Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War.

by Frank V. Webster

  CHAPTER XI.

  The dreadful din of war is heard Wide spreading o'er the land and sea; The battle's shout and cannon's roar Proclaim the nation shall be free.

  The nodding plumes, like waving pines, Are shaken by the morning breeze; The gilded armour brightly shines, And patriots sigh for victories.

  The tumults of a second war with Great Britain still increased, and wasnot only exhausting the finances of the country, but called for a stillgreater sacrifice--all the bravest American youth. A large army ofreinforcements was shortly expected from England to land on our shores,and the confused noise of the warriors, with more vigorous and intrepidcombat, were already anticipated.

  [_A&M_ (break in sequence):

  .... and great numbers of American youth volunteered in the service of their country. A large army of reinforcement was soon expected from England, to land on our shores, and "the confused noise of the warriors and garments rolled in blood," were already anticipated.]

  Theodore had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and waspressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enlistedin the army, to join it also. He had an excuse: his father was a man inextensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had anumber of agents and clerks under him, but began to feel himself unableto attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of amercantile life. Theodore was his only son; his assistance, therefore,became necessary, until, at least, his father could bring his businessto a close, which he was now about to effect.

  [_A&M_:

  Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had entered the army, to join it also. He had an excuse--His father was a man in extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a number of agents and clerks under him, but began to grow unable to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a mercantile life.

  Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessary until, at least, his father could bring his business to a close, which he was now about to effect.]

  Theodore stated these facts to his friends; told them that on everyoccasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when hiscountry was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs becamesettled, he would, if necessary, join the army.

  [_A&M_:

  Alonzo stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs should be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join the army.]

  The president was now active in making every exertion in his power, torouse the feelings of his countrymen to act their parts with honour inthe scene that was now before them. He knew that much of theresponsibility rested on himself. The capacity he was in with regard tothe nation, caused the most material and important business--ofdirecting and superintending the weighty affairs of government--to fallupon his hands; and such was the situation of the country, that it notonly called for the exertion, the wisdom, sound judgment, and policy ofthe presidential chair, but likewise of every patriotic bosom toparticipate in their endeavours to oppose the depredations against it.The chief executive was entered on a theatre in which he was to act aconspicuous part in this war of America with Great Britain, and tooccupy a station in the page of history, where the interesting detailwill reach the ear of remotest ages in the dates of time.

  [_Lives of Signers_: Taylor of Pennsylvania:

  entered on that theatre on which he was destined to act a conspicuous part in the great drama of the American revolution, and to occupy a station on the page of History that will reach the end of time.]

  In the mean time, the father of Theodore had been absent for three orfour days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with somemerchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next dayafter Theodore had got home; his aspect and his conversation were markedwith an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing,discoursed much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interruptedby long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.

  [_A&M_ (earlier narrative resumes):

  His father had been absent for three or four days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with some merchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next day after Alonzo got home; his aspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing, discoursed much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted by long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.]

  After supper he asked Theodore "if it were not possible that his unionwith Alida could be concluded within a few days?" Theodore, startled atso unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would beconsidered extraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Alida hadnamed the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived at adistance, whose daughter was to pass the summer with her, and wasexpected to arrive before the appointed time. It would, he said, be adelicate thing for him to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could givesome cogent reason for so doing, and at present he was not apprised thatany such existed. His father, after a few moments' hesitation, answered,"I have reasons which, when told,"--here he stopped, suddenly arose,hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind, and then retiredto his chamber.

  [_A&M_:

  After supper he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his marriage with Melissa could be consummated within a few days. Alonzo, startled at so unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be considered extraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Melissa had fixed the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina, whose daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to arrive before the appointed day. It would, he said, be a delicate point for him to request her to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could give some cogent reasons for so doing, and at present he was not apprised that any such existed. His father, after a few moments hesitation, answered, "I have reasons, which, when told"--here he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber.]

  Theodore and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.They could form no conjecture of its cause, or its consequence. Theodorepassed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted; he wasrestless and uneasy: his sleep was broken and disturbed by incoherentmutterings and plaintive moans. In the morning when he appeared atbreakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and anguish. Hescarcely spoke a word; and after the cloth was removed, he ordered allto withdraw except Theodore and his mother; when, with emotions thatspoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:

  [_A&M_:

  Alonzo and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding. They could form no conjecture of its cause or its consequence. Alonzo passed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted. He would frequently start up in bed, then sink in restless sleep, with incoherent mutterings, and plaintive moans. In the morning, when he appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and anguish.

