Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1859-07-29
VOL. XIII.
THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING.


mate-and as soon as the ship was discharged
he obtained leave to be absent few weeks OF
a visit to his friends, who resided in a beauti
ful village in the valley of the Connecticut
When he bade farewell to Captain Sewell, that
worthy man, who regarded James as q son
and felt deeply Interested in his welfare. gave
him bit Of advice % Ill tell you what it is
james. said he, you are going home and will
doubtless see many old acquaintance Of botl
sexes in the course Of your visit, and if you
are wise You will get spliced before you get
back. Some folks say that a sailor has nc
business with a wife. That is an error-a sail
or should let slip no opportunity Of getting
married. A prudent, virtuons wife will not
only make his home weicome-and with her
smiles, compensate him for all his dangers and
selfdenials when aboard, but her image, deep
ly impressed on his mind, will act as talisman
to preserve him from the vortex of dissipation
and guard him from the temptations which so
often beset the path of the sailor. 1t is hard
case, james, if sailors arc to be deprived of the
comforts of matrimony. which are not denied
to the lubberly landsnen \ home, Joyous
home. frightened with smiles of affection, is
ii
Get married. James, get married Look
around you, when you get home, for tight
little country craft, with handsome run and
neatly rugged, run boldly alongside, throw your
graphing irons on board, and then see that
she is manned, you rogue
g Get married = muttered James to him
self, as he weuded his way to the stage Office
" what can the old man mean ? 1t is easier
said than done. I'll think of it-but there is
no hurry-I'm only twenty-five yet
1t was about ten o'clock on q clear and cold
evening in the month of December, when the
stage sleigh in which James Campbell had ta-
ken passage reached the village in which the
young mariner was born. The moon shone
brightly in the Heavens, and her silver beams
were reflected brightly by the surface of the
snow, causing night to almost rival day, so far
as quantity Of light was concerned-and to
surpass it in beauty and splendor. James
longed to be with his parents and sisters, and
after ordering his baggage to be deposited in
the bar room of the tavern, he ha5tened with
eager steps along cross road toward the old
family mansion, which was situated on an emi-
nence about three-quarters Of mile from the
tavern. He had accomplished about half the
distance when he was astonished at the loud
piercing shrieks of female; and the brave
chivarous sailor, always ready to relieve the
distressed and extend helping hand to the
weak and oppressed, rushed eagerly forward to
learn the cause of the cries which reached his
ears.
He soon reached the spot whence The sound
proceeded, and found a woman strugglir with
a ruffan, who was endeayoring to prevent her
loud and constant cries for succor. James
seized the f9llow by the collar with a giants
grasp, and as the scoundrel turned with fury
upon the defender Of outraged innocense, with
out saying a word, the young and vigorous
sailor gave him Il gentle tap on the side of his
head which laid him senseless on the ground.
James found, on inquiry. that he had rescued
young maiden from the insults of ruf1ian,
who, instigated by the demon intemperance,
had way laid her on her return from neigh
bors house, for the purpose of pressing upon
her his odious suit. The scorn and contempt
with which she treated him, had excited his in
dignation, and she was compelled to call for
assistance against the attacks Of the monster.
The maiden to whose assistance he had thus
gallarttly rushed; he soon recognized as Harriet
Williams a lovely, laughing girl, the daughter
of near neighbor of his tather, aud an init
mate friend; and an almost constant coiiipan-
ion OF his sister Maria.
Some persons, attracted by Harriet's cries
for assistance had approached the spot the
drunken ruffian was secured and escorted to the
houss of a magistrate, whence he was sent to
the prison for examination on the following
day.
Harriet soon recognized her deliverer, and
in expressive language, and with a sweet and
musical voice. which formed a wonderful con-
trast with the gruff, gutteral sounds which he
had been in the habit of listening to for many
months previous, gave utterance to the CRATE
full feelings which had taken possession of her
heart He accompanied her home, and wher
he had taken leave Of her, and was once more
with rapid steps lessening the distance which
separated him from his parents, he caught him
self muttering +" I am by no means sure tha
Captain Sewell is not more than half right af
ter all l always thought he was sensible
man.
1t is ed!ess to say that James Campbell
was warmly welcomed beneath the parenta
roof He was beloved by his parents and h
deserved by his correct habits, and the integri
ty of his character, all their affection. Th
fatted calf was killed on the occasion of tn
return of the wanderer, and his presence in
creased the joy and gladness Of the happ,
family.
| 1t was but natural that James should ste1
over to Deacon Williams's the next fore
noon, to inquire after Harriet's health an
learn if she had suffered any Inconvenience
from her fright on the previous evening, Ii
deed politeness alone would have dictated thi
course. 1t is not improbable that Harre
herself expected something Of the kind, for sh
met him at the door, with smile that woul
have softened the iron in the bosom Of an ar
chorite, and was dressed as neatly, and locke
as pretty as if she had just come out of banC
box. The interview was, apparently, a plea
ant one to both and james afterwards decla
ed, and l doubt not truly, that he would ratht
pass one such hour in pleasant room. by tt
side of cheerful fire, and in lively chat with
virtuous and intelligent girl, than to pass tn
hours on the weather maintop-sail yard-arr
hauling out the weather ear rings for clos
/ reef in a snow storm on winters coast
JdLHSo dllcl"dtu Hau d lOLlS tdlh Wltu
sister about Harriet Williams. He had know
but little of her for some years. lie heal
| she was as good as she was beautiful-was
dutiful and afectionate daughter and faithf
, friend-and, whispered he such girl won
r surely make good ,oJe But said his s.
ter, smiling, and with good shake of her fl
ger, as she left the room, take care, jaime
: don't fall in love with Harriet-there are MAJ
suitors for her hand"
D The caution, however, came too late. G
i pid's bird bolt had already flown. Jam
could not contend against Harriet's laughil
black eyes, musical voice and captivatil
smiles He had been so long accustomed
= the ungainly forms, rough language and ri