The Washingtonian., 1845-08-02
POPULAR sELECTIo MS.
"From grave to gay, from lively to severe"
From the Kentucky Intelligencer.
THE BROKEN PLEDGE.
A TALE OF TRUTH.

TALE OF TRUTH.
The friendships formed in our early youth,
leaves, usually, the most abiding influence up
on our minds, and we feel far deeper interest
in the welfare, and more poignant sorrow at
the ruin of the friends of our childhood, than Of
those into whose society we are thrown in the
succeeding portions of our earthly pilgrimage.
Such were the feelings entertained by the wri-
ter, at the sad career of Henry G.. Possessed
of high order of intellect, rare personal beau
ty, and an amiable and affectionate disposition;
universally beloved, and surrounded with all
the advantages which wealth and fashion
spend life pleasantly than he. But it is well
Divine Providence has cast veil over the flu
ture, and hidden from mortal man his destiny.
Were it otherwise, how many should we see
whose youth is cloudless as summers morn,
to whose future career is reserved the thick
and murky cloud, the fierce tempest, and the
wasting tornado; whose sun sets ere it reach
es its meridian, and no ray of light pierces the
mortal vision How many, on the other hand,
whose cradle has been rocked by the winds,
and on whose infant heads the tempest has
wreaked its fury, find the evening of life calm
and serene, and its last hours lit up by re-
splendence SO holy and pure that it seems like
reflection of the glorious of second Eden
But ito return to our narrative. Henry, as he
approached the age of manhood, evinced a de-
cided prediction for nautical life; and his
father, who had followed the sea in early life,
offering no opposition to his wishes, he shipped
on board of one of the first class London pack
cts, as common seaman; and such was his
activity, intelligence, and amiable demeanor,
that he was rapidly promoted, and at the age
Of twenty found himself first mate Of packet
ship Of 800 tons burthen. Soon after his pro-
motion Henry's father died, and by his will
left him ten thousand dollars in money, be-
sides large amount Of real estate. Possessed
of so considerable fortune, he resolved to
abandon nautical life, and live upon his income
Hitherto he had maintained, under all circum-
stances, strictly moral department., and was
regarded as a young man of unblemished cha
racter. Bnt there was one weak point in his
disposition. He could not refuse the solicita-
tons of his companions, even when his better
judgment decided that they were in the wrong.
He yielded, although he protested against
their course. This proved his ruin.
Having in his new position much leisure,
time began to hang heavy on his hands, and
he soon formed the pernicious habit of taxing
social glass with his companions, to while
away the time. Gradually his potations be-
came more frequent and copious, and in two
years it was whispered that Henry G. was be-
coming very irregular in his habits.
Previous to relinquishng seafaring life, he
had formed an attachment for Julia NJ, the
eldest daughter of distinguished member of
Congress, residing at F., Henry's birth place.
This attachment, which had commenced at an
early age, was mutual and had grown with
their growth, and gradually strengthened with
their increasing strength. 1t was with the ut
most pain, therefore, that Julia observed in his
more recent visits Henry's face was flushed,
/
his steps unsteady, and manner constrained.
She was convinced of his intemperance, but
vainly hoped that others had not discovered it.
Soon, however, the evidences of his intempe-
rate habits became too palpable to be mistaken.
He was seen on the public streets in state
of ntoxication; and finally, after reeling about
for some time, fell into the gutter, where he
lay helplessly drunk. Soon after, while ine-
brated, he called at the house of Hon. Judge
NJ, the father of Julia. These circumstances
so much incensed Judge M, he forbade his
daughter to receive any further attentions
from Henry. Heart broken at this stern COM
mand, <for she had loved as only woman can
love, with an affection which no earthly power
could destroy or diminish,) yet not daring to
disobey her fathers mandate, Julia determined
to attempt the reformation Of her lover, hoping
that, his irregular habits having been aban-
doned, her father might consent to the renewal
of his visits.
twas the era of the Washingtonian reform,
and the hearts Of the philanthropic beat high
with hope, as they saw the degraded and be-
sotted drunkard throwing off his fetters, and
breaking his allegiances to the destroyer, and
with his own hand signing that second Decla-
ration Of Independence--the Washingtonian