Year: 1867




Spaniard, having embarked for Cuba on
special commission from the Spanish
Court to represent the government of the
Colony, and to take cognizance of the
trade between the United States and the
island. For several years he fulfilled the
duties encumbent on his position, and
faithfully represented the colonial gov
ernment with all his ability; till fortu-
nately his too fond desire for riches led
him at length into course of life derog-
atory to his honor; and soon dispatches
arrived which Frustrated his miserly am
bition almost in its beginning. He was
divested of all authority and summoned
to appear on trial at Madrid for defraud-
ing the government and appropriating the
revenue of certain districts to his own
private use. To these accusations and
the commands of the Court he remained
Indifferent, till Admiral Brazos suddenly
appeared in the offering with a small
squadron, and demanded the surrender
of Gonsaivo as political prisoner.


The demand was responded to with con-
tempt, and preparations for an active
bOmbardneutwere Immediately commenc-
ed; but they were too late. In small
schooner, accompanied by his brothers
child, his wife and two children, Con
salvo ventured forth by night, he knew,
or cared not whittier, and after twelve
days sail, entered the harbor of New Or
leans. He was now free with all his i'll
gotten wealth, and soon fixed his resi-
dence in beautiful summer retreat,
few miles from the city Having, by
lust for gold, lost his reputation, he at
once set to work in order to realize the
great ambition cf his life = to become
rich. He expended money on every side
one plantation after another was added to
his estate, till at the outbreak of the war
he was considered one of the richest men
in the State of louisiana Four hundred
slaves worked on his plantations.


Austin was now fourteen, well educa-
ted, and possessing all the accomplish
ments necessary TO his high position in
life. He had travelled the entire conti-
nent, visited Europe and Asia, and stud
led the modern languages. He was Of
an even disposition Of mind, naturally
sanguine in matters that concerned his
own happiness or the well-being of his
fellow man; and the philanthorpic turn
of mind very often led him into trouble.
His father was in no way similar, anger,
ambition and pride were the command
ing features of his character, and these
acting upon the boys noble sincerity of
heart led him to look upon his father with
Indifference and antipathy. Added to
this, the youth was afectionate and de-
voted In his attachments, and loved to
mingle in the society Of the humble and
the poor


His chief com panion was his sister Ca
millia. To her he was ever afectionate,
and she reciprocated his love with all the
sincerity of her romantic heart. They
might be counted lovers by those know
ing nothing of their relationship. Their
long rambles through the beautiful Or
chards surrounding their fathers man
sion; the sail by moonlight in their small
canoe over the lovely lake of the " Low
ers,' and their separation when at home:
all these transpired to strike the observ-
er, and point out more intimate rela-
tionship than that of brother and sister.
Their father knew nothing of their daily
occupation, or how they devoted their
time. His days were spent in the pur-
suit Of wealth, leaving his children to act
as they thought necessary. Thus years
passed away; and now the war of inter
nal and civil rights darkened over the
land.


But there was a watcher taking cog
nizance of this programme of love. Their
cousin Costardo noted with jealousy the
intimate and endearing attachment which
bound them so close together; of their
slsst coduess when in the presence Of
their father and the mutual JOY Of their
hearts when alone, and indulgng in their
secret and retired rambles. All these he
treasured tilt the day of wrath, when they
should sound in Austin's ears like the
knell of departed JOY. Costardo was
Austin's junior by three years. He had
never known mothers embrace; both
his parents dying shortly after his birth.
1t was reported they died suddenly.
leaving nothing for the support of their
child, so that he was dependent on his
uncle's generosity from his very infancy.
This, and it was this alone, which made
Costardo smother his supposed griefs, yet
all the while looking on with a jealous
and envious eye at the unclouded bliss of
Austin and his sister Camilla.


Costardo, though dependent, was of
that sanguine temperament which char
acterizes lofty aud judicous mind. He
had been educated with Austin, both on
the continent of Europe and in the fash
ionable academies Of this country, and ex-
ibited an understanding capable of at
tainiDg eminence in the most abstract
sciences. He had decided turn for
tactics, practical surveying and engineer
ing in its most extensive operations: thus
he was general soldier, brave and res
olnte opponent, and fiery and impatient
friend to those who sighted his company,
or disreoarded his merits