LIFE OF A. P. DOSTIE;

OR,

The Conflict of New Orleans.

CHAPTER I.

EARLY LIFE OF DOSTIE.

Anthony Paul Dostie was born at Saratoga, New York," on the 20th of June, 1821. His father was of French descent; his mother was of German. His an cestry did not descend like that of the Marquis de Lafayette from the French nobility, nor from the German aristocracy, like that of the Baron de Kalb; but the same enthusiastic love of liberty, which animated those heroes of the first American Revolution, burned in the soul of Dostie during the conflict between republican liberty and slavery, which ended in the triumph of Freedom in the Second American Revolution.

The father of Dostie was a barber by trade. He was an honest, industrious man, of vigorous, but unculti

vated intellect. He was a marked character where he lived, noted for his independent bearing, and fearlessness upon all occasions, and respected for his native good sense.

His mother is remembered for her goodness of heart, and industrious habits. These qualities she impressed upon her numerous family, who are all useful American citizens and loyal to republican principles.

The childhood of Dostie was not remarkable for striking events. His education was limited to the advantages of a common public school. Said he, in speaking of those school days, "I was then a lover of the cause of liberty, and often stole away from my companions, to study the lives of those who were devoted to the cause of Freedom.

Generosity of soul, love of liberty, and hatred of oppression characterized the early history of one who was subsequently destined to be a conspicuous victim to the power of oppression.

The intellectual germs implanted in the progressive mind of Dostie were retarded in their development by the influences of his surroundings. Like many of our self-made men, which American history delights to recognize as the upholders of her republican institutions, Dostie, at a period in his life, when his proud spirit longed to be free from every engagement but that of intellectual culture, was restrained by poverty, and compelled to work for his daily bread, in a barber's shop.

America proudly boasts that, upon her historical record, the names of her noblest heroes and martyrs have not always been taken from the ranks of high-born aris

tocracy, nor from that chivalric band, whose boast has ever been "That power and wealth must be the passport to honor."

Pure republicanism exalts her patriots, cherishes them for their principles, independent of the accidents of birth, forgetful of their nationality or origin in contemplation of their humanity.

In his nineteenth year, Dostie was married to a lady from Cazenovia, New-York, (Miss Eunice Hull), of uncommon beauty and high intellectual attainments. She was the idol of his heart. Said he, "From the moment my Love possessed my affections, it became my study to become the worthy companion of my beautiful and intellectual wife. I often studied until two o'oclock in the morning, and recited the lessons I had learned to the one who sympathized with me in every hope and sorrow. Six years this sacred relation continued, and then my domestic happiness ended. She died, and with her were buried my affections; since then my heart has been buried beneath the tomb."

About the period of his marriage he went to Amsterdam, New York, where he gave his attention to dentistry. He studied his profession in the office of Dr. J. C. Duell, who thus speaks of him :-"During the residence of Dr. Dostie in Amsterdam, he spent all his leisure time in study, and improved his qualities of mind and heart to an almost unprecedented degree, becoming one of the leading men of the town."

In the society of Odd Fellows, of which he was a j member, he passed the "Chief Executive Chair" at an early day. Ever faithful in attendance upon the sick, as assistance was required, he will be remembered by

all who knew him, as one foremost in every good work. In the profession he had chosen, he became a proficient, and migrated to Chicago to pursue his calling in a broader field. From thence he went to Marshall, Michigan, where he spent a few years, usefully to himself and to society. He visited Amsterdam occasionally, and was always greeted warmly by hosts of friends. His last visit was during the dark days of the rebellion. Upon being called upon to address a meeting convened for the purpose of raising volunteers, he was enthusiastically greeted, and proved of great assistance in revealing the true state of affairs in the South.

He was a man of extensive reading; was possessed of a remarkable memory, and carefully criticised everything of importance in his reading. His nature was genial. He was facinating in conversation, and made friends and admirers wherever he went.

The life of Dr. Dostie in Chicago and Marshall was quiet and uneventful. His time was principally divided between his profession and his studies. Active and industrious in all his undertakings, he was marked by the thoughtful among his friends, as one preparing for a career of usefulness.