Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1861-10-03
THE POISONED ALMOND.


to the anxious hearts of the citizens OF
New Orleans. As night came down
upon the rescued, the glare OF huge
bon6res. Lhe flashing OF glaring torches.
and the glitter Of innumerable lamps,
with jubilant shouts. cries, and exul-
tant laughter. that met eye and ear at
every turn, bytokened the victor's tri-
umph. The humble home of the arti-
san, and the proud mansion OF the rich
alike shone with the light, and resoun-
ded with rejoicings. But no home was
a gar and -resaleRdeat as that tspf The
Feaitfy and BospiiabIe Gen. Dame
rserls whose twin born sons had that
day been foremost IN the battle, and
Who< were now fresh from victory to
See their only sister welded to William
Alvefn. young and-distinguished Cap
tain of the Tennessee Rifles.
Long before Paekenham gave his
soldiers the bandit eatchword of BOO
II and Beauty" /" William Alvern and
Cara Dainemerts lad pledged their
Fsws; and their love- hasing gained
the willing consent Of tke General. the
J, day that should see them united had
been fixed upon, and that day Was the
9th of January; though when the time
was appointed. none dreamed that it
was to be day of battle. Honored
and uuscalhed, the young Tennessean
Sad ridden from the feld as the enemy
turned in defeat and dismay, and with
old white haired Dainemert and his
warrior boys had haslened TO bear the
happy news to mother, sister and be-
trofhed.
She shall be yours this night, .rpy
dear Wiliiam, said the old General. as
they drew rein before bis mansion
What happier date for a marriage anhi-
versary than that which shall be mat
ron's pride. Ha! the good news is be.
fore u.s. he continued. as his-wife and
daughter spraDg from the house to
greet him. -
Thank heavenl you have all returned
safe in life and limb was the exclsma-
ton of the wife and mother, and she
embraced her husband and sons.
Thank the God of battles that he
has given our country the victoryP
was the response Of the stout old pa
triot
The lovers uttered not word, but
the besming Ct their eyes spoke vol
utnes Of mutual happiness.
But If the JOY Of the lovers found no
tongue, the clsmorous and hearty
shouts of the ebon-vissged servants
clustering around with eager faces that
shoue in the torchlight, made ample
amends.
4 have promise to fulfil said the
General, and we mustinvite our friends
as fast as legs can carry messages
William is to wed Clara this night.
Come, wife, you are nimble with the
pen; write to those who stand upon
etiquette, and hurry off verbal invita-
tions to the rest. Send for yov, orlo es-
maid, Clara; nv sons shah De your
eroomsmen, William. L would that
your father was alive to see this happy
dayI You spring from race of SOL
diers, nv lear boy, and this campaign
has proved you worthy Of your de-
scent
Tbs was spoken as the General led
the wsy into his parlor, and every word
was heard BY a dark faced and haugh-
ty young man, who rose from sofa
ss they entered.
We'll, nephew, we won the fight,
and Henry St. Maur was not there,
said the General, with a severe glance,
as the young man met his eye.
Henry St. Msur. when taken pris-
oner at Detroit replied his nephew,
pledged his word not to bear arms
against England during the war. But
my heart was with you all, uncle
IF had been at Detroit retorted
the old patriot. 'and if ] had been Hen
ry ST. Maur, I'd remained captive
rather than accept liberty with my sword
in limbo. But make ready, my boy,
for the wedding! Be merry and happy
while ye csn!'
So saying, the noble old soldier has
tened to change his dress; while his
sons, with VIM. Alvern, hurried to
their apartments to exchange their war
stained garb for garments begetting the
occasion.
Henry st. Maur, a coward in heart
and villain in mind, had long loved
his cousin Clara, both for the wealth
that would be hers, and for her lovely
person. He was the son of the Gen.
erals youngest sister, and his father
had been French officer, and served
under La Fsyette. Both father and
mother had sprung from brave and
warEke line, but the son had inherited
none of their noble traits.
A shrewd schemer. cowardly plot.
ter, and a selfish, unscrupulous man,
st. Maur had lived thirty years and
not done one worthy deed. The name
and influence of his uncle had obtained
for him captains commission, but the
tap of the drum and the fume of gun
powder always drove his wstery BLOOD
from his cheeks. Glad to forsake III,
field for the carpet, he had returned
to his uhcle's to push his suit for tn.
hand of Clara Dsinemert. But b,
met blank repulse; for it was already
pledged to the brave and handsome
VIM. Alvern, g young man of nobl'
character and rising fame. Had h'
dared St Maur would have fought hi