The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-07-06

WdIlutQ my ny CuSiuCoo.~ LIZ yOo "ASsA -
rob me- said he with bitter smile, If SO,
you have come too late, the gaming table
has kindly anticipated you-or do you seek
my life, exclaimed he with increased energy,
take it-take it then, and confer favor on
ruined and hapless man, and prevent him
from adding the crime of self destruction to
the long and black catalogues Of his vices
now interrupted him and briefly stated the
cause of my interference-that seeing him
lose large sums of money at play. and fear
full of the consequences, had followed him
to prevent if possible, any rash attempt he
might make on his own life. ! conjured
him to reflect on the misery and sorrow he
was about to bring on his aged parents, or
perhaps an affectionate wife and family
implored him to give over this fatal res
olution and ended by offering all the assist
ance in my power. He appeared to be
affected, and after some hesitation agreed
to accompany me to my lodgings. Wepro-
ceeded in silence to my room when he thus
addressed me.
at is but Just that the man who has evin-
ced such lively interest in my welfare
should be made acquainted with the circum-
stances that brought me into my present
situation. My name is L. -, and
am, or rather was, merchant of New York.
was connected in trade with man in
whom ! placed un5ounded confidence, and
for some years our concerns went on pros
perously. married an interesting woman,
and became the happy father of three love-
ly babes; but the cup Of happiness was only
raised to my lips to be dashed forever to the
ground-my partner proved villain. he
embezzled all the effects of the firm. and
fled his country, leaving me to answer tor
debts to large amount--ny failure was the
consequence-I gave up all my affairs and
received an honorable discharge from my
creditors. They appointed me to proceed TO
this city to settle some accounts-l arrived
here last month and succeeded beyond my
most sangune expectations; collected debts
to large amount, and snly waited for an
opportunity to return, when in an evil hour
entered one of those sinks of infamy and
ruin that abound here in such Plumbers. and
induced by the display of wealth-the hope
OF retrieving my broken fortune, and tempt
ed believe by the devil, l wagered my mo-
ney; and partial successes at first, lured me
still further on, until l lost my all. left
the house in state but little short of dis
traction, and the torments of the damned
could not exceed my agonies. l borrowed
next morning from my friends, on various
pretences all the money could raise, and in
|thedesperate hope of regainng my losses OF
the preceding night, madly returned ageinto
the gaming table, and you know the results
Unable any longer to bear the sufferings OF
guilty conscience, l determined to rid my
self at once of them and existence, and 'hy
to that bourne from whence no traveller re-
turns when your interference prevented
me-but why should wish to live-dishen-
CURED and Infamous, shall only drag out
miserable existence. unable to look on the
| hon hnv.v - tt1f
despair.-How can dare to face my cred
itors, my friends and family, after what has
passed-how-"
For shame, cried i, interrupting him
those sentiments are unworthy OF you.-
How can you dare to face your Cod
how can you dare to leave your helpless FAM
lily uuprovided for and unprotected. and your
creditors and friends unrequited for the kind
ness they have shown you? Do you dis
charge your obligations to them by coward
ly hying from lifet Arouse yourself-you
are yet young; set seriously and Immediate
ly about the work of reformationS your tal-
ents are of the first order, and you should
be employed in retrieving your affairs.
''But have not even the means of return
ing home," said he. Hst
told him l would cheerfully supply him
with any money he might want for that pur-
vised him to engage passage in the first
ship that would sail; he promised for to
do so, and shaking meby the hand, we part
ed.
/ neither saw nor heard from L---
the next day. On the morning of the third,
as was sitting at breakfast, servant call
ed me out, and informed that gentleman
at the point of death, earnestly desired to
speak to me. was much surprised at the
summons, and unable to divine from whom
it could be, as was perfect stranger in the
city, and had been in it but few days.
followed the servant to an Hotel and enter
ing the room he pointed out, was shocked
and astonished at beholdng in the person Of
the dying man, the same Mr.. L. -
had before encountered. AS approached
| the bed he stretched out his hand to me,
. and in a faint voice exclaimed, sit is all over
now--the fatal die is cast-bnt while the
spark of life yet fingers, let me relate the
= circumstance that laid me here.--With
= the money you so kindly gave me Nmadly
sought the gaming once more, and--lost it.
!, driven to desperation seized the fatal wea-
pon-you were not there to interpose--your
f kindness could not then save me-my gull
: ty passinos had their full swing, and yoH see
\. the result: the faithless pistol performed
: but half its Office, and has left me lingering
|. k11a of loo % Il