  He scarcely spoke a word, and after the cloth was removed, he ordered all to withdraw except his wife and Alonzo, when, with emotions that spoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:]

  "For more than thirty years I have been engaged in commerce, in order toacquire independence for myself and my family. To accomplish this,I became connected with some English importing merchants, in a seaporttown, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned ourendeavours. On balancing our accounts, two years ago, we found that ourexpectations were answered, and that we were sufficiently wealthy toclose business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed tomake one effort more, as some favourab
le circumstances appeared tooffer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation ofliberal and extensive proceeds.

  [_A&M_:

  "For more than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquire independence and ease for myself and my family. To accomplish this, I became connected with some English importing merchants in a seaport town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned our endeavors; on balancing our accounts two years ago, we found that our expectations were answered, and that we were now sufficiently wealthy to close business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed to make one effort more, as some favorable circumstances appeared to offer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation of liberal and extensive proceeds.]

  Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued,and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that ourproperty in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, laden withEnglish goods, lying in English harbours, and just ready to sail forAmerica, have been seized as lawful prizes; added to this, three vesselsfrom the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on theirhomeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland.

  [_A&M_:

  "Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued, and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that our property in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, laden with English goods, lying in English harbors, and just ready to sail for America, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added to this, three vessels from the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on their homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland.]

  "This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only myequal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I have beenconnected, not one remains to share the fate of the event--all haveabsconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with mycreditors would be of little avail, so that the consequence to me isinevitable ruin.

  [_A&M_:

  This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only my equal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I have been connected, not one remains to share the fate of the event; all have absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with my creditors would be of little avail, my whole fortune will not pay one fourth of the debts, so that compound or not, the consequence to me is inevitable ruin.]

  "To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property isvested in real estate; and even if it would, I could not consent to it.I could not consent to banish myself from my country, with the view todefraud my creditors. No: I have lived honestly, and honestly will Idie. By fair application and industry my wealth has been obtained, andit shall never justly be said that the reputation of my latter days weresullied with acts of meanness. I have notified and procured a meeting ofthe creditors, and have laid the matter before them. Some appearedfavourable to me, others insinuated that we were all connected infraudulent designs to swindle our creditors. To this I replied withbecoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediateprosecution.

  [_A&M_:

  "To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is vested in real estate. And even if it would, I could not consent to it; I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee like a felon, to skulk from society with the base view of defrauding my creditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By fair application and long industry my wealth has been obtained, and it shall never justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of baseness and meanness.--I have notified and procured a meeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters before them. Some appeared favorable to me; others insinuated that we were all connected in fraudulent designs, to swindle our creditors. This I repelled with becoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediate prosecution.]

  [["acts of baseness and meanness": The edition of _Alonzo and Melissa_ that is generally closest to _Alida_ has the single word "baseness".]]

  Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness,Theodore, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your union with Alidabefore our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents are old,a little will serve the residue of their days. With your acquirementsyou may make your way in life. I shall now have no property to give you;but I would still wish you to ensure to yourself that which you prizefar above, and without which, both honours and emoluments would beunimportant and worthless."

  [_A&M_:

  Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured.--Hence I proposed your union with Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated.--Your parents are old; a little will serve the residue of their days. With your acquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have no property to give you, but I would still wish you to secure that which you prize far above, and without which, both honors and emoluments are unimportant and worthless."]

  At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, andthree men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and hisattendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Theodore's fatherand company, to levy on the property of the former, which orders theyfaithfully executed by seizing the lands, tenements, and furniture. Wewill not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event--thefeelings of the family can better be conceived than described.

  [_A&M_:

  At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Alonzo's father and company, to level on the property of the former, which orders they faithfully executed, by seizing the lands, tenements and furniture....

  We will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. The feelings of the family can better be conceived than detailed.]

