Gazette Of The United States

FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.

MR. FENNO,

I do not know acts more cruel, or dangerous to society than those young men who study to gain the confidence of young ladies by assiduities and infinite protestations, wind themselves into their hearts, and attach their affections, only to seduce them first, and afterwards abandon them. Next in guilt to these, are the men who, by engagements of marriage, keep a young and innocent creature long in suspense, and, having pre-occupied her heart, prevent her receiving the addresses of others, who might have qualities to render her happy, and then carelessly leave her to pine in disappointment, and in that contempt which is so unjustly cast by the world on a forsaken girl. I am led to these reflections from a most afflicting accident that has lately taken place in my neighbourhood: A young lady of the most amiable manners and person, and, for her opportunities, of a very improved mind; who had always been the life of the companies in which she happened to be, was lately perceived, on a sudden, to become melancholy: no efforts could restore her vivacity, and no persuasion could draw from her the secret cause of her grief. Her friends could only conjecture that it arose from the conduct of a young gentleman, who had won her affections by the most singular and persevering assiduities, and was under engagements to her, it is believed, to be married. All at once, a few months ago, a visible indifference grew upon him—he gradually withdrew his attentions, and has at length left the state. This amiable young lady, plunged in a deep melancholy, gave the most sensible affliction to her parents and friends—her reason at some times, her life at others were almost despaired of: still at length the cruel catastrophe took place:—the lovely girl was found dead. Whether distress had broken her heart, or whether, really bereft of reason, she sought herself for this dreadful release from life, we cannot tell. For the sake of her worthy friends, we hope the former rather than the latter. Be it, as it may; Oh the villainy of men, who can thus play with virgin sensibility and innocence! If ever that man should cast an eye on this painful story, methinks it must plant a poisoned dagger in his heart, that no time can extract. Wretch! I have just come from attending the obsequies of beauty, wit, and virtue, that you have murdered.

J. P.

Somerset County, New Jersey, June 12.