Wheeling compiler. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [i.e. W. Va.]) 1829-1831, 1830-09-08
A MELANCHOLY PICTURE.


Atls, poor Spccr, tEy career has bern SHIRT!
In the Chronicle Of the 81 Aug, an &C
count was inserted, from the Susquehanna
Democrat, oil the death of an individual
named SPEER; who, it is stated, died in
conyulsions near Wlkesbarro, Pa Ii
was our wish at the time. to have sahjon.
ed some particulars which were within our
knowledge, in relation to Tins unfortunate
man, but from want Of time to put them in
type, VIC were induced to defer their pUbli-
cation.
About the FIRST Of Juac last, Specr was
wancerinI about In this neighborhood, and
one day stepped into our Office. His ap-
peara1ce Was wrotched in the extreme.
His face bioated aud his frame lettering
he presented a sad spectacle of the dePl2
rabe effect OF ardent spirits Oh the coasti-
ton of man. The facts embraced 10 the
following remarks were obtained from
Speer, on the occasion referred TO, and I'M
mediately committed 10 paper
Whilst engaged in the concerns oi our
office, Il stranger entered; and the shatier-
ed remnant Of a human creature was soon
seated before us, and addressed us IN a
manner which convinced Us that he had
seen better days. We were Induced 70 in
quire into his history, and the cause Of -
distressed appearance; an1 with but jitle
hesitation he ccc.,rmuuicaled the following
heer;'rahdog detail:
am the SON of William Sheer, now de-
ceased, Of Delaware county, Pa and am
one of five children who inherited an estate
of about SO 600. received a classical
education aud graduated at the u diversity
of Pc. nsyleania; and studied medicine
under the late DR. Harlem, Of Delaware co.
4 commenced practice in Wilmington,
Del and from thence removed 20 Chester,
Pa. and subsequently, practised a st. Jn-
20, In the West ludies; and now, at the
age Of . years. The expressed this with
the utmost sang ioid, ] practice nothing
bul drinking whiskey; Eothlng but The de
Struction of my own body and soul. Shall
] ever be a man again! lie asked this
question ir great agony oi mind, the tears
uchng dawn hi- eaceAs as he spoke
Sometimes I indulge The hope thH' eTe1tl-
ally ! shall recover myself, anJ GO agln
what once was. Bu, SD, so. so, can.
not cannot be-"
To the inquiry, how much lqn0rhc hat
drunk that dav he replied: Il have drunk
a quart! but never more than glass at
each time and even that NV stomach al
most invariably reslsts; and gag as u
approaches my lips; and yet notwithstan-
ding tins. such is the propensity Of my
heart. tina, I crave another glass the next
moment l have RETAINED from touching
the lnatuatiug cup for three and even four
weeks at time, and have felt well, and
had a good appetite Bu. the spirit being
willing and flesh weak | would again
plunge into vice with redoubIcd vigor, aud
grasp the accused howl with increased a
yidiy; and asked for nothing, and cared
for nothing but rumi rum. And yet, be
hove me, at the age of twenty had
not the least inclination TO taste ardent
spirits. ! have brother engaged m the
mercantile business at Chadsrord, whom !
am certain would rejoice 10 see me even as
/ am; but I dare no, go there, until l can
60 like a man"
Such is the buerhjstory he gave Of him
selr-We could not suppress sensations
of heartfelt sorrow, on behulding the shat
tered remains Of the tall and once noble
form which stood before Us, a perfect
wrcck-in truth a living monument of the
frailty and weakness Of human nature.
TCmoniclc Of the Times.