  Hurled, in a moment, from the lofty summit of affluence to the low valeof indigence, Christian philosophy after a while came to the aid of theparents, but who can realize the feelings of the son? Thus suddenly cutshort, not only of his prospects of future independence, but evenpresent support, what would be the event of his suit to Alida, andstipulated marriage? Was it not probable that her father would nowcancel the contract? Could she consent to become his in his presentpenurious situation? and could he himself be willing to make hermiserable?

  [_A&M_:

  Hurled in a moment from the lofty summit of affluence to the low and barren vale of poverty! Philosophy came to the aid of the parents, but who can realize the feelings of the son! Thus suddenly cut short of his prospects, not only of future independence, but even of support, what would be the event of his suit to Melissa, and stipulated marriage? Was it not probable that her father would now cancel the contract? Could she consent to be his wife in his present penurious situation? And indeed, could he himself, consent to make her his wife, to make her miserable?]

  In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from a friend in theneighbourhood of Alida, requesting him to come immediately to his house,whither he repaired the following day.

  [_A&M_:

  In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from his friend in Melissa's neighborhood, requesting him to come immediately to his house, whither he repaired the following day.]

  This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Theodore; he hadheard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in hisdistress. He had lately married and settled near the residence ofAlida's father. His name was Raymond.

  [_A&M_:

  This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had heard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in his distress. He had lately married and settled in life;--his name was Vincent.]

  When Theodore arrived at the house of his friend, he was received
withthe same disinterested ardour he had ever been before, in the day of hismost unbounded prosperity. After being seated, Raymond told him theoccasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of certainmeasures which he doubted not might be considered highly beneficial, asit respected his future peace and happiness. "Your family misfortunes,"continued he, "have reached the ear of Alida's father. I know oldpeople, generally speaking, too well to believe he will now consent toreceive you as his son-in-law under your present embarrassments. Thecase is difficult, but not insurmountable. You must first see Alida; sheis now in the next room; I will introduce you in; converse with her,after which I will lay my plan before you."

  [_A&M_:

  When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with the same disinterested ardor he ever had been in the day of his most unbounded prosperity. After being seated, Vincent told him that the occasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of certain measures which he doubted not might be considered highly beneficial as it respected his future peace and happiness. "Your family misfortunes (continued Vincent) have reached the ears of Melissa's father. I know the old gentleman too well to believe he will consent to receive you as his son-in-law, under your present embarrassments. Money is the God to which he implicitly bows. The case is difficult, but not insurmountable. You must first see Melissa; she is now in the next room; I will introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will lay my plan before you."]

  Theodore entered the room. Alida was sitting by a window which lookedinto a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows where tall grass wavedto the evening breeze; further on, low valleys spread their umbrageousthickets where the dusky shadows of night had began to assemble. On thehigh hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by thebillowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hoveredaround the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints orfringed with the gold of evening.

  [_A&M_:

  Alonzo entered the room; Melissa was sitting by a window which looked into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows, whose tall grass waved to the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread their umbrageous thickets, where the dusky shadows of night had begun to assemble. On high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by the billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hovered around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints or fringed with the gold of evening.]

  A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from thegarden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wilddove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Alida. She was leaningon a small table as she sat by the window, which was thrown up. Herattention was fixed. She did not perceive Raymond and Theodore as theyentered. They advanced towards her; she turned, started, and arose. Witha melancholy smile she said she supposed it was Mrs. Raymond who wasapproaching, as she had just left the room. Her countenance wasdejected, which, on seeing Theodore, lighted up into a languidsprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping. Raymond retired, andTheodore and Alida seated themselves.

  [_A&M_:

  A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She sat leaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as they entered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smile, and tremulous voice, "I supposed (she said) that it was Mrs. Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left the room." Her countenance appeared dejected, which on seeing Alonzo, lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping.

  Vincent retired and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window.]

  "I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps too unseasonably," saidTheodore. It is however the fault of Raymond; he invited me to walk intothe room, but did not inform me that you were alone.

  "Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable," repliedAlida. I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in yourvisits, Theodore?

  [_A&M_:

  "I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably (said Alonzo); it is, however, the fault of Vincent, he invited me to walk into the room, but did not inform me that you were alone."-- "Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable, (replied Melissa.) I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in your visits, Alonzo?"]

  "I once did not think so," answered Theodore; now I know not what tothink--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of myfather's family, Alida?

