Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1841-11-10
MONROE COUNTY, WEDNESDAY,

iIouSe, was more Than two hundred dollars
winner. None of my companions had been
fortunate and ii was insisted that | was The
lucky man, and that must treat We accord
lngly repaired TO my room, where | ordered
VINE, and before we broke up we were all
deeply intoxicated. With me it was The first
lime, and the next day resolved thai | would
never play cards again. adhered To the de-
termination Tor nearly three months, when |
yielded to the entreaies of my dissiP Pated asso-
caes.
now played with varied success, and in all
cases iound an excuse for resorllng 10 he vine
bottle. If lost, drank TO drown sorrow; if !
won treated my good fortune. Thus pro-
gresSed upon my downward course, until drink
ing and gambling became my chief employ
ments. All my friends who were worth pre-
serving, abandoned me, until my only asSoci-
ates were drunkards and gamblers, when al
most reduced TO want, Qor had left off busi-
ness) | received letter informing me OF the
death OF my falher--lhat father that watched
over my early years-who loved ne so tender
w. And Gid act as an afieclionate child! No.
Vice had destroyed he human feelings of my
heart, and left only the animal passions and ap-
$500, "a part Of my poor fathers hard earnings,
| drowned my grief that nis in Bacchanalian
revel, aud III few days was again penny
less. | will not dwell upon the every day
scenes of my life, which were such as may at
all times be witnessed at any of the Two hun
dred dram shops OF your city, here wretched
men Squander the little pitance that justly be-
longs TO their suffering wives and children.
But, TO pass on. For nearly three years
have been drunken, wandering outcasi. Six
months ago received letter from my dear
mother, enclosing $780, and informing me that
she was fast sinking with disease, and cntreat-
and see her before she died. For time felt
the appeal, and resolved 10 comply with her re-
quest; and according ly leok passage OH steam-
boat for that purpose. For two days refrain
ed from liquor: but my thirst became lnsupport-
abe--at length my appetite oyerpowered my
better feelings, and approached The bar and
demanded the liquid fire. was soon inloxi-
Gated, when liIadIy sought the gamblers table;
and before the boat reached Louisville, was
stripped of every cent. Thus all hopes OF see
ing my dying mother were cut off, | remained
al Louisville, several weeks: in which time |
learned thai my mother had died, and that her
last breath was spent In prayer for her wretch
Ell child
From Louisville | shipped on board the
steamer Brazil, as deck hand, and came to
this place, where was discharged for drunken
ness. Let every young man reflect upon this
picture. |, who had moved in the first circles
of sociely-had been The guest Of distinguished
public men, and iavorite among the lierati Of
our counlry-was now turned off as unfit for
deck hand on steamboat! yet inemperance
had done this much
Ioltered about the city for several weeks and
was sometimes engaged i'll posing up The books
of some dram shop, for which | was paid in
the liquid fire, kept for the accommodation Of
customers Ole evening fell Ill company
with man who has lately been lodged in Jail
for passing counterfeit money. We played
cards and won f.oul him the hreo dollar bill
in question. The next day learned that il
was couuleneil, and did not otler 10 pass it for
several days. Bn' at last got out Of all en-
p0yment. had no other money! could
meet with no one who w0lid invite me 10 drlak.
My appetite was Ike a,raglns fire within me.
could not endure il. sought dram shop
offered The bill--it was accepted; and when
found 4 few hours after, by HE officers Of JUS
tcc, | was beaslly drunk
The evidence Of guilt was conclusive; and
before my brain was cleared OF the intoxicating
fumes, was lodged in jail TO await my trial. |
am now done. have not detained the Court
with any hope or wish that clemency would be
extended TO my case. But with hope that
my example may be a warning to other young
men-lhar those who hear me may, when ask
ed to play social game Of cards or drink So
cial glass, think of my fate and refrain. They
may feel themselves secure-hey may believe
that they can stop when they please; but lei
them remember 'ha argued thus until was
lost Here the defendant sunk down and ap-
peared 10 be very much affected; and for few
silence reigned throughout the Court
House.
At length the Judge, who is as much dlsiln-
guished for the qualities OF his heart as he Is
for learning as Judge, proceeded IN bret
but appropriate manner 10 pass sentence on Inc
defendant, putting his punishment III The Penl-
Tertiary down to The shortest Time allowed by