Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-29
A Wife worth Having.

The distinguished William Writ, within or 8
months after his first marriage, became addicted to
intemperance, the effect Of which operated strongly
upon the mind and health of his wife, and in few
months more she was numbered with the dead Her
death led rim to leave the country where he resided
and move to Richmond where he soon rose TO dstinc-
tion But his habits hung about him, and occasion
ally he found with Jolly and frolcsome spirits In
bachanalan revelry. His true friends expostnated
with him, TO convince him of the injury he was do
ing himself But he still persisted. His practice be-
gan to fall of, and many looked upon him as on the
sure road to ruin He was advised to get married,
with view OF correcting his habits. This he con-
scented to do, if the right person offered. He accord
ingiy paid his addresses to a Miss Gamble After
months attentions, he asked her hand In mar
riage She replied
"Mr. Writ, have been well aware of your inten-
tons for some time back, and should have given you
to understand that your visits and attentions not
acceptable, had not reciprccated the affection which
you evinced for But cannot yield my consent
until you make pledge to laste touch ham
die any intoxicating drinks
This reply to Mr.. Writ unexpected as il
was novel; His reply was, that he regarded the pro-
position bar to all further consideration on the
subject, and left her. Her to him 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
tsIuS proposed as insulting 10 MS nOnOr, anu aVOW-
ed it should be the last meeting they should ever have
He took to drinking worse and worse, and seemed to
run headong to ruin.
One day, while lying In the outskirts of the city,
near little grocery or grog-shop, dead drunk, a
young lady whom 1t is not necessary to name was
passing that way her home not far off, beheld him
with his face rptufned TO the rays Of scorching sum-
She took her handkerchief, with her name mark
ed upon it, and placed it his face After he had
remained In that way for some hours he was awak-
ened, and his thirst being great he went into the
little grocery grog shop to. get drink, when he
discovered the handkerchief which he looked at and
the name that was on it. After pausing few min
utes he exclaimed -
''ireat God who left this with me Who placed
it on my facel' No one knew. He dropped his
glass, excaiming -
Enough enough!''
He retired instantly from the grocery, forgetting
his thirst but the debauch, the handkerchief
the lady-vowing, if God gave him strength, never
to touch taste or handle intoxicating drinks.
To meet Miss G. was the hardest effort of his life
If be met her in her carriage ss~s, i'0 "Uuiu
dodge the nearest corner She at last addressed him
note under her own hand, inviting him to the house.
He told her if she still bore affection for him, he
would agree to her own terms Her reply was:
''My conditions ere what they ever have BEEN"
"Then," said the disenthralled Writ, 81 accept
them"
They were soon married. and from that day he kept
his word, and his affairs Frightened while hOnOrs and
glory gathered thick upon his brow. His name has
been enrolled high in the temple of fame, while his
deeds the patriotism and renown, live after him with
imperishabe lustre How many noble minds might
the young ladies save, If they would follow the exam
pie of the herone-heared Miss g., the friend of hu.
manity of her country and the relative of Lafayette
s. C.. Temperance Advocate