Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/278

 *ing at Vincennes, both parties made it known to Mr. Birkbeck, who, with considerable agitation and surprise, gave his consent and sanction to the marriage. This consent, however, was wildly given, and apparently with extreme reluctance, {292} for he also was attached to this lovely female. Mr. Birkbeck having shewn strong feelings and emotions on this occasion, Mr. Flower and the Birkbeck family, in consequence, felt much alarm. Mr. Flower did not expect it, though he knew of the unfortunate attachment, for the fondness so little encouraged was but too evident; but as he had ingenuously told Mr. Birkbeck, and advised with him on the measure, and he had consented and acquiesced with apparent kindness, Mr. G. Flower had hoped that his strong emotions would subside. He offered to leave Mr. Birkbeck and his family for ever, to which Mr. B. would not consent, but, on leaving the happy pair at Vincennes, went on to Princeton, where all, in a few days, met in friendship, and proceeding into Illinois, subsequently settled in the prairies, as one family, until Birkbeck showed symptoms of violent attachment, which excited alarm as to consequences. It was then thought advisable, as Mr. G. Flower was going to England, that Mrs. F. should not continue there, but go eastward, and remain there until her husband returned. She did so, and Mr. Birkbeck parted with them in friendship, promising to prepare houses and purchase land for them and the family before they returned. Mr. G. Flower was also the bearer of Mr. Birkbeck's celebrated letters for publication in England and Philadelphia.[94] All seemed peace, and money was sent over express from {293} England to Mr. Birkbeck, for purchasing and building; but, when the Flower family arrived, he had done nothing,