Sustained honor: The Age of Liberty EstablishedMusick, John R. (John Roy)
History
Sustained honor: The Age of Liberty Established
Musick, John R. (John Roy)
United States -- History -- War of 1812 -- Fiction
"I parted from the ship and after a three days' chase was overhauled by
the British cruisers and captured. I was forced to join her navy to save
my life, and served Great Britain until I deserted during the siege of
Mariana. I have never heard of my brother-in-law, my wife or
child since."
Captain Lane prided himself on being able to control his feelings under
all circumstances; but it required no little effort for him to do so
now. After a few moments, he asked:
"What was the name of your brother-in-law's ship?"
"_Morgianna_!"
Captain Lane did not start, for he expected this.
"Was he a free mason?"
"Yes, sir."
"Can you describe how he looked then?"
"He was about thirty-five years of age, a little above middle height,
with a broad forehead, over which fine brown hair fell in careless
folds; he wore his beard and mustache long, the beard extending in a
point two or three inches below the throat. His eyes were brown, large
and full of expression while in conversation. He was brave, noble, and
all that goes to make up a grand man."
"And your wife, can you describe her?"
"She was an exact counterpart of your daughter."
Captain Lane rose and with considerable emotion grasped the hand of St.
Mark, and said:
"My daughter is your daughter."
Then came the serious task of breaking the intelligence to Morgianna.
It was done deliberately and quietly, without any sensational scene. Yet
her joy at discovering her father increased her happiness almost to
overflowing. "I am more blest than most girls," she declared. "I have
two fathers, and while I will learn to love my new father, I will not
forget to love my old father."
The marriage of Fernando and Morgianna was celebrated the following
autumn at the new church which had been erected over the Ashes of the
former one. Both of Morgianna's fathers were present; but to her real
father was consigned the honor of giving away the bride.
Terrence and Sukey were present. The Irishman declared the matter might
have been consummated long ago if they had only left it to him.
The wedding day was made a public holiday in the village. Never in all
its existence was the little hamlet so gay. Bands played, choruses sang,
and the old cannon, still left at the tumble-down fort, fired a salute,
while American flags waved from every house. The local orator, who still
entertained hopes of the legislature, delivered a stirring address.
Job, who heard of the happy event, came all the way from Baltimore to
shake the hand of "Massa Stevens" and wish him much joy.
"I iz all right now, massa," he declared. "I iz found my own sure enough
massa agin, an' I'm goin' back to work for him all de time. No more
goin' to sea fer me; I iz no Britisher."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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