Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-04-26
From the Journal of Commerce

FROM the journal of Commerce.
CONFESSIONS OF TOBACCO cHEwER.-
gentleman (he is such now who used 10
DO a tremendous rum.drinker. tobacco
chewer, smoker, and all that, but for several
years past has been a reformed man.
writes to friend in this city, in the fol.
lowing terms. By the way, we knew him
well, and can bear witness to what he was,
and what he is.
"ln the Youths Companion of Feb. 10th.
saw piece on the force ofhabit. well
know what that is. Once when at sea. /
was short Of provisions. Eventually the
last morccl of victuals we had on board.
was over the fire, which was a little rice
not one sixth part enough for mess.
The same day, whilst we were hosting
our main sail, we were obliged TO sit down
three times in order to get breath. We
were nearly exhausted for want of food.
Of course we well knew the want of pro.
visions. Yet have seen the time that INV
desire for Tobacco was vastly stronger
than 1t ever has been for food. Once |
was on lee shore; the sea was tremen.
dous. The last time saw the rocky
shore, it was about three miles TO the lee.
ward. 1t was late in the afternoon.
felt certain we should be on the rocks bc.
fore morning, ifthe wind continued. | felt
in my pocket for some Tobacco, but
could find none.-I examined every part
OF the vessel where | thought it possible to
lind any. Inquired Of the crew, but there
was none on board. At that time | would
have given fifty dollars for one quid.-The
gale ceased, we soon found a harbor. and
the first thing inquired for was Tobacco.
| chewed about twenty. one wears. and
smoked about eighteen. For a long time
before | quit the use of tobacco, knew it
was injurious to me. But felt that il was
almost impossible to leave it of. Event.
ually was awakened, and felt that such
practices were sinful. | then thought
would try TO leave them off. When [ quit
smoking, felt that had comparatively lost
all my friends. could not eat, nor sleep
as usual. felt restless, and for some
weeks thought it uncertain whether should
be able to conquer habit that had become
so strong. But at last it was overcome.
then thought | would cult chewing
then came the struggle. To quit smoking
was but trihe in comparison. After |
had determined to try to quit chewing,
always kept piece of tobacco in my pocket.
1t was doubtful whether should be able
to leave it of. Many times before was
aware oft, found had had piece in nv
mouth long time. As soon as perceived
it, would Immediately take it out, but oicn.
before it was discharged, would give it
one solid grind. There is nothing in this
world that has ever tasted so exquislely
sweet as tobacco. In few months the
habit was overcome, but it was almost like
plucklng out my right eye, or cutting off my
right arm.-When had entirely ceased
from using it, | soon had better appetite
my sleep was sweeter--my mind more
composed-my nerves were more firm
| grew more fleshy: and now | enjoy per.
feet health, and can endure double the ia.
tigue that | could for long time before
quit the use of Tobacco. really pity the
person who gets strongly in the habit Of
using it, for it is almost impossible to quit.
Some persons say they use it to preserve
their teeth; others, to keep their teeth from
aching, &c. 1t did not preserve my teeth,
nor keep them from aching. do not be.
lleve 1t can do any good, either to preserve
or keep them from aching. The truth is
when people are once in the habit of usin 9
it, they love it So well, and to leave !, of
has such a powerful effect on the system
that they do not like to undertake it. Tt
me, Tobacco was poison; and believer
is to all who use it. 1t is about five years
since | quiz. | now take for my motto
"touch not tast not, handle not"