The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-05-30
A WIFE WORTH HAVING.

The distinguished William Writ, within
six or eight months after his first marriage,
became addicted 10 intemperance, the effecl
Of which operated strongly upon the mind
and health of his wife, and in few months
more she was numbered with the deld.-
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 cx-
postulaed 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 10 ruin. He was advised TO get married
with view of correcting his habit. This he
consented 10 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 well aware of
your intentions for some time back, and
should have given you to understand that
your visits and attentions were not accepta-
BILE, had | not reciprocated the affection
which you evinced for me. But l canno,
yield my assent until you make me pledge
never TO taste, touch or handle any intoxica-
ting drinks"
This reply to Mr.. Writ was as unexpected
as it was novel. His reply was, that here
garded the proposition as bar to all further
consideration 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 So
licited her hand. But her reply was, her
mind was made up. He became indignant,
and regarded the terms she proposed as in
sulting to his honor, and vowed it should be
the last meeting they should ever have. He
took TO drinking 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
II is not necessary TO name, was passing that
way to her home not far of, beheld him with
his face upturned to the rays of scorching
sun. She took her handkerchief, with her
own name marked 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 10 get drink,
when he discovered the handkerchief, which
he looked at and the name that was on it,
After pausng few minutes, he exclaimed,
"Great God! Who left this with me p
Who placed il on my facet" No one knew.
He dropped the glass exclaiming, 4" Enough,
enough!"
He retired instantly from the store, forget
ting his thirst, but not the debauch, the hand
kerchef, or the lady, vowing, if God gave
him strength, never 10 touch, taste or handle
intoxicating drinks.
To meet Mss G. again was the hardest
effort of his life. If he met her in her car
riagc or on foot, he would dodge the nearest
corner. She at last addressed him a note,
under her own hand, inviting him to the
house, VIII ch he finally gathered courage
enough 10 accept. He told hei if she still
bore affection for him, he would agree 10 her
own terms. Her reply was,
MY conditions now are what they ever
have been"
"Then," said the dsenthralled Writ, ,"I
accept them"
They were soon married, and from that
day he kept his word, and his affairs bright
ened, while honors and glory gathered thick
upon his brow. His name has been enrolled
high in the temple of fame, while his deeds,
his patriotism and renown, live after him
with impsrishable lustre. How many noble
minds might the young ladies save, if they
would follow the example of the heroine
hearted Miss g., the friend of humanity, of
her country, and the relative of Lafayette.
IS. C. Temp. Advocate.