Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1866-01-11
FAs BOYD Case.

we hhve copy VI leeWI VI "'i 'DNJ 7
to his wife, of date September 9, 1854 b
This is the letter which was read In II
evidence on behalf of Mrs. Boyd on u
the trial of this case. 1t was written o
by the profound, the learned, and the h
pious Mr.. Boyd. 7
This letter is published by "A," |
with Introductory and concluding re- {
marks. OF the "grievous mistakes" |
Of "Xn as to the law and the facts, 1
will not now comment, further than to
saw that there is no evidence tending
to prove that Mrs. Boyd, at any timo,
ever uttered, in connection with this
case, one word of complaint against
any one of the children of Mr.. Boyd,
for q word spoken, or for the commits
sion or the omission of any act by
them, or by any one Of them, before
she left Mr.. Boyd.
This published letter Of Mr.. Boyd is
in answer to two letters Of his wife
one of August so, declining his invi-
tation to return--the other of Septem-
Der 5, accepting his invitation. Her
letter of August 80 contains her COM
plants, at that time, against Mr.. Boyd
in her own words. Here is her letter
MoRRIsTowN, 30th Aug, 1864.
Your note, received yesterday, has caused
me no small surprise. You assume tone
of calm forJearance, as though | was the
delinquent. 1t is better you should fully
understand my sentiments; it may prevent
further difficulties.
Your letters from Ireland land to which
YOU have several times referred) were all |
could expect from you, and looked forward
to your return as the beginning OF o lie such
as husband and wife should enjoy. now
say truly you were not at homo two days
tin / felt you were estranged. Again and
again alluded to my long Illness, the death
of my babe, and to scenes that should call
forth the sympathy Of a husband, but in
variably you would change tho conversation.
After our business difficulties your passion
revealed your character TO me in new hghti
still trusted that, by continued efforts on
nv part to economise and work, the mis-
takes Of the past might be remedied. You
knew how bitterly | regretted those mis-
takes and how earnestly was striving to
please you but you were determined to
look on me and treat mo and speak OF mo
us a criminal
Allthis would have borne in silence till
saw such manifestations ct your prefer
ence Tor another as made me feel you were
indeed lost to me. Then | saw what you
your part to make me feel my position. -
Day after day you would seek opportunities
To enjoy the society Of another. aud the mo
ment | made my appearance either with
drew or sit in silence. Night after nigh
you would fondly kiss a stranger, taking n,
notice Of the poor wife who was Jdmtshin.
for the slightest token Of your love. Had
been in her place, we're it my own brother
knowing how matters were, | could nc
listen to your concern for another, whe
strangers could see your wife was in ba
health, and when nothing prevented M
from asking for medicine aud nutrimant b,l
the fear of expense.
The day left your house did so fion
the firm conviction that you desired it.
Your children knew me well enough t
know | would sacrifice more for them thai
any relative they have. know they lovet
and pitied me, notwithstanding all you
efforts to turn them against me. They di'
not want inc away. When last spoke t.
you, had | seen the least sign Of regret Of
your part would have remained. Had yo
written to me at Mr.. Stewards the mex
morning ! could have gone back as much
slave as ever but you wrote to him for th
purpose Of erposing me- Then gavo pai
of my reason for leaving tho place tina
should have been my shelter from all trial
Mr.. Stewart gave mo money TO bring IN
here and his sister gave me shoes. l bt
lieve now | am aware OF your feelings to
ward me. Oh would to God ! was mis-
taken.
You would DO satisfied that | shoul
return to your house and thereby save tn
exposure of having il known had to leav
it, You would Danish me your bedroom
and thus place me in tho position Of sci
want: You would permit me the privileg
of working as far as my strength allowed
imisht sit at your table, and though | ma
be unable to eat morsel, have to listen {
your anxiety about the poor appetite of an
other; and, when broken down in body
make me feel was On incumbrance to yo
and hindrance to the main object Of life
making money.
You seem to think am unable 10 max
debate ~ for myself and my child. Il
this you arc mistaken. Here | can find
home, peace. and sympathy, and employ
inent. This is all look for-happiness
can only Cad 10 the well being Of my child
AS for what the ,corh will say, il matter
but little 80 far as am concerned, Thos
who know me, aud whose good opinions
value. are well aware that you had all m,
love, aud that tried faithfully to do IN
duty to you and yours. IladI thought NOR
Of myself and maintained my true position
rs G wife, how much better had it been
but ] get up an idol, and the Lord sees fit I,
punish Inc. ! now look to Him for guidanc,
10 this matter. No mortal can help or ad
wise me. lam not actuated by any passion
and ask you to look back calmly on al
that has passed since you came back, anC
say truly If did not do all l could TO wiz
you back; ill you spwned me again and
In n similar manner?
My health is broken. ] cannot work as
Ihsve heretofore. Your love, you candidy
acknowledge, il is impossible for me to have
How, you think that. for mere shelter,
j would degrade myself by a repetition oi
the scenes through which ] have passed
La l,n.. -l..ls A. 81