1846-11-14-New York Tribune-To the Public-La Roy Sunderland
To the Public.—La Roy Sunderland.
New York Tribune, 14 November 1846, pg 2
The undersigned has been solely instrumental, during the past two or three weeks, in introducing this gentleman to the favorable consideration of the New York public, and he is now receiving, what men too often receive for similar services, the most heartless ingratitude and abuse. failing to obtain lucrative audiences at Clinton Hall, and being about to depart for Philadelphia in a desponding mood, I volunteered my services, and pledged myself to open wide the door of his prosperity. I have done so, and he is now in successful operation, and will move on, like a mighty conqueror, through the whole country, as I predicted on the day I embarked in his welfare. But I have purchased his success at a tremendous cost for me. I had just risen from a bed of death, and, from my exposure amid the recent storms by day, and in the silent vigils of the night, my constitution has received a shock from which it may never recover. At the outset I abandoned my pupils, (I am a private teacher,) whose parents have very deservedly abandoned me for the neglect of their children. I have consecrated my time, money, and best energies to his success, for which he will make no remuneration. The Sun, Herald, Tribune, and Evening Post published articles encomiastic of Mr. S. as an act of friendship for me,—articles they never would have published for him; and because they would not he failed to get a numerous audience at Clinton Hall, and was about to leave the city forever when I came to his relief, as I have done to many in adversity within the past twenty years, who now, though sailing down before the tranquil gale of prosperity, coldly neglect and even spurn their early friend and benefactor. While I was laboring untiringly, and passing sleepless nights in his behalf, he exclaimed:
"O, Branch, how can I ever reward you? My parents could not do more for me. If you establish me favorably in the public eye here, you shall ever enjoy the credit of it." On another occasion, with his hand upon his heart, he exclaimed, "O, Branch, this is too much,—my heart is too full of gratitude for you,—I feel that I can never reciprocate your affectionate regard for me,—the burden you impose is indeed far greater than I can bear!" And yet this very man, on Thursday evening last, after I had importuned him for one hour to restore, at least, the large sum I had expended for his benefit, had the cruelty to laugh over my neediness, saying that I was insane, and that he kept me from the Tombs out of compassion! a charge he took great care not to prefer while I was laboring so hard to promote his highest welfare, and finally offered me five dollars! as a full recompense for the immense sacrifices I had made. One word more would be superfluous.
- S. H. BRANCH.
