Newspapers / Carolina Watchman (Salisbury, N.C.) / May 19, 1857, edition 1 / Page 1
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l.PlToll AMJ l'ilurllilloU. THE B53XEH-H2WJE3 STRAH3EB. y ii. c. J. J-, ok itowAsr. '. It win during a bFiof k journ in He of the most romantic portion of Western N. Carolina that the incident transpired which 1 tun about to refiitu. After .the fashion of most coITegians who fancy that tloy find themselves, at tho en J of .$um cession, seriously impaired both mentally and physically, I made a flying' visit U thisejd of the . romantic to recruit my shattered fucultie.j-but it mijzht have been inanity (iTticiite from the ig!ii, rl books, lld to' broilthe Un atmosphere where 1 might hear tho shrill rji t of ,l. rifle ii.s.ead of Greek roots and Math - i ii i .i -. . ....iitwul hhi i Mill. 111! Ill UK It I1IHV. It is .iilUeieiit to say, that I found myse.f.,,, ifu in iv an h Hint, u a bright Rummer evening on an eminence which overlooked a ipncl little tillage in the county of A -. I hail vi.iied it in my mora boyish days, and it was with many pleasing reflections that I gazed up on a scene that culled up so tii.my booth in'roiniiii!enccs of by gone .lay. The scene itself was iinwt ciicJjiintin. i(eiieatli me clad in all small collection ot .iiiaiiit , interspersed, here and there, with a few mrliieu had beou honored above the rest with a coat of white paint. These evi dently formed the residences of the more aristocratic portion of tho inhabitants! The similes of twilight were already set tling over it, while yet the sun was visible to uiu, and TIT, with hTs parting heams iho summits of tho neighboring peaks, ud formed a striking j.-i.trai-t with tin gloom which was-.spi'eadiug itself like a oall over tho valley, in winch lay the vil lj;e. The sumke imucd in perpendicular Columns nf blue va.r fur a hundred lift, until it c'neimfitereil a current of air which spread it in a broad sheet over the tran-l u 1 1 scene. As niht approached l.lnrn tsd my horse reluctantly down the declivi ty., aiid in a few minutes stopped lefo:e a respectable looking edilice which the sign betokened ah Inn. J in- l.tii'li.-rtl, a line spocimeu of the mountaineer, ojvc iiiu a cordial welcome, and a-Mirel me ill Jiis own blunt manner, that he vvmihl contribute anything in hm power to ren def uiy'stay aoreealile. I t'otinil that time, ...in its uiiwunl inarch, hatr ufU'ie little al teration in this place or its itfhahitunU within the pal ciht years. 1 s..w the same grey haired old men walking with a step as (ii in as when I hist saw tiiein. I'jv.n them it seemed to w-nt its lury in vain, for the exception ot hair perhaps a shade whiter, I could -e no il.tlVr.-hce. 1 1 imjuire l of tiie lah'li'.rd it' he could procuie me a guide lor lne eoniin tlay, as 1 contemplated a ti-i.mg exciirnimi. lie replied that lie coiil.i ljiini.li mcwii:. i. ('.., if I ireler.-.i:t. lthanki l him and made some inquiries t ..in i-: i.n g my future aei..te. lo those he ans wered biiflly: "lie i a perfect anomaly, has been here some yearn, seems to, be harasseil with some ceerot auyiiisii, for he aeMoiii as3.M iiiles uitli any one except myself; and yet when thrown in coinp..- , Ii V he is exceedingly polite. lie set no. to have moved in a sphere wid. -!v .Lifer ent from this, last sc!i rti"U. He lias arouiel hi m every Com tort i. eh i ie - f-oun-try can ntford; mid sM-n.U his t;ine cluel' ly, in hiii.tin and tisl.iug." I This account ot a being so stri.nge a roiised my ciuionity to such a per:,, 1 1 . a I 1 eagerly accepted an ii.m.iieih Iioui mine host, to repair iiiiiiied nSe v to t'e abode of tins rcflii-c. He led the way to a single room in the suliuri-s of t.e. place, and entered wnli an air of appa rent familiarity. The inmate arose as we entered, and imv fiieiid intr-nluced li:m to 1 ine as Air. lie Lacy. J.ie iiel.v i.lu .1 in ipiesdou was a man rather hevo el uh it would be called the prime oi' hie. He had been evidently subjected to the rav ages of some deep-rooted s. ri..w. II,, luxuriant hair was a while a- if silvered .wi.tji.tlio sy .wa of seventy w'iniers ; bis face was crossed with many a caie-worii" wrinkle, but his eye presented tho bril liancy of a much earlier dav. Ili he in had been robust, but was cousnleiabU : emaciated. His cieetin- was cordial, but be S.MH1 rel.ili.4.il int.i flit, si.hu di'-i f' jected air which marked him upon mv llrst entrance. .Altogether he seemed to me such a child of misteiy that i deter mined, ere 1 left the place, to obtain, il possible, wmie information Us to his his tory, though infvrin.ed that i was per fectly impenetrable in all things relating to his past life. Hut this resolution w a 11)010 easily formed than carried into .1 f....t r... .1 .1. 1... ...1 ..... :,. ..11 ..... rambles and .onveised without r.s-f rmut : u., .... ...t...H,. I.t, J V ... "i'iooii other ii.i.lt. 1st. vet he al ways .....in. ! 1 . . taihetl the same studious reserve in all thrnp-. em..t'r-iHi.. hin.Mil llavs i.as.ed o ..... I ... .....'... 1 ,, ,.n;,. which 1 hail tlxed for mv departure, mid as yet I liatl etfeeted nothing. 'It wastlu ring one of our numerous excursions that an opportunity presented itself. Tiled with our walk, ami having till.