Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-02-12
Vermont 9Banjt.
BRATTLEBORO:
FRIDAY EVENING, FEB. II, 1870.
ELIZA WARWICK.
A HEROINE IN ORDINARY LiFE.

orphan lady, then resident with her cous-
in, Mrs. Steel in Madras. The union was
a sngulaily happy one, each possessing
that amiability of nature which is condu-
Give 10 domestic felicity. Four years after
we see them with little daughter named
Eliza, and an infant son their worldly af-
fairs prosperous, and happy in each other,
they looked forward to the future with
hopeful anticipations; but their happiness
was brief as bright. An epidemic fever
ragged at Madras; many Europeans fell vic
Tins, among them were Captain and Mrs.
Warwick and thus the children were re-
duced TO the condition OF orphans. Left 10
the care of Mrs. Steel, that lady consider
ed II her duty to apprise Mr.. White, Mrs.
Warwick's brother, then resident in SUI
matra, of his sisters sudden death, and
the orphaned condition of her children
and TO ask his wishes as to their future dis
posal.
1t was Eliza who particularly engaged
Mrs. Stee's thoughts, as Captain War
wick's brother, then on the eve OF depart
ure for America, was ready 10 take charge
of his infant nephew, and bring him up
along with his own family. This fact Mrs.
Steel intimated TO Mr.. White, and added
that, did he feel the charge of II female
child too much for his declining years, she
would with great pleasure adopt the
little Eliza, and, as she had no family de-
vote herself 10 her right up-bringing and
culture. The reply from Mr.. White arriv-
ed without delay. lie expressed his deep
sorrow at the death of his amiable sister
and her husband, and said he considered It
would lie for his comfort to have this pre-
cious relic of his departed sister near him !;
and thus the little orphans were provided
for the boy sailed for America and Eliza
under the charge of careful attendant, ac-
complished the voyage 10 Sumatra in safe
ty, and was received by her uncle with ev-
cry demonstration of affection and JOY.
Mr.. White was man of broken health
and considerable physical weakness, but il
was his pleasure TO devote his leisure
and retirement 10 the education of the
child, who was placed Ivy early misfortune
under his care. lie enlisted also in the SER
vice friend who resided hard by, Mrs.
Graham, a woman highly gifted and az
compished; and Eliza, by the united eff
forts of her uncle and this lady, was early
taught those accomplishments which made
her in future years an ornament TO society.
A ruthless destiny, however, seemed TO
pursue Eliza for IN her ninth year, sud
den calamity berel her at once ola second
father and a kind instructor.
1t was Elizas daily habit TO visit her I'M
Gle early TO awaken him, and, as her GUS
tom was, she went TO his room en- GER
tain morning for this purpose. What
was the child's dismay 10 find him cold,
pale and regardless of all her fond utter
ances! Her affrighted cries drew the FAM
lily about her remedies were attempted,
medical aid was procured, but in vain; his
spirit had departed, and the poor girl was
again desolate.
Acting as Eliza's guardian, Mr.. Graham
informed Mrs. Steol in Madras of Mr..
Whites sudden death, and that his small
property had been left entirely 10 Eliza
and asked advice as TO her relatives wish
es in the future. y speedy decision was
made that the little girl should return TO re-
side at Madras, and make Mrs. Stcel's
house her home. Many and various plans
had been formed for her suitable and COM
Portable convoy, when at last Captain
Cooper appeared, who was about TO sail TO
Madris in charge OF one Of the Company's
ships, and being particular friend of Mr..
and Mrs. Graham, they ventured to con-
sign their little ward to his care, although
there were no female passengers on board.
rather than 10 put her into the hands Of
strangers. Unfortunately, there were
among the crew some Portuguese sailors,
men of desperate and unscrupulaus char
acter, bent on any enterprise, il mattered
not how cruel, if thereby they might in
crease their fortunes. These wretches
formed the shocking design of throwing
the captain overheard, along with the surg
con and mate, thereafter seizing the vessel,
and selling the remainder OF the crew as
slaves. This barbarous design they con-
trived 10 execute, and one evening, over
powering Captain Cooper they murdered
him and the other officers, and thus be-
came undisputed masters of the vessel.
This fearful tragedy was enacted before the
eyes of the terrified Eliza and the villains
being exasperated by her cries and plead
ings, resolved to threw her into the sea af-
ter her slaughtered friends, when one more
humane than the others, was actuated by
feeling OF remorse, aid Selling the little
girl, saved her from her ruthless eompan-
ions. Eliza chung 10 her protector in des-
pair, and only believed herself safe when
in his immediate neighborhood.
Two days after this outrage. the pirates
held high festival, at which by their wild
excesses, they were reduced to a HELPLESS
intoxication. Some lay insensible on the
deck, others rotously moved about, Great
ing noise and confusion. While this scene
OF tumult continued, the few sailors who
had been saved TO navigate The vessel held
council regarding the possibility of re-
taking the ship, and avenglng the death of
Captain Cooper and their other country
men. But they were destitute of weapons.
Arms were slung round the cabin, but
these were beyond their reach, and the case
seemed hopeless. Suddenly, one of the
men exclaimed "Can the child NOT helm
usH" Eliza was called apart, the plan ex-
planned to her and al the same time she
was told her own life was the penalty If
these villains discovered the plot. Eliza
so young, was possessed of noble
courage and fortitude, as well as stranger f-
iections. She promised to risk her life TO
avenge the captain and retake the ship,
as the only condition that the
life of her protector should be spared. Ac-
cordingly she returned TO the cabin amid
the intoxicated pirates, and whilst skip
ping as If in sport, along the benches, took
the cutlasses and pistols from their several
places, and without observation handed
them out to the sailors. These men, thus
armed. rushed amid fboir FOO. o,a -.