Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1863-09-25
Alisfellancous Reaching.
A Romance in Real Life.

A correspondent of the Boston Iraceler,
writing from Mauritius, Isle of France, re-
lates the following: s
A very singular case has just come to
light here, brief account of which may
not be devoid of interest. Perhaps it may
afford the extreme advocates of Womap's
Rights another argument for the favorite
doctrine. For the sake Of all parties. and
especially for that of the young woman, all
names are suppressed, but of the facts, so
far as they have occurred here, the writer
is cognizant.
An American vessel put into this port
for supplies. Immediately after dropping
anchor, the captain repaired to the consul
and informed that officer that he had wo-
man on board his ship of whom he wished
to be rid. He stated, and in this respect
the testimony of the young woman coin
cided with his, that about nine months ago,
and before the ship left America, there
shipped on board her, to all appearance,
tall, overgrown boy of about eighteen
years. For four months this pretended boy
did a sailors duty without exciting any
suspicion. Then, in some trouble which
occurred, she confessed herself a woman,
TO the astonishment Of all on board the ship.
But incredible as the statement seems. 1t is
true. The captain did for her all and more
than all that could be expected of him un-
der the circumstances. Indeed, she ex-
presses great gratitude to the captain for
his kind considerate and genlemanly treat
ment of her after the discovery of her sex
and there are abundant reasons for believ-
ing that be did indeed bear himself toward
her in very honorable and manly manner
For when he left her here, the tears started
in her eyes as she took his hand and ex-
pressed her sorrow for what she had done
and her determination henceforth to be .
woman.
| This was the first port made after it wa;
known that woman was on board the shiT
-and here she was placed under the care
of the consnl, who provided Tor her lnme
diate wants and has secured her situation
in which she can provide for herself.
From her own statements 1t seems she
has been soldier as well as sailor. He
story in brief is this: She married mai
who was attached TO another woman, bu
1 WIZ WAS oftT-p5isuducu Wy Eta ii'e'"0 y
marry her. Soon after his indifference Z
her became painfully manif, st. Her lathe
was cavalry officer; and with his knowl
edge, if not consent, she donned man
attire, and enlisted in his corps and serves
under his immediate command for man,
long months. AT the battle of Fair Oak
her father was killed Soon after, havin
been detailed to proceed to New York O
some duty she took the opportunity to leav
the army and seeing an advertisement fo
seamen as she walked the street, suddenl
and unaccounlably determined to try he
luck at catching whales. The result ha
already been described.
A large hearted American sbipmastel
after having thoroughly informed himse
of the circumstances, and after repeated in
terviews with the young woman, finall
concluded to ship her as stewardess of til
vessel. A number of generous-spirite
American residents have made up purs
for her outfit, aud she has gone on her wa
rejoicing, and in due time will probabl
find her way back TO country and friend
Who will say that the age of romance hs
passed? i