-. I our bas ket with trout, we were seated beneath an over-hanging rock on the margin of one ol those beautiful mountain biookh ln. The place was as .romantic as (he uiosi ardent lover of nature's charms could de sire. On either side the rocks w ere pil ed for H hntrdretl feet in huge, shapeless massy, while here and there" might he seen l.ll's that sh dtp TiTl.ohT' Tvlicf, ""'re-'" lilihtling us of the battlements of sonic old feutlal castle, ami the brook as clear as crystal was flow ing beneath with noisy impatience. My comrade had been sit ting for somo time gazing intently upon tho course of the stream. It might have been reflection from the water, but I im n o.,..,! I j-i- .1 t.. .,- ,,i;t,.n 1'.. .- nn. ..... nt . in his eye. Hi thoughts'vvere recurring probaldy to Ills own boyish days, when ' f.r.. , . ).;... ,. ... 1,0 1. .",..,.. ,,f ",,!,. i wheiihiHbouvaiitkiiiritrtbi.i-with Tioi.es. , filled the future with joys, which, like tl .... . . .J : 1:. ri ... , . 1 - ,111 spirits inn Dead Sea fruits, wore delightful to the eye Uut all bitterness within. Hoping to gain soma information while 'memory was yet fresh enough to re open the fountain uf his'tears, 1 turned ami thus addressed him : "What inducement have you, my 1'iieiid, for thus secluding yourself in this retired corner of the .world, aiming companions 00 mrangciy uncongenial !. Aiy iiucstiou thirst, .W iirrprrp Te'C.'.v'e'r'.; 3WIKtt9Httt ...v.iiii.ii t.i iti.u9tiiw nt... 1 ileal- lv tl.n miiet little village.1 ' r.uW, ..... ..... faru.ljr II lull IV bewail to uieri. an'l as I hand- it rural Hitarine. It was a,. MW "T" "T, f ' carru.-e, i rcmiM en MiO,lia l l lorget that OAy, it was the eve ot .-. . "S " -ii- - - , . ii fr.e tu inform ! fresh upon the iive of j i r -i UIJ'T UIJlirM H i fju-iti I.. .. ....... . I I . .1 ' . . . . . w . ' . . w ' . -. . f .. ..--II : ,-1. . ........ ailll UTIiIH If IllllCUIiiliU It I L.LlUt;. "I lapse t'l years o, d. ,tl ft .. . . Vv , T ,'i 11 ii H "T ' ' r Vmltiti yjlitto, VOL. XIII. j mm mm mm mm j i V. . , . . , ! ..... V. "A, " "lfl 1 d" Hs '"1 'ouui, oorn onv lo Lie b astcd I I. . ' ' . -. "".Mia! i . . i .1 i TVuZZ Z Z .X ! bering volcano, and yet lor forty long years, this has been inaiii! at mv viLals. uu WJUBu uieso siuerea locks and this sunken eiieek are eritleuces ot us dreadful havoc, yet belore a human CNu. no siirh j ol anguish has ever escaped me to imii - cato my tale ol woe: and now since mv iioeu v.ilii reckless iinpeiu.isity itguiiiot Uiii-ubalacies Lii.il lie mIiiw.h i i a - i . it i ri - -1 ; lot tow its downward Course lo. a nuudieil miles, and you w ill no longer lind it the leaping rivulet that you see it here, bill a deep, turbid stream, ojowly wending Us way low aids ocean's depth-. My youth was checkered with caies, my manhood la tltlul dream, and llow, .... age i. creep ing upon u.e, iiave sougnt this .etued placu that, alter a life so tumultuous, lius iaie tt"oin hody may sink ipiietly into its I l.vol receptacle. Il was my lortune, or l ather misfortune, to he i,..i u Ine thiei ol I wealth and luxuiy. .My I..;..ei wa Lord 1 , ol one ol the most aueitht and . wealthy laiinilcs 111 l.igi.,:id, uh l I, his oli.y child, ami hell to ii. I His ti'.h .. Ill my College lite, It is heee.-..;y to say no thing, i was wild and Uaywmd, an-1 lieu, on my 'graduation, iny la'. her ile ailed ine to suce'eed him in the Ul.oi s and honors ot his station, 1 heg-ed ol him lo i etaili them Ionise. I lor a inie, pu-adin :; ll.y Joutl. and iiieXj eliti.ee. ii t d.?po.-.iiioi. w as too icet.c.-s t" bi'4i.-U e"i,. - tiiicuieht, and 1 hud torn.. .1 the ii.teiitii.ii i ot joining the army . When i tiistsigiu lied my wisli t,, l,in. he bitterly oj.j.osed it. but lihilin.r me iliexoralne. he at la.! eofi.e.iled toi.r.H'iile tor me a eoilimiss ...i ill a rcgum-n't that was then forming j',,r scrticciu Auieriea. Heiweie s!ii'i..ued tor some tone i i. eels to ..tir depaitnr.- ill London, i It-re the widest -ense of very pleasing unlit 1 enjoy e. the "w.'.n ja'ioiis 1 UHseif in n r.h f camp i.i'c, f pleasure's iiive i w isli- I determined t Irink deep 1 cup, and many a time sine.-, ed that its iiee'.ir draughts had scoiclie.l mv lips, for it h-d' me n place my t otiti d.-nce ill ..tie wle-e t 'ai ii v. black as iie 1 1 fojld paint it, r;.is-ieit hie llele to die i.ke a withered oak sti.pl of its branches. In my regiment tin-rn was a brother ollicei ot my o-.vti rank and age; his winnn.g manners and hand- .ine appearance we! e a I uio-t 1 ri i-;-t 1 inc. an-i an in! im;ic sprang up between us Inch S"on iip.-n.-d into triendship. 1 ) . 1 v after day p.t--.;d ..v.-r us in each only to e.in .tin eompanv and -ervt-d ca r lis t tt-h oili.-r. I lap- !!' A an- w tVe o; ei... pehlllg to be N- - street, If.iniiei-.g that -..iihtei me I liotil'cd II eeh'br.i a very la olte l.iV a handle . I troupe hlo!,a!..e t. perloiui at a v 1. i-tt .aiid as it wa near the 1 1 m I,, pre- ared inyM-ll, and j"iuing my tiuu-1, we proceeded thither. I It the pert.'i inahce . 1 can say notinng, h ,1 ..ppo-.te Jo mc there twinkled a pair of -j.arkimg cms that; sank tleep into niy heart, but their owner ! "WTtsHrtTrnntf-Trr--t4Hr 44e- -r H4 h.fks ami long drooping la.