  "Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event," said she; anevent in which no one could be more deeply interested, except theimmediate sufferers, than myself.

  [_A&M_:

  Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father's family, Melissa?

  Melissa. Yes. I have heard the circumstances attending that event, an event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the immediate sufferers, than myself.]

  "Your father is also acquainted with my present situation," saidTheodore; and how did he receive the intelligence?

  "With deep regret," replied Alida.

  Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in anunqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.

  [_A&M_:

  Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation?

  Mel. He is.

  Al. How did he receive the intelligence?

  Mel. With deep regret.

  Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer?

  Mel. No. Not absolutely.

  Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.]

  "It certainly is," said Alida. Soon after we received the intelligenceof your family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I wassitting: 'Alida,' said he, 'your conduct has ever been that of a dutifulchild,--mine, of an indulgent parent. My ultimate wish is to see mychildren, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected. For thispurpose I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitablyto apportion my property among them. On their part, it is expected theywill act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things whichconcern materially their future peace and welfare: the principalrequisite to insure this is a proper connexion in marriage.' Here myfather paused a considerable time, and then continued: 'I know, mychild, that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage-day isappointed; it was named under the fairest prospects. By the failure ofTheodore's father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if nottotally obliterated.

  [_A&M_:

  Mel. It certainly is. Soon after we received the intelligence of your family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was sitting, "Melissa, (said he) your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful child; mine of an indulgent parent. My first, my ultimate wish, is to see my children, when settled in life, happy and honorably respected. For this purpose, I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitably to apportion my property between them. On their part, it is expected they will act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things which concern their future peace and welfare; the principal requisite to ensure this is a proper connexion in marriage." Here my father paused a considerable time, and then continued, "I know, my child, that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed; it was appointed under the fairest prospects; by the failure of Alonzo's father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not totally obliterated.]

  To commit your fortune through life to a person in his presentcircumstances, would be hazardous in the extreme. The day name
d can atleast be suspended; perhaps something more favourable may appear. At anyrate, I have too much confidence in your discretion to suppose that youwill, by any rash act, bring reproach either upon yourself or yourconnexions.' Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew.

  [_A&M_:

  "To commit your fortune through life, to a person unable to support you, would be hazardous in the extreme. The marriage day can at least be suspended; perhaps something more favorable may appear. At any rate, I have too much confidence in your discretion, to suppose that you will, by any rash act, bring either poverty or reproach upon yourself or your connexions." Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew.]

  "In our present dilemma," said Theodore, "what is proper to be done?"

  [_A&M_:

  In our present dilemma, (said Alonzo) what is proper to be done?]

  "It is difficult to determine," answered Alida. "Should my fatherexpressly forbid our union, or to see each other at present, it isprobable he will carry his commands into effect. I would advise you tocall on him to-morrow with your usual freedom. Whatever may be theevent, I shall deal sincerely with you. Mrs. Raymond has been my friendand associate from my earliest years--Raymond you know. In them we canplace the utmost confidence. From them you will be enabled to obtaininformation should I be prevented from seeing you. My reliance onProvidence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects, atpresent, are dark and gloomy."

  [_A&M_:

  It is difficult to determine, (replied Melissa.) Should my father expressly forbid our union, he will go all lengths to carry his commands into effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his prejudices, and resolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call at my father's house tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the event, I shall deal sincerely with you.... Mrs. Vincent has been my friend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you know. In them we can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects, at present, are dark and gloomy.]

  "Let us not despair," said Theodore; "perhaps those gloomy clouds whichnow hover around us, may yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy.Worth and innocence are the care of Heaven,--there rests my hope.To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's. If I should bedebarred in future from seeing you, I will write as formerly, and directthe letters to Raymond."

  [_A&M_:

  Let us not despair, (answered Alonzo) perhaps those gloomy clouds which now hover around us, will yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy. Innocence and virtue are the cares of Heaven. There lies my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's.]

  Alida now returned home, attended by Theodore. A whip-poor-will tunedits nightly song at a distance; but the sound which had so late appearedto them cheerful and sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.

  [_A&M_:

  Melissa now prepared to return home; a whipperwill tuned its nightly song at a little distance; but the sound, late so cheerful and sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.]