Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1870-04-28
MISCELLANEOUS.
THROUGH THE BARS OF A CELL.

COURTEOUS RRADRR:-I am the inmate
Of State Prison. Do not be astonishcd
my friend, at being addressed by such
being. can assure you l am special
convict, and, perhaps, some of these days
when I am free, you may encounter my
veritable self in the bosom OF your social
circle. If your curiosity u awakened, !
viii breathe TO you through the gratings
Of my cell my eventful history. It is 9
strange one, respected friend. Indeed
make bold TO say that stranger one was
never breathed into your ear.
had an only brother. We had been
brought up in distant village,
in the State Of Pennsylvania. Our
father died when my younger
brother was born, leaving my
mother very poor. She brought US up
bravely, however. Ibeing the eldest, was
sent of at an carly age to fight the battle OF
life, and, while helping myself TODD some
thing toward helping others. With this
noble purpose in my mind made rapid
progress, and finally had the hsrdihood TO
set of to New York, rightly imagining
that there were the greatest prizes
for an ambitious youth. Full Of the most
ardent affection for my mother, ! tried to
ment. I felt as though every act OF my
life had AN effect upon their fortunes.
This feeling so inspired me that selfde-
NAL was not only easy, but delightful.
Feeling as did, that all my savings bene
flied them so greatly, how couid 90
otherwise than save?
Twas extremely fortunate in New York.
Nv last employers in the country gave
me letters to one of the chief merchants
in that city. He received me kindly.
Finding out my industrious and saving
habits. he speedily promoted me. Year
by year he added to my salary. At length,
aitcr wears of labor, found myself, at the
age Of twenty-five, the confidential clerk
Of nv employer, with large salary, and
the control Of millions.
Some wears before had conceived the
idea Of giving my brother good educa-
ton. NV brother was to me more like a
son than anything else. His nature was
widely different from mine. l was bold,
resolute and daring; he was gentle, poeti'
cal. and full of sentiment l was stern,
practical and independent; he was quiet,
reliant and meditative. was formed for
a life of warfare and action; he for life
of study and meditation.
He went to college. His progress was
remarkable he was at the head in every
thing; he graduated with the highest hon.
ors, I saw him at the final exhibition
when he obtained his degree. admired
and applauded more than any one else my
Young brother. yin truth, as he stood
there with his fragile form, his pale face,
his eye beaming with the light OF genius
he was worthy Of all the admiration had
TO bestow have his portrait now with
me. It resembles the poet Shelley more
than any face that have ever seen.
NV brother went home, and, as sup
posed, studied for his profession. cor
responded always with my mother: MY
brother was always irregular in letter
writing, and never thought much OF no
hearing from him. ! soon became
troubled, however, at learning that III
Was unwell. I recommended trip acros!
the ocean and tour through Europe, ant
offered 10 pay his expenses. After TIL.
offer waited anxiously to learn the OF
feet. I did not hear from home for near
Iva month. I grew very anxious, ant
thought seriously Of paying them VISIT
Since my departure, fifteen years before,
had never been home, and had only me
INV relative on their visits to me at New
One day on going to the Office ! found
telegraphic dispatch. The words OF Ina
disnatch have burned themselves into m.
"Your brother isdying! Come home !!
II was a strangers name. Great God
INV brother dying! A stranger, too, tele
Oranhinr to mel What meant all this
was NV mother also dyings
never closed my eyes for three day
and three nights, nor did eat mouthf!i
until came in sight Of my native town Il
Pennsylysnia. waited for two hours
4rvinr "a overcome my agitation creates
nv fastinr and want OF sleep. Ordinaril,
nothing rufiied me; but now l was q
veak a q child. I walked up the mail
street. Icame within sight of the oil
familiar cottage. The blinds were o.
down. Great Heaveni l was not prepare
: for such blow. I dreaded the wors'
The worst had come. A stranger opene'
the door-a stranger stared at me.
recognized much of the old furniture wit
which INV mother would not part. cav
nv brothers portrait hanging In the hal
aAre they ins' ! gaspsd out not know
inr what I said.
No one recognized me. did not wis
70 be recognized. Fearful Of being an OF
iect of vulgar pity, ! had determined =
sct ss q stranger. So, with all the calm
mess that could muster, asked after m
mother by name. Then the blow fell. In
woman az the door spoke solemnly:
s.Ebe's dead. Sir" az,
.Hadnt she 8 son Z" I asked, with
fkiehtfS1l sttempt ct indifference.
Eyes, Hir-his death broke her down
Che died next day"
Unfortunate peoplel"
aSh ~. Sir. There's never been
death il the village 70 unfortunate. -
psci.lly poor Henry, Sir he was : srs'
III used 70 know : brother Of his y !
New York. Does he know y sSoI y. 'n !. !.
SAhs 9ir. Idon't know, AtA % = ~
hloW lof him" -.
How did y happen y, and III "a
sWont you Walk IN Ut su1
Jon"