-hc-, the pear-' Iv whih'iie.s of her eoii.plexion, and the' I'cileet syuinieU-rv ot h.rm and leatuie. "light have taxed the skill of a l'i a it. les. j .01 j .i. 1 ....ii, 1 sat V11 1 1 .meet., g.i,..H ii; ! on this fairy vision .hiring the whole per formance, and the let hi I Went 1 1 1 -1 1 - ing hack and I' .rth w ith .juiclt pulsation-.. l ioni tint time I had no dream tnat did n..t make her mine. 1 had no thought I that did not turn on her, and with a .'throbbing heart I sought iny couch -to ' -pend ii sleepless night, haunted by the ! dreadful thought that already she might .11 I ... I .....' be another s pnze. I he idea rushed like an electric current tlilough my l.rainalid 1 determinetl that another sun sic. aid not set on me ere 1 beared her houiiced. Hut how w as I to name pro 1 1 an intro- ducMon to her. tins War a rie-t'oii n to her." I Ins which smely p.lzz.ed 111C Ihit pohder- ing ov e,r the matter it mi eh i y occui i'.' 1 to mc that 1 had seen v . .1111 that whs mv friend's name, thc-cvening before, l'uilofh. Lam I. tow to if, I sou his chamber and told him of the 'ahgehc being whose beauty had kept my eves tioui sleep, and dwelt vv ,th rapture upon her surpassing loveliness. 1 thought' I delected an unca-v expression 111 his lace whilst I was speaking, but 1 wastoo.nueh infatuated to read iu true signilicatiia!... "I am surprised," he said, 'that yon have Tint rtmri-trf : lie p- Leoiv. Silui-ii the .laughter of one of the wealthiest barons in tiie realm. I thought that every gal lant that could support a mustache or boast of family distinction bad fell the potency of her chisrms. Half the coiut ieishave already laid their fortunes , at her feet to see tliom spurned." At 'my earnest rentiesf. he at Ia-t con nted to attend the levee n the ensuing evening "d introduce me. It was with revensii iiiinalieij'ei. that 1 awaitetl its approach'. and when at last it came. Willi niaiiy iliisgiviiigs t repaired thilhcrand met nty friend ; we soon tlisca.verrd Mi-s allacc, the object of our search, sealed upon a divan, surrounded by half a dozen zeal oiw admirom, each striving to excel the Titrfnr4n tlie jissidnity of his attentions: ami though she received them with great politeness, vet there .was a constraint' :d air in her beariiie' that showetl UiCy were mivthino- but agreeable. , ll'lllt 1 UIHI...I . r.Jlt.... .....I .1... ! Il I . - . I l.K.kii.c h.uise, i ,,.,.., -J l ..Vr iu uau unw ine ureauiui oauie 01 xxew writan. a , y -""T" .7 , r -1 vill.inv !... 1... hearted Stranffer." y..,..j ..j, Bu .on. ii.i. nmj the ensuing evening 1 lii offvr she nt- letter wa Lauded-ne, it was in a lady i ""n7 painrul rtneeiions. now umureni ; r y , , " oruua i. Mranly embiemaiie of my j,at cej.ted with a grace that gave l.irth to hand, and with throbbins heart and trem- j were my emotions frow.tho which Ulled , detected. 1 on Imve v ,. ateU the Mortd - l.le lmce u oa,k but. a Icwaiiurt unit., new hopes within my bowm that she blingl.un.lItoreitoiHmoi.lv to see the ' ')' bosom, when, just eighteen months . fcJw of fnendship, ai d Dtrj iru. yo r FmOePruu 7 1 I . " 1.1,Ur"" """T?1-! ","l',t y !!' to me was name of the being I adored subscribed to . etore, istooa upon deck, and gazcl u.-1 " ; ""1 " " ' , " l'fLE PHILIP IX ..... v .vv ...v u.w., i-ucuiu.iii;u oy me -lay that followed. It seemed that ! the most bitter reproaches : chan;inr me i " ' reeeoin spires, junannau j- v''7!i ,:,., . a . ,l lliee emu barriers. Iietliiv' and tL.,Uiu ,'v..... ;.,!. . ... l... .i -.. ...:.i. i : .... i i ...... B. e.xnn over the M.irit nf mv dream, and : chot.BC iiumediaU-ly jour weapons and . at New Orleans where General JackMturn to the homo of my nativity tow-it- few, ajrbtttirf, Jatrmal frimmtito, Cflramrrff, tit WMKM mm h mm mmm hmmmm 'self, J circumstances hay!.., called him awav, 1 seized the nmiiTrtuiiity ami otf'eretl my arm for a pronienatlc. Mie accepted it, and we were soon among that restfess mass of human bein.'s rl.i.r like the wheiil ofiiion. seemed destined , to move lor evof l.und and round we y went, and I goon discovered that we were he. "observe.! of ,.!! ol,.., v,.- " ,.n,t ! were the envious glances cast upon me bv disani.ointed kni ditn. Tl.n emwd sue of a few tuch days, and often did 1 resolve that, that day should seal mv lute. lint when thu time arrived, and I found my-cii in me same carnage with tier. If in the same carriage with her, Uv - ing along through the paved streets; 1 could not muster -courage to carry out my resolution. The night passed, anil each hour 1 thought that I discerned someining that betokened more 'hail a plea-use hi my attentions. The ball pa-s-t'l, and again we were alone but again my heart forsook me. When I took mv leave of her, she informed me that she would leave the city the next day tor her father's country residence. This suited nut admirably, for he had given me an, invitation to spend some thus with him previous to my departure; for he had i.eeii a compeer of my father's, and was so importunate in his requests that I had coiia iifed, 15v.11 before 1 wasa.vati; lliat Miss WuMaiv's presence was to add to the pleasure ,,f NV visit; but her an nouncement dt-tenii'ne.l me. f.r it afford ed a line opportunity for the i-otiMimu-tioii ,. my plans, so I accepted the invi tation and promised to follow him in a few days, i'iie interval hung hcawly on my hand-. That star of the galaxy w hich had attracted my wandering gaze had I "''t its (' n-te lation, and lmdon posse-s-n for me. At the expira d he af.-.i.-ti tion thei jitne I set out with a light I. cail f..r Wallace -Man-ioti. It was a 'beautiful morning, arid the very buds seemed to inspire ine with eotitidence of success. ( In iny arrival there 1 met with a reception such as only an Englishman 'can give, but by far the most cordial to I me were M iss Ada's smiles. 