Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-05-22

or eight months after his first marriage. be-
came addicted to in,emperance, the effect of
which operated strongly upon the mind and
health OF his wife, aud in few months more
she was numbered with the dead. Her death
led him To leave the country where he resided,
and move TO Richmond, where he soon rose
10 distinctions But his habits hung about him,
and occasionally he was found in jollv and
frolcsome spirits in bachanalian revelry-|
His true friends eXposiulateG with him, TO con-
vince him of the injury he was doing himself
But he sill persisted. His practice began 10
fall of, and many looked upon him as on the
sure road to ruin. He was advised TO get mar
rled, with view of correcting his habits.
This he consented 10 do, if the RICH, person
offered. lie accordingly paid his addresses 10
Miss Gamble. Alter some months alien
lions, he asked her hand in marriage She
replied: @N'
MIR. Writ, have been well aware of your
intentions .oT some tinie back. ami should
have given you TO understand that Your visits
and attentions were not acceptable, had not
reciprocated the affection which You evinced
Tor me- But ! cannot yield my assent until
you make Il pledge never to taste, touch or
handle any intoxicating drinks
This reply TO Mr.. Writ was as unexpected
as 1t was novel. His reply was, that he re-
garded the proposition as a bar TO all further
consideration Of the subject, and left her
Her course 10 him was the same as ever-his.
resentment and neglect In the course of a
lew weeks, he went again, aud again solicited
her hand. But her reply was, her mind was
made up. fie became indignant and regarded
the terms proposed as insulting TO his honor,
| and avowed it should be the last meeting they
should ever have. He took TO drinking worse
and worse, aud seemed to run headlong TO
ruin.
One day, while lying in the outskirts of
the city. near lille grocery or grog-shop,
dead drunk, young lady, who it is not me-
cessary 10 name, III passing that way TO her
home. not far off. beheld him with his face
upturned TO the rays Of the searching sun.
She took her handkerchief with her own
name marked upon il, 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 lille grocery
or grog-shop 10 get drink, when he discov-
cred the handkerchief, which he looked at.
and the name tina. was on it. After pausing
few minutes, he exclaimed -
Great God who left this with me9 Who
placed it on my face p No one knew He
dropped his glass, excaimrng
| Enough enough
He retired instantly from the grocery, for
getting 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. was the hardes: effort Of
his life. If he net her in her carriage or on
foot, he would dodge the nearest corner.
/ She at last addressed him note under her own
hand. inviting him TO The house, which lie fl
nally gathered courage enough 10 accept. He
told her if she still bore affection for him, he
! would agree to her own terms. Her reply
was -
My conditions now are what they ever
have been.'
Them said the disenthraled Writ, q ac-
cept them
/ They were soon married, and from that day
he kept his word, and his affairs frightened.
while honors and glory gathered thick upon
bis brow. Ills name has been enrolled high
| in the temple of fame, while his deeds. his
patriotism and renown, live after him with
/ impersiiable lustre. How many noble minds
4 might the young ladies save, if they would
follow The example of the heroine-hearted
Miss g., the freud Of humanity, Of her cour-
try. and the relative of La Fayette.- Tempey.
ancC ,adrocdte.