Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-09-09

could amount to nothing, rs she had
never even heard of it until that minute.
Remember the children, Appleton"
she pleaded. .'For their sake, let this
farce stop here"
"Isotta" he answered. 81 do not love
you, and | can never live with you rs
man should with his wife"
"If you do not love me-" she pleaded,
"ct me live with my children. Let me
keep house for you and them"
That cannot do now," he replied.
81 am going to India to make voyage.
and when | return | will send for you and
the children to come to Liverpool"
By lies and threats he induced her to
sign certain papers, she knows not what.
but probably relinquished her claim upon
him and the children. he stipulating to
give her fl0O, or $500, annually for her
support. Then the poor helpless woman
was bundled OF to Smyrna, where her
father was living, still conliding in the
word of tho accomplished scoundrcl. not
dreaming that at lhat very time he was
living with Augusta Mason as Mr. and
Mrs. John Mcdonald, and that her
daughter Bessie was sharing this home Of
shame, to which her other children were
soon TO be brought.
She proceeded in safety to Smyrna,
where she secured employment rs teach
er OF English in the convent OF st. Vim
cent dc Paul, where she originally re-
ccived her education. She remained
there several months, hearing twice from
her hus sband, who showed his anxiety to
have her remain there and not communi-
cate with any one in America, but she
finally received mysterious intimalions
that every thing was not right, and
fastened back 20 this country. She
brought with her rs escort her young
brother Frank, nineteen years of age
She arrived in Boston in May, 1867, in =
pennilcss condition, and the first news she
learned was that her children had been
sent away. Her mother-in-law was at
first astonished at seeing her, but quickly
recovering herself, made demonstration
of affection, which was, OF course repuls-
ed. She then refused to give any inior'
nation regarding the children, and order
ed the injured woman from the house.
Al this very time an application was
before the President for the pardon of the
convicted SLAYER Oaksmith. Mrs. Eliza.
beth Oaksmith had been instrumental in
securing signiiurc5 10 the application.
limitations had been received direct from
the Executive Mansion that the applica'
ton had been Elvorably considered, and
the pardon would be issued in the due
course of business in very few days.
These facts were related TO the abused
and deserted wife, and she was urged to
use her influence TO stop it, She declined
going rs far IS that, but did write a let
tor to the President requesting that the
pardon might be withheld until her
children should be restored TO her, re-
laling as much of her history as was
necessary to render the request inteli.
gible. The request was granted without
hesitation, and the unhappy wanderer has
still reason to apprehcnd arrest wherever
he NAV be, and extradition 10 this country
for the punishment due to his crimes.
Then began long and painful search
for the lost children. Struggling with
poverty, teo proud to beg, with but few
acquaintanccs, she bravcly sought en-
ploymcnt rs music teacher and in
structor in modern languages, improving
every opportunity, toiling early and la'e,
and half starving herself TO hoard from
her petty earnings means TO assist her IN
the great work of her life. And thus two
years passed away, during which time she
learned definitely that Oaksmith was still
in England, living under an assumed
name: that the children were with him,
and that the sister and mother OF Augusta
Mason had also joined the household. she
having taken voyage to sea with him
while his pretended wife, her sister, re-
manned at home in England.
She obtained help, crossed the ocean,
again found her husband had fled leaving
no trace. She consulted the police, found
where her children were, but was unable
to see them She found her husband and
a scene ensucd. Beaten al all points, she
returned to the United States, and is now
in New York struggling as music teach
er and instructor OF languages, braveiy
seeking TO get together little money to
renew this unequal struggle.
PRESENCE OF MIND.