Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-09-07
A Touching Story Truth Str anger
than Fiction"

From the Providence Evening Press, Aug. 20.
We have just listened to the recital of
most piteous tale that were not the crcum-
stances already matters of history, would
seem too strange for credibility. About ten
years ago, there resided in England, sea
captain, his wife and child-a boy five or six
years of age. A difficulty having arisen be-
tween an aunt of this boy and his parents, the
woman maliciously abducted the child and
escaped with him to this country, and found
her way to Providence. Here she soon wea-
ried of her ill-gotten charge, and finally aban-
the little fellow to the tender merces of the
streets of Providence, while she left for the
West, whence it is known she never returned.
The young English lad, thus left without
home or protection, of course soon entered
upon career that brought him to the notice
of the magistrates, and he was sent to the re-
form school, The salutary training that he
received in that institution wrought an en-
tire change in the boy, and two years ago he
was discharged as reformed. Since that time
he has been constantly under the observation
of the superintendent and trustees and in no
particular has he seemed to swerve from the
right principles inculcated at the Reform
School.
The aunt on leaving England, had assumed
false name but the boy had always treas
ured in his heart the name and address of his
father; and after his discharge from the Re-
form School, by the advice of Mr.. Cushman,
he wrote to his parents informing them Of
his condition and circumstances
The effect of the letter may scarcely be inn
agined- described it cannot be. 1t was as
if the grave had opened, and their eldest
born had come forth to greet them. The
father was in the East Indies, in command O.
ship of which he was alarge owner. Wher
in distant port he received the tidings thai
his son was still alive, he Immediately sole
his interest in the vessel, resigned his com
mand and embarked for England writing to
his son in Providence that God willing, h'
would speedily see him face to face.
After the Captains arrival in England, ant
a hurried visit to his wife he re-embarked a
once for this country to reclaim his long los
son to his heart and home. Alas for the flu
tilty of all earthly hopes! When three day
out from England furious gale made havo
on the ship, and falling spar struck the faith
er's head causing almost insant death.
Slowly and sadly the storm-stricken shi
tolled back to the port of departure, and th
woful tidings were sent to the mother VIII
was wearily counting the weeks that mus
elapSe before her husband and her first Dor
son would be restored to her arms Althoug
sailors wife, and accustomed to loo
calmly on the perils Of navigation, this sue
den dispelling of the pleasant vision quit
overcome her. She was seized with th
pangs of premature labor, and in few hour
! joined her husband in the world where separ;
rations come not and storms and shipwrecB
arc unknown
The letter announcing the death Of h
! father and mother, as we have narratet
reached the boy in this city on Tuesday las
and as may we'll be supposed, overwhelme
him with grief and sense of utter desol
ton. Let US hope that He who tempe
the wind to the shorn Lamb will SO guit
and support this youth, so singularfy al
deeply afflicted, that he may be enabled
recognize with filial love the hand of Fathe
who chasteneth whomsoever He loveth