1 will not i be tedioii, to mention mir in mv tete-a-tete, nor lio.y the gilded hours flew over me, Contented with only being in ir her. I hit one mom tlay remained, and this was to determine my fate. Anxious and restless I wandered over the lidos as if in search of game, hut many a lucky pat-' ridge escaped cxillting. for iny thoughts Were else employed. i ..wards Mltiset, 1 tun.e.rto-reliaee my steps, ami as I pass ed a clump of junipers, my attention was atti'.eted by the soft lie!.-- o! a guitar, -truck with artistic skill. The air was plaintive, and alter a few notes, a lull iicii voice r.-e in accompaniment which I recognized as that of Miss Wallace. As -He concluded 1 approached the spot unobserved. She was sitting u a uiossv rock, rapt in deepest thought. In one hand she held a small guitiir wh le the other supported her head. I had seen her in the full blaze ot fashion, lovely be Jl'jJtjjJi lit fill plarcjvet fairer w as the scene before me than the wild.-; laiicv ..f the opium-eater ever dreamt of. I st I for several minutes loath to di-pd .this trance. As I approached, she start ed, 'and seemed surprised, hut soon r.-eoV-' cling hcrscil she sai I, "I am afraid that vou will acquit vour-ell but poorly us a -poi t-iiiah." ''l!ut," leplietl 1, "yoii must adm.t tiiat uiv-poit has taken a lojiiawtic tniti 111 tin- instance. S made no r. piv. catin ie blll-le-d but my-elf hc-i. ic hor I licggcd her to lav or me with a song; she readily ii-selilcd. and lulling her in- -truiiiei.t,- sail" tin soldier s faievvei w; v did she select this one of all others. 'so adapted to my present situation; I'rohably if she had not. 1 would have j been saved the pain of this narration. 1 was perfectly motionless as her voice , swelled into a full rich burst, then sank into a plaintjv,e strain, and then came the words, ' - ll... ttiat l,.m-lv iKiiMh a rht.id.-n knlt in prsv-r, i A s,.!.l, r luoi'ij it,.,.!! Int. ht.i.r.1 uli.i vvip.-J uuy u I he effect was like 11111 stant I wax at her feet, ;ic, and in an ami seizing hjih.l. declared, 111 passion s wildest strain . . . . -. . mv undying love, "lell uiodearest Ada. . 1 ... tell me. could vou mistake 111 v feelings ! ctiild t!ie tlame that is consuming the lit. ciiijrei.it of in v heart escape a woman's eve ' t.-.l.mets tliertv-is there balm in., G ileati for loving hearts f Ami though t -wtH-ftH .hi. 4-e4 4-uius-lhan- 4. li.Jiiii.lil.Lm7.M.liiL .HS!"!;"' ,y" i taken b relate it, vet her .niiveriti ; hand and drooping head told ine the prize was Won, and clasping her to my bosom, in nn "w i hi tra.n-port, I iioprinteda luirning his. ,.11 her crimson cheek: tlie time flew bv si rapidly that ere we were aware of it. the dews of evening had 'damped her ringlets, and slowly rising, we atr. reluctantly towards .the mansion. ' lied ' Cut pr.-imi-e hie, Waher." she said,' "that you will if-igT! our commission in the army. Think what a life of peril is before you, :iiid give up this mad longing after glory.'" "-No," replied . I, ''my life in.isj.eTit requires some attoiituneiit ere I can merit your love. In one shoft year 1 will 'return and throw the victor's laurels at v ..in fect." I u vain she besought me, my t.i-ni ..-as titaib mid early oil the next morning!,- L was hurrying gayly towards l.on.l.ili. and in a few iluvs was plongl imrthe main towards America. We land and we wvre: in ".laily cxjiectatiori ot a "SALISBURY, N. C., MAY 10, ambition that I first et foot on AincM - i - can-soil, where valor was to win ior me me Menus wreaiu. .Weeksat.d months passed, and several . . ... '., ' . tetters were cxci.angeu netweei i.,y i.e- ; trotlicd and invself breathinir the same j - - -0 - spirit ot undying love. i',y degrees, how- j lormeu nun. iiiisanereu my ueierio.i.a ever, her letters became less frequent, ; tion, and I resolved to set out inimedi and, as I imagined, Jess affectionate. At ately for England, ami secure my estate, last a full month had elapsed and I bad; thence to return and end mv days m Am- received no letter, though I had written i erica, Hastening Jo .New lork, 1 cnter lo her iVeoucu'i.v. One dav. aud never :'ed a packet for London. Yon may judge ..... . . . . - . .. tendrills, with having wooed aiid for - . . i. o.i .ie. iieit.tauu siiat.i lis, , yitten her, and having-wwan avwftlof - tier love ami mocked itr- With fearful 1 shock the -thought flashed noon me. it was only a subterfuge to cloak her own ! tu learn something ot the circumstances want of" constancy. Oh, could it be that i thitt liai1 wrought such a mighty change words so pure, so canjest as those she 1,1 the title of my affairs, ami remember breathed at our parting could come from i '"J? that there was an old nurse of -Miss a soul so fickle '. It was onlv when I had I Place's living in the city, 1 determined exhausted every other conjecture that the i to seek her out, and learn tmm her all dreadful conviction that she was faithless, that had transpired. Accordingly, alter sank with leaden weight into mv mad-i sol"e ditiiculty, I found her residene. She . I ....... t l.r,,;!. II....- 1. 1. ...!.- I...,.