then, and not till then, shall
l cease to remember Mary. Forget her i'm
possible!"
And he drew from his bosom a small morocco
case suspended by a ribon, from which, wrapped
in a paper he took a beautiful miniature por-
trait of Mary. He kissed it with enthusiasm.
"This," said Laftte, IT that lovely girl gave
me at our last sad parting, and with such me-
mento daily before me, could I forget her !?
Well, well do remember how the angelic Ma
ry appeared at that moment; her long hair,
with curling tresses, twining around her snowy
neck, and slightly yelling her swelling bosom; =
Pale, all deadly pale were those lips had SO
often kissed, in the ervor Of unalloyed innocence
and love''
lie again kissed the portrait, and was replac-
ing it, when / observed that the envelope con-
tanned number Of lines of poetry, in the hand
writing Of LaGtte. extended my hand Tor the
paper.
You are welcome to read them" said La
dtte, smiling, it has, / believe, been observed