The Black-Sealed Letter / Or, The Misfortunes of a Canadian Cockney.

n imagination the adventures of our hero in the Red River Expedition;-and as an essential

r a few days. I was then on a tour selling a poetical work which I had written, entitled: "The Canadian Minstrel." After tea, that evening, I stepped up stai

m not intruding," he exclaime

my pen; and when finished with my letter, I addressed him somewhat familiarly, and we entered into conversation, chiefly about the war which was then being

onversing was agreeable; his arguments pointed and logical; and his remarks, full of sympathetic sentiment, apparently the breathings of an impulsive moral nature. His countenance, although naturally expressive of energy, appeared slightly shadowed by an expression of sadness. Even in his manner and

ed each other in a friendly manner, and occasionally exchanged a few sentences

d, for the present," said he, ap

d I. "I'm sorry I had not the pleasu

ere shortly, please call at the 'Metropolitan Hotel,' and ask for me, I sh

: and having heartily shaken hands together as a m

onto during the first week of October following, I passed all the intermedia

een incidental and but of short duration, we felt on meeting again as if we had been old friends. He invited me to the sitting room; and we passed a few very agreeable hours together. On leaving I req

wing to the great influx of visitors to the Exhibition. In company with my friend I visited the "Show Grounds." Every departmen

affecting his mind; and that he was apparently desirous of making it known to me. But it was not until this evening that he, in compliance with my wishes, gave me the history of his past career: the greater part of which is

broiling sun, at length became too oppressive. Oftentimes I felt, as it were, unable to proceed a step further; but my proud spirit with a stern determination of will, exerted every possible energy, and I continued day after day to plod a

ecourse to what might be termed a forced march. Many of the soldiers suffered from the effects thereof; I was prostrated at once by a severe bill

general move the doctor mad

idly, will not permit you to undertake the journey, at least for one week. However, you will be provided with necessaries, &c. The Captain has appointed a couple of honest Indians to rem

d I shall never be able to

better for you had you n

teaches fools

wise men too,' added th

rtunity of living my past years over again agreeably to my wishes, I assure you, doctor, I would never make a second journey to Canada, nor go t

to a life like this, will not be able to stand the fatigues; and even after a month's rest, I dread t

or? Must I live and die alon

dants. In the course of a week or so, a gang of Indians will pass here on their way to Thunder Bay for provisions. They can convey you a great portion of the way

d I, 'I shall compl

ceived my discharge. The commander on leaving placed $30 in my hand, wishing me better health and a safe journey back to Toronto. No sooner had they left than I began to breathe more freely the air of liberty. I fel

ity of circumstances. Sickness had dimmed the ardor of my soul. Home-longings had clustered around my heart: a

Indians were however kind, and faithful in their duties towards me. Under their care my health and vigor improved rapidly; so much so, that I felt sufficiently able to go with the retur

upon my soul, and adding sorrow to the feelings of my heart. Humiliating as my circumstances were, more deeply affecting to my mind was the ever-present remembrance of a dream which I dreamt on the night previous to my departure from Chipenega, the place where I remained during my illness. I dreamt that I was again residing in Montreal, that I had retired to my room for the night, and was projecting the design of going to the Rocky Mountains to dig for gold: and felt excited by the idea that when I had accumulated a million I would return to England a gentleman of fortune. But my night v

shouted as she approached, quickl

ther, brother, sisters, and other relatives are at this very moment sobbing in tears, while in spirit I am here present with you. My time on earth is limited to seconds. My words are therefore few. My injunctions are these,-I hope you will comply with them. Repent of your

climate was not suitable for my constitution; and that I purposed being in London to spend the Christmas holidays with my friends. Neither did I forget to mention the anxiety I felt about my child; nor did I neglect to express my intention of paying an affectionate compliment to its mother on my return. I desired my friends to reply immediately on receiving my letters. Nearly five weeks have elapsed since I wrote, but no answer has been received yet. I however expect something by the next English mail. I am living in suspense; a dreadful feeling indeed to endure. Had my health and means permitted, I would have gone directly to England on my return from the expedition. Instead thereof I sent the letters referred to, and having rested in this city a couple of weeks, I went down to Kingston to visit an old acquaintance who had emigrated thither a few years ago; but when I arrived there I discovered with disappointment that he had recently removed to the State of Minnesota. It was then, sir, that I had the pleasure of meeting with you. Your kindness and familiarity on that occasion, and

ainted. He is now a resident of Hamilton, some 50 miles from here, and does a large business as an upholsterer. He offered me immediate employment, at $1.50 per day. I have engaged with him for two mo

favor me by calling at the Post-Office, especially when the next English Mail ar

ors I bade him good-bye for the present, expressing a wish that I