-i.... ! was nn estimable old Scotch lady who had heartless seemed tiie world to me 1 Dut a few months ago there was one haven into which 1 was steering mv storm-tossed bark, one sunny shore where this wearied head might have been at rest, but this last gust had swept me with re doubled violence hack into the darkling main; and how 1 stood with something like calm desperation watching with grim j satisfaction (be furv ol the storm that was hurrying me ..award to destruction. 1 retired to mv tent, not to sleep, but only to brood over mv sorrow. I was !' ii , proud hearted and resentfjl race and would Lave suffered the pangs of martyr dom, rather than move 1. sten towirr.ls re. conciliation. I u-:.s E.V-M nt hi.-.rf pn.lM wofi have laid me down and died of i pure grief, and yet I .resented acorn, ,os-' e l front, for scathing indeed would have ! been the l ungs that could force a tear t'r..n. the .!-..... I t,, ,.r. ..fa I I,.' I n.i- I he ,.vii tl,.,i i,..,i..in,,.r. ..... .. .. - , . i,.... : 111 was strangely congenial to 111 v feel-1 'nd ol death working at her vitals, ings, and the distant firing of the picket, a,ld eonient ,llat. B ' l'"1't d'l.'" and the deep tone of the Gannon fell with l: , hotneth.iig ot the dread reality s s, thing elil-et on my frenzied spirit. Atl"' lIils.hcd ul,on ,uo-. 1 ha' UJeu 1 .!...., .i, ,i,,;ii ,. iu c,.,., ' ... . , v.,- ... .. v...tov inotied the .h einng host to arms, to pre- par- fr the Meru drama that was al'.ut to be enacted. Veteran ironi many a i.r.i.t;-..;.ri.t !....:.. ru-r,.r-n,it. .,l.t ,., 11..1 i' o,.n ,,,ii uv, , inn uvi 11111 ttiiuiu ui 1 llfsl, t!..-.r n.aideu swo.d,, hair-hrainod rulliaiw. who-e sunken eve and unnitlle.l ! .men bespoke their indiliei, i.ee to the re-', suit, others, whose pallid check and anx- i ions glance told that they wti'e thiiikin: of a wile and little oht- 111 s-.nie cottage home I'.i-over the rolling billows; gal iaiit oliieeis with their prancing steeds and wav ing plumes, thirsting after glory; ail were there, but there was one who looked forward to the approaching con test as tiie goal of all his misciics. Ere the sun had lit for an hour tiie scene ai'oiiii 1. the army was in motion ; long serried columns moved slowly towards the scetie of action, and it was 1; grand sight to sec their burnished arms gbtter- mg in tne iiiorniugra . bright uniform --r--oUu ,- a hosoiu ami w aving bainier. l'.ut many that a rhi'ohned exultingly 111 those sotia drolis gre.w sijij that dav .and many an arm strong witii 'the uerv of earl v mau'.ootl, 11 .w lies mouldering beside tiie Missis sippi's Il I. We halted at a. considera ble distance from the enemy preparatory to the charge. The iJild., niv regiment, vvus selected I'oi the onset, and 11.1 Vst-1 1 to lead it. We advanced to the van and awaited the signal. I looked with sullen indiffer ence at the frowning' batteries, for what was life to me ; my charger, too. seemed anxious ti't- the shock, champed bis ToT, ami pawed the earth with liery iinpa licuce as if conscious of his rider's iinpa- ticnce. At the first note of the clanon, , j'-u han j anJ laitued ; 8he-and may this last pang atone tor the the devoted regiment went thundering (lvi ,vi,1(T. vcd, my poor, poor child i you-" " Out, cried I. "vile d.s ...iward t.. destruction ; as we drew near.;. j-j", hut Wh.vv me, vou shall ,c-1 -c.iblcr ; is not the ocean ot eternity a siqicrnatural stillnes hovered over the f ;V(. f.,r slc c:ln , ; swimming upon you enough to still .your breastworks ol the enemy ; then, as irtsy-t ";-;"" j," v.r,, magic, a liiihl flame -hot along the . the eaith shook : and, strewed wit! dying and the t deadly effect. ml, told but too well its!', Ihe sint.Ke rone., over us. ami nu.ck.cr . 11 , 1 1 .. . 1 .1 .- 1 . -.. .1 . 1 . .-. . .. .1 . .1. 1: man. me iigiiiniiig. nasn aner 1111-11 in p,,llh,, ...'i.,,. ,,..; :.. . the si.ht so com .. 1 .1 ...1. . . 1 L. . i me g..iu, so uiai vviien we reacueu inv ditch seaico a lifih remained ot mv, gal-- hint regiment. Alanlully they stood their ground, but htiniau nature was not equal to tlie task, and PreaUltlg, they ilea 111 coiilusiou. 1 turned mv horse s head to i ''- ..lat arged atl'vance retrcate tonuetl and ch again. I rushed into the thickest of the tight, the giae and musket balls whistled by me, but none had couijiassion on my misery. Oh, how uleath will shun us when .the heart, crushed with the weight of the world's distress, longs for the iieaee ami tiuiet of the grave. A retreat was sounded, and wiui Hummed pride me vanquished army .withdrew. A lew short months bi'ojight pe:t-e to' the two distract ed nations, but not to tiie. With mourn ful silence I juirted with -iny companions, but eCcially with Lane, who seemed to feel a brother's sympathy for me in mv. misfortune.. Little did 1 dream that iu his false and dastard heart he was plotting 111 v ruin ; that while the one hand was xtemled in token of everlasting friend- shi, the er clutched the dagger that was to stab my peace." hor several mouths I roamed about, detoriuine.d never to rc- wtro - "eryl lrt5 cnD Srirnrw, JHflralit?, 1857. 1 hopes were crashed never to ri Aftji" the laps, of a year the unexpected -1 . " 1 " ... i ,.r P.,nn .ml tun Ttt.tr tt tf TOTimr tTttl dead. He believed n.e to be travelling: ;f.. -............,..,..,.. ti, u-... , . u., v ... t den. of the new world, for So I bad I ... . . f . r . .f. ..i. ... . 1 w'th a sickening sensation, I stepped a - - " " - j . . l Shore, determined, to avoid as much as , possible, my old acquaintances. 