Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1885-02-19
FRANCES DE HARTE.
A TRUE STORY.

More than seventy years ago there
lived in Demerara, British Guiana, q
planter whose name was De Harte. He
lived near Georgetown, the principal sea-
port Of that colony, and owned a large
plantation, which produced in great
abundance the products Of that tropical
land. This plantation was titled by ne
gro slaves, as this time was before slavery
was abolished in the British empire.
The household of De Harte consisted
of himself, his two daughters, and his
servants; his wife had been dead years
before.
Here he lived quiet, luxurious life,
knowing and caring as little about the
rest of the world as did the slaves who
Tiled his lands.
There was brisk trade then, as now,
between Demerara and various parts OF
New England; vessels could be seen at
any time in the harbor of Georgetown
Yankee goods and notions were ex-
changed for molasses, rum, spices and
tropical fruits.
The captain of one Of these Connecti-
cut merchant vessels made the acquaint-
ance of Dc Harte, visited his plantation,
and was Hospitality treated; but the gen
erous and unsuspecting South American
was basely rewarded for his kindness.
De Harte's two daughters were youna
girls, the eldest, Frances, was sixteen,
the younger, whose name is now forgot
ten, was a beautiful girl; this one had
never been robust, and, as consequence,
had been tenderly brought up. Neither
Of these young ladies had ever known
labor, want or care, nor were they likely
to as far as human eyes could see.
Captain B. advised De Harte to have
! his daughters educated in New England,
pointing out the advantages of an eGiii. efGsiii.
cation and residence in New England
but the fond father was 10th to send
them away SO far. The captain urged
him, promising to take the best care of
the girls, to look after their welfare in
every respect. In short-to care fol-
them as if they were his own daughters.
In this manner he induced De Harte I'd
yield to his wishes. The girls, mean
while, favored the plan, being like most
young people, pleased with the thought
of visiting foreign countries.
Now this was all right, and the plan
OF their education an excellent one, had
Captain B. been an honest man; but he
was villain, and this movement was
the means of bringing great injustice
and sorrow upon De Harte and his
daughters.
In due time the vessel sailed. De Harte
accompanied his daughters on board,
took tender farewell Of them, commit
ting them to the care Of this man ii
whom he had perfect confidence. He
returned to his home with that lonely
feeling which parents feel when the chill
dren are gone. The lonely years lay be-
fore him, but he little knew the sorrow
in store for him and them.
On their arrival in Connecticut they
were placed Immediately in school Thev
commenced their studies with interest.
but like most South Americans seventy
years ago, they were very ignorant
neither Of these girls could read OF
write.
At the end Of the term Captain B.
paid the bills, which was the last money
they received from him. When payment
again became due he told them be had
received no money from De Harte. They
continued awhile longer at school, ex-
pecting funds to arrive from home. The
money did not come, and Captain B.
finally told them that they need expect
no more money from their father, and
-
that they must take care Of themselves.
About this time the younger girl died
she had never been strong from child
hood, and the cold winter Of New Eng
land was too severe for her. A lung
trouble set in which soon terminated her
frail life. It is sad part Of our story
the death Of this young and gentle girl,
that she should die in strange land un-
der such affective circumstances is truly
sad, but those who believe in revelation.
and look from this world to better
one, win be gratifisd to know that she
died Christian. She passed away
peacefully, looking by faith to that
better country where there is no
sorrow Or crying, for the former things
have passed away. 2
The next that We know Of Frances.
the elder sister, is that she was earning
. livelihood in Jewett City, Conn. This
was small village then, but little like
the Jewett City Of to-day yet even ther
there was small factory on the banks
Of the Patchouge river. In this little
factory Francis De Harte found employ.
ment for many years There is some
thing touching and even sublime in the