Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-06-15
A True Story.

Many years ago l happened to be
one of the referees in a case that ex-
cited unusual interest in our courts,
from the singular nature of the claim,
and the strange story which it dis
closed. The plaintiff who was cap
tain of a ship which traded principally
with the West Indies, had married
quite early with every prospect of
happiness. His wife was said to have
been extremely beautiful, and no less
lovely in her character.
After living with her in the most
uninterrupted harmony for five years,
during which time two daughters were
added to the family, he suddenly re-
solved to resume his occupation, which
he had relinquished on his marriage,
and when his Youngest child was but
three weeks old, sailed once more for
the West Indies. His wife. who was
devotedly attached to him, sorrowed
deeply at his absence, and found her
only comfort in the society Of the
children and the hope Of his return.
But month after month passed away,
and he came not, nor, did any letters,
those insufficient but welcome substi-
tutes, arrive to cheer her solitude
Months heightened into years, yet no
tidings were received from the absent
husband; and after hoping against
hope, the unhappy wife was compelled
to believe that he found grave be-
meath the Weltering ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt,
but the evils of poverty were now add
ed to her Affections, and the widow
found herself obliged to resort to
some employment in order to support
her children. Her needle was the
only resource, and for ten years she
labored early and late for the misera-
bic pittance which is ever grudgingly
bestowed on an humble seamstress.
A merchant in New York, in mod
crate but prosperous circumstances
accidentally became acquainted witt
her, and pleased with her gentle man
ners, no less than her extreme beauty
he endeavored to improve acquain
tance with friendship.
After some months he offered his
hand and was accepted. As the wife
Of a successful merchant she soor
found herself in the enjoyment ofcom
forts and luxuries such as she haC
never possessed. Her children be
came his children, and received from
him every advantage which wealth
and affection could procure.
Fifteen years passed away; th'
), daughters married, and by their step
! father were furnished with every com
/, fort requisite to their new avocatiOl
u as housekeepers. But they had hard
ly quilted his roof when their mothe
was taken i'll. She died after a fey
,e days, and from that time until the pt
t riod Of which | speak, the widowe
o had remained with the younger daugl
ter.
=. Now comes the stranger part of tn
of story. After an absence of over thil
ty years, during which time no tidine
had arrived from him, the first hus
Of band returned as suddenly as he ha
departed.
+ He had changed his ship, adopte
another name, and spent the whole {
that long period on the ocean, wit
: only transient visits on shore Will
taking in or discharging cargoes, ha
t! ing been careful never to come near(
to 4 home than New Orleans. Why |
ID had acted in this objectionable ma
IA IA ner towards the family, no one coul
II tell, and he obstinately refused all e
he planation.
ID, There were strange rumors of sla,
IT. trading and piracy ahoat, but thu
by by were only whispers Of conjectu
rather than truth. Whatever mig
have been his motives for this condu,
he was certainly anything but ind
ferent to his family concerns when
VS. returned. He raved like a madm
when informed of his wife's secol
marriage, and subsequent death, vo
mt ing vengeance upon his successor, a
!. terrifying his daughters with the me
awful threats, in case they refused
acknowledge his claims. He had
turned wealthy, and one of the me
tu- reptiles of the law, who are always
sseIl be found crawling about the halls
gar gar justice, advised him to bring s
lrly against the second husband, assuri
him that he could recover heavy da
ages. The absurdity of institutins