Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-07-11
CURIOsITIEs OF COURTSHIP.

be the inner and concealed lines on
which it is conducted, the external and
visible ones vary with country, age and
circumstances. In some lands it is an
affair of the state, and with certain
people it is a mere matter of family ar
rangement; with others the adjustment
OF few financial questions. In such
instances the true fire and inspiration
of lOve-the "stound''-which give
life to the forms of courtship, are of
necessity absent. The following curl
Osities of eOurtship, in its various
phases, may interest our readers:
William DrummOnd, the poet, wooed
and won Miss Cunningham, a beautiful
and accomplished young lady, who
died when the wedding-day was fixed.
This melancholy event so overwhelmed
the poet with grief that he never ceased
to pour fresh tears over her grave. At
least for many years after the death Of
Miss Cunningham life seemed to Drum
mond 4" a nOught, a thought, mas
querade of Dreams" He lived in a
state of celibacy till the age of forty
seven, when he married Elizabeth LO-
gan, lady in whom he traced many
strong resemblances to her whom he
first loved, and by whom he was so
greatly charmed. She looked like his
first wife.
A gentleman from Nottingham, look
ing from his window, one day, saw a
lady pass who looked very much like
his late wife. He made haste after her,
and, having succeeded in obtaining all
necessary information, she was married
to him because of the likeness which
she bore to one whom he had tenderlY
loved.
Reported virtues have sometimes
paved the way to the most romantic
attachments. Col Hutchinson, Gov
ernor of Nottingham Castle and Town
in the time of the Civil War, being at
the house of Sir Allen Apsley, was
greatly pleased with child of a pleas
ant and VivaeiOus spirit. One day,
when looking on shelf, he found q
few Latin books, and asking whose
they were, he was told by the young
miss that they were her eldest sisters.
He at once wished to see her; but as
she was gone from home, he was not
likely to have his wish fulfilled. Mean
while gentleWomen who had been Miss
Apsley's companions used to tell him
how reserved and studious she was; and
these reports so infiamed his desire to
see her, that he began to wonder why
he should have such q strong impulse
toward one whom he had never seen.
There scarcely passed day but some
accident or discourse still kept alive
and strengthened his wish to see her.
G1ano -, OF q era15
house, a certain song was sung which
was said to have been written by Miss
Apsley, who, by-the-by, was greatly
praised by two or three gentlemen in
heparty. He (Mr. Hutchinson) heard
all this, and said to one of the gentle
men: 'I cannot be at rest till this lady
return, that may be acquainted with
her" The same evening, while they
were at supper, some statement was
made which gave him the impression
that the young lady was married; he
was taken i'll Immediately, and had to
leave the table. He, however, learned
shortly after that his impressions were
wrong. AfterWard they were fortunate
enough to meet, and a friendship at
once created which ripened into strong
affection. Devotedly attached to her,
she became to him most admirable
wife and com panion, and lived to be
the writer of The g History of the Siege
of Nottingham Castle"
Another instance of love arising
from reported virtues is related of the
Rev. Joseph Gilbert, who was so
charmed with the writings of Miss
Anna Taylor, and the eulogiUm of
her personal merits, pronounced by
those acquainted with her, that, with
out having seen her, he addressed let
ter to the young lady. inguiring
whether any peremptory reasons ex-
listed which might lead him to conclude
that a Journey undertaken with the
purpose Of soliciting her heart and
hand could not possibly be successful.
After little correspondence, the Jour
ney was permitted, and an interview
was obtained, which ripened into hap
Ply welded life.
It is reported of a certain plebeian
in one of the northern counties, that on
a given day he took in his hOmely con-
veyance five young women to some reli-
gious meeting. After the rustic drive
and the religious service, he was mar
ried toone of his fair companions. She
died; and as fortune would have it,
when he was in search of q second
wife, he alighted on another who had
favored him with her company on that
day. And so moved the train of events
that the third and fourth and fifth be-
came wife unto him. COurtship this,
with vengeance!
The celebrated John Newton, of OF.
ney, fell in love with Kentish maid at
first sight. The girl was under fourteen
years of age; but such was the impress
sion she made on Young Newton, that
his affection for her appears to have
equalled all that the writer's of romance
have imagined. When in distant
parts of the world, the thought of her
checked him in q prohigate career.
When sinking on the coast of Africa
into a wretched state of slavery, and
when ready to put an end to his life,
the thought of her aroused him to
energy and inspired him with hope.
All the oppression and scenes Of misery
and wickedness through which he had
to pass never banished her for q single
hour from his waking thoughts for the
following seven years. When he lived
in London, he would repair twice q
week to Shooters Hill, and from the
top of that eminence comfort himself
by distant view of the district in
which his loved one lived. Not that
he could see the spot itself, which was
in reality too remote; but it gratified
him even to look toward the spot. She
g ventually became the bright star of
his life.
The Rev. Joseph Hall, Bishop Of
and author of Contempla-
tions ,Vf the Old and New Testament"
obtain ed a wife in a very singular man.
ner. In walking from church one
with q grave and rev
erend minister Of the name Of Gran
didge, he saw a comely, modest gentle
woman standing at the door Of house
where they we're invited to q wedding
dinner. Mr.. Hall inquired Of his friend
he knew her. eyes, said
Mr.. Grandidge; {" know her well, and
I have bespoke her for your wife. She
is the daughter Of a gentleman whom
l much respect, Mr.. George Winnih, |
Of Bretenham; and out of an opinion |
have of the fitness of the match for /
vou. / have already treated about It |
with her father, whom I found very 1
ant to entertain it." Mr.. Hall, too, it /
seems was equally apt 10 entertain it;
for he saws: :" Being advised not to |
neglect the opportunity, and not con-
cealing the Just praises Of the modestY,
pietv, good disposition and other Vir- I
- tIs, . ,rrs,.,a fodoad IN that 4oav,,fvr