National Republican., 1883-06-09
A LETTER.

The following interesting letter of John
Howard Payne, written to n lady friend, re-
siding in Alexandria, shortly before he left
this country for the last time, has been fur
nished us for publication by a gentleman Of
this city, and cannot fail to be read with in
terest.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 1si2-Mv Dear Miss: ! am
just departing for my last exile, and cannot do 80
without hasty line of farewell to one whose &C
Quaintance and friendship has given me so much
pride and pleasure. Frequently l threatened
Alexandria with visit on your account, and ut
mutual friend, Col Roane, but he deferred Il from
day TO day, and could not ascertain distinctly
wherefore, till after learned that you had your
self gone to your domlcile. Shall tell you the
difficulty with Roane? He had become the vic.
tim of a suretyship, whereby he was interdieted
from proceeding beyond magic circle. Thus
wags the world. Goodness of heart is apt to i'm.
pose sad clogs upon the pockets and heels
promised you certain egotisms, and have put
friend, Mrs. Kingman. They are fooleres, all
caTicatures ofmy countennnce In the olden time
countenance since then Itself grown older,
Indeed the last few months alone would have
cast down and superannuated any one less hard
ened to the rough winds and fierce blows OF
. trouble; and now ut the close of my career, ! am
TO be cast among strange scenes and persons and
places, and perhaps TO find my grave upon the
ocean, OF In solitary Wilderness of Africa,
100. Perhaps all viii be well, and may vet enjoy
afew years OF tranquility and freedom from pecu'
mary persecution
could tell you q long story about events here.
but have not time now. mean TO travel, II |
can, to my destination, through England, France,
and Italy, catching glimpses of all, have never
yet seen Italy. The interest OF England aud
France viii be u melancholy one. IL VIII be nut
asummary Of changes, aud the dsappearances OF
those whom have known before. But Italy and
thence onward will be all novelty. shall not
remain long enough In Rome, If get there 10
turn Catholic. Suppose make myself 4 MahOm.
edan and gather n sufficient supply Of wives ut
once 70 make up for lost umeY
II Will afford me true delight, my dear Miss -
10 hear from you atany time. The gossip OF one s
own land, even should you write only gossip, Will
be grateful at the far distance, i Will ask you
also, to watch q little for me should you be NJ
Washington. IL is u treacheTous region, and a
mine may he dug under any ohioeholder while
the sky smiles most, Besides some of my former
fayOrites have come out strongly against me-or
rather one of them Miss Eliza W, gratutously
so besides, for am her constant admirer How
ever let uncalled for animosity only strengthen
deserved constancy, You are Of the true hearts,
aud will stand by me in the storm even Of petit
coat indignation.
make no apology for the incoherence OF this
letter. Think Of me In room filled with packed
bONos-iretted every moment by the failure oil
some message about business sexactingIinstantane
ous attention, and with an undercurrent OF un-
firing anxiety TO make small means accomplish
great wonders while on every side there Is a de-
termined conspiracy and struggle 10 make tho
little in my purse nothing. Think Of this-and
Of the multifariOus and Heterogeneous claims upon
my vigilance, and you will be amazed that my
self have the power left 10 think at all.
Wei. now must end and say adieu God bless
you II we meet no moro in this world, may we
merit better; IL we continue here, may your
future hours always be happier than your present
ones, however happy. Believe me- yours most
truly, JOHN HOWARD PAYNE