Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1860-01-06

into any arrangement with the other cred.
itors, co!d!y saying, that, in bis opinion,
"tbe first loss was always the best loss, -
and that extensions were, in most cases,
equivalent to the abandonment Of claim.
He was willing TO take what the law
could give him. Pursuant to this view,
suit had been brought, and the debtor,
to anticipate the result, confessed judg-
ment to two Of his largest creditors, who
honorably bound themselves to see that a
pro rata division was made Of oil his effects
The business of New Years day was to
draw up as complete statement as posi-
bic of his affairs, and Mr.. James went
about the work with heavy heart. He
had been engaged 10 this way 70. over an
hour, when one Of his clerks came to the
desk where he was writing, and handed him
letter which lad had just brought in.
He broke the seal with nervous forebo.
ding of trouble, for of late, these letters
by the hands of private messengers, bad
been frequent, and rarely of an agreeable
character. From the envelope, as be
commenced Withdrawing the letter, there
dropped upon the desk narrow piece of
paper, folded like bill He took it up
with almost reluctant fingers, and slowly
pressed back the ends SO as to rea1 its
face, and comprehend its import. Twice
MS eyes went over the brief lines, before
he was clear as to their meaning. They
were as follows:
Received. Jan. |, IS. of Abraham James,
One Thousand Dollars, in full of all demands.
HIRAM EDGAR"
Hurriedly, now, did Mr.. James unfold
the letter that accompanied this receipt
Its language moved him deeply.
abraham James, ESQ.,,
Dear Sir: | was not in the right state of
mind when | gave direction 10 have suit
brought against you. | have seen clearer
since, and wish 10 act from better principle.
My own affairs are prosperous. During The
year which has just closed, my profits nave
been better than IN any year since i started
business. Your affairs, on the contrary, are
unprosperons. As think of this, and Of my
unieeling conduc, towards you in your mis-
fortunes, am mortified as well as painei.
There is an element in my character which
ought not TO be there. l am seli-convicted OF
cruelty. Accept, my dear sir, in the enclosed
receipt, the best reparalion in my power TO
make. ln giving up this claim, | do not aban-
don an Item that goes to complete the sum Of
my happiness. Not single comfort will be
abridged. II will not shrink the dimensions
of my house, nor Withdraw from myself or
family any portion of food or raiment. Ac-
cepi. then, the New Years gift offer, and be-
lieve that have purer delight in giving than
you in receiving. My best wishes are with
you for the future. and il, in anything. can
aid you in your arrangements with creditors,
do no, fail to command my service.
Mos, truly yours, HIRAM EDGAR"
For the space Of nearly five minutes,
Mr. James sat very still, the letter of Mr..
Edgar before him. Then he folded it up,
with the receipt inside, and placed it in
his pocket then he put away the inven-
tories he had been examining, and tore
up several pieces of paper, on which were
sundry calculations: then he put on his
warm oyer-coat and buttoned it to the
chin. Edward" said Mr.. James, as be
walked down the store, "t shall not re.
turn this afternoon. 1t is New Years
Day, and you can close up at two o'clock"
1t cost Mr.. Edgar a struggle to write
the receipt in full. A thousand dollars
was large sum Of money to give away
by single stroke Of the pen. Love Of
gain, and sel6.hness, pleaded strongly for
the las. farthiug! but the better feelings
of the man prevailed, aud the good deed
was done. How light his heart felt-how
suddenly the clouds were lifted from his
sky, and the strange pressure from his
feelings! 1t was to him new experience.
On the evening that closed the day,
Mr.. Edgar sat with bis wife and children
in his elegant home, happier BY far than
he was in the morning, and almost won
iering at the change in his state Of mind
Little Ellen was in his arms, and as be
ooked upon her cherub face, he thought
If face as beautiful, seen by him in the
at the window of his unfortunate
leb.or-the face Of an augelis had proved
o him, for it prompted the good deed
rom which had sprung a double blessing.
While he sat thus, be heard the door bell
ing. In a few minutes, the waiter hand
d in letter. He broke the seal and read !:
My Dear Sir:
This morning my dear little Aggy, the light
f our home, greeted me with joyous Happy
lew Year took her in my arms and KISS
d her, keeping my face close TO hers, that she {
light not see the sadness of mine. All, sir! {
he day broke in gloom. The words of my
hild found no echo in my heart. l could .
ave wept over her, if the strength of man I
ood had not risen above the weakness Of ma 6
ire. But all is changed now. A few min
les ago the Happy New Year was flowing '
me from the sweet lips of my child, and the j
ords went thrilling in gladness 10 my heart. :
lay the day close as happily for you and \
ourS, as il is closing for me and mine. +
God bless you!
ABRAHAM JAMES,"
Mr.. Edgar read this letter twice, and a
nm b,nlad ~ xritl,nut a Uord IN his Uifo &.