The Portland daily press., 1881-10-29
understood that the speaker was William

understood that the speaker was William
Hamilton, only brother of the deceased.
cit may not be generally known that my
brother left will,' said he, in clear, firm
voice. 81 am aware, too, that this is not
the usual time for the reading of will. But
my brother was very different man from
what you have thought him to be, and, be-
fore you look for the last time upon his face
[ want you to know what he was and what
you lost when he died. This paper which
purpose to read to you, was found upon his
table and was evidently written the very last
night of his life.
~ For some time past have known that a
fatal disease was undermining my life. Its
progress has been slow, but the increasing
frequency of its attacks have warned me
that have not long to live.
AT first it was not a pleasant sensation,
this looking Death in the face; but, for the
past few months, | have learned to walk
contentedly along with the Terror constant
ly at my side.
My life has been full of bitter experiences.
Since my boyhood pleasant words have been
spoken to me but rarely. have been forced
by circumstances to live within myself. For
the past two or three years, especially, my
burden has been hard to bear; for, since my
coat has become threadbare, my fellow men
udfC cCCMCQ w ouull Ilcs anu, SOUltbluuCos
the boys have hooted at me as I walked
through the streets. have longed for SYM
pathy and companionship, but have not re-
ceived them.
Yet. as | sit by my window tonight and
hear the wind blowing drearily around the
house, feel somewhat like a traveller who
has returned home from weary journey in
desert land. 1t is pleasant for me to live
over again all the happy experiences of the
way. l recall every green oasis, where /
found living water gushing from the ground,
and every prospect that was pleasing to my
eye. All the rest-the wearymarches across
burning sands, the days and nights of
gnawing hunger and consuming thirst are
growing indistinct as they recede into the
past So, it is with a spirit purged of all
bitterness and animosity, that sit down to
write the words of this my
Last viii and Testament.
Imprimis-Itis my wish that the farm with all
its appurtenances, together with such personal
property as may die possessed of, shall be disposed
of by law, knowing that the same will thereby be-
come the property of my dearly beloved brother
William.
secondEy-Upon careful inventory of my pos
sessions, find that have accumulated a reason
able amount of self-denial. This also bequeath to
my brother William. recommending that he in
crease the same by living for others and not for
himself alone.
1hirdly--Many years ago conceived a love for
woman whose name will not write here. She was
every way worthy of all esteem ard honor and
minded to tell her my love and to ask hers in
return; but the road which was forced to walk
suddenly became SO narrow and difficult that
could not have the heart to ask her to walk If with
have seen her several times during the past
year, and her face was so pale and careworn that
feel tonight that perhaps was wrong in taking
this course. 1t might have been pleasure for her
to walk even rugged road with me. To her be-
queath all the love have felt for her these many
years with compound interest. am aware that this
bequest has no market value but beg the legatee
should this bequest ever come to her. to receive it
as keepsake, and to remember that my love must
have been genuine, for it unselfish.
Fourttty-To the People of Enfield 1 leave my
name as an honest man. trusting they win guard It
well from every tattling tongue To the extent of
my means. have at times relieved the pressing
wants of some of my townsmen. regret that
could not do more for them,
AS 1 write these words, cold, dark night is set
ting upon the earth whose vanties l used to love
SO well and regretted so much when saw them
slipping from my hands. look back upon a path
which was rough and wearisome when walked it.
but which now seems radiant with the light of duty
DONE JOHN HAMILTON 80
As he pronounced the last words, the
reader seemed for moment overcome by
emotion; but, recovering himself by strong
effort he proceeded to say:
"My friends, ] have confession to make
in your presence to-day. It was to cover nv
sins that he who lies there sold his farm.
1t was for me that he voluntarily gave up
all his prospects in life and became poor. It
was my sins that made his hair prematurely
gray and his erect form bent. May God for
give me for the wrong l did him. The only
atonement can make now is to accept his
legacy of self-denial. pledge myself be-
fore you that 1 will give the remainder of
my life to my fellow-men."
1t is impossible to describe the scene that
followed. Never before had Enfield been
moved as it was moved that day. As the
ann 70 4o1,o 1o1 oo1- AZ