Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-04-25
r e me q a q ace.
THE WOMAN AND THE WIFE.


THE WOMAN AND THE WIFE.
The distinguished William Writ, within six
or eight months after his first marriage, became
addicted to intemperance, the effect of which OPP
Grated strongly upon the mind and health of his
wife, and in few months more she was num-
bered with the dead. Her death led him to
leave the county where he resided, and move to
Richmond, where he soon rose to distinction.
But his habits hung about him, and occasionally
he was found with jolly and frolicksome spirits,
in bacchanalian revelry. His true friends expos
4ulated with him. to convince him of the injury
he was doing himself But he still persisted
His practice began to fall off, and many looked
upon him as on the sure road to ruin He was
advised to get married. with a view of correct
ing his habits. This he consented to do, if the
right person offered. He accordingly paid his
addresses to Miss Gamble After some months
attentions, he asked her hand in marriage
She replied,
/" Mr.. Writ, have been we'll aware of your
intentions for some time back, and should have
given you to understand that your visits and
attentions were not acceptable, had not recp-
rocated the affection which you evinced for me-
But I cannot yield my assent until you make me
pledge never to taste, touch or handle any in
toxicating drinks"
This reply to Mr. Writ was as unexpected as
it was novel. His reply was, that he regarded
the proposition as a bar to all further considera-
ton of the subject, and left her. Her course to
him was the same as ever-his, resentment and
neglect. In the course of few weeks, he went
again, and again solicited her hand But her
reply was, her mind was made up. He became
indignant, and regarded the terms she proposed
as insulting to his honor, and vowed it should be
the last meeting they should ever have He
took to drinking worse and worse, and seemed to
run headlong to ruin. One day, while lying in
the outskirts Of the city, near little grocery or
grog-shop, dead drunk, young lady, who it is
not necessary to name, was passing that way to
her home, not far off, beheld him with his face
upturned to the rays of a scorching sun She
took her handkerchief, with her own name mark
ed upon it, and placed it over his face After
he had remained in that way for some hours, he
was awakened and his thirst being so great, he
went into the little grocery or grog-shop to get
a drink, when he discovered the handkerchief,
which he looked at, and the name that was on it.
After pausing few minutes, he exclaimed,
" Great God, who left this with me Who
placed it on my face?' No one knew He
dropt the glass, exclaming, Enough -
enough!
He retired instantly from the store, forgetting
his thirst, but not the debauch, the handkerchief
or the lady, vowing, if God gave him strength
never to touch, taste or handle intoxicating
drinks
To meet Miss G. again was the hardest effor
of his life. If he met her in her carriage or Oh
foot, he would dodge the nearest corner. Sh
at last addressed him in a note under her owl
hand, inviting him to the house, which he 6nalI
gathered courage enough to accept He toll
her if she still bore affection for him. he woul,
agree to her own terms. Her reply was,
My conditions now are what they ever hav
been"
"Then," said the disenthralled Writ, i"
accept them"
They were soon married, and from that da
he kept his word, and his affairs Frightened
while honors and glory gathered thick upon hi
brow. His name has been enrolled high in til
temple of fame, while his deeds, his patriotism
and renown, live after him with imperishable luz
tire. How many noble minds might the youn
ladies save, if they would follow the example {
the heroine-hearted Miss G., the friend of HI
manty, of her country and the relative of Lafa
ette,-(S. G. Temperance Advocate