'After isoln) days an inesistible desire seized me superintended the earlier days of Miss Wallace's life, and was now living on her bounty. Her surprise at seeing me was unbounded. My altered appearance star tled her, but she almost immediate! . I 10, ,.,,.! ,.veb.o,,,.,l "(I lr U. Lacy ! Mr. De Lacy! I knew vou would come to save my poor bairn. . ..... ..... Xtiell slid- deiily checking, herself she exclaimed, "'tis too late! 'tis too late! the poor chiiu s Heart is t.rokeu witti waicning ir '" l,,,t 11 bu "" u"c,n. l to ,tL' )'"" before she dies. Why did you not come to save tiie blitliesome thing Ironi so early a death ' but 1 know that mi so cany a ueaiu : uui 1 kiiow i.iai v told vou that she had forgotten you. , t'ytiu little ken the good thm"'s heart, ' - .s5 .. . the 11 .vou thought that she would Hot have " tl"-'"i -f the earth lorane glance "f y,,ur e'e-thoy Wearied her until she couseinca tit marry .ur. i..ne, om sne : knew that she woul never be called up- on to ltilnll lier promise, for sue ieii in tin duped l.y a muu who untlor the cloak , ,.,,,;., .... ,..: ,l,.a,.J.,i,l 7 '.' " ' .l,e liai1 b,,t io. my liaughtv temperament wouiu leiuinie -. . - 1 , .- 1.1 lo.Jorsake tngliuiu lor ever, utu ueaveu . . ,. .... . "HU aecreeu u.at iiis viuiany snoui.i ue fM'0-"; " tho image ot her constancy !"btalle,i k,r evc'r 1,1 heart- '"-V concern ng r mistress she : I'" icd, mat lor a long time sue iuvi con- t . .- 1 . . 1 tinned lo write to me, but receiving 11.1." "" -'---''. . I answer, she at last concluded that 1 had ed 011 these inurderousocciisions ; slowly olc-erted her, ami her constitution was iu- :" fc'eut! v tel. the portentous words, "are, ..sufficient to support the shock, and she I ''.-' t", as the last was Uttered both ' was now upon her death bed. The mvs- I'l5itoU, "l'1'"1,- , A hiirmng sensation terv was at" once unravelled. Lane had '")'. right sole and the warm ' beet, superintendent of the post office at ta"lu tnckling down. Lane drop- camp and had intercepted nil our letters, ' 1''' 1,8 l"'1"1. clasping his hands, stag ..,,,,. ,...;.. ,1 ... 1 ...j. ,;,... i,u l..-llisl, l-'cred a lew steps and tell. 1 refused to lish designs, lhtteriy did 1 reproach myself l..r my proud contempt of my own mis fortune. 1 set out early the next morning for Wallace Mansion, determined to itu- Wiimu fIxer-ikimg lips.. ' .- ,.,i, . 1 1....1 1 travelled onlv a year and a half before, tilled with deep remorse and crushed 111 and spirits, it seemed that- years only could have wrought such achunge ; everything seemed clad in. mourning ; the porter was. sitting in sadness at the door, and hilt for him the place looked deserted. The Au tumn wind whistled sadly by, and theve rv air appeared to partake of the seneral - t gloom, l'he tirst person I rccogntzed, as 1 1 dismounted, was the father,' but the! coldness with which he received me told that he considered tne the murderer of 1 his daughter. With faltering tongue 1 1 told him all. and bursting into tears lie followed him int.. a chamber darkened ' 1 .....r.lll ... .1... .,..,, u-itli il... ,.v ' and still as the tu.,..,,? A, or deei.-,lraw,iN"'"i' witlr these en,rthly trials and lias of an occasional moan or a ;..i. t.2 t ........... ..i. 1 La tin-.. tuv back ' - J'iSll - ..S 1 .(1 . ...- j ;, rcwac,i t0 mo th tcn- ! tutes of tlie dying gir - -- -- -.-- .sr. ' e .1.1.. ... .vi. .,1 that I s' irted back. 1 .-,... .. o.,,,,.. 1, ! n p 111 uige ! there was tho same "jj, s. - j" :.. 1 , . .. .,, .!,., .;.0f I 1,..,. .11 nt. ...tt. as not., u... . a.... .... 1 en full glow of health and vouth, but, , , , .... ..,0. ..;,., ,,i.,i,.wt...- 0. .1 ... ,i;,,.,.l l.v tl... Iravus. otMlicfeyclV aud .bur long black ,. ,,.- ., ,tv,.:. ., i .7.1.7 i.:.",' - rrtvui of .tlie. feyeiv and ,er Ion ' 11 1 1 lets. Lilting III contusion about hei life , St. pale, gave an expression that did not lieloug. fo earth. Mowiy sue opened her eyes-, aid as they fell ujkmi 1110, a heavenly siiuie played' upon her face, iovdy even in death. As I threw myself at the bed-side ami cla-ped her clamiuv hand she exclaimed in ..feeblo accents : "O Walter! Walter! have you .come t mock tny last moments or to seek for gu'ciK'ss; have you conic to triumjdi over the ruin you have wrought, or did'fht'y. deecivi' Yon ;" Witldmrnetl voice 1 told her all that hail transpired, fearing that death might siiatch her 'away while yet "under the conviction of my pertldy. When I finished, her paliid face grew radiant with smiles ; "I'.umi near me," -s'iq said, "that I iuay.blc.ss you that death's gath ering gloom'iilone may dim my last f ui I gaze on. tluie." I -started up, but the leath damp hail settled upon her mat b a,awith 'one long drawn breath ! cn& tljf anils Cirrlf. NUMBER LI i.lll9. 11 I HI !!-' --s. -s. w s. . , it' i ..... l.rv ,.t. I 1,1 n..r " - in , r ween.for the foutt;n ol mv tearawas tin, i,.' : M .niim, 'nation in uv throat that almntt tuffocated me, ami yet there was another feeling that ootl'red me, ami that Wi revenge, and often did I vow that the villian who had robbed me.ofmv i.lUe' eltotilJ not escape mv - 1 . . ... i . . . vengeance. I imrr.eu nack to ixiiuon t , . .:. j !''"