The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1893-08-03


National seal, "Sello Cesto," as the
motto. These treasures, together
with all the correspondence of the
youthful section OF the writers life,
were lost many years ago by re-
moval, and to his lasting regret.
In one of these imposing epistles
came ring radiant with diamonds
and with directions that it DE placed
upon the appropriate finger of the
one he lett behind. upon the condi-
ton that she was to become his wife
when he returned from the "cruel
war" What a strange proxyship
this was. We were in high youth
and not averse to romantic under
takings, so the mission was ac-
cepted. The ceremony was sought
to be performed as soon as oppor-
tunlty would afford. To our sur
prise she declined the emblem that
was intended for future happiness
firm and unyielding TO argument.
To the question why not? the an
swer came, 81 think you know the
reason" Significantly uttered.
Well, what must be done with the
ring? 1t will not do to return it to
conquered Mexico. 1t might be
lost in the dangerous transit, and
even in case of safe arrival it might
from desperation be made to decor
ate the tawny hand of some Mexican
senoretta. Cant help it," was
the quiet remark. Then suppose
the custodian wears it himself?
every right; very proper that he
should" and he did while it lasted
and the only one of his life.
The war over, he came home with
his laurels. Ovations came from
hosts of friends, among them was
"Chat," but nearer than that she
would not come, For several years
he remained in old Ailegany. He
tried politics, but the odds against
Whlgerv we're too heavy. Then to
far-off California where he was
elected to the Legislature and also
judge, or allalde of his county.
Thence back to the states where his
residence or even existence were I'M
known for years.
The late war Weakened HIM into a
new existence. Among the bat
talions of Pennsylvania he served
in the ranks from the echoes of Fort
Sumpter to the historic surrender.
Again there was "a long, death-llke
stiffness until eight years ago when
letter came from the So d:ers'
Home at Hampton, Va. The fair
hand writing, though unseen for
more than twenty cruel years was
still the same. Since then he has
written often. The spirit, soul and
generous nature were also the same,
though seventy two years had come
and gone.
Now word as to the two heroines
of this realistic narrative: Rachael,
in time, went to Alabama and be-
came the wife of clergyman. Sew
eral years later the twain made a
home visit with beautiful child.
The wife and infant daughter were
to remain with her parents on the
very crest of the Alleghenies for the
summer. The minister husband
returned to the Sunny South. but
soon was attacked with its dreadful
scourge yellow fever) and swept
away, The young wife never again
saw her Southern home but re-
manned under the parental roof for
many desolate years. Rachel of
old wept and mourned in Raamah
for her children because they were
not. Our Rachel mourned in the
Alleghenies because her husband
was not. The child of the south is
now the wife of a leading merchant
of Chicago. She and the mother
"a widow of thirty eight years dur
alion) ENJOYING whatever wealth can
suggest.
Chat CHARITY is still living,
Dear New York. She was never
married or willing to marry for her
owH controlling reasons. Her
wealth lies in her own heroic. pure
and sincere nature.
1t is needless to say the chief hero
never married for reasons that were
to him almost insurmounta5ie.
Now here are things that SAVIOR of
highly wrought fiction, but not so
truly. Truth is always more pow
erful than its antipolc-fiction.
We have often thought these two
devoted, self-sacriicing beings
ought to have been married-yes,
fortv-tive years ago. Likely two
excellent persons would have been
happier, but then this presentable
story would not have been told in
full reality. RECoLLECTIoNs.