Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-09-21
A BRUTAL HUSBAND.
Though a Brave and Heroic SaiiOr-The
Story of Engineer Melville's De-
sertiOn or His Wife.
A ParsimOniOus Economy and the Love
Of Money the Cause of Misery,
Disgrace and Separation.

PHILADELPHIA, September cot is very
sad news that Mrs. Melville, wife of the en-
gineer of the Jeanette, has been made in
sane by the suspense and excitement occa-
stoned by the long absence and dangerous
adventures OF her husband and his return
His home was near Sharon Hill, on the Phil
adelphia, Wilmington apd Baltimore rail
road. On his arrival Saturday night all
the houses but his own were illuminated,
aud the roads were spsnned by evergreen
arches. A correspondent says: "The grounds
around his cottage, a rather large and
handsome one, were unprecedented by the
crowd, and in the doorway three little
girls, the tallest in the center, could
be seen awaiting their fathers frat
kiss and embrace. When Melville went
away Meta, the youngest, was a babe
in arms. Maud, the eldest, now about
fourteen years old, is a girl OF great
promise, and although she was but a child
when be left her, she was almost a young
lady last night, and received such adj
miration and attentions as few young ladies
do. Through the cheering crowds that lined
the road Melville came, a march Of Joy
and triumph very different TO the weary
march over the Siberian wastes, and at the
gate all stopped. Melville went in alone,
and taking the three in his arms and holding
them for awhile 10 his heart, was led by
Maud TO where her mother was awaiting
him. Then the committees and delegations
entered the reception-room, and soon Mel
vile came in proudly and ioyfully, with his
wife leaning upon his arm. In the pleasure
of his presence and the occasion, Mrs Mel
vile made striking appearance, although
the anxiety through which size hiss passed
has worn upon her youthful and very at
tractIve appearance. She was plainly dressed
in black, with her dark hair combed in two
waves across her forehead, after the
old style. She cordially welcomed all
her husbands . friends, and especially
Noros and Nindsrmanu, the two sailor,
whom he still kept at his side. In the room
was a large picture of the Jeanette and
various other pictures and china ornaments
and trophies that Melville has brought from
past cruises and Jar off chimes. Standing in
the center OF the room, with his wife behind
him, Melville received about 1000 or coco
persons"
CRUEL AND BRUTAL HUSBAND.
The Press, of Tuesday, had the fol-
lowing: "Since Engineer George w. Mel
ville's return from his perilous voysge to
the Arctic seas there has been some com
ment upon the fact that he did not at once
rush TO the arms of his family the moment
he reached the shores of his native coun-
try. He wanted to be Toasted in
New York. and tarried a day and a
night in Philadelphia, although his wife
and children were waiting at their home
only six miles distant. Mrs. Melville has
also been criticized for not leaving Sharon
Hill to meet her husband. But this did not
appear strange to some who are familiar
with her slight eccentricities OF character, as
evidenced in the recent trouble she had with
the United States government in obtaining
larger allowance from her husbands salary
Now, after all the fine words that have been
written about the emotional meeting of hus
band and wife after such long and cruel
separation, the announcement comes that
Engineer Melville hiss deserted his family
Mrs. Melville was seen at Sharon Hill and
told the following story:
MRS. MELvnLE's STATEMENT.
"My husband has left me. Gone-I know
not where--never 10 return. Gone withsut
one word Of explanation as to why he de-
serted me-"
"Do understand you to say, Mrs. Mel
vile, that your husband has deliberately de-
serted you?"
Eyes, sir; he left this house last night, re-
fused to remain here, and cursed me before
he went. It's too terrisle. 1t will kill me;
it will kill me. But I will tell you every
thing, though my heart is breaking, and /
feel that ! am going mad"
"When Mr. Melville hsd greeted his chill
in her interview, ION the porch, he came to
me. l was waiting for him in the dining
room alone. He came in, and ! said to him,
'Ob, George, / am glad to see you. Are you
not glad to get back and see me-? He made
no reply, and his arms hung limp at his
sides. Then Meta caught him by the hand
and said: Kiss me agair, pspa, 1 am 30
glad to see your and he turned upon her /
aud exclaimed in an angry manner: who
Taught You to say thai?' Then 1 said:
Oh, George, don't talk 10. Some one will
hear you. The house Is full of your
Iriends. Let us go out in the parlors and
receive them They are no friends OF mine
ne replied. They are your friends, not
nine,' / answered, and led him into the par
ors. But one or two of the guests had heard |
his gruf greeting, and were greatly aston
shed. But all the evening / remained by
lis side, and, though my heart was breaking, |
tried to bear up through it ALL"
"Can you account for his strange behavior. |
Mrs. Melville, or assign csuse?"
"Nothing further than / displeased him in |
egard TO money matters, and there was al |
Ways spene on his return from voyage, |
During his last trip he only allowed ME 500 |
month. How could l keep his house and |
rounds, clothe myself and mis- children and /
end them to school, and meet household ex-
,enses out of that? That's what di.peased
lin. This thing has been pending Tor years,
nd now it's come and is out; and twill kill
urr-bur one or two of the guests had
card his gruf greeting, and we're
realty astonished. Shortly afterward
e seised his hat and left the
ouse, saying he would end the matter
ow aud for all time. / called 10 him, but
e was gone out into the darkness. and /
ras left alone. II was too much for me to
ear, and l broke down completely. Just
mink of the disgrace. NY children knew
nat my husband had deserted me- He left
8 without dollar in the house or food 10
at-left us without anything, my children
nd myself, withou. one word of explanation,
nd l have NOT seen him SINCE nor do / know
here he is. He left me in a most heartless
lanner,P she said, fand never want TO see
i'm again"
Considerable comment has been occzsioued
= Engineer Melyille's delay in reaching
is home, and the extraordinary ccene with
hich his homeward journey closed is said
have at its root serious domestic diff
lily.