Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-06-12

GEN. CANBY'S WIFE.


The following tribute to Gen. Canby's
wife is published in the indianapolis Nnd.)
Journal.
More than thirty years ago, in the little
town OF Charlottesville, Ind, there was a
merry. old fashioned wedding, and Capt.
f. X. 5. Candy and Louisa Hawkins were
married. Both were young, the bride was
beautiful, gifted with a reed-like grace of
movement. and rich and exquisite voice.
that still haunts my ear with the echo of
Its remembered music. The old people
shook their heads that night and said She
was too tender for soldiers wife; it
would not do for her to brave the hard
ships and dangers OF the new countries.
His calm, earnest way of loving had won
her soul, and throughout the shifting chan
ges of all this tract of years she has gone
with him, and where he was there has
been her home-her very home. Along
the lonely frontier, at desolate outposts,
in Florida, in New Mexico in California,
even on the rough edge OF the battle that
gentle, delicate woman has lowered near
her husband, and the banner over her
head was love-
In the fruitless march to Utah. under
Buchanan's Administration, her tent was
pitched among the mountains where the
troops wintered. And l recollect letter
written to kindred at home, describing
their camp, and how gladly she ate the
wild garlic, as preventive to scurvy,
when it started under the melting SHOWS
OF n late coming Spring.
What the husband gained in moral
height by the companionship OF the Chris
tian wife, how much he owed to her, and
we through him, has not been recognized.
His inherited tendency to gloom was
charmed away in that serene and gracious
presence. There was healing in the wings
of the guardian spirit, and through her
ceaseless vigilance, whatever could har-
ass and annoy was smoothed from before
him as by the unseen agency of of fairy
hands. Partly to this unfailing care is
due that even poise of brain which kept
his Judgment so finely balanced that. as
has been said of Washington in action,
she never failed to observe all that was
possible, and at the same time to bound
his aspirations by that which was possi-
ble."
Nothing could exceed the knightly ten
derness. the courtly Difference OF his man
ner to her. He early learned-as sooner
or later all must learn--that little love is
much better than fame, and those who
knew him merely as the silent, infexible
officer, could not guess how the loneliness
OF her life was blended with his, and filed
ii with an undersong of wonderful sweet
ness.
1t is pleasant in this age of individuality
and self assertion, to find woman like her
OF whom ! write, who has never consid-
cred the question of rights, is content to
in Inn.
ply be wife. She has not lived like the
lilies who toll not, but has ever been an
active. earnest worker, mindful of others,
forgetful of nothing but self. Her house,
hold was directed with wise and elegant
thrift more abundant than any waste, and
once when the General laughingly COM
planned Of being kept on short allowance,
she surprised him with a sum saved from
his pay sufficient Tor the purchase OF q farm
in Missouri. This too was for others. In
Richmond she made our enemies love her,
and in New Orleans said, II can hardly
keep anything, there is such suffering
about US" How many she has warmed,
and chcered, and comforted, only the re-
cording angel has written.
During their first married years her
early beauty sprang up anew at their feet
and little girls caressng chatter filled
their house with music but the divine
friend of children took the young child in
His arms, even as He took the child of old,
and has kept her safely housed in heaven
safe from sickness, from the battle, from
the temptation, from the weight of years.
Immortality would seem but cheat if
with the dust died our affections. When
the everlasting doors were lifted. and the
hero, crowned and anointed, went up to
see the King in his beauty, there was his
little girl. Perhaps no more child,
But fair maiden in her Fathers mansion,
Clothed with celestial grace
This true husband and wife may yet
have their quiet evening together. Gods
love will take her to his side again, the
sunset will be fair, and at evening time
there shall be light.
write of Mrs. Candy in the past, be-
cause the light of her life is gone out. and
she lies sorely smitten, yearning for rest
near the sunny hill-slope. to which she is
drawn by such strong and subtle ties.
/ This is Memorial Day. and our soldiers
graves are green and glorious. The spot
where her heart with her hero lies buried
is rich with perfume. heaped with blossoms
and yerdure, and there with reverent hand
lay this little leaf Like Ophslta's rose
mary, "It's for remembrance.
S. f. WALLACE.
Charlottesville, May 30.