Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-08-05
From the Boston Traveller, July a..
OF for Cuba-StOry of a Life of Adyen
furA.

OH for CuDa-StOry OF Life of Adyen-
tufe.
DR.. Contra, or as he is better known to
many in this city. Col Contra, met
friend yesterday in the street, and took a
parting grasp of his hand, aud informed
him that he was bound for Cuba to join
the revolutionists. The doctor, though
not more than 35 years of age. has had
considerable experience, and has played
many parts. The son of Swiss farmer,
he left home at an early age, and sought
his fortune in Italy. Here he was edu-
Gated for the ministry by priest. who
was very kind, aud treated him with much
more care than he had ever experienced
from his PARENTS. When the war be-
tween Russia and Turkey broke out, he
ran away from his benefactor. and joined
the French army in the Crimea, and for
meritorious conduct WAS made lieu
tenant. At peace he returned to Italy,
Was again received by his friend the
priest, who paid for his instruction as a
medical student. Again he joined the
French army, and while with his regi-
ment in Paris fell in love with daughter
of the famous George N. Saunders, and
found his affection reciprocated. At the
commencement of the rebellion Mr. Saun-
,lers and his family left Europe for Rich
mond Young Contra. full of love, left
all and followed the lady
Without any knowledge Of English.
when be landed in Boston he exper fenced
many strange adventures. Hearing of
Col. Maggi, be went to New Bedford,
and was advised by him to join the Union
army, which he did, but remained only
long enough in it to find the means of
reaching Richmond. Miss Saunders and
her family received him with open arms,
and in few days he was united to her in
marriage. After a brief honeymoon he
Joined the rebels, and soon was raised to
the rank Of Colonel, which he maintained
to the close of the rebellion. His wife
died in childbed, but he still was cherished
by Mr.. Saunders and bis wife as their son
and aided Mrs Saunders to find her way
into Canada through the lines of the
Union army. With the surrender of Lee
Contra was reduced to ahject poverty.
He obtained employment in this city i'll
the store of druggist until he made en-
ough money to clothe himself, and then,
through the aid of friendly priest. who
knew him in Italy. he opened an apothecary
store in Charlestown. and was quite
successful. But t e Fenian excitement
interested him. and he took part in the
operations along the frontier, which
ended in failure. Again without means,
he returned to Nlassachuset is, and this
time settled in East B oston. where he
again became prosperons-tb this time as a
physician.
Apparently tired of wandering, he
married widow lady Of some property
and opened m apotbecary store in Cam.
bridge, and was, as, usual, quite lucky
in his business But being of a rowing
dis position, fond of adventure, he is now
on his way to Cuba to serve as soldier or
physician in the army of the insurgents.
He is fine looking man, is a great
favorite with the ladies, has been carefully
ed ucated, and is in every way well qualifi-
ed to make ia orable Impression on those
with " hem he associates His friend at
parting observed We'll, doctor. so you
are going to leave your bones in Cuba p
to which he replied, mo matter, Pm off!
5 o good bye