The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-04-03
From a Southern paper.
MY WIFE'S INFLUENCE.

Mr.. Editor: For number of years, have
been what is called a moderate drinkhr.
have never been right negro drunk" tho
have been pretty "S'oiPcy,' most too "high
up for picking cotton" and Just $50 as 10 60
By things" As We live in free country,
conceived every one had a right to do as he
pleased-the opinion Of the parson and the an
| ti.intemperato society to tho contrary not
| withstandimg BIy wife, sweet creature, as
you know, for she has been frequently to town
| with me, never could say n word in wrath to
me, when reeled home; but she would look
great deal of pity--yos, sir, these looks of
hers would sometimes draw tears from my
eyes.
Last summer, she mentioned that Capt. -,
had quit drinking entirely, because it was un-
dermning his constitution, and tho physi-
clans told him he would be "barh up" in two
years more This affected me; for thought
i'll were compelled to abstain from so delicious
a beverage, to lengthen my days, il would be
| insupportablo, worse than the tooth ache
| But must narratc little Of my history to
show her influence III recovering me from my
| destructive practice; and when my hand gets
rid of its trembling, will gyo you another
| sketch
The first Monday in November, she arose
earlier than usual. When awokc, she was
entering the room with dish Of warm coffee
|" Husband said she, with as pleasant smile
as when she first won my heart, " the new cot.
fec you got is most excellent" handing me
the cup. drank it Off and though had been
accustomed TO give dram the preference, it
sat quite well ON my stomach AS | came in.
to the other room, she was Just seating her
self at the breakiast.tabc 9nd observed, come
the mackercl too, is prime Who could re.
sist such sweet smile as she gave me , had
not time to go for my bottle, but sat down and
ate heartily. About II returned from trans
acting some business on my plantation, an.
ticipating the pleasure "a beastly one) ofa
good dram before dinner, when who should |
find but Mrs F., Mrs ~, and the young la
dies After the usual compliments, rose to
60 to the closet but thinks TO myself il
won't do for gentleman to be swigging down
liquor before the ladies', and knew there was
no loaf sugar for toddy; so, although my hand
was on the door, passed into the piazza, and
took drink Of water. o was monstrous
dry lnwardy, cursed the company, but
soon returned, and found tho servant handing
round lunch. took a fine northern apple.
and soon, even before the girls had conned o.
vor the seeds, to learn who was first to have a
table. | stood (as you know is polite to follow
tho ladcs) hoping that could filoh a swig
while they were getting their seats but as
was turning the key, in jumps Miss G a fir,
of girl.--My handkerchief, my handker.
chief" Ihung down my head, (for rum had
not destroyed all sense Of shame) and went tc
dinner.
4 During the afternoon, was somewhat cha
grincd, and poutcd little but then the girl,
began to play their pranks, and propose thei
conumdrums for solution, became quito mer
ry and forgo, my disappointmcnts.
Tuesday morning, we went driving before
the day Many time, while listening to tb'
music of our hounds. my thoughts would g
home 10 my darling closet, and how woul'
make amends for yesterday, by treble dos
before dinner. We had fruitless chace, an'
| reached home about one P. NJ. hungry ant
tired. A fine duck was smoking on the table