12

(9)
At last the conflict ended & Peace & Liberty (freedom) crowned the Land & long protracted
struggle. D'Aubigne's life indeed was saved, but his health was lost.

Of several children, Henry was the only one that remained--remained
the only tie to a life of lingering paind & sorrow--All else, brothers, wife,
children & fortune--all were swept away by the ravages of war or disease.

His constitution was so enfeebled, that on the approach of summer,
his physicians ordered him to the north. D'Aubigne, would not leave his
only child behind him, but hired a faithful nurse, who with the infant
Henry accompanied him in his voyage. He passed the summer
in Rhode-Island & in the autumn went to Philadelphia, intending as winter
came on to continue his journey to the south. In that city, he met
with Col. Stratton, with whom he had served during a campaign. The
sufferings they had endured together became a bond of union & d'Aubigne
was persauded by his friends to take up his abode beneath his roof.
With winter, D'Aubigne's complaints returned, & with a violence that soon
put an end to his life. Col. Stratton, unhesitatingly adopted the little
orphan left to his charge. The first words the child learned to articulate
were those of endearment for his mild protector.

It was not until Henry was five years old, that Julia was born,
The affectionate boy attached himself to her with more than a
brother's love. The greatest joy he knew was to play with her--to share
with her all he possessed. He became as they grew up, her companion,
gaurdian & instructor, & the first tears of real sorrow he shed, were
when he parted from Julia to go to College. During the vacations,
the charm that drew him home, was Julia.

He was taught to call her cousin & it was not until he returned
to his native state, that he learned that no tie of consanguinity
bound them to each other. After he left college, the desire
of independance, conquered every other feeling & to obtain it, he felt
willing to part even with Julia.--Had he contemplated their separation
as eternal, that willingness would not have been felt, but in his own
mind he planned, when he had gained a sufficient competence & a
respectable standing in his profession, to return & offer his heart
& hand to his companion of his childhood.