-" mtcii. . In a few minuter I received hisanswert in the same tones of hatred and defiance. Sunrise on the ensuing morning was se- lected as tlie time, pistols" the weapons, at.tl the place of meeting, an Inn about twelve miles distant. The dawn was fast .approaching and I procured a second aud started ' immediately for the appointed 'place. As I dashed off there came S rid flash ot lightning and a hoarse uct-p mut'ering of thuuder from an inky cloud tiiat was hovering over head. TTyhore became frightened anil dashed madly along tlie turnpike, " torrents le-s rapid and less rash," the thunder grew louder until th'o whole heavens seemed to be rent asunder, while tiie .forked lightning gh allied and darted aliove me aud the lar. Jrf,l's struck me with a force that ... .i , ... ......... ... ...... 1 ....... y 1 10 . 't;t:v. ... iii.i . .is hur ried laloiig. To a mind less excited than mine, the -scene would have been awful, but it served otily to nerve me for the ap proaching contest for that fearful furv d' the elements w as scarcely more violent 111:111 thai which was raging in mv owi heart. At the time appointed we were - - ------ -n r k,,,tl' " the ground. I had not seen Lane ; Bil,cc we P'-i'twl on the wharf at Means, 1 . ., . i ... .. 1 . .. .1 ... ......I.... 1, ..... I. but time had wrought a mighty change. I parted with him as a brother, and now be power in sympathy, and if the eye can met him as a deadly foe. I had been on express benevolence.thy shall soon find the ground a lew minutes when he arrived; .,ut their mistake. Seated under this oak as lie passed ine a deadly paleness seized I invite you, pretty creatures, to famiJi hiui. I know not whether it was my pwn. arity. Ah ! I thought as much. You tierce glance of withering hatred or the i'have an instinct of love as well aaof fear, consciousness of his crime, but he trein-1 Vou approach more closely, bled like an aspen. No attempt was ',.!! Mr sV,;rrl 1, r. ; -:!. made at a reconciliation, the bare men tion of it would have been mockery ; and we immediately took our stations and stood gazing upon each other with the terocity ol tigers, tor all signs of trepida- tion had lett mm and witu compressed .... ..... ....... 1... ............. . ... ..... M ...iu t.t-tv .v...., ot- ,...a.tt.t. ..... , nal. I niaintained the same air of indif ference, for it appeared that heaven's re-lculse iva upon me, ami l was wining r. . lllf. ir lilt' llvi.ltr orn-l. ft.tllil 1 iror-Tl., - . - . " J. J -"o o i ayajl inystll ol surgical aid, "hack, 1 cried, " i will see him die, though my own life blood'-were ebbing, it should not deprive me of this Just of heaven's boons." V "Cloned s-por-'tie was lying on. his back and tiie fTiiTaroiiiid was critiisoti with the gore that issued from a A t.und in his left breast. The surgeon approach- led to prt.be the wound, but stept back j with an 'ominous shake d' the head. " "l is of no use," he said, "to torture him. X I human power can save him." Lane too I was conscious of his doom, and motioning ! them back, ho said to me, in a husky - i'u'w,v "come near to ,,ie lor my v.ce is , Wby '-ve you sought t. take why did you clip my young am- 1'U1V !'-' 1 done aught to win Mis ' a you wouei .101 nave tu.ue . Hilt I am going fast, a lilm is gathering over my sight; may she live to bless y.n. ;''a't thy tiist.reced-.ng v,ul enou hush thy falsehood Miss al.a r-'""e to the judgment seat of her Maker, I whither you too mast soon tol.ow. les. her broken heart is there to testify thy -1. . 1 . ..1. ruut. a"u 11 aught else ue ueeoeo, ma. vou carry with vou m v own curse to damn vour cnivcn s-mi. 11 seeme that ..... .. , - i ' 1110 demons ol ne.i uau lent me iaei ,a.o to lieap mv to neap my anathemas upon mc .Ming man. Ik "not how long' I 'it. He I. l-" "y si-ctm.. appraou am. pe, t -. n.V1m7 - Thit - tie - xra? ited-'W-rrtt'tit?-l-H I ing glance at land lett bini." stiTl'ehi'.ig f... in, 1 turned While the old man de scribed this last snc his eyes glared, the olor that bad ong I'ecn a stranger t that wan cheek, came and wejut, and wito clenched teeth, an . extracted brow. I.e sat like one in a t: a'.oo ; but by ocgrees, hi- face recti re.i .:s w.uilitl liielanciio.v. his brToTTclav-m--id.tu.rii-.iig once m. i'e to me he resumed tin" rte.tai i'tl a ca iii tone, "In a tew uavs 1 was. oil my re furti to Aificnc i. Ei.tr home tiiue I wa-. dered um-mg the Norfhertt Stifles, but hiij'peiiing to be traveling in this State. I visited this la. e, and tiniling is smr'ii city of manners a .d kindness el" heart so ad.i;ted to 111 v sit aati-111, 1 detenuin.-d to make it 111 v lemic. Here 1 find a reiuge from the vain d.sj lay of ail t'laithe wori-i tTitts'TrjvlcmlsUvJiat which to my frozen leart is only tho mockery of a vain and 'leceitl'ul race. leceitl'ul race. I'-Ht these .sufferings tau- "WW f't-t fW-OTrtTW'niw-ttaTtirr my cle ii tottering to tic ..y, aa 1 w I.erj y i hear that the strife is o'er, coluo aud mark a siinjile slab with tlie inscription, " Sa credTIo iL memory of u.a Urokcu LtaiV ed Stranger." As the evening was now nearly ' spent we arose and departed homes ward. The" excitement that lit Lia etna- ciated face Lad departed, and he became""' toort dejected than I hatLever seen him, ' and the painful expression that rested on bis brow told too plainly that death in- -deed had set his seal upon him. : W , reached i it home and, I remained with him till a late honr attempting to dispel his sadness, but fi nding that he Was grow ing more nie'.ancholly , I took mj leave of Kim. Early, the ensuing morning 1 re paired to his room. The door was still closed, -the inordinary thing filled me with rfire- forebodings. I approached the--bed and drew back the curtains.