The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-02-13

Sir, have called to see aome Of the
prisoners and have brought you few
things which, perhaps, may be ascepla-
ble.'
Il thank you for your Kindness said
the prisoaer. Nelson made but little cons
versalion J. and was about to leave when
The prisoner remarked,
DO not leave yet, sir. have been
here several days and you are the first
person l have seen, excepting the jailer
and one or two prisoners
You appear 10 have suffered a great
deal in your life lime, if | may judge from
your appearance
'Ab, sir; have-l have-and great
deal OF it is owing 10 ntemperance and
gambling. 10 early life my prospects
were bright, but | ruined myself by bad
associates
Have you no friends livingq
Very few, sir; my parents have been
dead several years.
You have family, presume
i had once; but where they now are
eannol tell. My wife left me on account
of my habits and il is more than two years
since | have seen her. understood that
she was living with friend of hers in
Riddeford. O, sir, never thought |
should come 10 this and the poor man
put his hands to his face and wepl. Alter
moment, he continued" If there was
any hope for me. know | should be diff
terent man-but no, am too old in sin
too degraded-have no friends
1T is never too late my friend, 10 res
FORM said Nelson. When you again
have your liberty, if you are really deter
mined to be different man, you can yet
be happy
Sir, Who would employ person OF
such habits as mine have beenl
Il would employ you, if were con-
WINGED OF your reformation
Arc you 10 earnest, sir =
Most assuredly.'
/ thank you with all my heart and
beam of hope lit up the countenance OF
the man. as If he had never before heard
The words Of kindness. This seems like
adream. Degraded, ragged, friendess
as am, you have promised me employ.
mens should | live to enjoy my liberty
again
upon this condition, you know, that
you will be steady. and do your bes! TO
respect yourself
/ would with all my soul, and feel
more than can express, the kindness you
have shown me-
Have YOU any acquaintances in the
city 2 inquired Mr.. Nelson.
mot any now. used to be acqunint-
cd with a great many but what has be
come of them do not know. Il is more
than fifteen years since was in the city
before. There is one mani always
thought should like 10 know wha! be.
came of him.
And who was he2
His name was VIA. Nelson and he
used 10 saw wood some twenty years
ago.
why do you feel more particular in.
,erest in him2'
'rll tell you why, although / feel
ashamed Of myself and have repented OF
what | did times without number. He
was line young man; OF an excellent dis
position, but poor and was obliged to saw
wood. l ridiculed him in company and
before others-he bore it all without
harsh word or single retort. Would to
Heaven | had possessed spark of his ex-
celent disposition. Id give worlds 10
see him and ask his forg on my
knees. Had treated him well, | should
not have suffered half what have gone
through. 1t has always troubled me
q know that man.
'You dot Pray tell me something abou,
him. Has he prospered?'
20, yes. He gave up saving wood
some years ago, and is now engaged in
mercapule business
III | thought he would speak to me
and think it no disgrace to him, would
send him word to come and see me-
Nothing would give me SO much pleasure
as to ask his forgiveness
He would grant it, | know
Do you think so, sir
i know so. And |! he knew you had
reformed. you would no where find 50
true friend
am more aud more anxious 10 see
him. Shall trouble you to ask him TO
call and see degraded beingl
"Mr. Elkins, you shall see your old
friend, MIR. Nelson-.he is here now-il
is he who has been conversing with you
II am the wood, aver
Good heavens !'--and The degraded
being fell u2on his knees, and wept aloud.
In lew moments he recovered himself
and 10 broken words and with streaming
tears asked forgiveness Of Nelson, which
was as readily granted.
After remaining with Elkin. two or
three hours Mr.. Nelson left the cell, re.
jocng that his friend had come to his
eenses at last. and devised. q plan for his