The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1859-01-05

political place, met at barbecue to argue their
claims before the people. Between tEem-as
1t had been between their families for genera
tons betore-a bitter hate existed, dated back.
believe, to quarrel about the time of the
revolution, or prior 10 it, when in Virginia one
family claimed and held attachment e lie king
while the other clung to liberty. even while Il
was nursing in the hands 81 Patrick Henry,
waiang strength, TO be plaea@ II The guar
dian care Of q Vashingsea
At this barbecue both of these men-qreyy
haired they were, too-appeared on the stump
without arms upon their persons, so persuaded
| by their friends, who knew of their hatred to
each to the other, and had no wish to have their
party candidates cut of-at least until they
knew how the election would turn.
But when fresh fuel is heaped upon old en-
bers blaze is sure to rise The speech Of
Mr.. Borand bore hard upon the party of Mr.
Harland, yet yarder still upon himself The
latter, when it came to his turn to reply, spoke
with scatbing bitterness and personality, which
| fairly maddened Borland. He bore it, though
chafng like a Gagged tiger, for time; but at
last he broke over all restraining bounds, and
pitched into his opponent, with an argument
more so-fst-ical than philosophical. The con-
sequence was free fght, which tho it lasted
but few moments gave good grounds for a
challenge between the principals.
ltpassed, aud meeting with rifles at twenty
PAGES was the result. AT the first fire Borfaaa
fell dead, with ball through his head. Har-
land also fell mortally wounded, but fingered
through the night, with his faculties SO res-
trained that he prepared bis will and Other
documents, and conversed with the only living
one OF his family who was near him-a son,
then twenty years OF age-about his affairs.
Before dying, he prepared a package, and
had it sealed carefully, aqd then calling for his
son, said:
William, my will is open and can be read
as soon as pass away. But this package
contains private matter, and no one but YOU
can attend to it, for you are the only male of
my race"
Il will attend to any request which You make
my dear father" replied the unhappy son.
"You must swear TO me, boy, 70 fulfil this
request? The seal must not be broken until l
have laid in my grave one week, when you viii
have regained composure and strength for your
work. Swear 10 me TO fulfil my wish!''
II swear, my father replied the youth.
Harland uttered a bitter curse against the
Borlands, and fell back on his pillow dead.
Young Harland had his fathers remains
carried home, and on the same day two funeral
professions entered the grave yard at Spring
field, where both had resided The two enc
mics at the same hour were buried. Yet,though
mourning families were there, past hatred
seemed TO be buried with those who had fallen,
for the mourners were young and knew not yet
the feelings of hatred, which had so strongly
Influenced their parents.
Two were there, who, unknown to those
parents had long cherished feelings most oppo-
site to hatred. One was William HarIand, the
other was Flora Borlapd, the lovely daughter
Of Col Borland, who had just entered her
eighteenth year, Her brother-whose age
was the same as that of William Harland-and
the two younger sisters, were al Che near rela-
tives left by herparents to follow TO the grave,
although he had provided guardian for those
whom he knew his death would leave all too
much unprotected.
William and Flora, knowing the family feud
had concealed their love; yet, like Juliet and
Romeo, had often met, and made their vows
that kin nor klth should never tear their hearts
asunder. And sad was this occasion-though
they spoke not-yet their fearful eyes ex-
changed gIances from which each read more
than their lips could utter.
A week passed by, and alone in his chamber
William Harland opened the sealed package
which his father had given, and the instructions
Of which be had Swern to obey. Why did his face
blanche to an ashen hue as he gazed upon it?
Why did it fall from his grasp as if his hands
were stricken with a sudden palsy? Because
it was written thus:
EEWiIliaD1 INV oD1v T m, tLo e
my family who have fallen by the accursed
hand of the Borands. Of them there is but
one left Elias; of my family, only you. Now,
you are his superior in skill, in strength, and
courage. You have sworn TO fulfil my direc-
ion! Keep your oath or feel that fathers
,urse hangs over you! And, oh! Fhat!Qn eaftK
$ more fearful than fathers curse? 1t ismy
wish that at once you seek quarrel with him,
provoke him to an attack, and leave not a male
If the Borands alive; for with him, the last
will perish! Remember, revenge is sweet
Your FATHER y
'My God! why did take that oath? Elias
$ not my, foe, and Flora is my love- Were /
o kill him, she is lost to me forever, lost to the
Vord-for the blow which would kill him
'ould break her beart!' groaned William.
All that night, in wretchedness, young Har-
and walked up and down his chamber in agony
mind, studying what to do. He would fain
ave fled the place; but his oath was, in his
yes, most sacred, and he dared not break it,
He sought comforter, | said Oh, if be
nd is a counselor-if allthe ills that ever were
ustered into one, could find a name, that
anne would be the comforter. He soughtygui..
Maddened with its fumes, he left his home
an early hour, armed to the teeth, and de-
rmined to fulfil his pledge; and if he did not
ii himself in the conflict, to end the tragedy
= self destruction.
Too soon, alas! at the village tavern, he met
oung Borland, and in the frenzy of inebria-
On, insuted him SO grossly that an instant
,mbat was the result. And it was fearful
,e. Revolvers and knives were the weapons
ID both were used with terrible effect. Al
ost~at the same mement-clenched and Crap
ed in the dreadful struggle-they expired.
And lady, young and lovely, who was
ssng heard Of the afray, and rushing to the.
OF, fell senseless On the bodies of her lover
d her brother
She is now maniac. They sleep as their