Year: 1863

mustangs, VINO refused TO De " cOCcneu,
and some colored individuals, who, having
heard of the proclamation, refused to be
considered personal property, and wouldn't
be cotched - either, was converted
into Confederate tr-casll, and the
rancho vacated. At Matamoras the Con-
federate money was exchanged for gold,
and passage secured on Spanish vessel
for Havana, which was soon bounding
across the Gulf. Tears were shed, aa leav-
ing ones native land they always will be !;
but it was I'll for the best; a residence
upon the beautiful island of Cuba place
in the affections and family of the dear re-
lations who anticipated her coming; quiet
walks beneath fragrant orange groves the
air Of that delightful and salubrious climate
would go far in dispelling the gloom which
shrouded her young and ardent soul But,
alas for the orange groves and ambrosial
atmosphere, a storm arose, the ship was
driven into an inlet off the coast of Florida,
was taken by our blockading squadron Off
Key West for blockade runner, and sent
to New York. After an examination the
vessel was released and sent On her way.


The fair widow, having escaped the dan
gers of the sea, resolved not to venture
again until her nerves had gained their
wDnted firmness.


Having friends in St. Louis, she re-
solved to visit that city. Arriving there,
she remained until the fall of Vicks-
burg and Port Hudson, and the consequent
opening of the Mississippi River, when
she resolved to attempt Havana, this time
cia New Orleans. Major B. was on the
boat. Tue Major, you must know, is a
very gallant man. The ladies, dear crea-
lures, will fall in love with him. In fact,
the citadel of their affections invariably
capitulated when he lays siege. The Ma
jjor was introduced to the fair widow by
the captain in charge, and he had soul
to sympathize with her in her atflicton, so
to his special care she was consigned. 1t
was soon mutual discovery that their
tastes and sympathies were similar Did
he admire any particular scenery along
the shore, ditto, she. Together they
would pass hours in some retired place
upon the guards Of the boat, in sweet in
terchange of thought and sentiment. He
had never met one before for whom he
had formed an attachment so sincere
and she, from the moment when first in
troduced, felt that she saw in him the re-
alization of her hopes. In him she saw
the only one who should ever catch the
untamed mustangs and again bring Joy to
the rancho. Thus did this enamored pair
pass the long hours of the journey. Ar
rived in New Orleans. Would the Major be
SO kind as to secure her rooms at the hotel,
and to make some inquiries after her un-
Gle, who resided somewhere in the city?
Of course he would. Mine host of the
St. Charles provided the proper apart
ments, and the widow, duly domiciled
therein, the Major sailed forth to make
inquiries after ''our uncle" in which he
was entirely unsuccessful, not being able
to find any gentleman of that name. The
widow felt sad-was disappointed. Her
uncle was formerly man of wealth and
influence, and she had not calculated up
on having any difficulty in finding him !;
but this cruel war bad changed everything,
and then the beautiful eyes of the fair
and fascinating widow filed with tears.
1t grew rather embarrassing for the Ma
jor. He was expecting to meet his wife,
who was waiting in the city for him, hav-
ing come around by the Gulf But the
fair creature, whose hand was reclining
upon his shoulder, and whose heaving bo-
som was beating against his own, knew
nothing of that; she only knew, as she
said, that in that great city, among stran-
gers, without the Major, her heart would
break. How benevolent the Majors in
tentions may have been, we can only con-
lecture, for unlocked for events will some-
times play the deuce with ones arrange
ments. 1t was so in this case. The fact
was, the Majors wife, learning of his ar
rival, made inquiries, and ascertaining
that he had taken No. =, resolved upon
pleasant surprise for him. So, with two
of the little Majors in tow, she proceeded
to No. -. Passing an adjoining room,
she overheard the voice of the one sought
for, and thinking there must be some mis-
take in the number of the room, and that
where that familiar voice was heard, must
be the right one, she pushed open the
door and entered. Whether the scene
which met her eye was calculated to in
crease her faith in the constancy of her
spouse, or otherwise, we leave those who
are able to judge, to decide. We do know,
though, that the Majors baggage was re-
moved to another part of the house before
many hours had expired, and that he was
the recipient Of note from the clerk of
the house to the following effect:


DEAR MAJOR Having unexpectedly
found my uncle" l will relieve you and
yours OF any further care upon my part,
if you will be SO kind as to settle the lit
tie bill which the clerk will present to you.
AdiOs.


p. S.-Not having sold my gold yet, it
is incOnvenient for me to refund you the
= dollars which You so kindly loaned to
me. L.


The Major is wiser man; he looks
meek, but will fire up upon any allusion