Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1873-04-05
GALES arrn gketeRes.
>->~-~--~>~
The Unnatural Fathcr.--True story.

The Unnutura Fathcr.--True story.
Many years ago l happened to be one Of
the referees in a case that excited unusual
interest in our courts, from the singular ma.
ture of the claim, aud the strange story
which it disclosed. The Plaintiff was cap
tain of II ship which traded principally wibl,
the West Indies, had married quite early,
with every prospect of happiness. His
wife was said to have been extremely beau
tiul, and no less lovely in her character.
After living with her in the most unn-
terruptcd harmony for five years. during
which time two daughters were added to
the family, he suddenly resolved to resume
his occupation, which he had reluquished
on his marriage, and when his youngest
child was but three weeks old sailed once
more for the West Indies. His wife, who
was deyotedly attached to him, soirowed
deeply at bis absence, and found her only
comfort in the suciety of her children and
the hope of lis return. But month after
month passed away and he came not, nor
did any letters, those insufficient but well
come substitutes, arrive to cheer her soli-
tude. 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 had found grave beneath the vel
tering ocean. .......... ....... .....
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but
the evils OF poverty were now added To- her
'afilictions, and the widow found herself OBJ
liged 10 resort To some employment in or
der 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 be-
utn hnp La ot
a merchant in New York in moderate
but prosperous circumstances, accidentally
became acquainted with her, and. pleased
with her gentle manners no less than her
extreme beauty, he eudeavored to improve
their acquaintance into friendship.
After some months, he offered his hand,
and WAS accepted. AS the wife Of a sue
cessiul merchant she soon found herself in
the enjoyment of comfort and luXuries such
rs she had never before possessed. Her
children became his children, and received
from him every advantage which wealth
and affection could procure.
Fifteen years passed away: the dauch-
ters were married, and by their step-tather
were furnished with every comfort requi-
site to their new avocation as housekeep-
ers. But they had hardly quilted his roof
when their mother was taken ill. She died
after a few days, and from that time until
the period of which speak, the widower
had resided with the younger sister.
Now comes the strange part of the story.
After an absence of over thirty years, dur
lug which time no tidngs had arrived from
him, the first husband returned as sudden
ly as he had departed.
He had changed his ship adopted ano-
thcr name, and spent the whole of that
lny,y tAt ind h., nnl trn N.
scient visits on shore, while taking in or
discharging carSoes, having been careful
never to come nearer home than New Or
leans. Why he had acted in this unpar-
dOnable manner towards his family no one
could tell, and he cbstinatcly refused al ey-
PLANTATION.
There were some strange rumors of
slave-trading and piracy at1oat, but they
were whispers of conjecture rather than
truth. Whatever may have been his mo-
tiyes for his conduct, nc was certainly any
thing but indifferent to his family concerns
when he returned lie raved like mad
man when informed of his wife's second
marriage and subsequent death, vowing
vengeance upon his successor, and terriiy
ing his daughters By the most awful threats
i'll case they refused To acknowledge his
claims. lie had returned wealthy, and one
OF the mean reptiles OF the Jaw, who are al
ways to be found crawling about the halls
OF justice, advised him To bring q suit
against the second husband, assuring him
that he could recover heavy damages. The
absuIdity of institnt!ug u claim for Il wife
whom death had released from the jurisdic-
tIon OF earthly laws, was so manifest, that
| 1t was at length agreed 10y al! parties to
leave Che matter to be adjudgcd by five ref
erees.
1t was upon bright and beautiful after
noon in spling, when we met 10, hear this
singular case, Tie s,iulie bit strcailictl
through the dusty windows Of the court
room, aud shed a halo around the long,
gray locks and broad forehead of the de-
ieudant--whle theplainliff's harsh features
were thrown'iuto still bolder relief by the
same beam which soltened the placid coun.
tenance q his adversary.
The plaintiffs lawyer made most elo-
quent appeal for his client, anil had we
not been infDrmei!0abuut tire matterI our
| hearts would have been melted byi the
| touching description nj the rsturu of ihe
desolate hus sbatft aud the ag0hy OF which
/ he now behold his household gods removed
| to consecraie II strangers hearth.
/ The celebrated Aaron Burr was counsel
! for the defendant andwe anticipated from
him splendid display Of eloquences Con
! trary to 7our expectations, however, he
made no atIempt to contute his opponent's S
oratory. lie merely, opened book OF sta
tutes, aud pointing With his thin finger 10
one of the pages, tiesirsd the reierees to
read it, whi:c he rel urnsd n momenJ for the
prircipdt sritness. y t'2N ~ i - -.
We had scarcely finished the section.
which fully decided the matter in our
i minds, when Burr reentered with tail and
| elegant female leaning on his arm. She
was attired in a simple white dress, with
a wreath of ivy, encircing her large straw
! bonnet, and lace veil completely conceal
ing her countenance. Burr whispered a
few words, apparently encouraging her to
advance, and then gracefully raising her
veil, discovered u us afice of proud, sur
passing beauty. L Irecolect, as well as if it
happened yesterday, how simultaneously
the murmur of applause burst from the
| lips of all present. Turning to the plain
! til,. Mr.. Burr asked, in cold, quiet tone :
''Do you know this lady I" '-ar'1n
! II do"
| "Will YOU swear 10 that pr