- But what was my horror to find him cold and stitf. The last spark that had so long lingered amid the smouldering embers oftiis heart's sad ruin had become extinct His brow no longer Nvore i that troubled 1 expression so common to it in life. He ! sceiued as one asleep, and in that calm resigned look, I read his dyiug hope, that he was going to join in death the one he lved in life. We buried him in a shady dell Ixsiide a dashing streamlet, where !.!. i.:.. :i .... ...u... .mgni t-no. un re-jiuum ... ami the wild flowers spring. the " Iirokea- TIIE WOODS. Mellow moniintr in Jane ! Tlie sun rising over the eastern hill, shootinzdown ' his golden beams into the dewey valley, over the brook, and o red1 tlie pasture, j where the herds are leisurely feeding. I The robin, the blackbird, the oriole, the bob o link, and the chatty wren, are busy at their work, which they lighten with their song'. Glancing over the lawn, with undulating .motion speed the butter- liies, and insects flatter and chirp in mer ry and careless mood. Let me hie away through the garden gate and over the tieids, singing a matin song, for the joy ous spirit of the season is upon rue, and repair to the woods and converse with na ture, which is to converse with God in his works. Here I am among the stately trees rejoicing in their new summer dress, and with quick sight and acute hearing, I lind food for thought. How blessed -to be in harmony with such scenes, and to sit down among the ten ants of the wood, not as an enemy, but a friend ! As I come anions them the birds. seek the, higher branches, and the squir- n rels survey (jie from the topmost limbs. c Thev halve sel-n human marauders enter their halunts arid heartlessly aim at their lives, at d hence their distrust. I amsor- .1 .1...11. 1 ... .,.. ry thev should 80 rctrard me : but if there you f Glad that the winter has departed, are you I ami that! you can once mora sort your pretty furs and giaceful brush ! Am 1 reallv a friend, do vou sav f With ,. . - . . .1 ut disguise I am ; and 1 would not, no, coui,j llot harm vou. Take vonr seat 00 ..... . . . . . ,llat laun brancli. ami let us have a lit tle familiar chat. So you have found the winter severe, but are thankful that yon. had a comfortable house aud a warm bed. 1 And Mrs. Squirrel was so good natured ami cheerful, too, and helped vou to be guile the weary hours. llow happy you should be with such a companion! Agreement, you say, is the great secret of domestic happiness. Nothing more true. And tUeu, too, your stock of pro vision held out. It was thoughtful in you to lay up a sufficient store. Von need not tell me, for4--kuow you spent many an industrious day during the autumn in gathering this provision. .Very tfde,"as you -say, he that will not work shall not eat, and he that will not look ahead may expect the storms to overtake him. Well, Mr. Squirrel, I sometimes think I should like to belong to your community. You live iu a grand, noble mansion ; you are ' rocked to sleep by the winds; the birds give you their music freely; you are al ways happy, have few cares, and these not unpleasant ones ; and then how ac tive you are iu your movements, and with what alertness you spring from tree to tree ! Vou are .pleased, are you, to find .me man that is really kind and hu mane f Thank you for the compliment. Vou would be happy to stay longer, bat vou eannot. W hat is the cause of hurry! , that's it! Mrs. Squirrel will be uneasy at VlUlr a!lsnce, and, besides, you have two of the sweetest and prettiest young greys at home ihat ever a. parent doateu on. V.HI must return to incui. My love to them ; may they grvr.v up and prosper, -iwJLiuax loiC-ciiciiiutaiid shellbark never oe scarce in your day or in days of your otisj.ruig . And is that you, Mr. Chip.-innnk! or ground squirrel I think somo call you, l ecause yon have no inclination to climb trees, and risk your neck by a fall. Vou hav e seen me before, and remember me we.i. .ie you '. Vou are as beautiful as ever, my little zebra, w ith your shinning tr;jcs! Vou have your habitation uu del toal. uJil stump, have jpa.j have , 1. 1 doubt it is warm and comfortable w ih ..ii fire. Ves, I know it ; while 1 ...ive Ft tn shTveriag n liTIer blankets i j'oii noe bet 11 dozing away the winter in. v ir ui,ce furs. And how have you been tciij..vii:g yourself in these pleasant d iv-; 11 .tilting uj the nuts -you buried l a-; a ltnmn. How do you know where, you i.i-i tiieui I You smile at the ques tio'i. You nave memory as well as I have-.- and t.esnffs. you say, you can scent a ui 1; as well as I c.Ti the odours of mV own k lien. You would invite me to . yon: I. e.ie, would you, if you thought I c-ni'i enter tne long 'nassag'wrhteh leads. A !...' l.as-age vou stOs neces- . Ti. i lo it Ml IV. l'..r rude hoys sometime loke sticks '. .1 i..l set tho dogs to scratch away 1 .or; b it vou can defy them by ; v uisei; ui the iiiuctriiiost chant We!:. I am g'.a i yo.i are not at liiercv. It is almost dinner time, 11 iii'iist b-.i-y 'yourself iu preparing fir vour Wife, vv ho is nursing the i ones. Karewe'.l. then, for the pre- at I,. the: and lui.e ,,y'4-...ll vt.it vow when BJa.vU Vo.l! m arc leisure
Carolina Watchman (Salisbury, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
May 19, 1857, edition 1
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