Diary of Hiram Harvey Hurlburt Jr - Chapter 24

A part of the Diary of Hiram Harvey Hurlburt Jr

I believe love is of a Divine nature, when it is simply sought and returned in honest purity of purpose. I believe every tear shed either in joy or grief for (there are tears of joy) the Recording Angel jots down to the credit of that soul that feels and sheds them.

It was but a day or two when the Doctor harnessed up to go to see his patients, that I asked him to ride too?

Now the Doctor had habits. There was a long strip of road from the Chalker residence to the Beaver Brook bridge, about half a mile, when it was muddy it was slow traveling.

As you were going south at the right hand stood in line with the stump fence three quite good size pine trees, large enough to cut for timber, no other trees to be noticed. They happened to divide this distance in equal parts, four sections. Now when it was slow traveling in the clay mud, the Doctor would comfort himself in speaking out "First pine tree". Then after reaching the next it would be. "Second pine tree."

After we had left the Chalker house, I told him of the predicament I was in. That I had a strong affection for his daughter, my cousin Sarah, and at the same time I was aware of his intelligence about cousins marrying, and I had hesitated about saying anything about it. I plead my case only as one in deep earnestness can. I represented to him how I had taken care of the family since father went away, I was clear of debt, and had done the best I could. I seemed to have the whole floor, finally we reached the first land mark, He spoke. "First pine tree." I did not know but what my case was hopeless, but still kept pleading. When I looked to see his face, the tears were coursing down his face! I kept silent. After awhile, "he asked me if I had talked with Sarah abut it?" I told him I had not in the way of marriage for I was positive there might be objections, but I said, We are quite sure of a strong attachment for one another. Then he said, "Have you spoken to your aunt "his wife" Wealthy" about it? I replied, No. But I had suggested to grandmother? "Well What did she say?" She advised me to talk with the Doctor.

Then he got to the second pine tree, and remarked. "Second pine tree" Then he said, "Your aunt and I have seen. how this has been going on, and we don't see but what it is proper, and according to what I know, you are not alike. You are light, Sarah is dark hair and eyes. You know your aunt is part French, her grandfather Aubrey was French and Sarah resembles that side."

Then he said "Grievous!" (A word he used at times as an exclamation) "But Hiram. Do you know that Sarah has a frail constitution? Her sister Wealthy naturally much the stronger, went with the consumption? I did not answer, and the Doctor could not say any more then. After awhile he said, "Grievous" "Guess I'm growing childish" But concluded "That if we kept of that mind he saw no objection, better wait one year, then Sarah will be eighteen.

I wrote Sarah a letter, and related what my success was in a few words, and when we saw one another again, we both seemed to see a happy future. There were no obstacles now, Sarah told me, that pa said Hiram was very manly. I saw grandmother, she beconed me into her room, and said "You saw Cullen?" Yes. I replied. That was all, the old lady was looking happy, as if it did her good to see others happy!

I could not help when it would come to my mind of the affair with Sorelle, and that I forgave her, all the grief that came to me. I wanted every one to enjoy life. I was sure I had a girl that knew her own mind. Probably there was never a happier couple than Sarah and myself, when we went to Salisbury to my Brother Henry's wedding. Married to Esther Boardman, although Henry was my junior by five and a half years. I was pleased to see him get the girl of his choice.

In the winter I took a circular saw mill to build for Drake and Twitchell (of Weybridge) in Tipton. I kept preparing, by finding proper material and have it ready to set up when spring opened.

I was successful in getting the contract along and when the wedding day came, Sarah set the day in September three or four days before she was eighteen) E??der came from Waterburg, Vt., and united us as husband and wife.

Next morning Sarah's brother Benjamin carried us to Basin Harbor where we took the streamboat to go the popular route up to Lake Champlain, through Lake George by rail to Troy New York. Then steamboat to New York City., to stop with Sarah's Uncle Harvey Aubrey, visited the Crystal Palace Exhibition. Mr. Aubrey handed me tickets to Barnum's Museum one evening. Before this he had introduced me to a Captain Leonard of the Police, when he was in uniform. When we were at the play that evening at Barnum's, as the recess between the acts occurred, I rose up to look around, as I urned a man behind me was standing facing me. Says I. Good evening Captain Leonard. He seemed surprised that I knew him. Saying "How did you recognize me?" Answer. By the color and expression of your eyes. The Captain was dressed in citizens clothes. The next day we visited Greenwood and the Captain was along for company. He came to me when there was opportunity, and said. I wish you on our force. I have talked with the Chief. We want you on the detective list. Take your time to consider. But Sarah did not favor ir, and the Doctor was not favorable, and the more I thought of it. I joined with them in their opinion.