Year: 1866




Many years ago happened to be one
of the referees in case that excited un-
usual interest in our courts, from the sim
gular nature of the claim, and the strange I
story which it disclosed. The plaintiff I
who was captain of ship which traded
principally with the West Indies, had |
married quite early with every prospect
of happiness. His wife was said to have
been extremely beautiful, and no less /
lovely in her character.
After living with her in the most unin- |
terrupted harmony for five years, during
which time two daughters were added to
the family, he suddenly resolved to re-
sumo his occupation, which he had relin-
quished on his marriage, and when his
youngest child was but three weeks old,
sailed once more for the West Ind les
His wife, who was devotedly attached to
him, sorrowed deeply at his absence, and
found her only comfort in the society of
the children and the hope of his return.
But month after month passed away, and
he came not, nor did any letters, those in
sufficient but welcome substitutes, arrive
to cheer her solitude. Months lengthen-
ed into years, yet no tidings were receiv
ed from the absent husband; and after
hoping against hope, the unhappy wife
] 1al ha1ta Hot In ha1
found grave beneath the weltering
ocean.


Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but
the evils of poverty were now added to
her affections, and the widow found her.
self obliged to resort to some employment
in order TO support her children. Her
needle was the only resource, and for ten
years she labored early and late for the
miserable pittance which is ever grudging
ly bestowed on humble seamstress.


A merchant in New York, in moderate
but prosperous circumstances, accidental
ly became acquainted with her, and pleas
ed with her gentle manners, no less than
her extreme beauty, he endeavored to
improve their acquaintance with friend
ship.


After some months he offered his hand
and was accepted. As the wife Of sue
cessful merchant she soon found herself
in the enjoyment of comforts and luxuries
such as she had never possessed. Her
children became his children, and received
from him every advantage which wealth
and affection could procure.


Fifteen years passed away ; the daugh-
tiers married, and by their step-father
were furnished with every comfort requi-
site to their new avocation as housekeep-
ers. But they had hardly quilted his
roof when their mother was taken ILL
She died after few days, and from that
time until the period of which l speak,
the widower had resided with the younger
daughter.


Now comes the stranger part of the
story After an absence of over thirty
years, during which time no tdings had
arrived from him, the first husband re-
turned as suddenly as he had departed.


He had changed his ship, adopted an
other name, and spent the whole of that
long period on the ocean, with only tran
sient visits on shore, while taking in OF
discharging cargoes, having been careful
never to come nearer home than New Or
leans. Why he had acted in this unpar-
donable manner towards the family, nc
one could tell, and he obstinately refused
{ all explanation.


There were strange rumors of slave


trading and piracy afoat, but they were
!. only whispers of conjecture rather thar
! truth. Whatever might have been hi:
T. motives for his conduct, he was certainly


anything but Indifferent to his family con
: Germs when he returned. He raved like
> A madman when informed of his wife:
; second marriage, and subsequent death
: yowing vengeance upon his successor, ant


terrifying MS uauShtefs Will the lhost aW
IL ful threats, in case they refused TO ac


knowledge his claims. He had returned


wealthy, and one Of the mean reptiles o.
'' the law, who are always to be found


crawling about the halls of justice, advis


ed him to bring suit against tue second
husband, assuring him him that he could
J. recover heavy damages. The absurdity
1 of instituting claim for a wife whom
It death had released from the jurisdiction


of earthly laws was so manifest, that j
J. was at length agreed to by all parties t